Gym changing conditions? Swimming Pool advice please.

Am-I-Paranoid

Could I have some advice on my options regarding the swimming pool at the gym near my work?

I signed up for a gym membership last December with the expressed intention of using it mostly for swimming: I have long-term knee injuries and the cold water compression and exercise are both really good for me.

I checked the water temperature before I joined up - a little bit warm for fitness training, around 29C (guess), but still just about suitable for my needs.

In July, they dropped the temperature to about 27C-28C, I was loving it as it was giving me a really good workout and allowing me to cool down too, but evidently some people complained: most notably their swimming instructors.

They have had a knee-jerk reaction to the pool temperature and cranked it up to >31C. The water is now far too warm to exercise in. When I complained they said that the company they had a contract with for swimming classes was insisting on the new temperature, so they had it set 29C-31C.

I contacted the club directly and sent them this information and have talked to them in person:

UK operators guide for indoor heated pool MAXIMUM temperatures: (from caromal)
Recommended Maximum Pool Water Temperatures
• Competitive swimming & diving, Fitness swimming, Training . . 27 deg C - (80.6 deg F)
• Recreational, Adult teaching, Conventional main pools . . . . . . . 28 deg C - (82.4 deg F)

and Swimming.org:
www dot swimming.org/assets/uploads/library/Swimming_Pool_temperatures_1.pdf
Recommended maximum pool water temperature
Competitive swimming and diving, fitness swimming and training 28°C
Recreational, adult teaching, conventional main pools 29°C

They said they would look at the temperature, but have done nothing about it.

I've got two separate thermometers that I've taken to the pool, both of which are consistently measure the temperature between 31.4C and 31.8C this week.

If I try to train in that temperature, I feel really lethargic and rotten all day. Before you ask, I've also been training at a pool local to my house where I'm still feeling exactly the same as before when I train (i.e. really good during and after), so I'm pretty sure it's not just me - I'd just rather use the gym next to my work.

I've also talked to several other swimmers who have agreed it's far too warm to do anything more than a gentle paddle.

What are my options regarding either further persuading them to them to set the pool temperature to a more reasonable level or for me to cancel my membership (3 months early).

My preference is to get them to change the pool temperature.

23rdspiral

I'm sorry I can't offer advice re the pool as I'm an open water swimmer... So I'm just posting to see if you've considered it? Either lido or lake, sea, river...

Am-I-Paranoid

Hi 23rdspiral, yes, I also swim out at Ferris Meadow Lake, Shepperton (SOWS), was out at Cotswold Water Park (private event near Coke Pit) and looking to try St Ann's lake (Thorpe Park - NOWCA).

Shepperton is the most convenient, the water is clean, but very murky: and I definitely prefer being able to see my hand when I'm swimming! St Ann's lake isn't too much further and apparently very clear.

Those are all great for the weekend, but the problem is that I need somewhere to swim during the week and I can't get to any of those for their opening hours (even in mid-summer) with my working hours + traffic.

BTW- I like your insurance stats on your sig: mine went from £1200-£1400 for most insurers to £389 with MSE.... and that's with EXACTLY the same details, but just using their search engines!!

Tooting Lido was an option, but I'm very happy with QMC in Westminster (also near my work) - 27.6C this morning, compared to 31.4C-31.8C at LA Fitness (on the same thermometer).

Still trying to get those crooks to acknowledge that they've changed the product (gym membership) that I signed up for to the point that it is no longer usable and that they can't hold be to the contract.

barbarawright

Tooting Lido is a friendly 14C at the moment if that's the sort of temperature you're looking for.

Its_Nice_Here

You could try a money argument. If the swimming club are insisting on 29-31 then you could get a ball park figure on how many extra £ it's costing them to heat that extra 2 degrees. If they drop it down to 29 it should be okay for everyone. They probebly haven't had the first bill yet, they might be unpleasantly surprised.

You could also appear to the swimming club and ask them to specify 29 and not 29-31, which sounds insanely warm for anything more than absoolute beginners lessons.

nickyhutch

What do the other customers have to say about the water temp?

claire16c

I hate cold water but even I would find 31c too warm for proper swimming!

heartbreak_star

Did you get any more feedback, OP?

HBS x

Chomeur

I've found this at LA Fitness Marylebone but not at other branches. Anyway I completely agree with you that 31C is too warm. Can't you simply tell LA Fitness that the services are not of merchantable quality and cancel your direct debit? If they sue you, counterclaim.

23rdspiral

How is it now OP?

I've been unable to keep up the open water swimming this winter, but have found a nice cool local pool.