Pools

I've learned a lot about pools during my journey; most recently, maintaining a 30,000 gallon in-ground pool in Maryland. While the Maryland pool is large for residential, its not big enough for lap swimming:(. What I've learned is that pool maintenance can be a lot of work, requiring regular application of chemicals, and, by my standards, is quite expensive.

I've also learned a lot about lap pools. Some are metric but most I've visited are English (length 25 yards). Lap pools have a center line on the bottom of each lane to help guide swimmers; some of the lines are quite colorful but most are just black tile. Each pool typically has a set of swimmer rules for safety and to help swimmers get along (e.g., swim in counterclockwise direction). Most swimmers I've met are friendly and will share a lane if asked; on more than one occasion, other swimmers have just jumped in the lane I'm swimming without asking - makes for quite the surprise when one is focused on swimming laps:) Also, every pool I've visited has a schedule for when the pool can be used for lap swimming or aquatics classes. Something I didn't realize is the number of people who just like being in a pool - walking in for exercise or just hanging out.