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
I would not call it the worst pool in the world because it was one of the most beautiful pools I ever swam in. The Old Casino Pool in Fort Lauderdale was located a few yards east of the existing International Swimming Hall of Fame complex.
The Old Casino Pool was a magnificent 55 yard SALT WATER pool that used chlorine. The water was pumped in from the ocean a few hundred yards offshore from the Fort Lauderdale beach. In those days goggles were not used and swimming long distances in chlorinated salt water was brutal on the eyes. It took me two days to see straight after swimming the mile as a kid. Beautiful…but painful…..
Gosh, (if I remember right) I think I watched Steve Clark swam a record 55 yard free during one of the last meets held there.
I would not call it the worst pool in the world because it was one of the most beautiful pools I ever swam in. The Old Casino Pool in Fort Lauderdale was located a few yards east of the existing International Swimming Hall of Fame complex.
The Old Casino Pool was a magnificent 55 yard SALT WATER pool that used chlorine. The water was pumped in from the ocean a few hundred yards offshore from the Fort Lauderdale beach. In those days goggles were not used and swimming long distances in chlorinated salt water was brutal on the eyes. It took me two days to see straight after swimming the mile as a kid. Beautiful…but painful…..
Gosh, (if I remember right) I think I watched Steve Clark swam a record 55 yard free during one of the last meets held there.
