Couldn't swim for 3rd time in 4 weeks

I understand your frustration!  I used to swim at a Y and had the same problem you describe.

At the pool where my daughter takes her swim lessons, there is a $300 fine for accidents in the pool.

Why?  Because, as you said, the pool needs to be closed and shocked, and no other children get their swim lessons for 24 hours, either.  The actual cost if probably much higher.

I would discuss my concerns with management.  3 times in 4 weeks is WAY to often - some type of policy needs to be in place.  And if management doesn't listen to you, then maybe it is time to find another pool if you can.

Good luck!

Andi

Although I don't have the same problem as you, i can sympathize.

First things first. I am not a squeamish person. I can handle quite a bit when it comes to gross. In fact, I have always prided myself on my iron stomach...

Now, I swim at an Army base pool where there are a TON of retirees (not that it's a bad thing). A few weeks ago, I jumped into the pool, started warming up, and then saw this HUMONGOUS bugger floating in the water. I didn't know they came in that size! It was bigger than a quarter! And the way it moved reminded me of an octopus or something...I was horrified to think what would happen if I got close to it...

I wonder what ELSE is in the water? I'm sure I've swallowed things that should not be named on this thread...

At least you were not in the pool when it happened.

Better luck next time! 

You don't live in NC, do you? I've had the same problem all summer! I swim at the local Y and it seems like if I don't go first thing in the morning there is bound to be a "fecal incident" as they like to call them that prevents me from swimming. It is frustrating and I like the idea of enforcing a fee. Usually the parents just scurry the kids out of the pool without looking back. Just last week all the lanes were full and there was a aqua aerobics class going on when one of these incidents occured. The whole pool had to clear out and then it was closed for the rest of the day! It affected over 30 people's workout!

 Just wanted to chime in to say I hear ya!

While I swim early in the AM and do not have this problem, I get email alerts from our pool that it will be closed for a shock.  Our lap pool is separate from the exercise/kid play pool, so this situation would not affect the lap swimming anyway.

Perhaps this will help.  I was at the play pool this past weekend with my 7 year old.  I noticed that there was a sign that there was a mandatory 5 minute break per hour from swimming for all kids under 14.  When I asked, one of the guards said that they had been having problems with what you have described.  They found that since implementing the break, they had not had a single problem for a few weeks.  They feel that the kids go to the bathroom during the break because they are not missing anything or are thinking about it.

You might ask your pool to implement some type of mandatory break for the kids.  Of course, this is not a scientific studs, has a sample size of n=1, and I am only reporting hearsay.  However, people who have an interest in keeping the pool clean and open report that this works.

Gordon

Our local YMCA has a totally seperate "cold pool" for lap swimming than the "warm pool" which connects to the kiddie play area.  So "yellow, brown or green alerts" don't affect our ability to get in training time.

My kids never have caused one.  but on average, it happens about 2-3x per week and they take the pool down for justa few hours, not all day.

I think (it's been years ago) that the pool in my hometown would do the 10 or 15 min break thing every once in awhile.  Made for horribly long lines at the snack bar...but probably helped prevent some accidents.

Perhaps a stupid question, but given that I've only been swimming for about 7 months since I was much younger, can you even tell if someone pee'd in the pool?  Unless you're right next to them and notice a strange warmness.....which could be welcome on a cold day I guess...  

Is there an age limit on these?  I'm not sure they make them in my size...