How busy are neighborhood pools?

[OldDave]

We are making our second visit to TV in March. It will be our first look at how busy things are in season. I'm curious about how busy the neighborhood swimming pools are. When we were there last June, they were almost always empty, or nearly so. When I look at Google Maps and visit all the pools, I think I've seen one person swimming. Of course, I have no idea when their pictures were taken.

Care anyone give me a feeling for what these pools are like? Are they packed in the winter? Are they warm enough to be comfortable year round? Is there a time of day that is better, or are there certain pools that are quieter?

If we move there I am determined to try and swim regularly. I don't now because we have only one indoor pool here at the Y and it is packed day and night. I am very hesitant to take my body which was made for radio out in public mostly naked. It frightens children and other small animals.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

[NotGolfer]

In my neighborhood....which is near the Hadley and Amelia pools....they're packed out from mid-morning into the afternoon when it's sunny and warm. Not so much if it's chilly. I don't generally go to the pools to sunbathe...just don't care for it. But know when we drive past or go up to get the mail that most of the parking spots are taken. I've heard that during peak season ALL of the chairs can be taken. Hope this helps you with your question.

IF you're a swimmer the sports pools are for that...but you need to be a resident for this. The Daily Sun in their Thursday edition has the times you can lap-swim in these. It's tough to lap swim in the neighborhood or family pools as generally there are others using these for various things and there aren't lanes for lap-swimming in these. As the other poster stated we don't have any indoor pools.

[rubicon]

There are no indoor pools and you must pay extra for certain pools via priority membership. District pools are open to guest while regional pools are residents only.

[Bogie Shooter]

We are making our second visit to TV in March. It will be our first look at how busy things are in season. I'm curious about how busy the neighborhood swimming pools are. When we were there last June, they were almost always empty, or nearly so. When I look at Google Maps and visit all the pools, I think I've seen one person swimming. Of course, I have no idea when their pictures were taken.

Care anyone give me a feeling for what these pools are like? Are they packed in the winter? Are they warm enough to be comfortable year round? Is there a time of day that is better, or are there certain pools that are quieter?

If we move there I am determined to try and swim regularly. I don't now because we have only one indoor pool here at the Y and it is packed day and night. I am very hesitant to take my body which was made for radio out in public mostly naked. It frightens children and other small animals.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

There is a great deal of information regarding pools at this site.
http://www.districtgov.org/images/RecGuide.pdf

[elevatorman]

The neighborhood pools are used by many but not what you see in the north. Remember there are no kids to contend with. Did you know there are 3 types of pools in TV. Neighborhood, Sport, and Family. The sport pools have planned activities such as lap swim and water exercise programs........ Neighborhood pools are for adults to relax in or out of the water. Family pools allow children, but when schools are in session there are none or few. Check out the Rec news for more info., including pool guidlines. http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/app/files/recnews.pdf

[OldDave]

My apologies, I must have done a very poor job of explaining what I was after.

I'm familiar with all the types of pools and rules. We rented a house this summer for a full month, and had their resident passes. I know there aren't indoor pools, I just mentioned that...I don't know why.

So, what I want to know, specifically is how busy are the neighborhood pools at different times. (not interested in the sports pools or family pools.)

During the summer they were almost always empty. One person that answered seemed to indicate they are pretty busy during the winter. I'm still interested in knowing if they are warm enough year round, what the busiest times of day are, etc.

And again, sorry if I made my first post confusing.

[Skybo]

Dave, I think the attendance at neighborhood pools probably vary between the different neighborhoods. As you probably noticed during your previous visit, the neighborhood pools really aren’t made for swimming or exercising. You can certainly swim and exercises in them if they are empty or nearly empty, but it doesn’t take too many people in a neighborhood pool to make swimming laps impractical. As others above have pointed out, the sports pools are the best place to swim. In addition to the organized activities, they have hours throughout the day for swimming and exercising on your own. If you receive a temporary resident ID with your rental, you can use the sports pools. A guest ID will not get you into them. All of the pools are heated during the cooler months.

Edited, oops we were posting at the same time. Never mind.

[Skybo]

Dave, just wondering why you aren't interested in the sports pools? As I noted in my previous post there are hours throughout the day designated for "open" exercising and swimming. The length of the pools makes swimming much more enjoyable and beneficial than it would be in the neighborhood pools. In any case, the water temperature in all of the pools is warm enough year-round. It's the air temperature that will get you.

[Uptown Girl]

You may already know this, but our Daily Sun newspaper has a "Recreational News" pullout section (issued on Thursdays.)
Have your contact here save you one if you can do that.

This will list all the pools (and lots more) and their locations.
The Recreation centers have pools with buoyed lap lanes laid out (if that appeals to you) for certain periods of time during the day.
First come, first served.

The paper will tell you the various times per locale.
At other times, (in the sport pools) there will be classes or games scheduled and swimming will not be allowed while other activities happen.

