that when you go swimming you should be allowed to use the pool?

[gibbberish]

Took my youngest two girls swimming yesterday. They are just getting to grips with swimming so don't like to be out of their depth.

There are 3 pools in the centre - a large swimming pool which is too deep for them to swim in, a fun pool which is too shallow for them to swim in and a kids' swimming pool. Obviously because they wanted to practice their swimming we decided to use the kids' pool.

The floor in that pool can be raised or lowered. When we went in it was so deep they couldn't reach the floor so spent the first 10 minutes hanging on to the sides of the pool. Eventually the floor was raised so they could reach the floor and were able to swim.

About 10 minutes later, schoolchildren started coming in for lessons and the staff cordoned off half of the pool, which was okay as we were happy to stay in the other half. Then we were told to get out of the pool as our half was also being used for lessons. Which left us no option but to spend the rest of the time paddling in the 'fun' pool.

Is this normal during term time? AIBU to be angry that my children couldn't swim when we had paid to use the pool?

Have sent an email complaining but haven't heard back yet.

Sorry, that was very long...

Well there is usually a timetable up in the foyer telling you which of the pools are scheduled to be used for lessons at different times, so really you should have checked that.

I would be annoyed, but you weren't to know. I wouldn't complain but I would get a copy of the timetable (there might be one on the website) for next time.

Yes this happens at our local pool also. One of our pools was closed down and now the remaining one is over-crowded. They don't warn you when you pay either to YANBU.

I had a look at the website before we went and there wasn't anything to indicate that the pool would be used for lessons. Also when I paid I wasn't advised at the desk that we wouldn't be able to use the pool.

Well the pool is for all those who pay to use it. The kids parents paid for the lessons too.
It's frustrating I know but at least you know now always to check the timetable before you take you girls swimming. Lessons go on throughout the holidays now. It's a new scheme or something.

meant so YANBU and not to YANBU.

There's usually a swimming pool timetable. For the ones I use there is, anyway. These would state when the pool is being used by schools, when it's 'adults only'. My one has several 'over 55s' sessions too.

It's annoying, I know, if you want to use the pool at a certain time, and it's restricted for a particular reason, but I guess it's how they make some of their money (renting out to schools). Or if it's council-owned, it may be something they have to do. And anyway, surely it's important that school children learn to swim?

If it was on the timetable, and you just failed to look at it/ see it, then YABU, but if it was just a random closure, and no one let you know, I guess that's different.

I don't mind them using the pool for lessons atall. I just think it's unreasonable to take up the entire pool. We were more than happy to use one part of the pool when we were allowed to do so.

I'm impressed by that raising/lowering floor thingie.

I'm quite used to our training pool only being available to the public at certain times (although I can never remember when they are). It's worth phoning ahead and checking - or picking up a pool timetable.

i think our training pool is available for about half an hour at 4.30 each day!

it's stupid!

Ah. X-post (cos it takes me so long to type a reply
If no warning on timetable or when you paid, then YANBU!

Thanks Fransandisco

I didn't notice a timetable anywhere and didnt realise there would be one tbh. So perhaps I was to blame. It would have been helpful for the staff to let me know when we first went in though.

YANBU. They should have told you before you went in. And it should be half price if you can only stay for half a session or use only half the pool.

Thanks everyone. Next time I'll definitely check the timetable (if there is one). I'd never been to that pool before and just never thought that we wouldnt be able to use it.

ours is available online - it's never open when i want to go, which isn't often

Southeast

If it's online does that mean you can go 'virtual' swimming? lol

yes that would suit me

me too No standing the in changing room freezing to death afterwards...

But is there a virtual chocolate machine?

Good question. I'm sure I would put on weight even with virtual chocolate though

YANBU I would have went to reception and told them I wanted my money back.

There's a different timetable for term time & holidays at my pool, so maybe an idea to check twice!

Ooo, that's frustrating. We have similar issues at the pool near us. If we do go, we tend to do so on a Sunday afternoon, and, have on occasions got even more annoyed because the timetable says "Swim For All" but then they kick you out because the training pool has been booked for a sodding birthday party.