Making a pool water ring, also known as an underwater bubble ring, is a fun skill involving expelling air underwater in a controlled way. Essentially, you create a vortex of air that forms a ring shape as it rises through the water.
Understanding Underwater Bubble Rings
An underwater bubble ring is a torus-shaped bubble of air rising through water. The shape is maintained by the Bernoulli effect and surface tension as the air bubble interacts with the surrounding water.
Initially, as you learn, the rings might dissolve quite quickly, and they won't go very high in the water. This is a normal part of the learning process, as mentioned in some guides. Practice is key to making them more stable and travel further.
Method: Using Your Mouth
The most common way to create an underwater bubble ring is using your mouth. Here's a simple breakdown:
- Submerge Completely: Ensure your entire head is underwater in a calm area of the pool.
- Gather Air: Take a deep breath before going underwater.
- Position Your Mouth: Close your lips to form an 'O' shape, similar to saying "oh," but keep them slightly firm. Some people find tilting their head back slightly helps.
- Expel Air: Push a small amount of air out from your lungs or throat using a sharp, short pulse. Think of it like a mini cough or a puff of air, rather than a steady stream. The goal is to create a single burst of air.
- Refine the Technique:
- Experiment with the amount of air released. Too much air might just create a large bubble.
- Adjust the shape and tension of your lips.
- Try tilting your head differently.
- Practice the force of the air expulsion – a sharp, quick push is usually better than a slow exhale.
Tips for Success
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Calm Water | Still water makes it easier for the ring to form and stay intact. Avoid areas with jets or a lot of movement. |
| Proper Air Release | Focus on a sharp, short puff of air. |
| Lip Shape | A firm 'O' shape works well for most people. |
| Be Patient | As noted, early attempts may dissolve quickly and not travel far. Keep practicing! |
| Start Shallow | Practice in shallow water first where you can stand easily. |
| Don't Exhale Constantly | A continuous stream of air will just create regular bubbles. |
Remember, it takes practice to get the technique right. Don't be discouraged if your first few attempts just look like regular bubbles. With persistence, you'll start seeing those distinct rings form and rise.
Other Methods (Briefly)
While the mouth method is the most common personal technique, bubble rings can also be created using tools like:
- Specialized bubble ring makers (toys)
- Certain shapes of containers or objects moved quickly underwater
These methods often rely on creating a vortex in the water which then captures air or forces existing bubbles into a ring shape. However, the typical "pool water ring" people refer to is made using the mouth technique.
Practicing the mouth method is a rewarding skill that can be mastered with time and patience in the pool.
