Going to a new city is an chance to try out a new swimming pool. I love to swim and the best way to unwind after a flight or two is a few laps ( usually – quite a few ) and so last week I stopped in at the Moana Pool in Dunedin.
This is a 50 m pool and is named after Danyon Loader who is a local Dunedin hero. The pool was open till about 10pm which is unusually late but possibly a clue to why there have been so many champions from here.
I try to swim every day but that gets a bit harder in winter. But when there is a 50m pool empty like that I just had to be in there.
For me swimming is an extended meditation and gives me a chance to relax for a while without anyone being able to talk to me. Going off the grid for up to an hour recharges my batteries and the swimming slows me down to a more conscious space where I have to pay attention to simple things like breathing.
For me a long swim is a time for active thinking. After the first 10 or 20 laps the physical syncs and then it is a mental exercise after that.
I also like going reasonably fast to burn off energy and so a pet hate are people standing around in the lanes having a chat.
My usual pool is closed so I have tried out 2 other Auckland pools in Mt Roskill and Onehunga. Both of them have seen better days and have limited opening hours.
The reason the lap pool is empty is because it has been closed by owners & or council. I suspect there is more to the story but its a PR disaster already because I am a member and have prepaid to swim there.
So far the Mt Albert management has not contacted any members that I know of. Considering we have to fill out a raft of details including email address seems a strange way to run a business. Where is the customer focus?
Also from what I’ve heard it will be closed for months and has a very big repair bill. The place has been run down for the past year and quite a few of the amenities are broken.
Doesn’t seem like a positive way for a Super City asset to be looked after but lets see what they come up with. The front line staff are doing a great job but they have not been fully briefed by management. There should be an information pack at the front desk and more info up on Twitter & Facebook. Despite promises no updates on lap pool for 10 days now. Follow them on twitter for more info.
Still no lane pool, should know alot more by Monday. On the brighter side the wave rave was a major sucess!
— Mt Albert Aquatics (@MtAlbertAquatic) June 30, 2012
Luckily the Teps have just re-opened. I will be heading down there but can’t justify the car parking fees so it is a short term fix.
“On 23 June 2012 the Tepid Baths will reopen to the public. Once again a grand building, proud to show glimpses of its past and one that is also sleek, modern and again ready to train champions.”
“Tepid Baths includes a 7 lane 25 metre lap pool and a separate 15 metre teaching pool; both with easy access. Also available are a spa pool, sauna and steam room which are perfect for relaxing.”
Pool temperature
Main pool: 27° Learners pool: 31° Spa pool: 39°
Hours
Monday – Friday: 5.30am – 9.00pm , Weekends: 7.00am – 7.00pm Public Holidays: 10.00am – 6.00pm (some exceptions apply)
https://twitter.com/TheTepidBaths/status/222157171410993152
Here is a shot of the newly refurbished Teps pool.
What else happens at the Teps?
I have been swimming all around NZ and in Australia also. The Tobruk Memorial Pool on Cairns is a fave as is the Bondi pool, although that might be a bit cold at this time of the year. One year I organised a NZ vs Australia race at the BHP training centre near Melbourne airport. Of course NZ won, but such a rare event.
If you have a a favourite pool let me know – would love to hear about it. I’m looking for a pool in SF or the Bay area.
Ok couldn’t resist here is a swimming song for you.
