How to : Proper protocol for using an Iceland town pool

There is a very specific protocol to follow if one will be using any of the town pools in Iceland. I was very happy that I had come across this list of 'rules'.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• bathing suit
• towel
• soap/shampoo (optional)
• bathing shoes (optional)

1. There will be shelves outside of the locker room or just inside the entryway. Remove your outdoor shoes and leave them on a shelf.

2. Enter the locker room and find an empty locker. Remove ALL of your clothing (yes, ALL) and store them in the locker.

3. With your towel and bathing suit (and, if you want, your own soap/shampoo) enter the shower area. Near the shower room will be cubby holes on the wall to store your towel (and your soap/shampoo when you are done) while you are in the pool area.

4. Using either your own soap/shampoo, or that provided, thoroughly shampoo and shower BEFORE putting on your bathing suit. Do not bother to dry yourself off...just put on your bathing suit and exit the shower area into the pool area.

5. Upon returning to the shower area, strip off your bathing suit and shower. Retrieve your towel from its cubby (yes, it will be there) and THOROUGHLY dry yourself off.

6. When done, either wrap your wet suit in your towel or use one of the plastic bags you'll probably find in the towel area.

7. Now that you are dry (don't worry about your hair being wet), enter the locker room and get dressed.

8. Exit the locker room and retrieve your outdoor shoes.

Tips & Warnings

• Outside shoes are never worn in the locker room.
• One never enters the locker room dripping wet.
• The shower area is one, large, open room. No shyness allowed. (And the fact is nobody looked or cared.)

Resources

• Read more about my trip to Iceland

[w1127]

on 8/20/2009 Great tips I might need it later!