Public swimming pool usage in Italy and how not to make
a big splash
It may be a dive but it's your local pool so go with
the flow and get into the swim of things
Swimming pool etiquette in Italy is somewhat strange and limited
but when you've lived here for a while you get used to that (or do
you?). Here is a brief summary of the main rules about using a public
swimming pool here.
Shoes
These should not be worn into even the locker room - you must hire
overshoes and wear those within the pool building. Even very young
children who may have arrived in a pushchair must comply with this.
Washing
You are supposed to use a footbath before going into the swimming pool
but this does not work very well at our local pool and it is an easy
matter to walk around it. This rule, surprisingly enough, does not seem
to be enforced.
Head cover
Swimming caps must be worn by everyone while they are in the swimming
pool. The pool sells them for a few euros each and no doubt generates a
nice little side revenue from their commercialism.
Food
You are not supposed to bring any food into the swimming pool but most
sell snacks and, in any case, the rule is not regularly enforced. Not
many people dare come between an Italian and their stomach.
Lane adherence
It is strictly forbidden to even appear to wander from the centre course
of your lane. You are also likely to get rudely shoved aside if you are
a slow swimmer and a faster one is wishing to pass.
Showering
Theoretically you are supposed to shower before and after going in the
swimming pool. In reality most people just have a cursory rinse
afterwards - being seen with wet hair afterwards is a social no-no.
Exclusions
You may not use the swimming pool if you have open sores or are
bleeding. In some cases where you might otherwise be ejected, it may be
wise to get a doctor's note to show to the staff at the pool.
After all that, you may still not get to use the pool. Our local
municipal one boasts 6 lanes and is full-sized. Unfortunately at least
five of those six lanes will be taken up with young children and their
parents or instructors. They all have priority over you, sadly. If you
try to buck the system and go outside of what could be considered
children's hours then you are likely to find the swimming pool given
over to swimmers in training for various competitions.
Perhaps it is now obvious why we have just built our own swimming pool!
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