Swimming pool

Swimming pools are building features that were first introduced in The Sims and returned in other games, but its function remains the same. Swimming pools can be built on residential and community lots via build mode. Sims can drown in a swimming pool if they run low on energy, so make sure there is a pool ladder nearby.

Sims (except those with the Hydrophobic trait) enjoy swimming and it refills their fun motive. Sims with the Loves to Swim trait will gain a special moodlet when swimming. Other than filling the fun motive, swimming will build the Body, Athletic, or Fitness skill, and will raise enthusiasm for the Fitness hobby. Other than that, swimming in pools can also keep Sims fit.

Building features

 * Diving board
 * Slide
 * Diagonal pool construction
 * Curved pool construction
 * Paint pool walls
 * Pools on any floor
 * Pool bar
 * Pool ladder
 * Pool lights
 * Pool waterfall
 * Water color

The Sims
Pools in The Sims were constructed in horizontal fragments, which could overlap to form bigger pools. Pools could not be diagonal, and could not have any objects placed on top of them, excluding pool ladders and diving boards. Swimming pools can only be built on the first floor. As Sims cannot enter a pool without a diving board or ladder, pools could simply be used as decoration.

A Sim that enters a swimming pool will swim around in it autonomously. The player can instruct Sims to swim to a specified spot in the pool, but no further interactions can be done. Multiple Sims can swim in a swimming pool at a time, but they will not interact with each other, and will simply turn around and swim in another direction if they meet.

The Sims 2
Pools in The Sims 2 were constructed in much the same way as The Sims. One pool title cost §75. Swimming pools can only be built on the ground, which means that a house with a basement can place a swimming pool in it. Much like The Sims, a pool without an entrance to it can simply be used as décor.

Unlike The Sims, where pools appeared to be opaque, pools in The Sims 2 were translucent, allowing the player to see the bodies of the swimmers and the floor underneath. The Sims 2 also added pool lights, which could be placed on the pool walls.

Sims in the pool now had more interactions, although they still will not interact with other Sims in the pool by default. Sims can float on their backs in the pool, and can play Marco Polo with other Sims.

Like The Sims, Sims cannot exit a pool without a pool ladder, and cannot enter one without a ladder, diving board, or pool slide. However, Sims can re-enter a pool by simply jumping over the edge whilst playing Marco Polo, although the player has no control over this.

With Nightlife, diagonal pools were introduced, allowing for more pool designs to be constructed. Nightlife also eased several restrictions placed on pool construction; prior to the expansion pack, extensions to the pool needed to be a minimum of 2 squares and all pools needed to be rectangular. This requirement was removed, making pool construction much like it is in The Sims.

Seasons introduced curved corner pieces that cost §300 a piece. Seasons also added the ability to customize the floor and walls by adding floor tiles and wall covering.

The Sims 3
For the first time in the series, Sims no longer require a ladder to enter or exit a swimming pool; they can simply climb or jump over the edge. This means that, should the player want to kill their Sim via drowning, they must box in the entire pool with walls.

Much like The Sims 2, pool walls and floors can be customized with any wall or floor covering. Pool-related gear can also be added.

Sims can compete in breath contests in a pool, where Sims hold their breath underwater for as long as possible.

With the Late Night patch, curved pools and water spouts were reintroduced.

With Patch 42, diving boards were reintroduced to the game. Island Paradise reintroduced pool slides and introduced pool bars. Seasons added floating lounges, which can also be used in ocean water. Sims can relax, nap and read a book on the lounge.

Pools in a resort might need to be chlorinated, so that customers won't complain. A pool of acceptable size is also needed for a resort to progress through the ranks.

The Sims 4
Swimming pools did not initially appear in The Sims 4 base game, but were added in Patch 7. Pools can be constructed using the pool tool like in previous games, or by selecting a premade pool shape and then changing its size. Pools can be built directly inside a foundation or on top of a room, and players can adjust the depth of the pool.

Sims can sit on the edges of pools, and can eat and drink while sitting. Patch 81 reintroduced the ability for Sims to float on their backs. If a Sim swims for too long, they will get the "Pulled Muscle" moodlet, or, if the Sim is an Elder, get the "Dangerously Tired" moodlet and possibly drown. Sims may also urinate in a pool to relieve their bladder need, although other Sims will react negatively to the incident.

Unlike previous games, Sims can talk with each other while swimming in the pool. Dogs can also swim in pools.

Diving boards, in the form of diving platforms, were added in the Get Together expansion pack. This is the first game in the series to not have diving boards in the base game at launch or reintroduced in a patch.

Water color
The ability to change a pool's water color was added in a patch. More water colors were included in the Get Together expansion pack.

Trivia

 * In The Sims 2, Sims not controlled by the player can increase their fitness level by swimming. However, their body shape flags and chemistry traits will not change unless they are made selectable with testingcheatsenabled or a cheat object such as the InSimenator or Sim Blender, or the flags and traits are changed with SimPE.
 * In The Sims 3, a Sim with the childish or insane trait can fish in pools.
 * In The Sims 3: Late Night and The Sims 4: Get Together, Sims can go skinny dipping in swimming pools.
 * If a Sim dies by fire, their ghost may swim in a pool if one is near their grave or urn.
 * In The Sims and The Sims 2, removing the pool ladder will prevent Sims from getting in and out of the pool. In The Sims 3 and The Sims 4, Sims can get in and out without the need of a ladder, but can be prevented from doing so by building walls around the pool.
 * If The Sims 2: Seasons is installed, outdoor pools are considered to be heated, and are available in all seasons, even winter.
 * In The Sims 2 for PlayStation Portable, an empty swimming pool can be found in Hazel Dente's house in Paradise Place.