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
If you really want to tour one of America's worst pools, check out the downtown Y in Columbia, SC. After you leave a pretty decent locker room, you descend stairs to the original locker/shower room, no longer working. It is vaguely similar in appearance to some of the showers you see in really violent prison movies. After this brief Alcatraz moment, proceed to the pool area.
The pool is a 20 yard metal contraption with 18" of deck all around it. No lane lines and if you jump with minimal effort you can knock your head on the ceiling. Fortunately, it is really crowded, they keep the water level low and there are no gutters. The results is a pleasurable experience of open water swimming indoors, complete with waves.
I once swam at a Y in Atlanta where the sink apparently doubled as a toilet. But, that's another story.
If you really want to tour one of America's worst pools, check out the downtown Y in Columbia, SC. After you leave a pretty decent locker room, you descend stairs to the original locker/shower room, no longer working. It is vaguely similar in appearance to some of the showers you see in really violent prison movies. After this brief Alcatraz moment, proceed to the pool area.
The pool is a 20 yard metal contraption with 18" of deck all around it. No lane lines and if you jump with minimal effort you can knock your head on the ceiling. Fortunately, it is really crowded, they keep the water level low and there are no gutters. The results is a pleasurable experience of open water swimming indoors, complete with waves.
I once swam at a Y in Atlanta where the sink apparently doubled as a toilet. But, that's another story.
