How can I make swimming less dreadful

[Curlewwoohoo]

I need to start swimming on a Sunday morning, to help recovery from a back injury. I can swim OK, middle lane front crawl I can get to 50 lengths if I keep at it long enough. But I hate it. Firstly I hate that it costs money. Secondly it's just boring, up and down. And tiring. Although that's pretty much the point of it. Thirdly I particularly hate the faff afterwards. The showers suck. They don't stay on if you don't hold the button. There is barely any water pressure. I can't get the shampoo out of my long hair. The changing rooms are mixed sex. Often full of kids. And the floors are dirty. I hate hair. Any tips to make me hate it less?!

I'm up with everyone who recommends going home to shower. I second the small towel to stand on in the grimy changing room. I also have a Dock and Bay hair wrap thingy to stop my hair dripping all over me on the way home - looks v glamorous, especially with sunglasses

I've got prolapsed discs in lower back, so rower etc would be a very bad idea!

Ah well fair enough, it was just an example really though. There will surely be a non-swimming based workout that would be suitable if you really hate swimming.

I'm doing loads of pilates, I just wanted to add some cardio in. I usually run but can't currently. Swimming loses out in comparison to running, for me! But I'm getting on OK with it. I've found if I go for opening at 7:30am Sunday, the pool is clean and quiet. It gets busier as I swim, then I abandon it for 5 mins sauna and head off before the learner pool opens! Tips on here were a big help.

wow indeed!!! what will they think of next?!