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
Parents
Former Member
Peter states that Bert forgot to mention that world champions came from there. But certain pools have a certain lifespan. And those built in the 1890's are not going to be competive to those of the 1950's and beyond. It was also true with the old LA pool built in 1932. It was world class in its time but by the early 1970's it wasn't anymore. And most pools today which probably date from the 1960's need a little fine tuning and some are kept in great shape. I saw a people of the belmont shores pool at Long Beach California and it still looks good for being almost 35 years old. It depends upon the up keep.
Peter states that Bert forgot to mention that world champions came from there. But certain pools have a certain lifespan. And those built in the 1890's are not going to be competive to those of the 1950's and beyond. It was also true with the old LA pool built in 1932. It was world class in its time but by the early 1970's it wasn't anymore. And most pools today which probably date from the 1960's need a little fine tuning and some are kept in great shape. I saw a people of the belmont shores pool at Long Beach California and it still looks good for being almost 35 years old. It depends upon the up keep.
