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

[CaptainSevenofNine]

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?

A dry robe and crocs would probably suffice.

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

I use poncho towel and cheap dryrobe knockoff

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.

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.

sainsburys have got dry robes in at the moment Buy REAKTIV Dark Green Waterproof Changing Robe Parka Coat M | Sports tops | Tu

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

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.

A onesie?

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

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

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.

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.

Dry robe and short uggs! If you spend time faffing with anything else, you may as well get completely changed.

UK based. Not unusual. Like all the council provided pools in the area. Changing village. Mixed sex. Cubicles to dry in but not floor to ceiling. I’ve often had to tell teenage boys off for looking over or under. Not maliciously towards women/girls - normally trying to prank their male friends. I’ve warned them they may get the wrong cubicle and be in big trouble.

Only showers are on side of pool. Showers are shared man, woman, child alike. You can see everything. Full body. Head to toe. Mouth to foot as they spit.

Only enclosed single space is the accessible shower. Not something I would use as it often needed.

A kaftan plus sliders or crocs. You can peel your Cossie off under it without baring any flesh and swish out. Looks a bit smarter than a dry robe although not as absorbent of course! One for the summer perhaps.

I also loathe changing "villages" they are just gross. I was in the pool today listening to a load of blokes having a lovely natter inches from the door of my cubicle with big gaps under the door and both sides as I was getting dressed. I'm sure they were nice enough but it was unnerving. I have just got changed in ladies loos before.

Edit - Oh and our pool has signs telling people not to spit on the floor so it's definitely a thing. It might be women doing it of course but I doubt it.

Think I saw these on Facebook: https://www.quikdri.co.uk/product-category/jq-ladies-towel-watersports-tracksuit/
Like a dryrobe but in tracksuit form.

This describes all three of the Scottish council pools near me pretty accurately to be fair.

My kid does swimming lessons in a pool with this setup. I have a toddler in tow so struggle to supervise her doing her hair properly in the showers etc.
After she gets out of the pool she dries with a regular towel so costume is just damp then puts on an oodie and a pair of primark fleece lined leggings, and fluffy crocs. Then home. The leggings get damp inside but it doesn't soak through to the car seat and she isn't freezing en route home.

Same here. It's very normal in places like center parcs etc. too. Anywhere you have lots of swimming lessons and families using the pool

Oh these would suit me perfectly. I’ll need to save up. They are very expensive! I can dream.

Thanks for clarifying @CaptainSevenofNine @chipsticksmammy @ditalini

I feel pretty out of touch, but I’ve never experienced that kind of set up swimming in any number of swimming pools across the UK. I’m genuinely quite shocked. I’d feel (and I imagine most women would) really uncomfortable in this kind of situation.

If I watched someone spit in the shower they’re also probably doing it in the pool 🤢 I just wouldn’t go!!!

Very normal here too, in fact every new facility I’ve been to has this setup. Older facilities still have male and female changing rooms complete with showers but changing villages with open showers and cubicles in a communal area are the new norm for sure.

DD1 has a onesie by Goosey that you can put on straight from wet, I wonder if they do adult ones!