Y Talk: Why I Love the Pool by Tara Young

Since I have had the pleasure of lifeguarding many hours over the last few days I have had the chance to talk to several members as they complete their swims for the day. I have always loved the pool for many reasons, and it was great to hear how much others do as well.

Growing up we learned to swim because my mother didn’t know how. Eventually I wanted to join the swim team. It was my outlet, my way of exercising. I swam through high school with a lot of shoulder pain, but kept trying to work through it. After my sophomore year of swimming at Western Maryland College, I decided it was time to figure out the real problem with my shoulder. I ended up having surgery because my shoulder would actually “pop in and out of joint,” according to the doctors. After months of physical therapy I was back in the pool. It took a lot of mental as well as physical effort to put myself back on the swim team, so I know how great the pool can be for rehabilitating an injury.

Many people enjoy the exercise of swimming laps or water exercise classes in the pool here at the Y. Both can be done by many different ability levels and with varying intensity. Although you are in a specific water exercise class, you can make it as easy or as difficult as you choose. That is the beauty of water resistance.

Keeping the pool in top condition is essential for those who rely on it for exercise and rehabilitation. A well-maintained pool ensures clean, balanced water that is safe for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Regular skimming removes debris, while scheduled filter cleanings keep the water clear and inviting. Proper chemical treatments prevent bacteria buildup, making the pool a reliable place for both fitness and recovery.

With the help of Palm Pool Care, the pool remains a welcoming and hygienic space for everyone. Their routine maintenance services include inspecting equipment, balancing pH levels, and ensuring the water stays at an optimal temperature. These efforts allow swimmers to focus on their health and training without worrying about water quality, creating an environment where movement feels effortless and refreshing.

Of course, not every pool starts out perfect—some are made that way. If you’re considering building a pool that caters to therapeutic needs or active lifestyles, a custom design is the way to go. Whether it’s a resistance current for low-impact workouts, wide entry steps for easier access, or ergonomic seating for hydrotherapy, thoughtful features can transform a backyard into a true wellness retreat.

That’s where the team at atkinson pools makes a real difference. Known for their precision and personalized approach, they craft pools that are as functional as they are beautiful. Their attention to detail ensures your pool supports your specific goals, whether it’s rehabilitation, training, or simple relaxation. With quality craftsmanship and tailored features, they build more than pools—they create purposeful spaces where health and comfort come together effortlessly.

Pool ownership also means staying mindful of long-term upkeep, especially when it comes to resurfacing. Over time, even the best-built pools can show signs of wear—chips, cracks, or rough patches that not only affect appearance but also compromise comfort and safety. That’s when it’s time to explore modern resurfacing methods.

From durable quartz finishes to smooth pebble textures and classic plaster, today’s resurfacing options blend performance with aesthetic appeal. Services available through https://poolresurfacingphoenix.net/ offer a range of solutions tailored to the unique condition and use of each pool. Whether it’s a therapeutic lap pool or a family-friendly swim space, resurfacing restores integrity while enhancing the swimmer’s experience.

It’s more than a facelift—it’s about ensuring the pool remains a dependable place of healing, exercise, and calm for years to come.

As I sat and lifeguarded, many members came in for various reasons throughout the morning. One stood out to me. The gentleman talked about all the neck and back pain he had been in for years, the medications he had been taking and the depression he dealt with until he found swimming. The exercise is great for strengthening your muscles, there is no pressure on your joints and in general exercise is a mood elevator. Since he started swimming, he has lost weight and his back and neck pain has lessened. Others have had knee surgery and are rehabbing as they walk laps in the pool. I know that I enjoy aqua-jogging because when I am finished running my joints don’t hurt like they do after running outside or on the treadmill.

It is great to be able to step out of my office every once in a while and get to know other people who enjoy the pool as much as me.

-by Tara Young, Aquatics Director