Why stay somewhere with an indoor swimming pool?
The sheer simplicity of back to basics camping – field, tent, sleep, repeat – is a blessing for folk whose synapses have been doing overtime dealing with work, constant connection and life in general (if you fancy a taste of that approach, have a look at our wild-style campsites here). But – and we’ve got to be honest here – it’s not always what you’re in the mood for, especially if you’re holidaying with kids who need to be entertained.
And that’s where our collection of campsites with indoor pools comes in. Read on for our top three reasons why indoor pools make an excellent addition to outdoor breaks, or scroll down to our tips on campsite pool etiquette and how to find a perfect site with a pool if you need no convincing.
Fitness
Swimming is one of the most inclusive sports out there – regardless of age or ability, once you’ve mastered the basics you’re free to take a dip pretty much anywhere. It also helps to burn calories (not that you should be overly worried about that – we’re talking about holidays here after all…).
As it’s a low-impact activity that won’t leave your body in need of hours of recovery time, swimming is easily compatible with a wide range of holidays, whether you’re planning on spending almost all your time by the pool or are just an occasional swimmer.
The rest is up to you – your swims can follow a rigorous regime (for which there are plenty of handy training apps you can download straight to your phone), or you can freestyle the whole time.
An excellent all-weather option
An indoor pool really comes into its own when the weather takes a turn, whether you want a way to stay active when holidaying in the chillier off-season months or are scouting out a back-up option for a beachside break.
Because it’s not weather-reliant, an indoor or covered pool is also more likely to be open for a longer chunk of the season rather than being a facility that’s only used in the height of summer (something worth bearing in mind for Easter or half-term breaks).
Top tips for a smooth trip
Indoor pool etiquette
Pool rules vary from country to country and from site to site. In France, for instance, male guests will almost certainly be asked to wear speedo-style briefs rather than roomier trunks or board shorts, with similar rules applying to swimming caps in countries like Italy and Belgium too.
Once you’ve sorted out what you need to wear, there’s the question of what is and isn’t allowed at your site’s indoor pool. Spitting, bombing and ducking are (for obvious reasons) shunned almost everywhere, but some pools will be more relaxed about splashing and bringing along floats or toys.
As a general rule, big covered waterparks where you can clamber over islands and get splashed by fountains will be more likely to tolerate such behaviour, while campsites with pools that are divided into neat and tidy lanes will probably want to avoid any disruption to the flow. If in doubt, check with site staff before heading to the changing rooms.
Staying safe
Running, jumping and glass by the pool are all out. Make sure that there is a lifeguard on duty, especially if you’re not yet a confident swimmer. Don’t let kids swim unsupervised – generally swimming is a very safe sport, but accidents do happen, especially when there isn’t an adult around making sure nothing’s going wrong.
Also remember that pools can be vectors for coughs, colds and verrucas, so stay well away from the pool if you’ve developed any tell-tale symptoms during your trip.
What’s next?
Find what you’re looking for…
If a campsite has seen fit to invest in something as fancy as an indoor pool, it’s likely that the owners will have given a fair amount of attention to other facilities too. Because of this, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a site with the right combination of an outdoor pool and other amenities near you.
Perhaps you’d like to add a touch of convenience to your poolside break by looking out for a place with a bar, a play area or a café (a handy feature for folk who aren’t entirely sure of their camping stove skills). Whatever you’re looking for, use our tick-box filters to find a campsite or glampsite with an outdoor pool for a wide range of destinations and budgets.
…then pack up and go
As well as packing your regular kit (for which you’ll want to see our ultimate camping checklist), have a think about the things you’ll want to bring along on a holiday with an indoor pool. Use the list below to avoid a panicked dash to the nearest sports shop on arrival:
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Swimming costume/swimming trunks (special rules apply in certain countries)
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A swimming cap
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Swimming goggles (chlorinated pools may make your eyes sore without them)
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Extra towels
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Inflatable armbands (especially if there’s a novice in your group)
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Shower gel (for before and after your swim)
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Moisturiser (all the chemicals in indoor pools can leave the skin feeling dry)
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Coins (for lockers)
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A water bottle (it seems silly, but swimmers often get dehydrated)
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A woggle/noodle/lightsaber (relaxed pools may allow toys like this; they go by many different names…)
