Kayla Young
Many people love gym pools. Swimming is fun, healthy, and a great way to cool down after a workout. Swimming combines the benefits of a full-body workout with the fun and relaxation that water brings, making it feel less like strenuous exercise.
After a session of intense cardio or free weights, a dip in the pool offers a refreshing cooldown – and potentially serious exercise! However, not all gyms offer this amenity, and one that does not is Planet Fitness.
A common question prospective members often ask is – does Planet Fitness have a pool? Unfortunately, pools just aren’t in the Planet Fitness budget.
In this post, we’ll dive into this question and discuss the reasons PF doesn’t provide pools. We’ll also look at some alternatives for those who need to get their swim on!.
Contents
Does Planet Fitness Have a Pool?
Does Planet Fitness have a pool? In short, no, there are no pools at Planet Fitness (at least in the United States).
Planet Fitness doesn’t have pools. One big reason is cost. Adding a pool would make membership much more expensive. Planet Fitness wants to keep rates low, with plans starting at just $10 a month.
Adding a pool would raise these prices a lot, which could turn many members away.
Why Are Gym Memberships With Pools Expensive?
Gym memberships with pool access often come with a higher price tag. But why is this the case? The answer lies in the variety of costs associated with installing and maintaining a pool.
Space
Just like basketball courts, pools—especially Olympic-sized ones—require a substantial amount of real estate. This space commitment alone is a significant factor that gyms need to consider when deciding whether to include a pool.
Installation and Upkeep
The cost of the pool itself is another major expense. From the initial installation to the ongoing upkeep, every aspect of a pool comes with a price. And these expenses don’t end with the physical infrastructure.
Maintenance is a critical component of owning a pool. Pools need regular cleaning and treatment with specific chemicals to ensure the water remains clear and safe for use. Without this maintenance, a pool can quickly turn from a luxury addition to a liability. A poorly maintained pool can not only be unsightly, but it can also become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to health concerns.
Insurance
Another cost factor is insurance. Pools can pose various risks, from slips and falls to more serious swimming accidents. As a result, gyms with pools often face higher insurance premiums.
Safety Staff
And let’s not forget the human element. Pools require lifeguards for safety and additional staff for maintenance—yet another expense for the gym.
Costs and Benefits
Given all these costs, it’s clear why gyms with pools need to charge higher membership fees. And it’s not just about covering costs—it’s also about balancing customer satisfaction. A small pool that can’t accommodate the gym’s clientele is likely to lead to more complaints than compliments.
Finally, it’s important to understand that Planet Fitness operates under a universal cost structure that doesn’t vary significantly from franchise to franchise. If a Planet Fitness location were to install a pool, it would not only disrupt this cost structure but also likely reduce the franchise’s profitability due to the additional expenses involved.
Gyms that offer pools can charge more to their members to balance out the costs and space requirements. The real estate, the cost of the pool itself, maintenance, insurance, it all adds up significantly!
The Impact of Pools on Membership Pricing
Having a pool can significantly impact the pricing of a gym membership. The costs associated with maintaining a pool—like regular cleaning, applying the right chemicals to keep the water safe and clear, and ensuring the infrastructure remains in good condition—can be quite high.
These costs are often passed on to the members in the form of higher membership fees.
Additionally, the presence of a pool might necessitate hiring extra staff, such as lifeguards and maintenance personnel, further increasing the costs.
All of these factors play a role in why gyms with pools often charge more for their memberships.
Are Pools Worth It?
Are pools worth the added cost? This is a question that gym-goers often grapple with. Sure, pools offer a unique form of exercise and relaxation, but the additional cost to membership fees can be substantial.
While there are those of us who value pools enough to pay extra, a significant number of gym-goers prefer affordability.
This is particularly true for many Planet Fitness members, who are often just looking for a basic, budget-friendly workout option.
Many members at Planet Fitness are beginners, starting their fitness journey without wanting to invest heavily in a gym they’re still trying to familiarize themselves with. For them, the basic amenities that Planet Fitness offers are more than enough to meet their needs.
However, if over time they find that they love the gym environment and are getting good use out of their membership, they might be willing to consider higher-priced gyms with more amenities, including pools. Perhaps they’ll visit pricy Equinox!
There’s no shortage of gyms out there that offer pools. However, the key is to understand what you value most in a gym. If it’s affordability and basic, quality workout equipment, Planet Fitness is a great option.
If a pool is a must-have for you, it might be worth considering other gyms.
Planet Fitness Amenities
Though Planet Fitness may not offer a pool, it certainly doesn’t lack in the amenities department. From a variety of workout equipment to exclusive perks for Black Card members, let’s explore what Planet Fitness has to offer:
Cardio Machines
Planet Fitness offers an array of cardio machines, including treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. Whether you’re looking to get your heart rate up or train for a race, these machines have got you covered.
Strength Equipment and Free Weights
For those seeking to build strength, Planet Fitness provides a range of equipment, including weight machines, dumbbells, and barbells. These options cater to all levels, from beginners to seasoned lifters (though many lifters find their Lunk Alarm policies bewildering).
30-Minute Express Circuit
For gym-goers pressed for time, the 30-minute express circuit offers a quick, full-body workout. This circuit combines strength and cardio exercises to maximize efficiency.
PF Black Card Membership
What truly sets Planet Fitness apart is the PF Black Card membership. For $22.99 a month, members can enjoy a host of additional perks:
- Hydromassage Chairs: After a grueling workout, Black Card members can unwind with a relaxing session on the hydromassage chairs.
- Tanning Beds: For those seeking a sun-kissed glow year-round, Planet Fitness offers tanning beds as part of the Black Card membership.
- Total Body Enhancement: These fascinating devices deliver red light therapy and vibration to rejuvenate and restore sore bodies
- Bring a Guest: Black Card members can bring a guest for free, making workouts more fun and motivating.
In conclusion, Planet Fitness provides a range of amenities designed to offer a comprehensive workout experience, even without a pool.
Other Gyms With Pools
If having access to a pool is a deal-breaker for you, there are plenty of other gym chains that offer this amenity. Here are a few options for gyms that commonly offer pools:
- Equinox: Equinox is considered one of the best high-end gyms around, and most locations do have pool facilities.
- Lifetime Fitness: Known for their resort-like facilities, many Lifetime Fitness locations offer both indoor and outdoor pools. The company also offers swim lessons and hosts aquatic events.
- LA Fitness: Many LA Fitness locations feature heated indoor pools. They also offer water aerobics classes and swim lessons.
- 24 Hour Fitness: At select 24 Hour Fitness locations, members can enjoy both lap pools and whirlpools.
- Gold’s Gym: Gold’s Gym offers a variety of amenities, including pools at certain locations. Pool availability varies, so it’s best to check with the specific location you’re interested in.
Remember, gyms with pools tend to have higher membership fees due to the costs associated with maintaining a pool. Always consider whether having access to a pool is worth the extra cost for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Planet Fitness doesn’t have a pool, it offers an extensive array of other amenities. From a variety of workout equipment to exclusive perks for Black Card members, Planet Fitness provides a comprehensive and affordable fitness experience.
For those who prioritize having a pool, there are other gym chains to consider.
However, keep in mind the extra costs associated with maintaining a pool, which are often reflected in higher membership fees.
Whether you choose Planet Fitness or another gym, the most important thing is to find a fitness environment that suits your needs and helps you achieve your health and wellness goals.
