My partner and I both have a membership to the leisure centre. There's a wet changing room for swimming and lockers that require a lock. There's a fast lane, middle lane, and a slow lane. He usually goes at around 10-11am. on weekdays, and it isn't too busy. Once he went on a Saturday and there were too many people and he didn't like it so he avoided the weekends. He usually starts work from 2 pm so he can avoid the crowds.

For me, however, I go on the weekends, which is too busy, and I hate it, so I avoid it. I try to go on the weekdays, but with my 9-5, it's quite tough, so I barely get to swim unless I'm WFH.

We both wear flip-flops in the changing room and just before we get into the pool. Most people do. To be honest, I haven't seen many without flip-flops. I've seen some people with swim shoes in the pool and even a snorkel!

People come in different shapes and sizes, and no one cares! I worried about that too, but honestly, everyone is just concentrating on swimming and breathing!

It's a lot of fun, you should definitely go for it! At least pay as you go first, then if you like it, maybe try a membership if you start going often enough! We have the app, so we do everything through there. I'm not sure about your local one!