Public Swimming Pool Etiquette
When you are fifteen and raging with hormones, swimming is not usually synonymous with the terms etiquette and manners. My only thoughts back then were impressing whatever girls that might have been around the pool at a given time. I did, however, get an important lesson in manners because of that ignorance. I found out that swimming pool etiquette can also keep you from being a moron.
I was too busy flexing nonexistent muscles and perfecting my cannonball technique to realize that pools don’t clean themselves. Turns out, someone has to deal with all the mystery clumps and questionable floaties that show up after a Saturday full of splashing and soda. It didn’t hit me until I saw Mr. Jenkins, our neighbor and unofficial pool czar, spending hours skimming, scrubbing, and muttering things that I’m pretty sure weren’t in the Bible. That was my first real look behind the chlorine curtain—and it made me realize that a clean pool isn’t just about looks. It’s about dignity. And not grossing out your crush.
Fast forward a few years, and I’ve upgraded from oblivious teen to the guy who actually cares if the filter’s clogged. That’s where Palm Pool Care came in—saving me from both embarrassment and algae invasions. They handle everything with the kind of precision and polish that would’ve made Mr. Jenkins shed a proud tear.
From chemical balancing to making sure no toad makes your skimmer basket its final resting place, these folks make pool ownership less of a headache and more of a flex. Because trust me, nothing ruins the vibe faster than a murky pool and a floating Band-Aid.
Now, when the pool decides to throw a tantrum—say, the pump starts wheezing like it’s run a marathon or the heater gives up right before a party—Jays Pool Service and Repair is the crew you want on speed dial. They don’t just swoop in, fix the issue, and disappear; they make sure everything is tuned up so you can go back to showing off your crystal-clear pool without breaking a sweat. Think of them as the unsung heroes who keep the cannonballs splashy, the floaties afloat, and the backyard bragging rights firmly intact.
Of course, even with top-notch maintenance, there comes a point when no amount of skimming or chemical wizardry can mask the fact that your pool’s surface has seen better days. Over time, cracks sneak in, plaster wears thin, and what once felt like a smooth underwater glide starts feeling more like sandpaper. That’s when pool resurfacing isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.
Think of resurfacing as giving your pool a fresh canvas, restoring not just its appearance but also its safety and longevity. It prevents those tiny fissures from turning into full-blown leaks and keeps your pool looking as crisp and inviting as your backyard gatherings deserve. If you want it done right, check out the pros over at Website. They specialize in bringing tired pools back to life with craftsmanship that would make even Mr. Jenkins nod in approval. Because at the end of the day, a resurfaced pool isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about reclaiming your title as the backyard MVP.
The short version:
I approached the pool in my bright yellow “Birdwell Beach Britches” of 1982 and quickly noticed the attractive blondes sitting on the other side of the pool. It was a new pool but I ignored that particular detail. Instead, I decided that I would get a running start and splash them as a typical teenaged introduction.
You know.... because girls love that.
Ahem...
As I built up speed and took off, I went head first into the pool with the perfect splash. It was aimed at the girls and splashed them completely as planned. It was a shame that I never got to enjoy it.
I was unconscious from diving head first into a three foot kiddie pool. I spent my entire summer with a huge scab across the front of my forehead. That really messed up my plans to say the least.
It taught me quickly that manners around a pool was a good thing and that I needed to learn some quickly.
Here are some rules I learned about pool etiquette that everyone should keep in mind:
Follow the rules of the pool
I could sit here and list off the various rules but that is silly. Every pool has different rules and you need to follow them each and every time. These might include no diving, jumping, running or whatever. Read the posted rules and make sure they are followed.
Take responsibility for your kids
I have twin ten year old daughters and I get the urge to turn the switch off. I really do. Still, you have to accept the fact that your kids will be the first ones to find the twenty foot deep section with no life vest the moment you turn your head. That, or they will splash the lady with the big hat and sunglasses sitting under the giant umbrella. Your kids are your responsibility and you have to keep them under control.
It is not the lifeguards duty to watch your children or the other adults in the pool. Stay close to them at all times and police their actions.
Clean yourself when you enter the water....and so on....
Chlorine can only do so much when it comes to bacteria and germs are unavoidable. Still, we can eliminate the worst of it by showering with soap and water before jumping in the pool. Having a nice long conversation with the kids about not using the pool as a toilet is a good idea as well. Nobody wants to see that.
Wear appropriate gear people
I can appreciate a great looking body as much as anyone, but seeing that on display at a public pool when kids are present is just disturbing. Why would anyone want to wear such things when kids are around anyway? Keep in mind that you are not on a secret getaway with your significant other. In public, wear something reasonable that does not come in a thong.
Keep the music to a low roar
I am lucky in that I love pretty much all kinds of music. When you go to the pool and you blast your radio louder than anybody else, you are pretty much saying that you don't care what they think or if you are bothering them. Keep your music at a low roar at least or else you will find yourself being asked to leave. Be mindful of others.
Swimming etiquette is really a simple matter of thinking of others. When I was young I was incapable of such things. That is why my parents should have been there to stop me from nearly knocking my head off on the bottom of the pool. Then again, if they had done that I would not have been able to learn these wonderful rules. Sometimes karma teaches us and that certainly taught me.
Don't bang your head on the bottom of the pool to learn your lesson. Learn from mine instead.
Be nice to each other and happy swimming!
(Submitted by Rodney)
