would you pay.....

In years past (thank GOD) I traveled as much as 10 business days every month. Many of the places I traveled were off the beaten path and many were in major US Cities. I have worked out in 30 to 35 different pools all over the USA. Literally from Bangor, Maine to Miami, Florida, Tulsa, Ok, Billings, MT, Seattle, WA, Coeur d'Alene, ID and everywhere in between. I have paid anywhere from Zero up to $7.00 per swim and each time I was glad to have a place to swim (and ALWAYS felt welcome). Often I worked out with the local teams and the drop in fee was waived. Trust me; $6.00 is not to much to pay if you consider MarkMD’s post regarding hotel pools.

Even if you have an AWAY card, you might be charged a fee. Also, there are some Ys that do not honor away cards so always best to call ahead.

For a drop-in I wouldn't mind paying $6. If, on the other hand, I had to pay $6 every day I swam I wouldn't be too happy. Right now I'm paying $50/month which breaks down to $3-$4 per session with the amount I swim. That's for coached workouts.

The public facilities around here are charging 5.00 to get into the indoor one, and 3.50-4.00 for old outdoor pools. There are punch cards and passes which are cheaper. Our Y guest fee is 8.00. I guess it is the price of doing business and they want to encourage membership and yearly passes. If your Y participates in the away program, and you buy a membership, you can usually travel and use Y's across the country for free or little charge.

Despite all my b_ _ _ hing and moaning about not having a coach or team down here and after listening to you guys, I have to say, that I'm spoiled... I get a really nice discount on my Y membership because I work for the school system and end up paying about 27.00/month for access to everything... our Y has three locations... one facility is two years old, the other one is currently under an extensive remodel... among the three locations are four pools... two of which are 8 lane competition pools that are maintained perfectly, the third is a children's pool and 'water park' which helps keep kids out of the competition pool (don't know about the third pool, never been to that location) However, the outdoor competition pool and 'waterpark' is only open from Memorial Day to sometime in the fall. My Y is also a member of the AWAY program so if you are a member of a Y and are in T'ville you can use the facilities... how much they charge for this I don't know. For a town the size of T'ville I would say our pool facilities are really something. I pay 10.00/guest when I bring someone who isn't a Y member with me.

Here in São Paulo - Brazil, I pay some U$30 a month (equivalent in local money) for 3 days a week (45 minutes), but this includes a coach. For U$10 more I can use the gym every day.

I have a family membership at my YMCA which gives me access to nearly every YMCA in the country. Our Y is part of the AWAY program. I simply present my membership card at the front desk of any YMCA I visit and get full use of the facilities. M

Originally posted by swimrat 6 bucks to swim for one hour? I gather that you've never been to New York City. In NYC, a "cheap" drop-in price is $25. The more expensive pools charge $40-$50.

I consider myself very lucky when it comes to cost. $150 for a year membership. Although it limits me to only some of the facilities I am able to use the pool. That is all I really need. It is low cost because of the location of the Y. Any more and not to many people could afford it. I know my Y has to receive many grants to keep on opperating.

Originally posted by Tom Ellison Hey Mark: I spent over 15 years in feeder air operations....and I spent many a night in motels most NORMAL folks wouldn't even think of spending the night....let alone going back time and time again....Must have been the Notel Motel instead.