Neighborhood pools don't seem to be overcrowded, per say, but sometimes people kind of 'hold court' in the middle of the water with loud, intrusive conversation. We tend to exit and find a quieter pool nearby. Never hard to find a quieter one.

Pool water temperature will vary, depending on the sun. Although the pools are modestly heated in the winter, a cloudy day will make the water feel cooler.
If the air temperature at least 61 degrees, it is tolerable. Getting out of the water at that temperature can be a bit chilly, bring warm towels.
Some people will wear wet suit type gear in winter. They swear by it.

[OldDave]

Skybo, I'm partially disabled. So my in pool activities will be slow and I would really be in the way in a larger, busier pool. Plus, my wife is a dedicated water Zumba person. While she did attend classes this summer and will again, if she goes with me, she will be in her own little world in the pool with me with her waterproof MP3 going through her routines, which are just in one place. So for now solitude is what we're after. Maybe laps later, at least for me.

[Barefoot]

You asked about neighborhood pools. The three neighborhood pools close to us are rarely busy from Oct to May when we're in The Bubble. The pools are heated to approximately 83 degrees year round. On a hot sunny day, they may be busy 11 to 3 pm. I only swim if it is warm out. I usually swim around 4 ... most people have left by then. On cooler days, there are very few swimmers.

We live in a Village about 8 years old just south of CR 466; perhaps pools in newer areas are busier.

[graciegirl]

If you visit the pools north of 466 they do not seem as busy at any season.

I have started swimming again when the weather isn't too chilly. The pools are heated to 83 degrees winter or summer which is cool at first but becomes comfortable in a short time. It is the GETTING OUT and going home that is shivery at this time of year.

As for having a radio body, you have come to the right place, most of us have had our day in the limelight when we were all perfectly beautiful by anyone's standards and now we are so fortunate to be among folks who appreciate us no matter what. At least most of them do.

So hurry home and jump in. The water is fine....in the northern sections of TV.

[geri317]

I live in Amelia. The pool is very crowded through season unless it is cold out. By season, I mean October through May!

[villager99]

dave, i am physically disabled and find the sports pool[ lap swimmer very willing to make room for me to swim very slow one arm and leg laps i prefer to go at a time when i can have my own lane but will sometimes share a lane with another slow swimmer. don't be afraid to give it a try. i'm sure you will find your niche.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

dave, i am physically disabled and find the sports pool[ lap swimmer very willing to make room for me to swim very slow one arm and leg laps i prefer to go at a time when i can have my own lane but will sometimes share a lane with another slow swimmer. don't be afraid to give it a try. i'm sure you will find your niche.

I'm not disabled but have also seen people very willing to make room for all different speed/ types of swimmers. If you live here you are just as entitled to use the laps as anyone else

[asianthree]

Glad you are coming back old Dave, hope all will go well this time. Maybe I can help you out, with your question . In the newer areas there is hardly anyone at the pool. Less people have moved in I find that the water this time of the year is a little on the cool side even though its at 85.....I know from previous talk that you are concerned about being in a pool, have you thought about a dry suit, it will keep you warmer and cover what you are concerned about. When I want to swim in the coldest months for two or three mies, I wear a one piece full length to add to comfort while swimming ...remember you can use any pool, head toward brownwood and find a less used pool, and have fun..

[sueandskip]

In the Caroline neighborhood pool in the summer the residents really don't come out until dusk when it cools down...There the pool is almost alway empty in the heat of the day.... Another suggestion is go to The Villages 4 Rent, Rentals in The Villages (http://www.thevillages4rent.com) and you can find many homes there to rent by the month with there own private pool...This might be more comfortable for you...

[OldDave]

Thanks everyone for the tips. Sounds like its a good idea to go early or late, and to take the car so you can hop around until you find a dead pool.

[jimmemac]

My answer may be a little different-I am from Buttonwood, in the warm months the pool is pretty empty(5-9) from 9am-11:30; midday most of the chairs are taken till about 4:30 and then the numbers dwindle to almost nobody after dinner til dark. During the cooler months the pool is only busy if the temps are warm between 1or 2 till about 4 otherwise it is pretty empty.

[ncarvalho]

Hi Dave. I think there is space for everything in these pools.
For example -- in our neighborhood pool, there is an attached post, where people with less mobility can can even with a wheelchair and get down and do exercises. I have seen people exercising and talking and listenning to music all coexisting in peace. I can seat and read, dip in and swim around with no problem. It is not overcrowded (We go mainly in the summer as we are not full time residents yet) . This is Calumet Grove neighborhood pool. On the sports pool: My husband and i do enjoy the lap swimming. It is a big pool and on one section of it, there are always other activities, weight, dancing and the kind. I never noticed any problem. This is for the Regional Mulberry Grove Rec Center.
I was once there at the end of October and at around 8:00 pm, and a full moon I swam and the water was quite pleasant. I hope they will have warm water in the winter so we can swim all year round.
All the best. Hope you will enjoy! You are probably familiar, but I list the link to a web page . If you click on a center, it will play a video of the facility and it is a nice virtual tour… I browse it often from Virginia (and feel closer to this until someday I move to TV).

