Pool Showers

[Neal2tire]

I just figured out (after three years) why folks spend their money on their own swimming pool here in TV.
We have hopped from pool to pool trying to find a neighborhood that actually showers before entering the pool. We gave up today.
1. showering is REQUIRED before entering the pool
2. it is common courtesy (yes I know you took one the night before)
3. when it's hot and the pool is full you basically are creating a lethal soup that can cause eye and ear and other infections.

I can count on my one hand how many times I've seen folks shower before entering a pool. When I do see it it is often the visiting children or relatives.

WHY?
We love TV but frankly it's enough to rethink our next twenty years.
AND if you're one of those special people who pull up your chair under the shower and settle in and when asked "can you please move over so I can rinse off"?, you are offended and raise your voice... well then I assume I'm the crazy one here.
NG

[Bogie Shooter]

New thing to add to the checklist before buying in TV.:clap2:

[Buffalo Jim]

New thing to add to the checklist before buying in TV.:clap2:

And don`t forget to check out the local pools to see who is arriving early in the AM and staking out chairs by placing towels on them .

Also while one is checking out matters at the pool they should position themselves so they can keep an eye on anyone with a dog who is walking at the pool area .

Near the late afternoon one should venture over to the Town Squares and keep an eye out for people " saving chairs " .

Should you happen to purchase a beverage while you are scouting the Town Squares for " chair savers " don`t forget to keep a close eye on the sales tax total that you were charged for that beverage .
All in a days experience in the Villages --- America`s Friendliest Home Town !

[birdawg]

People are to lazy to bring their I.D. card's, ya think they get out of the pool to go to the bathroom.

[jalopy54]

I think if you need to shower before entering a pool you actually need to use soap with the water. LOL

[justjim]

Doesn't the chemicals they put into the pool take care of the problem? Not to say you shouldn't shower before entering.

[blueash]

Sunscreen and perfumes/deodorants may be removed by showering. But really only if you use soap not just water. If you really think you are removing fecal contamination from entering the pool then I better see you scrubbing your perianal area with soap and water not just standing in the shower wearing your bathing suit. A quick water shower is not going to do that job.

[Neal2tire]

To further add. I talked with two folks who read the post and both thought that for us to expect anyone to shower off before entering a lukewarm pool on a hot day was 'nutty'.
Curious why TV post a large sign saying that you must shower before entering the pool.
But then again one of them openly admitted that they have no trouble with folks peeing in the pool too.
Good Lord I think I'll go back to my soloflex and stairmaster.
For the rest who minimize it.... Have a blast.

[Wandatime]

I think I'll stay home to swim but go to the neighborhood pool to meet people.

[Mickedamouse24]

At most pools, it's hard to even get close enough to a shower to take one!!! People tend to like putting their chairs directly under the showers!!! But then again, you can't fix "stupid!" And I am beginning to see that a lot of villagers are just lewd and crude!!!

[graciegirl]

I have never showered at a pool in my entire life. Squirting water on you without soap isn't my idea of getting clean. I have never come to any pool all sweaty and dirty.


Another thing, that most would be surprised at is the amount of iddy biddy little microorganisms on the skin after showering with just water.


I don't think about all of the water swirling around all of the orifices of other people's bodies when I go to the pool, but if that is what you want to meditate on, knock yourself out.. What kind of thinking is that? If you want to go down that path, think of all of the people who sat on anything before you did, and on the pool chairs and I am not one to crouch over a john either.


I have managed to make it this far and I don't consider myself antiseptic but pretty clean. I shower when I get home after the pool and frequently just before I go.


I am constantly surprised by things I read on this forum.

[tippyclubb]

Worse things could happen at a pool. OP must not have seen the movie Caddy Shack.

[perrjojo]

We have a guy in our neighborhood who showers daily at the pool...oh, he doesn't swim, he just showers there. No, I don't get it but I guess he does. Live and let live. Oh, btw, I always shower After getting out of the pool.

[tkret]

I am constantly surprised by things I read on this forum.
graciegirl,
This forum certainly isn't as it was a few years ago .... sign of the times?

