The main pool is aggressively cold. I’m not talking a refreshing dip; I’m talking the kind of cold that makes your ankles ache before you’ve even submerged. Swimmers love it because it’s fast, but for the rest of us? It’s a test of character. The laned swimming is strict too—no hanging about, no chatting. It’s like a marine boot camp for middle-aged accountants.
Then there’s the teaching pool. It’s warmer, shallower, and smells heavily of soggy plasters. This is where the magic happens for parents and nervous adults. Pro tip: Go during a school lesson if you want the place to yourself. Just don’t expect any Instagram-worthy lighting—the windows are perpetually steamed up and covered in a mysterious film.
The Lane Etiquette (or Lack Thereof)
Ah, the unwritten rules of the lane. You’d think people would understand ‘slow, medium, fast’ signs. They don’t. Last week, a man in a speedo decided my slow lane was his personal sprint zone. He lapped me three times, splashing my goggles off. I shot him a look that said, “I’m paying for this too, pal.” He didn’t care. So be prepared: the lane system is a suggestion, not a rule.
If you’re a leisurely swimmer, your best bet is the early morning (6:30 AM). It’s quieter, the water is cleaner, and the lifeguards are still half-asleep, so they won’t blow their whistle at you for floating face-up. Absolutely worth setting an alarm for, I promise.
