Why are pool deep ends disappearing?

[Shalmanese]

Can you have a pool without a deep end and still have starting blocks? I remember when using starting blocks that you would go a decent way into the water if you wanted to.

[Si Amigo]

Originally Posted by Shalmanese

Can you have a pool without a deep end and still have starting blocks? I remember when using starting blocks that you would go a decent way into the water if you wanted to.

Olympic pool standards are 2 meter depth minimum and often go deeper. I imagine that most pools used for competition use the Olympic standard or close to it. Six and half minimum qualifies as deep end for me; in fact the whole thing is deep.

[fiddlesticks]

Originally Posted by Shalmanese

Can you have a pool without a deep end and still have starting blocks? I remember when using starting blocks that you would go a decent way into the water if you wanted to.

The new YMCA pool in my hometown (2nd one in the building) that was built in the 1980s had starting blocks in the shallow end. Thinking the shallow end was 4 feet, because it wasn't "up to the waist" shallow, but you could still stand easily as a kid. The deep end had a movable walkway to adjust the length of the lap section of the pool and separated it from the diving well. I used the blocks during swimming lessons but during open swim lifeguards would throw you out if you got up on them. I remember I used to scrap my chest half the time, and the instructors put the fear in God to us about being careful to protect our heads and necks.

[BigT]

So far, I don't believe my local pool has been renovated to remove the deep end, though I haven't been there in a while, anyways. It's just not something they are likely to spend money on. Few people around here are in the "save money by spending money" wave of thought.

[billfish678]

Originally Posted by fiddlesticks

. I remember I used to scrap my chest half the time, and the instructors put the fear in God to us about being careful to protect our heads and necks.

Wouldn't it be ironic that in trying to make pools safer by having no deep end we significantly increase the number of serious head and neck injuries? Many people like to dive in water. Most people have enough sense to do it in the deep end. But if there isn't one it will be in the shallower water and thats not as safe.

Also, this no deep end business might make more people afraid of the water. Yeah you can learn to swim in water you can stand up in. But you are less likely to do so or feel the need to do. And even if you do learn to swim, water over your head is still gonna be a bit scary because you've never/rarely actual staked you life on your ability to swim.

And durn it I like deep ends. And not for the diving board. I just liked swimming around down there. I hate to see them go

[Diceman]

My in-laws have a pool with a deep end. The pool isn't deep enough to dive in, so the deep end is mostly a nuisance that makes it impossible to stand up in half the pool.

[Anne Neville]

Originally Posted by billfish678

Also, this no deep end business might make more people afraid of the water.

That might not be an entirely bad thing. According to the CDC, about 3500 Americans drown every year. We should be at least as afraid of drowning as we are of terrorism.

[The Man In Black]

Originally Posted by Anne Neville

That might not be an entirely bad thing. According to the CDC, about 3500 Americans drown every year. We should be at least as afraid of drowning as we are of terrorism.

I would think being able to swim (or swim better) would take care of at least some of those deaths.