[Neal2tire]

Someone said "you can't fix stupid"
he couldn't be more right.
What is evident (perhaps) is those who have been
here a long time feel like it's "silly" to shower off.
Did anyone of you brilliant residents get the fact that
it is required? The sign says to SHOWER.
I'm thrilled to find out that those who have been around here
for years think it's our job to soak in their soup.
I found a similar mental attitude where we once lived in NC.
The older folks felt it was okay to put their hand in all the fruits
and nuts in the local store and when there was a pot luck they would bring
some cheerios while we brought trays of homemade lasagne and grilled fish.
Enjoy the pools gracie. By the way you might want to join the Buttonwood group.
The shower here is used to hang hats.
Gnight.
Patio Villa for sale

[perrjojo]

Someone said "you can't fix stupid"
he couldn't be more right.
What is evident (perhaps) is those who have been
here a long time feel like it's "silly" to shower off.
Did anyone of you brilliant residents get the fact that
it is required? The sign says to SHOWER.
I'm thrilled to find out that those who have been around here
for years think it's our job to soak in their soup.
I found a similar mental attitude where we once lived in NC.
The older folks felt it was okay to put their hand in all the fruits
and nuts in the local store and when there was a pot luck they would bring
some cheerios while we brought trays of homemade lasagne and grilled fish.
Enjoy the pools gracie. By the way you might want to join the Buttonwood group.
The shower here is used to hang hats.
Gnight.
Patio Villa for sale
If your villa is for sale because people do not shower before entering the pool..well, I guess you may not ever want to use a public pool.

[perrjojo]

Worse things could happen at a pool. OP must not have seen the movie Caddy Shack.
Amen! If these things bother you, don't use a public pool because ... Well...you know....the public uses it.

[Happinow]

When ya think about it, swimming in a public pool leaves a lot to think about. We go to a pool because we are hot. We get hot because we sit out in the sun and sweat. We also sweat because we play sports and then need to cool off afterwards. So we are all sweaty either way then we jump in the pool with everyone else. People spit in the pool, blow their noses in the pool and probably pee in the pool and, well other stuff too. It sounds more like a cesspool. I can't bring myself to swim in that. I do enjoy sitting by a public pool and watching everyone. I leave the swimming part to my own pool.

[jimbo2012]

Glad I have & maintain my own pool.

In public pools a lot of this depends on the amount of chlorine they dump in daily to the pool. You can ask!

Please don't say or think it's saltwater, the type of saltwater in pools is just another form of chlorine.

Salt water pools are not chlorine free. Instead, using a device known as a chlorine generator, the pool makes its own chlorine though electrolysis which breaks down the salt.

Public pools generally use higher levels of chlorine than needed in a private pool, simply less of a load to use the available "free" chlorine.

I'll guess most home owners are unaware of the level of chlorine in their pools, service companies use higher levels than needed just to keep their customers happy, lower levels are safer & adequate.

Ask the folks to tell you the levels they test when they come.

I would be very careful trusting an employee to get the levels correct! chilout

Or better yet get your own test kit here's (http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/124-pool-test-kits-comparison) info in that.

ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

There are five chemical levels that every pool owner needs to keep track of:

FC - Free Chlorine - A sanitizer which keeps your pool water safe and free of germs. Chlorine must be constantly replenished. (level depends on CYA)
PH - Acidity/Alkalinity - Needs to be kept in balance to prevent irritation and protect the pool equipment. (7.5 to 7.8)
TA - Total Alkalinity - Appropriate levels help keep the PH in balance. High levels can cause PH to rise. (60 to 120, sometimes higher)
CH - Calcium Hardness - Appropriate levels help prevent plaster damage. High levels can cause calcium scaling. (220 to 350, vinyl lower)
CYA - Cyanuric Acid - Protects chlorine from sunlight and determines the required FC level. (outdoors 30 to 50, SWG 70 to 80, indoors 0 to 20)

Here are four other chemical levels that come up frequently enough that you should at least know what they are:

CC - Combined Chlorine - CC over 0.5 indicates a problem.
Salt - Required with a SWG (Salt Water chlorine Generator), otherwise an optional enhancement.
Borate - An optional enhancement.
Phosphate - Doesn't matter, despite pool store claims otherwise.

[lovinganimals]

There are a lot of things in this world that, if we thought too hard about them, we would never do. So instead, relax, have fun at the pool, and immediately go home and take a shower afterwards. People have been doing it for a long time.

[justjim]

To further add. I talked with two folks who read the post and both thought that for us to expect anyone to shower off before entering a lukewarm pool on a hot day was 'nutty'.
Curious why TV post a large sign saying that you must shower before entering the pool.
But then again one of them openly admitted that they have no trouble with folks peeing in the pool too.
Good Lord I think I'll go back to my soloflex and stairmaster.
For the rest who minimize it.... Have a blast.

The sign is probably required by the County. I think Villager's know basic hygiene and I have never seen or heard anything around the pools that would make me feel any different.

Wife goes to the pool often and she agrees. She has not heard of any hygiene problems around the pool and I can guarantee would not go there if she thought there was a problem.