Recreation Centers (http://www.thevillages.com/Recreation/recmappop-lg.asp)

[justjim]

Perhaps the most famous pool in TV is down here in Sanibel. Read a previous thread for a few laughs. Well, I thought the give and take was good and mostly a lot about nothing.
Sanibel pool always warm enough and never so many in the pool that you can't swim. Some say the music is fantastic! We have observed less pool people at Sanibel and also the Hemingway pool so far this winter. For the most part, the weather has been excellent.

[coffeebean]

All pools in TV are heated in the cooler months. I've read the temperature in the pools is maintained between 81 and 84 degrees. I swim in the sports pools and have gone in the water when the air temp has been as low as 57 degrees. The pool water feels like bathtub water and is WONDERFUL.

[ssmith]

....someone has mentioned it but...for the sports pools you do need a resident pass....BTW we buy resident passes from the people we rent from....it,in my opinion, is well worth the cost....I have not been turned away from classes or other events. When we used the visitors pass my hubs had some trouble with the golf. Just thought I would mention it....I am still the Wannabe.

Also Hadley adult pool has never been too croweded when we have been down in April and have met the nicest people there!

[OldDave]

If you do rent, see if the homeowner will loan you their passes free of charge. Ours did this summer.

[laceylady]

Last week the temps were in the 80's. The Sanibel, Charlotte and Fernadina pools south of 466A were super crowded in the afternoon. Impossible to swim in. Two of the pools were very noisy. It was impossible to relax. We then moved further out to where homes are still being built. There was a lot of construction noise, which is really just a hum. That pool was not very crowded (not mentioning pool name on purpose) and when it got more crowded at mid-afternoon, the people there were respectful of others. They kept their conversations in and out of the pool quiet, etc. There was a lift of some sort at this pool for disabled people. If people using these other crowded pools, respected others and didn't yell across the pool to make dinner plans or proudly announce they were "loud mouthed Italians" and carry on as such, or see someone sleeping and wake them to ask if the empty chair next to them is taken, etc. we could all enjoy these crowded pools together. Pool users -- please consider being considerate of everyone at your neighborhood pool. These pools are for everyone to share.

[graciegirl]

When you get here Old Dave...send me a PM and I will share some knowledge of quieter pools.

The newness hasn't worn off pool going in some of the newer areas.

[OldDave]

Cool. Secret Gracie info. I feel pretty special now.

Actually when I posted this quite some time ago (don't know why the thread popped up again) that was sort of what I was trying to get at. There are surely pools that are quieter at certain times.

Also because of that, I think we've pretty much stopped looking at houses north of 466. I really like the SpanishSprings area, but there just aren't any neighborhood pools up north.

[graciegirl]

Cool. Secret Gracie info. I feel pretty special now.

Actually when I posted this quite some time ago (don't know why the thread popped up again) that was sort of what I was trying to get at. There are surely pools that are quieter at certain times.

Also because of that, I think we've pretty much stopped looking at houses north of 466. I really like the SpanishSprings area, but there just aren't any neighborhood pools up north.


Sure there are Old Dave, Paradise, Hacienda, Southside Village ctr. Chula Vista, Tierra del Sol, Savannah, El Santiago, Springdale, Mulberry, Chatham and Saddlebrook, are all north of 466.

Whoops. Some are NP some are FP and some are SP. (neighborhood, family and sports) But they got pools! ;)

[senior citizen]

My apologies, I must have done a very poor job of explaining what I was after.

I'm familiar with all the types of pools and rules. We rented a house this summer for a full month, and had their resident passes. I know there aren't indoor pools, I just mentioned that...I don't know why.

So, what I want to know, specifically is how busy are the neighborhood pools at different times. (not interested in the sports pools or family pools.)

During the summer they were almost always empty. One person that answered seemed to indicate they are pretty busy during the winter. I'm still interested in knowing if they are warm enough year round, what the busiest times of day are, etc.

And again, sorry if I made my first post confusing.

When we were there in October and November, the community pools were all empty. I assume summer months would be totally different, but then again, you were there in the summer and you observed them being empty as well.

We'd like to find a home with a pool under a birdcage off the lanai.....just for the convenience of it all........for my husband and when the grandkids visit.......

Or a resale with "room to add a pool".

[travelguy]

I just ride until I find a pool that does not have many cars/carts parked outside. Some of the pools become gathering places for small hordes of bobbing folks who like to form a large circle in the pool and chat up a storm! kind of difficult to do any sort of swimming and also hard to relax with the constant hum of conversation.