Aquatic Sports: Joining a Pool Club
By Michele Blandino
Pool clubs have long been a summer tradition for many families. Spending long afternoons poolside gives children the opportunity to get in some physical activity while maintaining contact with school friends. For parents, time at the pool may provide opportunities to catch up on some reading, visit with friends and spend time with the kids.
Why Pool Clubs?
There are many reasons why people opt to join a pool club rather than installing a pool of their own. While paying a pool membership may seem like a needless luxury to some, for others, it is a practical expenditure. First, many people simply do not have the time – or desire - to maintain a pool. Others, perhaps because they live in a townhouse, apartment building or similar dwelling, may not have a yard big enough to accommodate a pool. And others, particularly those who live in areas where there are many children, may be reluctant to have their yard turn into the neighborhood hangout.
For these people, pool clubs provide a good alternative. When you join a pool club, you don’t have to deal with daily cleaning and chemical treatments, nor will you have to worry about uninvited guests.
How to Choose
When it comes to choosing a specific pool club, there are many criteria to consider. For many, location is of primary importance; if it takes longer than five or ten minutes to get there, chances are they won’t go. For others, the decision will be made based on whether they know other members while others make their decision based solely on price. While these are all legitimate concerns, there are additional things you should consider.
First, if you have younger children or children who are not strong swimmers, you will want to be aware of the club’s policy on personal flotation devices (PFD’s). Oddly enough, some clubs do not allow PFD’s in their main pools which pretty much confines non-swimmers or novice swimmers to the wading pool.
In an effort to cater to members that do not have children, some clubs have mandatory periods each hour during which the pool must be cleared so that those who wish to swim laps can have unrestricted access.
If you are contemplating enrolling your children in swim lessons, inquire about the types and costs of available classes. Be sure to confirm that the lessons will be provided by fully qualified instructors.
You might also be interested in the club’s hours of operation, especially if you work and anticipate being able to visit only during the evening or on weekends. While hours vary widely, many clubs close between 7 and 8 o’clock in the evening, which may limit the amount of time you will be able to spend there.
What will it Cost?
Membership fees vary widely depending on the particular club and the geographic region, but expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $750 for a membership. Some clubs have different membership levels ranging from full season to half season or weekdays only. For those needing to watch their budget, half season or weekday only options will be more economical. In fact, many people opt for weekday memberships because they find that the pool becomes far too crowded on weekends.
A Final Word
If you are choosing from among several pools, be sure to take the time to visit each one before making a commitment. Walk around the pool area and take note of the cleanliness, availability of lounge chairs and umbrellas, and the attentiveness of the lifeguards. Be sure to make a stop in the restroom and changing areas to ensure they are satisfactorily maintained.
