Pool Politics and Treadiquette
Pool Etiquette: How Treaders and Lap Swimmers Can Share the Space Gracefully
Treading water is exercise. Great exercise! However, lap swimmers may not agree that you deserve space in a pool lane. We have become recognizable in our area and forged great relationships with pool managers, lifeguards and regular lap swimmers at various rec centers, however treading water for exercise is not well-known, and sometimes not respected when you are clearly having so much fun talking while you work out.
When sharing pool space with lap swimmers, navigating the waters of etiquette (we call it “treadiquette”) is crucial. While it’s perfectly reasonable for treaders to have their spot, being kind and considerate to lap swimmers ensures that everyone can enjoy their time in the pool, and treadheads will make a good name for themselves. Here’s how to harmoniously share the pool space, making it enjoyable for both treaders and lap swimmers.
Do Your Research: Pool Depth and Schedule
Before heading to the pool, it’s essential to do some research to ensure it meets your needs:
Check Pool Depth: Ensure the pool is deep enough for treading water. Ideally, the water should be at about one foot deeper than your height. This depth allows you to tread comfortably without touching pool walls or pool bottom.
Review the Pool Schedule: Pools often have designated times for swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, or other classes that might restrict access to certain areas. Check the pool schedule to avoid conflicts and ensure you have access to the deep end for your workout.
Understanding Pool Layout and Lane Designations
Most pools use a first-come, first-serve system for lane usage. To make the most of your treading water workout, it’s helpful to understand the lane layout and any designated markers:
Lane Markers: Pools often have lane markers indicating speed categories: slow, medium, and fast. These markers help lap swimmers choose lanes that match their pace. As a treader, you should aim to use lanes marked for slower swimmers if they’re available, especially if you’re sharing space.
Aqua-Jogging or Therapeutic Lanes: Some pools have designated lanes for aqua-jogging or therapeutic exercises. If your pool has these, they’re ideal for treading water and can easily be shared with other tread groups or aqua-joggers.
Sharing the Pool: Tips for Treaders
Be Considerate of Lane Swimmers: Lap swimmers are focused on their workouts, so it’s important to be mindful of their space. It's best practice to catch the attention of the swimmer and ask before you use the deep end of the lane to minimize interference with their strokes and turns.
Share the Deep End: It’s not reasonable for more then 2 or 3 treaders to share a lane with a single lap swimmer, assuming they were there first. If you get the go ahead to join, move into single file formation when the lap swimmer approaches your section of the lane. This allows them to make turns smoothly without disrupting your treading workout.
Communicate and Be Friendly: A friendly smile or quick check-in can help coordinate sharing the space and build mutual respect.
Keep your body language open to Lap Swimmers: If you are treading, try to be on the look out for lap swimmers waiting on a lane. With eye contact, you can call them over and assure them they can jump in the lane with you and you’ll share the space.
You are absolutely entitled to have space for your treading workout, and sharing the lane with lap swimmers can be a smooth and enjoyable experience when approached with kindness and consideration. You’ll get to know the “vibes” of different pools in your area, as well as the busy times to avoid. Over time, they will get to know you as well, respect your workout and likely show some interest enabling you to #spreadthetread!