We had several home pools to take care of and maintain. I'm glad those days are over! To each his own.

Personally, I think you are more likely to have a health problem "eating out" than you are using TV pools. But that doesn't keep us from restaurants. :mmmm:

[kstew43]

showering before entering the pool is basically ment for removing all the sun tan lotion that people use. If you have ever stayed at a beach hotel, you will find that most of the pool water is sort of slimey. No shower signs at the pool, only coming off the beach.

I always shower after the pool so I can remove the chlorine smell from my suit.

thats my opinion anyway.

[Neal2tire]

Thank you all for your thoughts on the pool shower. I think we're running at about 80% think it's silly or plain stupid to obey the health rules and shower before getting into the pool on a hot day.
I just read the posts about "MEN WEARING HATS" inside. If I'm correct 90% of the residents agree that men need to remove their dirty hats when dining because they are "sweaty and dirty". Hmmm?
Next time my grandkids are here and waiting on line to shower off before getting in the pool as they always do and they ask "Grandpa how come we shower and the older people don't"? I'll simply say, Because we are all clean and oh yes, feel free to pee in the pool it's got chemicals.
Then when we dine out I'll make sure he understands that because he has a DIRTY HEAD he can't wear his Big Bird Hat.
I'm now understanding the hanging chad issues in the past.

[graciegirl]

Thank you all for your thoughts on the pool shower. I think we're running at about 80% think it's silly or plain stupid to obey the health rules and shower before getting into the pool on a hot day.
I just read the posts about "MEN WEARING HATS" inside. If I'm correct 90% of the residents agree that men need to remove their dirty hats when dining because they are "sweaty and dirty". Hmmm?
Next time my grandkids are here and waiting on line to shower off before getting in the pool as they always do and they ask "Grandpa how come we shower and the older people don't"? I'll simply say, Because we are all clean and oh yes, feel free to pee in the pool it's got chemicals.
Then when we dine out I'll make sure he understands that because he has a DIRTY HEAD he can't wear his Big Bird Hat.
I'm now understanding the hanging chad issues in the past.


I think we bring with us thoughts and rules and standards from where we grew up. Where I grew up that wasn't expected. I do cringe that some people who MAY be contractors walk into pools all grimy and jump in the water. I don't like to see that, not so much that they aren't paying for amenities but because they are all yucky.


Most of us bathe or shower once a day. I go to the pool ready to meet and be close to other humans so I wouldn't go unbathed or sweaty. That is generally what appears the standard for most people I see there. A physician posted on this thread talking about the perianal area of your body not getting washed with a suit on at a pool shower. I think you are overreacting, but that is just my opinion. There are exceptions to all rules and living with other humans can be a challenging situation. I hope you are not hurt by the opinions but when you post an opinion, particularly on this forum, you are bound to get opinions back. We Seniors are full of opinions.

[Vladimir]

Wow...I think when we retire we have to much time on our hands to think/complain about such trivial matters. We start taking for granted this beautiful clean place and time in our lives and I guess we have to moan about something. I have traveled enough in various parts of the world to know that you have not seen how filthy, grimmy, and unsanitary most parts of the world are and people still survive and can smile.

[gerryann]

Wow...I think when we retire we have to much time on our hands to think/complain about such trivial matters. We start taking for granted this beautiful clean place and time in our lives and I guess we have to moan about something. I have traveled enough in various parts of the world to know that you have not seen how filthy, grimmy, and unsanitary most parts of the world are and people still survive and can smile.

So true! What a bunch of menial complaining about nothing.

The " removing hats" had nothing to do with grime and dirt. It had to do with manners.

Being happy is a choice. If some of you keep searching for negatives, you are doing yourself a disservice.......you won't find happy!

[Bogie Shooter]

Thank you all for your thoughts on the pool shower. I think we're running at about 80% think it's silly or plain stupid to obey the health rules and shower before getting into the pool on a hot day.
I just read the posts about "MEN WEARING HATS" inside. If I'm correct 90% of the residents agree that men need to remove their dirty hats when dining because they are "sweaty and dirty". Hmmm?
Next time my grandkids are here and waiting on line to shower off before getting in the pool as they always do and they ask "Grandpa how come we shower and the older people don't"? I'll simply say, Because we are all clean and oh yes, feel free to pee in the pool it's got chemicals.
Then when we dine out I'll make sure he understands that because he has a DIRTY HEAD he can't wear his Big Bird Hat.
I'm now understanding the hanging chad issues in the past.

That was a local's problem, not transferees............................

[Bogie Shooter]

Build it, post it, say it , print it, publish it......................and sombody will bitch about it!

