Swimming - Intensity vs. frequency

This isn't just high intensity vs lower w/more frequency. You'll also be getting some good instructions. That's a big difference. You should really consider this. After seeing the difference between going on my own and being in a masters, I would. I can work myself into the ground on my own, but the feedback at masters is much better leading to more improvement. I've gotten better fast, and see where that can continue as well.

If you signed up, how long would it be for? And how easily could you switch back to your normal place? Is there a "vacation" option where they'd just charge a few bucks a month in that time? 

If you read his post, I don't think that was an (easy) option.  Two different pools with different memberships.

To the OP, unless you start pushing yourself in your solo workouts, you are stagnating on the swim leg.  If your goal is to improve, you need to do something different.  I think you should switch pools, at least for awhile.  After some time learning how to swim hard (and hopefully getting some good tips) with others, maybe you will be better off switching back and swimming more frequently (plus harder) on your own.  So, I sort of agree with the above posters, but don't think you (necessarily) need to do both at the same time.

Brag much?  

LOL!  Yeah, I've got to admit I've thought the same thing about some of simpsonbo's posts too, but I suppose it's like Kid Rock says in his song "Cocky" - "It aint braggin' motherf.....r if you back it up."

Dude's fast.

Variety doesn't stimulate improvement.  Progressive overload or increases in skill level do.

It's all we've got.  We get spanked once we are out on the bike and run...  

SO is the 2 gym membership idea out of the question? I have similar problem. Very close gym, crappy pool, not full length. Further gym bigger, more people, lap pool, friends train there, workout sessions etc.

I think if you can swing the financial both is the best training wise. I am personally afraid as you are that if you have drive I wont get as much in. For me the total difference would be $45 a month. Down the cable package a bit, cut back on spending ......

Make sure the coach is a great coach and not just a great swimmer.  I'm in a similar situation.  I live about 5 mins (by car) to the local college pool with really bad hours.  The next closest pool without a masters group is an hour away and the closest pool with a masters group is 1.5 hours away.  I wanted to join so bad despite a 3 hour round trip.  I thought maybe once/week.  But I found out that while he is a great coach, he brings in a USA team of kids to practice at the same time and only focuses on the kids.  The adults pay the yearly US Masters fee and a monthly fee that is pretty steep.  If you want him to correct any flaws then you have to hire him privately.  So I'd be out a 3 hour drive, gas, and a lot of money for him to just give me a workout plan.  So I decided just to swim on my own, research videos/books, and find my own workout plans.  Just do the research and make sure it's really going to be better.

jami

It's also not just the higher intensity. You could raise your intensity and still swim solo.  I've done plenty of high intensity swims by myself.   It's about having a coach that's watching and correcting your form.  Believe it or not, but you probably have a LOT of minor flaws that you have no idea about, but a coach is going to see instantly. I had been swimming for about 6 years since I started and had never been coached. In my first 2-3 sessions the coach in my masters group pointed out probably 10 or so flaws in my stroke. Nothing tremendously substantial, but they add up like crazy.  In swimming, far more than the other two sports, technique makes such a massive difference.  

Like others have said, this is a no brainer of a decision.  Besides, just because the other pool is an extra 10 minutes away, does that really preclude you from going just as often?  It's not like you're talking about 2 minutes vs 30 minutes away.  

While your sessions may be down, I bet your volume is about the same.   It wasn't until I joined masters that I really understood what swim volume was.

Excellent point, didn't think of this. Since I started with my masters class,  my frequency hasn't changed but my volume and intensity  has gone through the roof.