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
The worst are some of the older Bally/Scandanavian Health Club pools. Approx. 3 "lanes" which can NOT hold 2 people at the same time with a 4th lane (with the mandatory stairs at one end) for the "walkers". Pool temperature kept at a nice "toasty" 85+ degrees for the little old ladies complaining "it's too cold" when they do their water aerobics. Pools are approx. 23 yards long (try doing the math there!), ceilings are low (with swagged material hanging from the ceiling making it lower) and the only windows are about 15 feet at the shallow end about 15 feet from the pool. Oh and don't forget the murky water so that in the deep end (about 6-7 feet) you can't see the wall to turn.
I joined the club to swim -- now I won't even use the hot tub or steam room and forget about the pool. Too many men who can't read signs saying "no shaving" in the steam room. They all seem to be able to read the little words under "no shaving" that says "except for you"!.
The worst are some of the older Bally/Scandanavian Health Club pools. Approx. 3 "lanes" which can NOT hold 2 people at the same time with a 4th lane (with the mandatory stairs at one end) for the "walkers". Pool temperature kept at a nice "toasty" 85+ degrees for the little old ladies complaining "it's too cold" when they do their water aerobics. Pools are approx. 23 yards long (try doing the math there!), ceilings are low (with swagged material hanging from the ceiling making it lower) and the only windows are about 15 feet at the shallow end about 15 feet from the pool. Oh and don't forget the murky water so that in the deep end (about 6-7 feet) you can't see the wall to turn.
I joined the club to swim -- now I won't even use the hot tub or steam room and forget about the pool. Too many men who can't read signs saying "no shaving" in the steam room. They all seem to be able to read the little words under "no shaving" that says "except for you"!.
