Difference between beach and pool

[Bede735]

On first impressions the beach and the swimming pool appear to be the same. That is, environments where minimal clothing is acceptable.

However, while a pool only has one purpose ie. to swim in it, the beach has many. People walk on it, play sport, sit around etc. You can swim in the sea of course, but that isn't always ideal - examples being cold water, rough conditions, pollution, risk of jellyfish attack etc.

While not many men wear briefs to the pool, it is even less common on the beach, due it's multi-functional nature. I'm one who would never feel comfortable wearing briefs on the beach, but have no problem at the pool.

Now this is wear men and women differ. Women are far more likely to wear a brief bikini at the beach, but wear a one-piece swimsuit at the pool. The rationale escapes me...