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Original poster

What do I need to leave the pool without getting dried and dressed again?

89 replies

CaptainSevenofNine · 15/01/2026 16:39

I have 2 gym memberships, long story, but both worth it. Trust me as a frugal Scot I get my “money’s worth” from both.

One gym is a corporate private gym. They provide towels at no extra cost. There are single sex changing rooms and shower cubicles meaning I can get completely showered, dried and dressed easily. The single sex changing rooms are open plan with air con so I don’t overheat.

The other gym is a local authority gym. Mixed sex, over heated changing village. Hate it. Love the pool and health suite. Hate the changing facilities.

I’d like to use the local authority pool after classes or the gym and then when I get out. Put something on, drive home and shower there. I don’t even want to rinse off in the showers - they are open plan to the pool and I’ve watched men spit in them. 🤮

But what kit do I need? A towelling robe? A dry robe? Sandals?

OP posts:
ZenNudist · 15/01/2026 17:26

I've always fancied a fleece Onesie for this. That sainsbury's dry robe would work to keep my seat dry I suppose. I'd be loath to buy crocs

I used to just wear joggers and sweatshirt and get changed out of wet swimsuit to go home and shower. Then I decided it was just easier to shower at the pool but you never feel as clean.

ditalini · 15/01/2026 17:26

Imbrocator · 15/01/2026 17:20

Could you give a bit more detail on the local authority one? Are you saying that the showers and changing areas are all mixed sex, the showers are open to the pool enough for you to see a man spit in them (which means you’re able to at least see his head if not more)? Are there cubicles where you’re able to change without exposing yourself to the other sex?

If you’re in the UK then this sounds very, very unusual.

This sounds like my local authority pool changing facilities.

The showers are completely communal, albeit also fairly open so in view of people passing/lifeguards.

The changing cubicles are individual but open at the top and it's not unknown for someone to get up on the seat of the cubicle next door and peer over. They're also open a few inches at the bottom so a phone can be held underneath - this has also happened.

I live in a large Scottish city and most of the changing facilities in pools are the same.

Imbrocator · 15/01/2026 17:20

Could you give a bit more detail on the local authority one? Are you saying that the showers and changing areas are all mixed sex, the showers are open to the pool enough for you to see a man spit in them (which means you’re able to at least see his head if not more)? Are there cubicles where you’re able to change without exposing yourself to the other sex?

If you’re in the UK then this sounds very, very unusual.

HollyhockDays · 15/01/2026 17:05

A dry robe probably. And just dry your feet and put your trainers back on.

CMOTDibbler · 15/01/2026 17:03

In the winter, I stick on a fleece onesie and a dry robe alike, summer my towelling dry robe. I have no shame

damemaggiescurledupperlip · 15/01/2026 17:02

A onesie?

JLou08 · 15/01/2026 17:00

I just take a towel, dry off, get back into the clothes I went in then drive home to shower and change. I don't think there's any need for specific shoes or robe.

unsync · 15/01/2026 16:55

In the summer just use a towelling poncho. A dry robe will be too hot. You'll need a waterproof car seat protector though.

Mumsntfan1 · 15/01/2026 16:46

How are you planning to get home? Bus would be different to driving. If you're driving I don't think flip flops would be good. You could just put clothes that dry fast on over your swimware, maybe some sort of dress aimed at being used as a cover up on the beach.

PullTheBricksDown · 15/01/2026 16:43

Dry robe and a pair of suitable soled shoes you can drive home in. Wouldn't be flip flops or crocs for me. But just get a pair to sling in your bag for that and that only.

Octavia64 · 15/01/2026 16:43

I use poncho towel and cheap dryrobe knockoff

Thunderdcc · 15/01/2026 16:41

Dry robe and flip flops. But at this time of year maybe swap the flip flops for fluffy crocs.

FuzzyWolf · 15/01/2026 16:40

A dry robe and crocs would probably suffice.