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 pool was in Titusville, Florida. The pool was outdoors, no pump, and green water. The algae in the water was so bad we could not see the wall. I swam the pool in the spring and it was extermly cold. I remember that it was so cold the coaches canceled the 500 free in concern for our health. As far as seeing the wall forget it. We put white towels in the water to get a shading difference and still hit our share of walls with the heels. This was a long time before goggles and no one had to worry about chlorine eyes as there was none in the pool. I swam that pool twice in 4 years and the conditions were the same both times.
On a happy note I now swim in a great pool in Spartenburg, SC. It is a 4 or 5 year old YMCA pool much better than the one in Columbia (see a prior post).
I just got my Masters card Friday.
Have a great day
Paul
The worst pool was in Titusville, Florida. The pool was outdoors, no pump, and green water. The algae in the water was so bad we could not see the wall. I swam the pool in the spring and it was extermly cold. I remember that it was so cold the coaches canceled the 500 free in concern for our health. As far as seeing the wall forget it. We put white towels in the water to get a shading difference and still hit our share of walls with the heels. This was a long time before goggles and no one had to worry about chlorine eyes as there was none in the pool. I swam that pool twice in 4 years and the conditions were the same both times.
On a happy note I now swim in a great pool in Spartenburg, SC. It is a 4 or 5 year old YMCA pool much better than the one in Columbia (see a prior post).
I just got my Masters card Friday.
Have a great day
Paul
