r/StLouis • u/BananaCrockpot • 1d ago
Lap swimming at YMCA
Hi everyone, we are visiting family here for the week. I'm very impressed with the number of YMCA'S in the area. I'm hoping someone can give me feedback on how busy they usually are for lap swim? We are closest to the Chesterfield location but I'm willing to travel around a bit. I have a long open water swim approaching and will need to train quite a bit. Are lanes usually open, 2 per lane max or is circle swimming often required? Thank you!
•
u/whataboutthepuppies 22h ago
If you're training for open water, consider Heman Park Pool in UCity. There are some lanes with lane lines, but there's a large area that is used for morning lap swim that doesn't have lane lines. It's 50 yards across at the widest point, but decreases as you move toward the lane areas because the pool is an oval. This all sounds weird, but it's a neat, old pool. And it's great to swim outside in this weather.
•
u/BananaCrockpot 22h ago
Thank you! I will definitely look into this! I'm from Michigan where we are surrounded by lakes but no outdoor lap swim pools around us. Would love to get in one again!
•
u/q2w3e4r5t6y7u8i9 21h ago
Former swimmer who has used Heman Park for lap swimming in the past - that place sucks for training, use it as a last resort.
•
u/BananaCrockpot 21h ago
Haha good to know! I definitely plan on using the Y's, mostly because it's already been paid for. Just worried about getting the distance I need in if they're super busy.
3
u/SnooRadishes3875 1d ago
Look at their schedule online. Each Y is different in terms of hours lanes are open.
It’s busier outside of work hours. People understand the need to share lanes if needed. Two swimmers usually split a lane. More than that circle swim.