r/Swimming • u/aknomnoms Moist • Jul 21 '26
Beginner question: pool etiquette?
I’m taking a beginner swim class and have gone to the pool at my gym to practice on my own. It’s only 3 lanes, and the first 2 times I went there was either no one or only 1-2 other people.
But all 3 lanes were full today and I got kind of “told off” for accidentally cutting in line to be next for a lane, and when I apologized and asked what the system was they didn’t give me an answer except “wait your turn”, and then I spent 40 minutes waiting but no one got out.
So, in general, what is pool etiquette when you show up and all the lanes are full?
If all the lanes are busy, how do you let others know you’re waiting? And do you stake claim on one lane, or just take the next available?
What’s a commonly accepted amount of time to continue using the lane, if you’re not sharing, when you know someone is waiting?
In a gym setting, does it matter which lane I get in if lane sharing doesn’t seem to be a thing?
I appreciate any insight. Thanks!
Mods - this was edited to be broader in scope because you removed my earlier post saying it was too specific to my gym. Thanks.
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u/felicityfelix Jul 21 '26
You should ask a lifeguard or someone who works there if there really are rules like that, assuming you were told off by another swimmer. Most pools everyone just gets in and makes it work, even at my pool where it's way more common to split a lane than circle swim I will ask people to circle swim so I can get in. I don't really think of there being a time limit either as long as the pool is open for lap swim. Some people at my pool that's open for short blocks throughout the day swim the entire time.
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u/No-Zombie9567 Jul 21 '26
As i've found out, some swimmers can be quite entitled, so don't let it get to you
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 21 '26
Thanks! I just want to be polite and understand the proper way to do this so I’m not obnoxiously interrupting someone but also not unnecessarily sitting around for 40+ minutes when the gym is already a 25 minute drive away…
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u/bettertheless Jul 21 '26
We're rooting for you.
I do always tell my females, "You gotta fight. For your right."
Smile and then swim.
?
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Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 21 '26
Thank you! I guess because we’re at the gym, I was treating it like a machine and wanted to give people their space, but you’re right, that’s silly. Thanks for the confidence boost to just go ask and hop in next time. (Also for the funny mental image of like 3 people using the same stair climber or treadmill at once!)
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u/AggieNuke2014 Jul 26 '26
Before you hop in, it is general etiquette to wait till the person pauses and you ask about comfort splitting/sharing a lane. But don’t be afraid to tap someone on the head to get their attention. And if there is a “line” waiting for people to get out don’t feel like you have to wait if you are comfortable splitting a lane. If they wanted to get in and split a lane they would have already gotten in.
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u/Far-Delay7690 Jul 21 '26
Ask the manager if they have to lane split. This is ridiculous, that guy is almost certainly a jerk
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 21 '26
I asked the front desk on my way out and they didn’t know anything except that swimmers should give up the lane after 30 minutes if someone is waiting.
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u/Far-Delay7690 Jul 21 '26
Honestly a terrible policy. Unless they have a lot of lanes that sounds ridiculous
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u/Findmyeatingpants Jul 23 '26
I'd ignore that, hop in a lane, make sure they see me, verify I'll be sticking to one side. Then swim and ignore all other complaints.
They are welcome to get out and complain at which point you can ask the manager where the posted policy is for swim etiquette. Or a written policy. People should be allowed to swim!!
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u/arosiejk Jul 21 '26
One of the gyms I go to has a sign that says “no lane splitting.” Everywhere else, I ask if I can split the lane.
If I see someone standing around on the pool deck, I offer to split the lane.
I try to swim for 30 minutes when I get to swim. I don’t care if someone wants to walk or swim in the same lane.
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u/SquashAny6790 Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
Do they mean “no lane splitting" because they expect lane sharing via circles? I've never been anywhere where they expect you to stay out the pool unless perhaps the lane is very congested with circle swimmers maybe an upper limit of lane sharers but where I go they limit the session attendance anyway.
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u/arosiejk Jul 21 '26
I didn’t ask. When I ask relevant and specific questions of LA Fitness employees I don’t usually get answers. That specific gym has very narrow lanes.
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u/SquashAny6790 Jul 21 '26
Aah with very narrow lanes maybe it's basically impossible to share.
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u/arosiejk Jul 21 '26
It’s probably also because it seems rare that many people are more than very casual (at the times I go).
There’s a pool at a nearby university that has a lot more structure. I know they have circle swimming and a masters group. I’m hoping to check that out after I get my form and speed better.
