James S.
Yelp
The pendulum swings and the lunatic bureaucracy at Westwood Rec Pool drops it down to 2 stars. My goodness they make it difficult for people to just use the pool in peace, or simply take lessons easily. And then there's the old guys in the locker spewing profanity, loudly, in front of kids. But, I digress...
The rules and protocols at the Pool seem to change with some frequency, and there's absolutely nothing one can do but to accept them, or move on. Forget about advanced notice. When the decrees come down, that's all. Forget about any spirit. The rules literally change mid-stream, and who's left holding the bag? The customer, of course. I've spoken once to the big guy in charge, Robert Arreola, who seems pleasant enough. If I ever get a chance to see him again, there's plenty of things I wish he'd know.
Though we've been taking lessons here for more than a few sessions, we're now actively looking for an alternative due to the inflexibility and continued (perceived) tightening of the administrative screws.
Signup for lessons is a cruel joke of a process. Mail it in a week or so in advance, and if you're looking for private lessons, good luck seeing what and who's available to fit into your schedule. So, you are then forced to show-up on their one day for an opportunity to see what's available. Long lines, long checkout, line, too. But, grab it if you can. Of course there are no refunds. And, no switching. Meaning, two family members can't swap lessons if on a particular week one can't make it. Why? Cause them's the rules.
But why not just have the signup available online? Anyone? Bueller? It feels at times that the rules and protocols are perfectly suited to another time, but certainly today.
The positives here remain that the pool itself is good, clean and it doesn't reek of chlorine. It's a better balance than some similar pools, such as the Y. The instructors we've had have been good, too. I just wish the rules and protocols here were a bit more neighborly and customer-friendly.