As a lifelong swimmer, and a lifeguard for the past two summers, I have seen firsthand the many benefits pools provide individuals and communities. 

Although costly, pools improve the quality of life for residents. Neighborhood pools, in particular, are often a gathering place for many social functions that benefit communities. 

This is why I am opposed to the City of Austin turning some of the neighborhood pools into municipal pools.

Recently, there has been talk of Austin doing just that. 

According to the City of Austin’s website, there are currently seven municipal pools in the city and over 24 neighborhood pools. Municipal pools are larger than neighborhood pools and patrons are charged an entry fee of two to three dollars, unlike neighborhood pools which are free. This distinction is important for many people who use their neighborhood pools daily.

Neighborhood pools that open during the summer serve many social functions. Pools are gathering places where residents can come for recreational activities and socializing. 

Many people often consider pools to be the social center of the community. It allows people to keep in touch while doing something they enjoy.

For others, it serves as an escape from home. Many young people go to the pool virtually every day during the summer. There, they find refuge from the summer heat and simultaneously get some good exercise. 

It gives them a place to spend their energy in a healthy way. It also provides a space for families to do recreational activities together.

As you can see, neighborhood pools have many benefits for communities. Many of these benefits are attributed to that fact that these pools are free. 

Turning these pools into municipal pools would reduce attendance, alter the atmosphere of the pools and diminish many other benefits that come with free neighborhood pools.

Most people may still be able to afford the daily fee, but it is likely many will not be willing to regularly pay to visit the pool. 

Regular patrons may choose to stay at home instead and save money. Children will likely have trouble convincing their parents to fund their daily pool visits. 

Also many summer camps that take their campers to swim may be unable to pay the dues to the city.

The pool’s atmosphere will also be altered. Pools would stop being community centers where people freely come and go. 

They would just be facilities people come to use. Families who come to spend the day together at the pool may reconsider this activity in order to avoid the cost.

Considering the benefits of neighborhood pools and the potential negative consequences of turning them into municipal pools, I would say the costs outweigh the benefits. 

If the Aquatic Department is losing money it could petition for more tax funding or just cut hours from pools and lifeguards.