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 21 '26
I’m at 24hr fitness and my experience with the front desk was the same. No clue about a waiting system but they said, “they should cede the lane after 30 minutes”. No signs or mentions dis/encouraging lane splitting AFAIK.
And, yep, the few times I’ve gone it’s been casual swimmers. While I was waiting, I saw a handful of gym-goers walk into the steam room still wearing their workout sneakers, and one lady in street clothes, so these are the kind of members I’m working with…
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u/arosiejk Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
Yeah, my main gym was super disgusting. I’m not surprised the pool got closed there.
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u/SigmaINTJbio Jul 21 '26
At my pool, lane splitting is generally the way it works. People ask to share the lane and agree on which side to use. Rarely (happened yesterday), the person in the pool will decline to share. Declining to share is considered extremely rude. I always share my lane if a swimmer wants to join.
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u/Muskrat-rider Jul 21 '26
I mostly swim at gym pool with 3 lanes, no life guard, and mostly filled with people doing random things besides swimming laps…If there are people in all the lanes, I will typically watch a few mins to see what each lane is up to and ask to split if someone is lap swimming. It’s never been to the point with 3 or more for a need to circle swim but it’s not uncommon for me to zig zag in the lane to avoid people standing around, doing aerobics or playing around. I just sight like I’m in open water and make it work. There are plenty of times I have ran into someone who decides to jump in the middle of the lane straight from the sauna which is the one thing that really annoys me. I swim there 4-5 days a week so some of the regulars will shift around and combine lanes to give me an open lane when I get there which is really nice
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 21 '26
This sounds similar to my gym, except friendlier 😆
If someone is already lap swimming, how do you interrupt them to ask if you can share?
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u/Muskrat-rider Jul 21 '26
I will stand at the end of their lane and wait for them to take a break. They usually see someone there fairly quickly. For me, it’s better to split with a lap swimmer than deal with the non swimmers
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u/CarlEatsShoes Jul 22 '26
It’s never occurred to me that I need to ask, and now I’m just hoping I have not offended anyone!
I’m at a very casual outdoor community pool club, with a range of swimming levels/abilities. Most are parents just squeezing in a workout while their kids are swimming, but some folks have clearly been lap swimming for years. I’m new to this, and I just assumed you jump in and try to be considerate. Hopefully I haven’t offended everyone in the neighborhood!1
u/Delicious_Yoghurt164 Jul 24 '26
It's also very normal just to get in, if there's an opportunity to ask/give a heads up taht you are joining then that's good...but I would probably just go ahead and get in.
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u/OrangePeelsLemon Jul 21 '26
Unless the pool has a maximum of 2 people per lane, there's no reason why you should have to "wait your turn" to get in. As long as everyone in the lane is aware that there's more than two people and they can no longer split, feel free to get in. Just be mindful of the people that are slower/faster than you in the lane.
At my local pool, I see people waiting to get their own lane or split all the time. I've got a limited amount of time that I'm able to be there, so I'm not going to waste it just standing on deck.
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 21 '26
Thank you, that’s what I thought at the time, but that guy scolding me + the other swimmers just continuing to do their workout made me think there must be some wait system I’m just not understanding. He was waiting off on a side bench where previously I’ve only seen men sit to stare at the pool/play in their phone while cooling off from the hot tub/steam room, so I presumed he wasn’t waiting for the pool or else he would’ve gone in already. There was one swimmer stretching in his lane, who I had approached and was in the middle of asking to share, didn’t say anything before or after the old guy yelled at me, so it seemed to imply that I was in the wrong.
If this happens again, I’ll just move on and ask other swimmers to share.
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u/CarlEatsShoes Jul 22 '26
I once had a old guy at a gas station get out of his car and approach me (a younger woman) to demand that I move my car from the gas pump that I had just pulled up to, because he felt like that would be the best pump for him. I just looked at him, told him that he could either go to one of several open pumps or wait for me to finish. But I wasn’t moving my car for him, obviously. He then just stood there, speechless, completely flabbergasted, mouth open, waiving his arms and looking side to side I guess expecting to find someone as shocked as he was. It was so bizarre. (I didn’t cut him off - he just had some plan in his head about what he wanted to do, but then I was there first, and he couldn’t pivot)
All this to say, if it was just some dude barking a random order at you, especially if you’re a woman, never underestimate the possibility that this was just an entitled person with LDE.
