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Step 1
Ask questions. What kind of swimmer are you? Are you a serious lap swimmer or do you like to lounge around in the pool? Do you require a certain level of service or do you like to be left on your own?
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Step 2
Know it's all about location, location, location. Are you going to want to travel to take a swim or does the pool have to be in your metaphoric backyard? Are you going to want to change out of your trunks or just quickly towel off, slip on some sandals and go home? If you have to get on a bus or train, this would probably not work.
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Step 3
Think about swimming preferences. When do you swim? Do you swim at work? At home? Whenever the mood strikes you? Some places offer multiple locations and might be the perfect fit, or you might just need one great location.
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Step 4
The New York Health and Racquet Club is the most famous in the city and one of the nicest. They have locations all over the city with great pools, a private yacht, and a beach and tennis club for the exclusive use of their members. If money is no object this is the place.
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Step 5
Join Crunch. This very popular chain has less frills but is still presentable. They have locations all over the city and the country but only select locations have pools. This is a mid-cost option.
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Step 6
Know that the Parks department has free or inexpensive pools all over the city. For those who love to swim but are short on cash, this could be a perfect fit. The pools tend to get very crowded in the summer, and the Manhattan locations tend to be cleaner than others.
