swimming pool
HighNeutral. Common in all registers from informal conversation to formal writing about facilities.
Definition
Meaning
An artificial basin filled with water, specifically designed for people to swim in.
A structure or facility, either indoors or outdoors, used for recreational swimming, swimming training, exercise, or relaxation. Can also metaphorically refer to a large amount of something collected together (e.g., 'a swimming pool of data').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A compound noun that functions as a single lexical unit. It typically implies a permanent or semi-permanent installation, distinguishing it from temporary bodies of water like ponds or lakes. The focus is on the human-constructed nature and purpose.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'swimming pool' predominantly. In informal UK English, 'pool' is often used alone ('going to the pool'), whereas in the US, 'swimming pool' is more consistently used in full, or sometimes just 'pool'.
Connotations
Similar core connotations. In the UK, 'lido' (an open-air public swimming pool) is a culturally specific term with no direct US equivalent.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in the US due to greater prevalence of private residential pools.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a swimming poolbuild a swimming poolinstall a swimming poolswim in the swimming pooljump into the swimming poolmaintain a swimming pooldive into the swimming poolVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The company is a shark-infested swimming pool.”
- “He's a big fish in a small swimming pool.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The hotel's refurbishment plan includes renovating the main swimming pool.
Academic
The study analyzed bacterial levels in public swimming pools.
Everyday
The kids spent the whole afternoon in the swimming pool.
Technical
The natatorium's filtration system requires a flow rate of 100 gallons per minute.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They're pool-swimming every morning.
- We were pool-hopping between the hotels.
American English
- She loves pool-swimming for exercise.
- The kids spent the day pool-jumping.
adjective
British English
- He's a swimming-pool maintenance engineer.
- We need swimming-pool chemicals.
American English
- They hired a swimming-pool contractor.
- The swimming-pool filter needs replacing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a big swimming pool in my hotel.
- I like to swim in the swimming pool.
- The public swimming pool is closed for cleaning this weekend.
- Does your new house have a swimming pool in the garden?
- Despite the heat, the swimming pool was surprisingly empty and refreshing.
- Council funding for the local swimming pool has been cut, sparking protests.
- The architect designed the infinity swimming pool to blend seamlessly with the horizon.
- A rigorous chemical regimen is essential for maintaining hygiene in communal swimming pools.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'swim' + 'ming' (sounds like 'in') + 'pool' = a place you swim *in* that is a pool.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER (for water, people, activity). A RESOURCE (for leisure, health). A LUXURY ITEM (when private).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'плавательный бассейн' in casual speech; 'бассейн' alone is sufficient and more natural.
- Avoid using 'бассейн' for other meanings of 'pool' like 'car pool' or 'pool of water'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'swiming pool' (missing the double 'm').
- Incorrect: 'swim pool' (omitting '-ing').
Practice
Quiz
Which term is a formal synonym for 'swimming pool'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a compound noun written as two separate words: 'swimming pool'. However, it can be hyphenated when used as an adjective (e.g., swimming-pool cleaner).
A swimming pool is artificially constructed, specifically for human swimming, and is usually treated with chemicals. A pond is a natural or artificial small body of standing water, typically not designed or safe for structured swimming.
Yes, in most everyday contexts, especially informal ones, 'pool' is perfectly acceptable and common. The full term 'swimming pool' is used for clarity or in more formal descriptions.
An infinity pool (or vanishing edge pool) is a type of swimming pool designed to make it appear as if the water extends to the horizon, often by having water flow over one or more edges into a catch basin below.
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