Neglected Swim

Okay, somebody please give me some insight. Why do so many pool swimmers not participate in open water events? With a background that didn't include distance freestyle, I wondered if it would be fun to try an open water event. Was it really swimming without a line on the bottom, flip turns, and chlorine? I've found open water swims to be pleasant complements to pool swims. This really makes me wonder why open water events don't seem to generate more participation? I'm eager to hear why so many competent pool swimmers seem to neglect their open water options...