How about some reminiscing about the worst pools you ever were forced to work out and/or compete in ??
Our old pool was 20 yards long, with gutters and the deck was about 2 feet above that. The water level was always low, so it was like ocean swimming every day. There were no starting blocks and the "lane lines" were nylon cord with a plastic bobber every 3 feet or so. The water was always quite warm to accomodate the family swims and lessons that were also sharing the pool during the day.
Since goggles had not yet been invented and the only antiseptic method was chlorine (lots of it), we would have those chlorine "light halos" until the next day. The kick-boards were solid, varnished wood and they doubled as pull-buoys. There were no fins or hand paddles.
Thank the higher power of your choice that we had a GREAT coach.
Oh, did I mention that they used to beat us with knives???
Bert
Some pools I swam in:
Philadelphia Turners
Down in the cellar, peeling paint from the ceiling dripping in the pool, 20 yards square, no filter, water drained every Sat. night, filled Sun and we swam in unheated water Mon. Pipes all over the ceiling. Coach came once a week on Saturday, Joe Kirk
Clementon Lake Park, NJ
Had meets here over a 50m course laid on the shores of the lake. It was Cranberry water and it was like swimming in wine.
Seaside Heights, NJ
50 m salt water, had meets here at night no lane lines, lights only at one end
Some pools I swam in:
Philadelphia Turners
Down in the cellar, peeling paint from the ceiling dripping in the pool, 20 yards square, no filter, water drained every Sat. night, filled Sun and we swam in unheated water Mon. Pipes all over the ceiling. Coach came once a week on Saturday, Joe Kirk
Clementon Lake Park, NJ
Had meets here over a 50m course laid on the shores of the lake. It was Cranberry water and it was like swimming in wine.
Seaside Heights, NJ
50 m salt water, had meets here at night no lane lines, lights only at one end