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 22 '26
Go you!
I am a woman and he was twice my age, so I do think that might’ve played into it a bit, but I presume it’s mostly just my lack of confidence/knowledge about pool etiquette.
Y’all have armed me now so I definitely feel more comfortable with the proper way to go about it! Thank you! 💪
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u/random_LA_azn_dude Moist Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
If there is one person in the lane, then you get their attention (waving your hand underwater in their view) and request to split the lane with them.
If there are two people already lane splitting, you will have to get both their attention and request switching to circle swimming (usually counterclockwise).
If people are already circle swimming at your pace (or close to your pace), then you can jump in when an opening appears and keep to a side to allow incoming swimmers space to push off the wall when they make their turn. Never jump in when another swimmer is coming to the wall.
For circle swimming, it is better to have everyone swimming close to the same pace as you. Most pools have signs indicating the speed of the swimmers in the lane. If any swimmers give you an attitude, then you will need to get the lifeguard or pool attendant involved. You have every right to swim in the facility as the other swimmers do.
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 21 '26
Thank you so much! This is exactly the kind of clear response I need.
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u/random_LA_azn_dude Moist Jul 22 '26
When in doubt, ask the lifeguard/pool attendant, that's what they are there for, :)
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u/Delicious_Yoghurt164 Jul 24 '26
I agree but also don't worry too much about flagging someone down to ask if it's just one person! I would be more annoyed by someone interrupting my flow than I would if they just jumped in and shared :)
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u/know-your-onions Splashing around Jul 21 '26
What does it mean for a Kane to be full?
Maybe it’s a tiny pool or something, but was there some e sort of special event happening for it to go from 1-2 people to full?
But if there’s some rule about that there then we can’t tell you what it is.
I don’t think I’ve ever swam at a pool that would sell an entry if it’s already full. I get that gym pools are different because you have a membership and don’t enter just to use the pool, but whatever the rule is you’ll have to ask at the desk there (but if it’s not posted poolside then you may well have just met some asshole with their own made up rule).
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 21 '26
Sorry, I was thinking 1 person in a lane = lane “full” or “in use”. The pool has 3 lanes and there was 1 person in each lane. I don’t know how wide they are, but there are black tiles on the bottom which divide all the lanes in 2, so I presume they each can handle two directions of swim traffic.
And the more I read through responses, the more I think you’re right. That guy was just a jerk. And I just need to step up and not be so worried about interrupting someone’s workout to ask them if I can share the lane. Thanks!
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u/know-your-onions Splashing around Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
I’m looking at a pool right now. 23m, 7 people in a lane all swimming about the same speed, and it’s not full.
Also I’ve never asked to share a lane and nobody’s ever asked me either. Just join the lane that most closely matches your speed, and swim (unless you’re in the US, in which case good luck to you).
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 21 '26
lol I’m in the US and at a gym pool, so entitlement levels may be different. 7 people in a lane sounds impressive! Thanks for the advice!
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u/Traditional-Law-6348 Jul 21 '26
Overall I agree circle swimming is the norm. I live in NYC and all the pools I swim at circle swim and the lanes are pretty wide to accommodate it. However, when I visit my parents and brother they have a family membership to LA Fitness, so I'll swim there, and that pool is too small really to circle swim. I've never seen anyone do it there. But people definitely share lanes with two people on either side of the lines at the bottom. Rarely have I seen it where there's two people in every lane. But I usually just wait for the first opening no matter the lane but this has only happened once or twice, granted I only go there when visiting family. I have noticed at this pool some people do not want to share the lane at all. So for example I think there's three lanes and if there are three people in each lane some people will sit and wait for a totally free lane. However, that's a preference imo. I'm willing to share a lane and I'll go in and share with someone even if I see that. The lanes while not wide enough for circle swimming are wide enough for two swimmers.
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 21 '26
Yeah, you’ve described my 24hr fitness well!
If someone is sitting and waiting for an open lane, have they ever gotten upset that you shared a lane and “cut” in front of them? I had no idea that guy was even waiting for a lane because he was just sitting in a bench, playing on his phone. But as soon as I step foot in the water and am asking a swimmer if they’re done/we can share, he swoops in to scold me and chase me out of the pool.
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u/Traditional-Law-6348 Jul 21 '26
I've never noticed them get upset but I may not have been paying attention lol. Either way personally I wouldn't sweat it in that situation. If all three lanes has two people each I would not cut and check with the person I knew was there first. But if it's simply someone's preference not to share at all, then I wouldn't wait and I'd split with someone.
