Take the plunge

One great thing about heading into the fall season is that we don’t live in fear of the weather going afoul. Temperatures from September through November are usually still well within the comfortable range, allowing us to continue on our awesome path of outdoor activities. So now that the tourists have gone home, the beach crowds are more local-friendly and you can park closer to popular haunts again, let’s keep the party rolling.

I love ocean swimming, but as the sea temperatures cool off, I go in search of other places to satiate my need for immersion. Although I belong to a gym that has a pool - the dirtiest, most over-chlorinated pool that stings your eyes and is filled with old people - I choose to find other options if at all possible.

There are dozens of great options in the city, and one of the best public pools I have found in the city is the Tierrasanta community pool, located off Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. This haven for swimmers features an eight-lane Olympic-sized pool, and while you swim your laps, your kids can have a blast in the children’s pool filled with fountains, a killer slide and fun water features. On a hot day, it’s tempting for both kids and adults.

North County has its own version with its Carmel Valley Pool that looks more like an amusement park than the old-style pools we grew up with. Kids have a play area filled with two large slides and wading areas, while parents can enjoy multiple lanes for serious swimming. This pool offers something for everyone and is located right off state Route 56 for easy access.

One thing you’re going to want to do - if you’re serious about swimming - is to get the appropriate gear. Try to avoid the big box stores and go to a local swim shop that specializes in lap and ocean swimming. One store that gets it right is Paradowski’s Swim & Sport (7962 Convoy Court, Kearny Mesa. paradowskisswim.com). The shop has everything you need from A to Z: goggles and swimsuits, gear bags and outerwear. I found out that swimming in normal surf trunks was hindering me, and the good folks at Paradowski’s got me pointed in the right direction.

All you have to do now is find the pools of your liking and get in the water as much as possible and you’ll be on your way to having an endless summer.

For more information on San Diego pool hours and locations, visit sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/aquatics.

San Diego Public Pools

Tierrasanta Pool

Address: 11238 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Tierrasanta

Phone: (858) 636-4837

City Heights Swim Center

Address: 4380 Landis St., City Heights

Phone: (619) 641-6126

Bud Kearns Memorial Pool

Address: 2229 Morley Field Drive, Balboa Park

Phone: (619) 692-4920

Ned Baumer Aquatic Center

Address: 10440 Black Mountain Road, Mira Mesa

Phone: (858) 538-8083

Swanson Pool

Address: 3585 Governor Drive, University City

Phone: (858) 552-1653

Carmel Valley Recreation Pool

Address: 3777 Townsgate Drive, Carmel Valley

Phone: (858) 552-1623

As a lifelong San Diegan, Ken Lewis has surfing and ocean life in his DNA. A 30-year surfer himself, Lewis has worked in the surf and skate industry for most of his career. Send him thoughts about the surfing and fitness worlds to kenlewis760@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @hanger18.

Source: DiscoverSD