Where to swim now that the lake is ridiculously cold?

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2012-10-04 8:36 PM

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Champion
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Austin, Texas
Subject: Where to swim now that the lake is ridiculously cold?

I moved to Chicago in June of this year, and up until now, I've been able to swim in Lake Michigan without too much trouble.  But now that I can't feel either my face or my extremities while swimming in the lake, I need a pool.

Any suggestions would be great - I live in the South Loop with no car - so anything would have to be either walking distance or nearby via transportation, and sadly no, a gym membership is not an option due to costs.

Thanks for any help you can give!

2012-10-04 9:23 PM
in reply to: #4441549

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Veteran
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Aurora, Illinois
Subject: RE: Where to swim now that the lake is ridiculously cold?

Hey! 

Haven't been in the lake in a while; did it get that cold already?! 

Gym memberships are pricey.  I usually head to a local Y to swim and just pay a day fee which are usually between $4-11; depending on the Y I think.  If you only swim 1-2 times a week its not that bad. 

2012-10-04 10:21 PM
in reply to: #4441549

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Expert
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
Subject: RE: Where to swim now that the lake is ridiculously cold?

I really like swimming in the city pools. Can you search the park district website to find one within walking/public transportation distance? a Lap membership costs 40 dollars for 90 days or you could try to do laps during open swim. Depending on your schedule (free time in the middle of the day?) you might be able to do it for free...

If you want to PM me we can brainstorm a bit more about what pool is best and what times would be best to lap swim.

Q

2012-10-05 8:44 AM
in reply to: #4441549

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Subject: RE: Where to swim now that the lake is ridiculously cold?

I agree with finding a park district pool nearby.  There are quite a few scattered throughout the city to choose from.  At times the adult lap swims can get quite busy, however some pools do a good job of setting up speed lanes that range from slow, intermediate and fast, so if you dont have a problem with circle swims, the workouts should be plenty sufficient.

Also, the adult lap swims usually last about an hour and a half, so if you are go in for a long swim I recommend to get there early.

2012-10-05 9:11 AM
in reply to: #4441549

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Master
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Chicago
Subject: RE: Where to swim now that the lake is ridiculously cold?
2012-10-05 9:50 AM
in reply to: #4441549

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Elite
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Romeoville, Il
Subject: RE: Where to swim now that the lake is ridiculously cold?
I think the Chicago Blue Dolphins hold masters classes in the city. That would be a pretty good option.  It's probably at UIC but I'm guessing

Edited by Meulen 2012-10-05 9:50 AM

2012-10-05 10:06 AM
in reply to: #4441549

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Regular
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Chicago
Subject: RE: Where to swim now that the lake is ridiculously cold?
I know you said no gyms, but I go to LA Fitness in the South Loop (Canal and Roosevelt) and it's cheap. $30/mo. It's not the cleanest/nicest facility, but it gets the job done. It costs more than the park district, but what I usually do is put my gym membership on pause in the summer and then use the lake or park district pools. So my yearly cost is pretty low.
2012-10-05 10:26 AM
in reply to: #4441549

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Elite
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Romeoville, Il
Subject: RE: Where to swim now that the lake is ridiculously cold?
Also check with the local High Schools to see if they have open swims.  I don't know about the city.  But the HS's in the burbs sometimes have them a couple days a week at designated times.
2012-10-05 10:30 AM
in reply to: #4441549

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Champion
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Austin, Texas
Subject: RE: Where to swim now that the lake is ridiculously cold?

Thanks everyone for your suggestions - and the web link which I'll be taking a look at in a moment.

I didn't realize that there were so many park district pools to take a look at, and as I'm not allowed to work yet, I can take advantage of any daily swim times that would be less expensive. 

Unfortunately Doxie, ANY cost at this point is a stretch due to immigration/lawyer costs so a gym membership is definitely out - no matter what the monthly fee.

Thanks again everyone! 

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