Discussions

There seems to be a growing problem involving babies soiling the pool from my observations during the last few years. Not to be creepy, but as a parent in the change rooms I'm noticing more parents not placing "swimmer diapers" under their child's swimsuits. The reason I'm bringing this up is I'm getting fed up with pools littered with turds sinking to the bottom. The sportsplex pool was once again closed for the night (Thursday) because of lumps of excrement were discovered at the bottom of the shallow end side before 6:30pm. Talking to those I know who work at the plex, it's becoming common practice to "fish out" stuff at the end of the day and now during the day. I like to think it's not from older kids and adults, but from young kids who are under the supervision of their parents/guardians. This isn't a witch hunt, but both the Y and the plex are regularly finding crap in the pool. (usually at the end of the day) I'm getting sick of the $h!++y attitude of parents with really young kids.  
 
Here some "free common sense advise" from one parent to another...  
 
1)If your kid isn't fully potty trained, they must wear a swimming diaper. Yeah, I know they don't do anything for pees and they are pricy, but it's the bands on the legs that keeps the stuff in and the padding inside keeping the yellow and brown colors from showing through. The $h!+ is literally in the water, because one of you are either too cheap or stupid not to have the diaper on him/her.  
 
2)If the kid is sick or you suspect the kid is unwell... Keep them home! On Monday, a toddler yacked up a huge load into the pool. Thus, closing it down the first of two times this week. Hey, I know you've paid for that lesson, so missing it wastes money. But, others are either in the pool or coming in the following hours have paid in advance for pool time as well. If you knew something was up before they physically get sick at the pool... You're a selfish and bad parent.  
 
3)Don't feed the kid just before going the the pool. By now, you as a parent must realize that when you feed your child, that you will also likely need to change the diaper soon after. (In with the new, out with the old ...when it comes to food, you know what I mean.) Theoretically, that means rushing your kid through a meal and then "going Commando" with the little stuffed meat bag is a huge risk for everybody. This advise also can apply well with no.2, "speed feed" the child right before the lesson will only increase the risk of coming back up and into the pool as spit up or barf. Time your meals better, please. And if you can't? ...Pick another class time or set back the days mealtimes and feed them after the lesson.  
 
I'm not telling you how to raise your kid... What I'm telling you to stop being so selfish or ignorant with your kid towards others who wish to use the pool as well. SMARTEN UP! You're grossing us out and screwing up our pool time.  
 
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Glad someone has said it. We only have 2 facilities for swimming in this city, aside from outdoor pools in the summer, so that means they are going to be very busy. Please be respectful and make sure that you are not going in to the water ill or unprepared with a child who is not potty trained.  
 
We always used swim diapers, and if they were "used", we would get out of the pool immediately to change them. This swim diapers do not stop germs from spreading in to the water, they just contain the majority of the mess so that there is minimal spread, and you can get out of the water to deal with it without leaving massive amounts of bacteria in the pool. There is enough chlorine in the pool to help with small amounts of bacteria from our bodies, and there is enough protection from those swim diapers to keep everyone else safe and comfortable, so yes, please use them.  
 
As for puke in the pool, sure sometimes there is no warning, and things happen, but I agree with the OP. If you at all think your kid is a bit off or not quite well, skip swimming, or any other activity they may be involved in. It is not fair to everyone else around to have to deal with your germs just because you don't want to lose a few dollars missing an activity.  
 
We have been told to get out of the pool due to a fouling, and we have arrived at our lessons countless times to find out that the pool was shut down too. It is frustrating, and most of the incidents can be prevented.