I have been swimming for at least 20 years. I am an ex-runner, and now swim, do power yoga, play tennis, walk, etc. I am in excellent shape, yet I am seriously torn as to whether or not I should give up swimming. The club I belong to has the best schedule and available lanes, (and I pay dearly per month as well!) yet for the last year, I've waged a battle about their incessant use of tilex, windex and some horrific smelling metal cleaner they use in the aquatic center while classes and swimming is going on. I brought in the warning articles about the toxicity of inhaling these chemicals, passed them out to instructors and fellow swimmers, managers, etc. Recently, an article was posted by our Poison Control Center about the dangers of inhaling such chemicals --which stated that ventilation was not enough to prevent health issues (Of course, they do not and will not open the door when cleaning). Despite all this info I've provided, they stop for while, then will claim there is the smell of urine in the shower (I was in both showers just seconds before and there was NO urine smell) and they have to use the Tilex, etc. The other day, the manager asked me how long I was going to swim, because they wanted to use the Tilex. They continue to lie to me and tell me they won't use these products, yet the smell is so strong in there all the time, you can barely breathe. I used to swm next to a guy who would get out of the pool and literally chase them out when they started spraying. I guess I need to consider a sex change.:bump: Unfortunately, there isn't another gym where I can go with such a great schedule. However, I'm really worried about breathing thse fumes. People complain all the time, but not to management, only to one another. It seems like I am defeating my purpose to stay healthy swimming there. Yet, I feel this is as important an issue as second hand smoke - there should be no toxic chemicals used while the center is operational. Geez, would they go into a yoga or spin class and start spraying chemicals? (I've asked them that question) Thanks for any input or suggestions:bow:
Parents
Former Member
It was probably my imagination after reading this thread yesterday, but I detected a hint of cleaning chemicals when I went to swim in my gym's pool last night.
I have seen the maintenance guy sweeping/mopping on the rare occasion I go during the day. He props the back door open, letting in fresh air, and it hasn't been an issue.
This gym is open mostly 24 Hours (it is a 24 Hour Fitness). However it doesn't live totally true to its name; it is only open Mon 5am to Fri 9pm, then Sat/Sun 5am to 9pm. I always wonder who (if anyone) is there at 2-3AM.
LOL!. Ours closes generally around 10 and opens 5:30 AM. They can definitely clean before or after members leave. They will not open the door even in the summer if it's 90 degrees out because of the seniors who cry immediately, "SHUT THAT DOOR, I"M COLD!" Even though you can't get sick that way, and you can get respiratory diseases from inhaling chemicals, management caters to their insanity. It is sooo frustrating. I've been sick all week and today I went to the gym (after putting my bathing suit back in the drawer, regretfully, as I fear it may be too soon to go back in the water) and was on the treadmill, and there's maintenance with a feather duster, spending 5 minutes a piece on each treadmill, just moving dust around. I finally asked him to stop, because I am sick. :cry:
It was probably my imagination after reading this thread yesterday, but I detected a hint of cleaning chemicals when I went to swim in my gym's pool last night.
I have seen the maintenance guy sweeping/mopping on the rare occasion I go during the day. He props the back door open, letting in fresh air, and it hasn't been an issue.
This gym is open mostly 24 Hours (it is a 24 Hour Fitness). However it doesn't live totally true to its name; it is only open Mon 5am to Fri 9pm, then Sat/Sun 5am to 9pm. I always wonder who (if anyone) is there at 2-3AM.
LOL!. Ours closes generally around 10 and opens 5:30 AM. They can definitely clean before or after members leave. They will not open the door even in the summer if it's 90 degrees out because of the seniors who cry immediately, "SHUT THAT DOOR, I"M COLD!" Even though you can't get sick that way, and you can get respiratory diseases from inhaling chemicals, management caters to their insanity. It is sooo frustrating. I've been sick all week and today I went to the gym (after putting my bathing suit back in the drawer, regretfully, as I fear it may be too soon to go back in the water) and was on the treadmill, and there's maintenance with a feather duster, spending 5 minutes a piece on each treadmill, just moving dust around. I finally asked him to stop, because I am sick. :cry:
