La Alberca Municipal

Thank you, Barbara, for showing me that I can use this wonderful swimming pool.

I've known for a while that there was/is a city run swimming pool in Cozumel.  I've even sat in the bleachers to rest and knit while my bicycle was being fixed, at a nearby repair shop.  

But I didn't think I could swim there. Unless I was a resident and agreed to give a poo sample and an unknown sum of money, to get a monthly pass.  Turns out, that's no longer the case.  I swam a few times with Barbara on a drop in basis. All I needed was a swim cap and 60 pesos (about $4.25 CDN).

Then I learned that I could get a monthly pass!  With my passport and 300 pesos (about $21 CDN).  This is for 2 swims per week, on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 am.  Yep.  You have to choose the number of days per week you wanna swim, and they adjust the price accordingly.  You also have to choose the specific days and times.  Residents pay half these amounts.  I'm OK with that.  The average Mexican earns considerably less than the average Canadian.  

PS.....Yes, there's a wonderful ocean to swim in here.  But the pool is much more accessible, and less wavy.  I'm enjoying that for training type swims :)

Pictures

1&2) The pool has 8 lanes.  I think it's 25 meters long.  The saltwater is warm.  Delightful! I very much enjoy sitting in the stands after my swims.  To rest, snack, knit when I'm alone, and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.  I especially like watching the little kids come for lessons around 1:30.  And watching a group of special needs (one blind young adult, a teenager with down syndrome I think, and a kid maybe with autism) young people take their lessons.  It warms my heart to think they have rewarding activities.

3) There are idoor washrooms for the pool, ut the showers ad hooks for clothes are outside.  Most people, who other to chage their clothes at the pool, do it outside.  Usually with a towel as a personal change space.

4) The pool is one component of a large sports facility with tennis courts, a soccer field, and baseball diamond)

5) Toby and me, looking very cool in our swim caps!