Why is it that some pools forbid swimming in basketball shorts? Are these rules usually enforced?
Epluribusunumjk1 asked:
When I go swimming, I always swim in basketball shorts and boxers or boxer-briefs. Why do some pools forbid this? I understand that cotton “street clothes” are forbidden b/c either a) cotton retains bacteria which could possibly contaminate the pool or b) the fibers can become weakened, break off and clog the filter. This doesn’t apply to basketball shorts as they are usually polyester and don’t become weakened b/c of chlorine.
Halbert
When I go swimming, I always swim in basketball shorts and boxers or boxer-briefs. Why do some pools forbid this? I understand that cotton “street clothes” are forbidden b/c either a) cotton retains bacteria which could possibly contaminate the pool or b) the fibers can become weakened, break off and clog the filter. This doesn’t apply to basketball shorts as they are usually polyester and don’t become weakened b/c of chlorine.
Halbert
June 24th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
All depends on the rules and then if the pool management or lifeguards enforce the rules.
I would say, don’t take the chance. Get some speedo briefs or jammers and get busy.
Good luck. BTW, polyester fibers are just as bad for the pool as cotton.
June 25th, 2008 at 7:09 am
the bottom line is that it better for the pool and the maintenance team to keep the pool in the best and safest shape if you follow the rules and swim in a true bathing suit.
June 26th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
You mentioned the primary reason most pools require ‘proper’ swimming apparel. Street clothes can leave fibers and also contain more contaminants that swim suits (in theory). It doesn’t matter if your shorts are polyester or cotton – they still contain more biological material than your swimsuit. Also it would be difficult and improper for lifeguards to access the material of your shorts. The difference between swim suits and shorts is obvious and not open to interpretation.
The other reason comes down to modesty. Basketball shorts have a tendency to begin to sag once they’ve been in a pool. This creates many opportunities for a ‘half moon’ if you catch my drift. I dislike patrons at my pools wearing basketball shorts because I often end up seeing much more than I want to.
As to enforcement – it depends on the pool. There are some pools that are very lenient and others that are hard core.
June 27th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I am a lifeguard at a pool
the rules that forbid clothing is because they usually fall off or something along those lines
The filters get clogged up with so much more crap and the pool’s chlorine will kill most cotton bacteria so a little bit of fibers wont hurt it the filters are ment to filter
not wearing cotton clothes is a courtesy to others but its basicaly just that
my advise dont do it but you can and if you get kicked out that adds a rebel lable to you and i hear that girls like that
most pool rules are a joke ment to keep old people happy
Good luck
June 28th, 2008 at 10:30 am
The shorts are not tight-fitting.