Anyone ever done this?

[Hoeser]

I often travel for work to boring destinations with little time to actually get away from work or the hotel, but I was thinking about bringing some dive gear next time and just using the hotel pool.

Has anyone ever tried this? Does hotel management get on your case about it? Am I crazy for wanting to try this? I'd dive my bathtub if I could get all the way under water.

 

[muddiver]

You could really get some good meditation time in floating in the lotus position at 12'

 

[victor]

Too difficult to get tanks, air fills ets.
No, practise swimming lengths and imagine you are heading out to your favorite dive destination.
Or find the nearest LDS and go and have a chat, maybe meet up with some like minded people to talk about diving.
Or surf the net planning your next dive vacation.

 

[Buccaneer]

I've never tried the pool thing- but I usually try and contact local area LDS before I go, and see if there is something close by that might be interesting to see. My bigest problem on business trips, is usually they want me there jus long enough to accomplish my objective and back on a plane home. Most times it ends up being too difficult to honor the no fly for 24 hrs rule.

 

[jimdiverman]

Aside from looking silly, they may not want the liability of you in their pool with SCUBA equipment. It sounds like a way to get wet, but a lot of effort for very little return.

 

[Jorbar1551]

Why dont you check out dtmag.com and find out where there are unkown dive sites in areas that you visit

 

[Hoeser]

I would actually dive if I had the chance but I generally don't have time for that as I'm usually occupied until the later evening hours.. I go by car so I could just bring a tank or two, eliminating the tank problem... Generally the North York area is where I end up (Toronto) in the IBM district. The hotel I generally stay at is a Sheraton which has a very large pool connected to some kind of fitness club, I bet its 15ft deep and high-school sized.

 

[Hoeser]

I am going out to Vancouver in march though... looking for a dive buddy for some early evening dives - any takers?

 

[KeysCuda]

Some semi-public pools (hotels, clubs, civic) specifically do not allow dive gear out of concern damage that tanks, weights, etc., could cause to concrete pool walls and deck.

Whether that concern is justified, I cannot say. Just know as former pool lifeguard, that's what I was told to enforce. Pretty sure the local town pool (Olympic size with sweet dive well that would be great for instruction) will not allow gear (it's been open for several years now) until they get submersible mats to protect the pool floor. Which probably will never happen.

Anyway, I would say "check first," but sometimes it's better to ask permission later...

 

[spectrum]

I have managed to network pre-trip with board memebers and did a dive at Brownstone (car trip) and a 2 dive day weekend layover at Gilboa Quarry (air trip).

As for the hotel pool I would expect objections for liability or other such reasons. It it were a road trip and you really want to try, call and ask first. By air the cylinder and lead (if needed) would be a hassle. Lugging wet gear back out of the pool area is bound to raise eyebrows. Your chances go up considerably if the pool is outdoors and you would rather beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. For me the work of moving all of the gear would not be worth a pool experience. Mask fins and snorkel will get you neutral and is very doable.

Pete