University City Swim Club

NewQueen

Probably a long shot here but is anyone a member at the University City Swim Club. DH has offered to buy me a pool membership this summer. Kind of like a push present but more of a "thank you for growing a child in you all summer, maybe this will make you more comfortable" present.

Any other suggestions for swim clubs are welcome. I'd be more comfortable going to a family friendly pool rather than a pool that caters to the 20-somethings that want to show off their perfect baby-free bodies while day drinking...

ladybug1211

I don't know anything about that one, sorry, but, I was just talking about this with a friend.  She was telling me about the Roberts Pool in Collingswood (I've never been).   There is also a swim club in Delaware County called Folcroft Swim Club.  We were there once for a birthday party and that was nice.  I'm not sure where you live and whether either of these would be convenient, but good luck, and happy swimming.

 

amy052006

We used to live out there and the waiting list was INSANE. Like 5 to 10 years.

I worked with folks who lived out there and would go on the the list the hot second they got pregnant, hoping they would be called by the time their kids were school aged. 

erbur78

amy052006:

We used to live out there and the waiting list was INSANE. Like 5 to 10 years.

I worked with folks who lived out there and would go on the the list the hot second they got pregnant, hoping they would be called by the time their kids were school aged. 

Yup. I have a friend from h.s. who just got his "invite letter" after 5-6 years of waiting.  

NewQueen

The website isn't very clear. It does tell you that "virtually all members have rented for two to three years before a full membership became available" but says nothing about how long the waiting list is for the ability to rent a membership. I'm guessing it's a long shot I'll find any pool at all. My gym has a pool but it's inside and has weird "free swim" hours. I'd have to take one of the aqua fitness classes or pay for aqua therapy to use it more often and, honestly, I just want to float around and do nothing.

ering1115

We had a swim "membership" at a hotel with an outdoor pool.  Are there any hotels that do this in Philly?  I loved it.

jessica0602

You're in the burbs right?  Check with your local township.  I know mine has a pool that's relatively inexpensive for the season.

NewQueen

I never heard of hotels offering pool membership around here. Also, I'm located in East Falls (close to Manayunk).

larrysdarling

Do you have a local Y? Our Y offers a deal every summer - $99 for the whole family from now til 9/1. I just signed up Monday.

cutiepie75

Last year, someone was telling me they belong to the Radnor Hotel pool.  I know that isn't super close to you, but apparently hotels around here do offer memberships. 

 

We live in Malvern, and you are more than welcome to float around our pool anytime you want.  We are never here on week ends anyway.  We are contemplating selling this house because the backyard pook is a PIA.  In the meantime, open invite to you NQ

cutiepie75

Last year, someone was telling me they belong to the Radnor Hotel pool.  I know that isn't super close to you, but apparently hotels around here do offer memberships. 

 

We live in Malvern, and you are more than welcome to float around our pool anytime you want.  We are never here on week ends anyway.  We are contemplating selling this house because the backyard pook is a PIA.  In the meantime, open invite to you NQ

letranger

i have a kiddie pool you can rent at.

 

i think the salvation army place in hunting park has a pretty crazy pool stepup. i read about it once on hipsterhenry.com 

Jamiedoll01

letranger:

i have a kiddie pool you can rent at.

 

i think the salvation army place in hunting park has a pretty crazy pool stepup. i read about it once on hipsterhenry.com 

Steer clear of the Salvation Army pool (it's called the Kroc Center).  DH works there .  Among a million reasons I would advise you not to throw your money away there, I'll highlight the following:

*Swim team is huge.  In summer, they run an intense camp from 7am-5pm Monday-Friday, plus some evening practices, and Saturday practices.  Head coach is talking about adding Sunday practice.  When all this is going on, the entire lap pool is closed, or maybe if you're lucky one or two lanes are left open, so people end up swimming like 10 to a lane.  Patrons have complained to no end but nothing has changed.

*The "water park" area (the other pool) is also poorly run.  Guards do not keep order, so kids just run wild and  jump in all over you.  I had a kid almost jump on top of DD numerous times when I took her there once- right in front of the lifeguard. It is so unsafe it's ridiculous. 

 

Jamiedoll01

That being said, BTW, maybe check out your local Philly Recreation pool.  I know some of them are dumps, but honestly some aren't bad.  And they're free.  All of them have to offer free swim from 1-4 daily- it's a uniform policy now for us....and then many have 'special' swims, such as adult swim or family swim or whatever.

erbur78

NewQueen:

I never heard of hotels offering pool membership around here. Also, I'm located in East Falls (close to Manayunk).

Check with the Crowne Plaza on City Ave. They may offer a summer pool membership.  

rosemary&thyme

Used to be a member and loved it. Agree with others re: wait.

Linvilla Orchard also has a pool. 

amy052006

Jamiedoll01:

That being said, BTW, maybe check out your local Philly Recreation pool.  I know some of them are dumps, but honestly some aren't bad.  And they're free.  All of them have to offer free swim from 1-4 daily- it's a uniform policy now for us....and then many have 'special' swims, such as adult swim or family swim or whatever.

Ditto -- if you are in East Falls, you are close to the Kendrick pool on Ridge.  We have gone a few times.  They are swim lessons, Mommy and Me, Family Swim, etc. 

alibat421

I was just looking into joining a pool for the summer.  i live in narberth and was looking at Belmont hills pool which is Lower Merion townships public pool.  Ive been there before during my babysitting years and its very family oriented.  i think the weekends get super busy, but im sure all pools get really busy in summer.  It is cheaper if you live in lower merion township, but if you don't live in lower merion it is $332 for an individual and $717 for a family of 3. It is all families and kids! Trust me- no twenty something's there! Lol.  It's right off the manayunk exit of 76 so easy to get to. 

NewQueen

Thanks everyone for the info! I did hear back from UCSC and the waiting list is about 100 families long at the moment. The woman I spoke to was super nice and we actually chatted for about ten minutes about other pools in the area. Not sure what I'll do yet but just wanted to thank you all for the other suggestions.