[mixsonci]

There are a lot of things in this world that, if we thought too hard about them, we would never do. So instead, relax, have fun at the pool, and immediately go home and take a shower afterwards. People have been doing it for a long time.

It's also been said that if you see the kitchens in most restaurants you would probably never eat out again. In that case, I'd probably starve.

[krisk49]

Understand about all this Pre-pool showering, but how about all those people who
slather themselves liberally with suntan/sunblock oil or lotions & then immediately immerse themselves
in the water. Those poor swimmers who are there for exercise get a mouth full
of your nasty oily perfumed slimy film.

[DONKEY10]

I just figured out (after three years) why folks spend their money on their own swimming pool here in TV.
We have hopped from pool to pool trying to find a neighborhood that actually showers before entering the pool. We gave up today.
1. showering is REQUIRED before entering the pool
2. it is common courtesy (yes I know you took one the night before)
3. when it's hot and the pool is full you basically are creating a lethal soup that can cause eye and ear and other infections.

I can count on my one hand how many times I've seen folks shower before entering a pool. When I do see it it is often the visiting children or relatives.

WHY?
We love TV but frankly it's enough to rethink our next twenty years.
AND if you're one of those special people who pull up your chair under the shower and settle in and when asked "can you please move over so I can rinse off"?, you are offended and raise your voice... well then I assume I'm the crazy one here.
NG

I am sure the pools are filtered and use plenty of chlorine. It is impossible to get perfectly bacteria free by just standing under a shower for 10 seconds.

[casita37]

I am sure the pools are filtered and use plenty of chlorine. It is impossible to get perfectly bacteria free by just standing under a shower for 10 seconds.

That pretty much sums it up. Unless you use soap and/or a wash cloth, you aren't getting much off, plus you aren't going to "wash" your personal areas in an open shower with a bathing suit on.

I think the original idea was to wash off sunscreen, but who want to wash off their sunscreen while in a. wide open to the sun, pool?? A lot of us wear waterproof sunscreen to the pool, anyway.

[Shimpy]

Patio Villa for sale


I've lived in Fla. the past 61 years, swimming nearly year around and have never had any health problem from public pools which were my second home as a teen. In the 50's we had to go thru a Clorox foot bath leaving the locker room to get to the pool area. We never heard of showering first.
Your Villa will sell quick and you can search for a fantasy place where everyone showers before using the pool.

[asianthree]

Showering is meant to remove any suntan oil or lotion or any hair products . A shower is not going to do much to remove anything underneath that swimsuit

[tommy steam]

I just figured out (after three years) why folks spend their money on their own swimming pool here in TV.
We have hopped from pool to pool trying to find a neighborhood that actually showers before entering the pool. We gave up today.
1. showering is REQUIRED before entering the pool
2. it is common courtesy (yes I know you took one the night before)
3. when it's hot and the pool is full you basically are creating a lethal soup that can cause eye and ear and other infections.

I can count on my one hand how many times I've seen folks shower before entering a pool. When I do see it it is often the visiting children or relatives.

WHY?
We love TV but frankly it's enough to rethink our next twenty years.
AND if you're one of those special people who pull up your chair under the shower and settle in and when asked "can you please move over so I can rinse off"?, you are offended and raise your voice... well then I assume I'm the crazy one here.
NG
I know the villages has something about signs but maybe they could post a sign on the shower , not to block it . You would think people have common sense .

[Indydealmaker]

Frankly, if you have made it to our age, why in god's name start obsessing about bacteria now, particularly really obscure risk from super-bugs who mysteriously thrive in pools full of chlorine.

[BobnBev]

To further add. I talked with two folks who read the post and both thought that for us to expect anyone to shower off before entering a lukewarm pool on a hot day was 'nutty'.
Curious why TV post a large sign saying that you must shower before entering the pool.
But then again one of them openly admitted that they have no trouble with folks peeing in the pool too.
Good Lord I think I'll go back to my soloflex and stairmaster.
For the rest who minimize it.... Have a blast.

Human urine is sterile.....what's the big deal?

[Indydealmaker]

Human urine is sterile.....what's the big deal?

Depending upon the health of the source.

[Barefoot]

Next time my grandkids are here and waiting on line to shower off before getting in the pool as they always do and they ask "Grandpa how come we shower and the older people don't"? I'll simply say, Because we are all clean and oh yes, feel free to pee in the pool it's got chemicals.

I'm not sure if it has occurred to you,
but perhaps people shower at home in warm water before putting on their bathing suits.
I know that I do.

