I say log them if you want to...but if you want to count them as "dives", designate that they are "pool dives". What kind of "credit" and "clout" goes with a Pool Dive??
There are many uses and benefits of log books. Each diver uses theirs personally for their own records. Occassionally, divers use the log books to show credit to acheive the next level of training. When they do this, the Instructor should verify the log book as being authentic and accurate. If someone was logging pool dives as dives, it should be discovered then and possibly discussed as to what the difference / significance might be.
Anyone can load up a bunch of bogus log book entries...who's job is it to check? Some times, dive boat operators claim that they won't take you on a dive trip from their boat unless you can show them your log book and prove experience that shows you are qualified and seasoned enough to make the trip safely. Do pool dives contribute to this?? Maybe for some people. What about someone in Nebraska taking a "Pool Refresher" just prior to a once a year dive trip to the islands? Not such a bad idea if they are considered "rusty" divers. I'd probably be too embarassed to show someone my log book and brag about my pool dives at this point but, I have a pretty impressive log book to begin with and the pool dives wouldn't probably count for much.
I think the real question here is about log books in general. I know many divers that never log their dives....ever! Their loss, if you ask me, but, to each his own way. I lead divers all the time and I log my dives with them. It's not only a log book, it's like a journal. I'd say less than half of them have their own log book handy and ready for me to sign and stamp it. There are quite a few "Scubaboarders" in my log books. I know I've stamped many of their books for them and they will forever be able to look at that book and recollect on the good times they had while diving. I'd say the SCUBABOARDER with Logbook ratio is much higher than the non-SCUBABOARDER with logbook that dives with me. Good Job 'BOARDERS!!
There are a lot of different "Log Books" to choose from. Some provide much more room for information pertaining to the dive than others. Which kind you decide to use will impact your logging ability in the first place. I've never seen one with a "pool" section or pool icon or anything so maybe that's why you posed the question in the first place.
If you decide to keep a log book, I say "figure out what you want to use it for and log your dives as you see fit". Dive Instructors / Commercial Divers / Recreational Divers all have different needs and responsibilities with their log books. Pool, Quarrey, Lake, Pond, Water Tank, Aquarium, Ocean, River, Sink, Bathtub, Hot Tub, Commercial, Recreation, it's all wet and it's all good! It's easier to remember years later if you write it down today.
No matter how you look at it, even a goofy logbook is better than no log book at all. I've logged all my dives for the last 9 years. I can list off some cool statistics now but I won't bore anyone with that stuff here.
with that said...."Happy Aloha Friday!!!!"
