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Floating in place, or “treading water,” is sometimes necessary and beneficial if you lose your rhythm in a pool or have a need to adjust your goggles or regain your bearings. This ability can also come in handy when learning new swimming techniques or playing pool games that combine swimming with other movements and actions. Below, the best pool contractors in san diego pros from San Diego Pools go over how to successfully tread water in a swimming pool.
One of the more popular ways to tread water in a swimming pool is to use a technique known as sculling to get started. It’s done by making a back-and-forth motion in the water with your hands. An easy way to do this is to imagine you’re making a figure eight. Complete the process of sculling by:
• Keeping your elbows relaxed
• Minimizing your shoulder movements
• Pointing your palms in the direction you’ll travel in when moving again
Take some time to work on the sculling movements in an area of the pool where you can float but still safely land on the bottom of the pool or go back to swimming actions if need be. Once you grasp the sculling technique, use it to tread water by taking the following steps:
• Raising your arms to shoulder height
• Making the sculling motions with your hands to push against the water and create some added buoyancy
• Doing a flutter kick to add more buoyancy and stability
A flutter kick is done by kicking your feet alternately forward and backward with small movements. Keep your feet pointed downward while making these kicking motions. To tread water and safely stay afloat, combine the hand movements used for sculling with the small alternating kicks of your feet.
In this case, you’re simply making some modifications that fit your personal style a bit more while still achieving the desired goal. For instance, you might angle your arms about 90 degrees and put your forearms outward and forward with your elbows closer to your body while making circular movements. Any type of repetitive hand motions and movements that keep you afloat could work well. With foot movements, you can also modify the kicking motions in a way that pushes the water down against your lower legs.
If treading water is a new skill you’re just working on, you may prefer to start with the more popular technique mentioned above. You can always modify your style later to make it more specific to what’s comfortable for you. Another way to learn how to tread water is to practice with added support from a pool noodle or similar buoyancy aid. Once you feel comfortable, tread water without any assistance as you remain afloat. You can then put this ability to work for you at any time when it’s necessary to do so while in a pool.
Whether you’re doing laps or playing water games with family and friends, a swimming pool can provide hours of entertainment and relaxation. If you’re ready to transform your home into the perfect summertime oasis with a pool, call on the experienced pros at San Diego Pools. We’re the swimming pool contractor San Diego families have trusted for more than forty years to turn their dreams into reality. Give us a call today at 888-707-7786 to learn how our innovative designs and high-quality custom construction can be ideal for you and your family.