Just because you don't see retirees showering at the pool,
it doesn't mean that people are dirty.
I'm sure you love your grandchildren dearly.
Please don't pass your discriminatory ideas on to them.

[Dave n Sue]

Totally agree!

[gatherer47]

talk about making a big deal out of nothing-geez!

[jrandall]

Wow...I think when we retire we have to much time on our hands to think/complain about such trivial matters. We start taking for granted this beautiful clean place and time in our lives and I guess we have to moan about something. I have traveled enough in various parts of the world to know that you have not seen how filthy, grimmy, and unsanitary most parts of the world are and people still survive and can smile.

Thanks for your common sense and refreshing perspective. 👏😃

[Abster]

When ya think about it, swimming in a public pool leaves a lot to think about. We go to a pool because we are hot. We get hot because we sit out in the sun and sweat. We also sweat because we play sports and then need to cool off afterwards. So we are all sweaty either way then we jump in the pool with everyone else. People spit in the pool, blow their noses in the pool and probably pee in the pool and, well other stuff too. It sounds more like a cesspool. I can't bring myself to swim in that. I do enjoy sitting by a public pool and watching everyone. I leave the swimming part to my own pool. I agree...I'll sit out by the pool but I would never venture in a public pool - particularly in a retirement community.

[Villageswimmer]

Wow, this thread is a real downer! You folks are creeping me out.

I swim laps every day and do water aerobics three times a week and have been doing so for years. I have never had an ear or eye infection, swallowed a toxic gulp of sun block or any of the other scary hazards mentioned here. Maybe I'm just lucky? My doctor says my health is excellent and encourages swimming as an great exercise as we age. I have arthritis in my knees and consider swimming natural medicine for joints.

The only real hazard I've experienced through all this swimming is sun exposure. I do what I can to mitigate that but that's another topic.

[NoMoSno]

particularly in a retirement community.

Yes, those retired folks sure are dirty! :jester:

[MikeV]

I have never showered at a pool in my entire life. Squirting water on you without soap isn't my idea of getting clean. I have never come to any pool all sweaty and dirty.


Another thing, that most would be surprised at is the amount of iddy biddy little microorganisms on the skin after showering with just water.


I don't think about all of the water swirling around all of the orifices of other people's bodies when I go to the pool, but if that is what you want to meditate on, knock yourself out.. What kind of thinking is that? If you want to go down that path, think of all of the people who sat on anything before you did, and on the pool chairs and I am not one to crouch over a john either.

I have managed to make it this far and I don't consider myself antiseptic but pretty clean. I shower when I get home after the pool and frequently just before I go.

I am constantly surprised by things I read on this forum.

:agree: You read my mind.

[zonerboy]

Rules do not exist in and of themselves.
They should have a reason for their existence, and some goal or purpose they are meant to achieve.
So far, based on responses posted on this thread, no one can agree as to what the reason is or what purpose the "showering rule" is supposed to accomplish.
No wonder it is largely ignored.
By the way, describing public pools as some sort of toxic "soup" is a gross exaggeration at best, and more likely a paranoid delusion IMHO.

[Indydealmaker]

Before Swimming, Be Sure to Shower (http://www.waterandhealth.org/swimming-shower/)

[Villageswimmer]

Thanks for the post. Interesting article. What's kind of ironic is that the sports pools (not sure about neighborhood pools) have signs posted that the use of soaps is prohibited.

The Villages Rec folks should read this article.

[wendyquat]

I have never showered at a pool in my entire life. Squirting water on you without soap isn't my idea of getting clean. I have never come to any pool all sweaty and dirty.


Another thing, that most would be surprised at is the amount of iddy biddy little microorganisms on the skin after showering with just water.


I don't think about all of the water swirling around all of the orifices of other people's bodies when I go to the pool, but if that is what you want to meditate on, knock yourself out.. What kind of thinking is that? If you want to go down that path, think of all of the people who sat on anything before you did, and on the pool chairs and I am not one to crouch over a john either.


I have managed to make it this far and I don't consider myself antiseptic but pretty clean. I shower when I get home after the pool and frequently just before I go.


I am constantly surprised by things I read on this forum.

Could not have said it better myself Gracie! I stand under the shower before entering the pool but I feel a bit silly realizing it is not really washing my germs off but just getting me wet !

[USSGompers]

I saw a bird fly over the Chula Vista pool and poop in it.

[Halibut]

Are there showers on the historic side? My mailbox faces the pool at Country Club Hills and I've never noticed a shower there. Same for Paradise. I'm unobservant, though.

I'm of the opinion that people are kind of sanitizing and disinfecting themselves out of developing natural immunities any more.