Finding the right swimming facility can make training much more enjoyable, so be sure to assess these key characteristics when choosing a pool.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a number of swimming facilities to choose from in your area, you’ll want to find out which pool best fits your needs and tastes before you shell out hard-earned money for a membership. Finding the right pool can make a big difference in your enthusiasm for training, so be sure to assess the following factors when weighing the options.
– Location. Is the pool close to your home or work? Does it have adequate parking or public transit access? If the location is inconvenient, you’re much more likely to find excuses not to go.
– Schedule and capacity. Is the pool open for lap swim during the hours when you want to train? How busy is the pool during peak times? Would you have trouble getting a lane? If you’re interested in taking classes, are they offered at the right times? What is the student-to-teacher ratio? An otherwise excellent pool facility may be less than optimal if it’s overcrowded when you want to use it.
– Pool length. Are you training for competition? If your races will be in an Olympic pool, you may want to train at that distance. A 50-meter pool…