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u/Ewetuber Jul 21 '26
I'm surprised you actually waited that long. Talk to lifeguard or front desk if you can't figure it out.
Never seen someone take a lane to themselves. If the rules say share/circle swim but they won't I'd tell 'em to fuck off and go complain to the lifeguard they the pool VIP themselves.
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u/bettertheless Jul 21 '26
Talk to the secondary lifeguard, or pool attendant.
You paid the same fee they did.
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u/Salt_water_mama Jul 21 '26
2 people, split the lane. 3+ people, circle swim. 🤷🏻♀️ 1) you find a lane that has people similar in speed to you and get in it. 2) no limit - there should not be waiting. 3) if lane sharing is “not a thing” a) make it a thing but also b) if people are so inexperienced they can’t share then no it doesn’t matter which lane.
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u/Oops_I_Cracked Jul 22 '26
Ask a lifeguard or other pool staff. Rules around this will be pool specific and every pool has entitled assholes who “make up” rules like this to bully other swimmers, but usually lifeguards will tell them to knock it off if they are made aware.
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u/Admirable_pussy4361 Jul 24 '26
I struggle to imagine a pool which, when you last showed up only had 2 people, would actually be full to the brim? Were they just not swimming in circles? You don't always have to listen to people just cuz they've been there longer yk🤣
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u/Delicious_Yoghurt164 Jul 24 '26
Think it's totally fair to share a lane, 2 people per lane is ideal because you can handle passing/ each take half a lane. But even having 3 is totally fair, just make sure you jump in a lane where you are about the same speed.
Lanes here are just labelled slow/medium/fast etc.
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u/guavatridotcom Jul 21 '26
Standing at the wall at the end of a lane is how you signal youre waiting, thats the thing nobody actually tells you. And 40 minutes with nobody getting out is nuts, someone shouldve offered to split with you way before that.
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u/know-your-onions Splashing around Jul 21 '26
If nobody tells you, maybe it’s not the rule. And swimming for 40 minutes plus is not at all unusual.
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Jul 21 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 21 '26
So, on a busy day, do you expect someone to interrupt your workout to ask if they can share the lane with you, or are you fine with them just appearing and start swimming?
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u/aknomnoms Moist Jul 21 '26
Again, I’m new, but standing at the end of a lane would seem creepy and annoying to me. Do you do it just until they stop and you can ask to join, or do you mean continue to stand there and wait for the full 30 minutes?
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u/felicityfelix Jul 21 '26
I'm assuming they mean get in and give the person one opportunity to acknowledge you before you also start swimming. It's basically just a way to indicate they need to stay on one side even if they don't stop and talk to you. I tend to just lean down from the deck and say hi when the person is coming to turn/rest but the people at my pool are largely pretty slow and stop a lot lol
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u/guavatridotcom Jul 22 '26
Not the full 30, god no. You catch their eye at the wall when they stop to breathe or flip, point at the empty side, and get in. Takes like 10 seconds. If they're heads down and never look up, just hop in on one side and stay there, theyll sort it out.
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u/ashyfriend452 Jul 21 '26
It's super rude to just jump in without asking. Also, I've never experienced a pool with a wait-your-turn policy in my 25 years of swimming. Everyone, sometimes reluctantly, expects to share, even if it's not ideal. What I do is watch the lap swimmers to gauge which person I most likely can swim next to without interrupting them too much, and then ask if we can split the lane. 99% of the time they agree. Once, I expected to be turned down by this guy but he agreed even when he turned out to have a very wide arm swing on his right shoulder. As soon as a lane opened up I moved over to share with another lady so as to give him space and me to not feel afraid of getting swiped.
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u/bright_sorbet1 Jul 21 '26
Never have i ever asked to get in a swim lane.
The person swimming does not own the lane nor have they booked it for their sole use.
Just get in, share the lane like adults. If there are more than two people, swim laps up one side and down the other.
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u/Swim-Seaweed8751 Jul 21 '26
I always jump in. We all pay the same membership fee. no one is less special. We share the lane. sometime 4 or 5. We circle swim.
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u/No_Heart6958 Jul 21 '26
just wait your turn, no cutting in line-most pools have unwritten rules.
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u/Remarkable_Elk8305 Jul 21 '26
This is still specific to your pool.
In general, in 99% of other countries, people circle swim.