National Relaxation Day on August 15 is the perfect reminder to slow down, take a breath, and make time for the things that bring you peace. For many, that ultimate relaxation happens right in their own backyard — in a swimming pool or spa. Few amenities combine leisure, wellness, and fun the way a pool does, offering a private retreat where you can float under the sun, enjoy the soothing sound of moving water, and leave stress behind
In today’s world, stress has become almost as common as the air we breathe—and Americans are feeling it more than ever. According to recent Gallup News data, nearly half of U.S. adults (49%) report frequently feeling stressed, with stress levels steadily climbing over the past three decades. In fact, 84% of Americans say they feel stressed at least once a week—a sobering reminder that we all need better ways to decompress.
One of the most powerful antidotes to this daily tension might be sitting right in your own backyard—or it could be if you invest in one: a swimming pool or hot tub.
Finding Relaxation at Home With a Pool & Spa
Ryan J. of Pleasanton, CA, says stress is just a daily part of the job. Working in the demanding field of aeronautics, his days are filled with tight deadlines, technical problem-solving, and high-stakes projects where precision is everything.
On top of the mental strain, Ryan has faced a physical challenge for years: degenerative disc disease. The chronic back pain made traditional workouts difficult and, over time, contributed to unwanted weight gain.
“I reached a point where I knew I had to make a change,” Ryan says. “I wanted to lose weight, but I needed an exercise routine that wouldn’t aggravate my back.”
Instead of joining a crowded gym or fighting traffic to reach a public facility, Ryan decided to bring wellness home. He added a spacious pool and spa to his backyard, creating a private, low-impact environment where he could work toward his fitness goals. A swim in place system allowed him to strengthen muscles and improve mobility without the strain of high-impact exercises. To date, he’s lost over 40 pounds since starting his at-home swim regimen.
But the benefits didn’t stop at fitness. The spa soon became Ryan’s favorite place to decompress after a grueling day.
“My backyard has become a haven — a place where I can work on my health, unwind from the stress of the day, and enjoy the peace and quiet of my own space,” Ryan says. “It’s the best decision I’ve ever made for my body and my mind.”
Today, Ryan’s backyard isn’t just a pool and spa area — it’s his sanctuary, where wellness and relaxation intersect, and where the pressures of the outside world simply fade away.
Peace of Mind and Poolside Bliss
For Maria R. of Houston, TX, the decision to add a pool was all about her kids. She wanted them to have a safe, inviting place to play, laugh, and create lasting memories with friends — right in their own backyard. Knowing they could swim under her watchful eye gave her peace of mind and made home the center of their family’s fun.
But as much as the pool was built for her children, Maria quickly discovered it was a gift for herself, too. Working full-time as a registered nurse means she’s on her feet all day, navigating the high-pressure pace of working in the local university hospital.
Now, her favorite moments are the ones where she can drift on a pool float, book in hand, letting the gentle movement of the water wash away the stress of the day.
“It’s my reset button,” Maria says. “After a long shift, this is where I feel myself breathe again.”
For Maria, the pool strikes the perfect balance — a safe space for her kids and a sanctuary where she can recharge, all without leaving home.
A Backyard Built for Family: Laura Anderson’s Pool with a Purpose
When it comes to relaxation, for Laura A. of Tampa, FL, the best part of owning a pool isn’t swimming in it — it’s simply looking out at it. The sparkling water, the gentle reflections, and the sense of calm it brings to her backyard instantly put her at ease.
Truth be told, Laura didn’t build her pool for herself and hardly ever swims in it at all. She built it as a magnet for her grandchildren — a place that would draw them in and keep them close. And it worked.
“I love that my home is a place my whole family looks forward to enjoying,” Laura says. “Creating relaxed moments for birthdays, graduations, and get-togethers is one of the best decisions I ever made. I’d make it again a thousand times.”
Now, whether it’s a summer barbecue, a holiday celebration, or a casual Sunday afternoon, Laura’s backyard is the heart of family life. The pool is more than a water feature — it’s a backdrop for memories, laughter, and the kind of easygoing connection that makes life rich.
Make Every Day National Relaxation Day
All three stories share one commonality: a swimming pool or spa can be more than an amenity. It can be a personal sanctuary, a safe space for loved ones, or the heart of family gatherings.
Some of life’s best moments happen poolside. There’s something about the gentle shimmer of sunlight on water, the quiet rhythm of the ripples, and the way time seems to slow down when you’re stretched out in a lounge chair. Whether it’s the scent of sunscreen and fresh-cut grass on a summer afternoon, the cool shade of a cabana with a cold beverage in hand, or the laughter of friends and family in the background, the poolside setting has a way of melting stress away. It’s not just about swimming — it’s about the atmosphere, the sights, sounds, and sensations that make the pool area one of the most relaxing and restorative places you can be.
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