How to Sign "Pool"
the sign 'pool' uses both hands. Relax both hands so the fingers are slightly bent. With the knuckles facing each other and the palms facing out, move the hands out twice, like you are swimming.
Examples Using "Pool" in a Sentence
1
I want to go to the pool.
Sign 'I', 'want', 'go', and then perform the 'pool' sign by making the double swimming motion with relaxed hands. The context makes it clear you are talking about the location.
2
The pool water is very cold.
Sign 'pool' using the breaststroke motion, then sign 'water' and 'cold'. Make sure your palms are facing outward and your knuckles face each other when signing 'pool'.
3
Where is the swimming pool?
Sign 'pool' with the double outward movement, then sign 'where' while lowering your eyebrows (a standard ASL grammar rule for 'wh-' questions). You don't need a separate sign for 'swimming'.
How to Sign "Pool"
the sign 'pool' uses both hands. Relax both hands so the fingers are slightly bent. With the knuckles facing each other and the palms facing out, move the hands out twice, like you are swimming.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'pool' is highly iconic, meaning it visually resembles the concept it represents. The handshape and movement directly mimic the physical action of doing the breaststroke in the water. Over time, this natural gesture for swimming became the standardized ASL sign used to represent both the action of swimming and the physical location of a swimming pool.
Signing Tips
To sign 'pool' naturally, keep your movements relatively small and contained within your normal signing space (just in front of your chest). Even though it looks like swimming, you don't need to extend your arms fully or make giant strokes. Keep your hands relaxed with your fingers slightly bent, rather than holding them stiffly together. Ensure your knuckles face each other and palms face outward as you do the short, double outward motion.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using rigid, flat hands instead of keeping the fingers relaxed and slightly bent. Another frequent error is making the swimming motion too large and exaggerated, extending the arms all the way out. Remember that ASL signs are usually kept within a comfortable 'signing box' around your upper body, so a small, controlled double movement is perfect.
Regional Variations
While the swimming motion is widely understood, many Deaf individuals prefer to fingerspell P-O-O-L to specifically refer to the location, reserving the swimming motion strictly for the verb 'to swim'.
Examples Using "Pool" in a Sentence
1I want to go to the pool.
Sign 'I', 'want', 'go', and then perform the 'pool' sign by making the double swimming motion with relaxed hands. The context makes it clear you are talking about the location.
2The pool water is very cold.
Sign 'pool' using the breaststroke motion, then sign 'water' and 'cold'. Make sure your palms are facing outward and your knuckles face each other when signing 'pool'.
3Where is the swimming pool?
Sign 'pool' with the double outward movement, then sign 'where' while lowering your eyebrows (a standard ASL grammar rule for 'wh-' questions). You don't need a separate sign for 'swimming'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'pool' the same as 'swim'?
Yes, they are often signed exactly the same way! The context of your sentence usually makes it clear whether you mean the action of swimming or the physical pool itself. If you need to be highly specific, you can fingerspell P-O-O-L.
How big should the swimming motion be?
Keep the movement relatively small and comfortable, right in front of your chest. You don't need to mimic a full Olympic breaststroke! A short, double outward movement with your hands is all you need to clearly communicate the sign.
Can I use this sign for the game of pool (billiards)?
No, this sign is only used for a swimming pool! If you are talking about the game of pool, there is a completely different sign that mimics holding a pool cue and striking a cue ball.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!