Hey friends!
I'm super excited to share with you my experience at the Olympic pool complex in Perm. As it turns out, I live right next door, so I get to visit this awesome place all the time. Today, I'll be giving you the lowdown on what I love about it and what's not so great (spoiler alert: there's just one thing I don't like).
History
The pool was built back in 2006 thanks to the initiative of Permnefteorgsintez, one of the biggest companies in the city. And today, we've got this massive sports complex called Olympia, which includes:
50-meter Olympic-standard pool,deep-water pool 5.5m,4 kiddie pools,hydro-massage zone,the biggest fitness center in Perm,kinestherapy center,SPA center.
Getting into the pool
The pool is open from 7 am to 10:30 pm on weekdays, and from 8 am to 10:30 pm on weekends and public holidays. When you enter, you'll need to go through a metal detector, meet the security guard's eye, and put on some flip-flops. You can also buy pool accessories like swimsuits, caps, goggles, and slippers right there.
It's all pretty straightforward, and the staff are super friendly. Plus, they've got a great system for keeping track of your visit time - you'll get an electronic wristband that starts timing as soon as you go through the turnstile.
The locker rooms have plenty of comfy couches, flowers, and mirrors. You can watch TV while you're waiting. If you're feeling peckish, there are vending machines with snacks and drinks, as well as a sales counter.
You'll need to hand in your upper clothing and shoes in a bag at the cloakroom. And if you haven't been here in over three months, you'll need to visit the doctor. The queue moves quickly, and the doctor will send an electronic medical report to the cashier.
Prices for tickets vary depending on the time and your status, and there are often special deals in the pool area. I usually get a 1 hour 45 minute ticket for 980 rubles (weekend rate).
Changing rooms and showers
I love that they have individual cubicles for changing - it's amazing to be able to change without being squished or stared at. You have to leave your personal belongings in a locker that locks with your electronic wristband.
There are hair dryers and mirrors in the changing room area, so you can dry your hair before leaving. But if you're in a rush, you can use the hair dryer in the special locker room area after you've gone through the turnstile.
The shower cubicles are individual and work off a sensor - just wave your hand and the water starts flowing. Each shower has a shelf for shampoo and gel, and hooks for towels on the wall. There are also benches in the area.
Pools and the spa area
The pool is the heart of the Olympic sports complex - it's 50 meters long and 25 meters wide, which is the Olympic standard. The water temperature is +28 degrees Celsius. When you get in, it feels cool, but after 100-200 meters of swimming, it starts to feel warm! It all depends on your pace. I'm not a pro swimmer, but I try to go all out and exhaust myself as much as possible - I love the feeling of my muscles working.
I've noticed that the pool area gets the most foot traffic in the morning, and then it slows down after lunch.
The pool uses a modern water filtration system with sand and charcoal filters, as well as ozonation - that's a pretty cool feature.
From the pool area, you can access the sauna complex. It's got a Russian steam bath and a Finnish sauna, a hammam for some steam therapy, an infrared sauna, and a steam cabinet that looks like a spaceship cabin. After a sauna session, the most adventurous can take a dip in the icy water from a bucket. And for those who need a drink, there's a water fountain nearby.
On the opposite side of the entrance to the sauna complex, there's a corridor. Walking along it past the kids' pool, you'll get to the whirlpool and deep-water pools.
The whirlpool is one of the most popular attractions. It's always packed with people looking happy. There are water jets, fountains, and geysers for massaging different parts of your body. And there's a fast river that'll sweep you away with its strong current.
Next to it is a 5.5-meter deep pool for scuba diving and snorkeling. They used to have a diving tower here, but they took it down recently.
Verdict
The Olympia pool complex is one of the most modern and comfortable sports facilities in the Perm Krai region. It hosts top-level training sessions and competitions. You can track any events happening at the pool on its website.
They offer discounted tickets for seniors and other vulnerable groups. Plus, there are regular promotions. You can also buy a membership for multiple visits, which works out cheaper. Still, I think the pool entry fee is pretty steep. That's my only gripe with the Olympia complex.
I've been going to the Olympia pool complex for a while now, and I've seen a lot of improvements. The staff are always friendly and helpful, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained. The pool itself is amazing - it's so big and deep, and the water is always warm and clean. I love swimming laps and trying to beat my personal best times.
One of the things I love about the Olympia pool complex is the variety of pools and facilities. There's the main pool, the kiddie pools, the whirlpool, and the deep-water pool. And then there's the sauna complex, which is amazing. I love the Russian steam bath and the Finnish sauna - they're so relaxing and rejuvenating.
Of course, there are some downsides to the Olympia pool complex. The entry fee can be pretty steep, especially if you're not a member. And sometimes the pool can get really crowded, especially on weekends. But overall, I think the Olympia pool complex is an amazing place to visit. It's modern, comfortable, and has everything you need for a great day out.
I highly recommend the Olympia pool complex to anyone looking for a great place to swim, relax, or have fun. It's definitely worth a visit, and I'm sure you'll love it just as much as I do.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars