Whether you’re a freestyle specialist with a preferred lane at CSC @ Tessensohn’s Olympic-sized pool, or a parent whose little ones love splashing around at CSC @ Bukit Batok’s water park, these member-shared tips will take your swim from good to truly swim-pressive.

Photo credit: vivianteowriter

Tips and hacks for pre- and post-swim self-care

• Your pool experience starts even before you get into the water. FireOwl and Lynn rinse their hair with tap water before every swim: “It helps reduce chlorine absorption and keeps my hair from getting too dry or brittle,” says FireOwl.  This pre-swim ritual works because hair — like sponge — can only absorb so much water, explains YY: “Saturating it first with clean water blocks out most of the harsh chlorinated water. Plus, it helps to maintain the pool’s hygiene.”

• Sunscreen is also a must. “I lather sunscreen on myself like I’m a Michelin chef glazing duck. Nothing says love like SPF 50,” says Sho. “Remember to apply sunscreen even to your scalp to avoid sunburn,” adds Johanna.  

• And don’t forget hydration. “Drink water between swims, not just frozen margaritas,” recommends Joycelin. “If your pee is the colour of Mountain Dew, you’re basically a Capri Sun pouch that needs refilling,” she jokes.

Photo credit: vivianteowriter

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Tips and hacks for having a smoother, safer swim

• Safety comes first — more so for less confident swimmers. “Go to the pool with a friend who swims well or looks after your whereabouts,” says Angeline. “Also, swim in front of the lifeguard.” Mr Swimming K recommends swimming closer to pool’s edge: “It’s less crowded and you can come up any time for a breather if you are tired.”

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• To improve your swimming technique, Jay Soh shares: “Breathe rhythmically by exhaling underwater and inhaling quickly when you turn your head, instead of holding your breath. Also, relax – tension wastes energy and affects buoyancy. Practice floating to build comfort.”

• For those struggling to master the butterfly stroke, the aptly-named Slow Butterfly has a tip: “Breathe out immediately when you are underwater; it’s easier to continue the stroke with less air in your lungs. Once you’re empty of air after one or two strokes, surface to breathe. I find swimming two strokes per breath easier to manage, as you don’t have to surface so often.”

• Other members recommend building flexibility and endurance. “Doing arm circles will improve your arm strokes and shoulder mobility,” says Mesha.

• wleo reminds swimmers to warm up and cool down: “It prevents injury and promotes recovery. Focus on breathing and proper technique, which will reduce fatigue and improve efficiency.” Philip agrees: “Doing sufficient warm-ups before swimming will prevent muscle cramp.” LG also notes their impact on performance: “Warm-ups loosen your joints, improve stroke fluidity and get you into a focused, relaxed state before your laps.”

• Poolside habits matter too. “Be sure to stretch and ensure you don’t eat too much or drink alcohol before swimming,” advises Jeff. ifa adds: “Do some water aerobics or stretching in the relaxing pool environs.”

• Some members even plan their day around CSC pool schedules. “Every hour at CSC @ Bukit Batok, there is a 10-minute wave pool to enjoy. So, arrive at 4.50pm to catch the 5pm and 6pm wave pools. Then head to the shower and get ready for dinner! The bistro at the bowling alley serves some local fare,” says Phil.

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Tips and hacks for packing the right gear

• Nothing spoils a pool day faster than forgetting the essentials. Fiona Ong always brings a large Ziploc bag: “It keeps my valuables and phone dry but still visible. I can also take poolside photos or check messages without worrying about splashes.”

• For those working on their technique, James suggests a simple hack: “Get a waterproof phone casing and suction cup. Start the video record on your phone first because underwater, the buttons may not be as sensitive. Then stick it to the wall, swim past and review your footage later.”

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• Foggy goggles are another common frustration. “Rub a tiny drop of baby shampoo or your own saliva (yes, really) inside, then rinse lightly,” recommends Billy, while Jinpu adds: “Regular adult shampoo works too.”

• Lose things easily? “Secure your sunglasses with a floating strap to keep them from sinking if they slip off in the pool,” says KS.

Photo credit: jasonpapaya

• Storage and drying tricks also make a difference. “Make use of the lockers for peace of mind while swimming. You can even share one with your family members if you don’t have a lot of things,” says Charme.

• After you get out of the pool, Joey offers a tip for drying a wet swimsuit: “Lay it on a towel, roll it up and twist. It helps to squeeze out more water than wringing.”

• While Astermei recommends packing wet bags for bringing home damp swimwear, Florence reduces the load by renting a towel at CSC pools: “It saves me the hassle of carrying a towel around, especially if I’m heading somewhere after. CSC’s towels are good quality – thick, clean and more than enough for a proper dry-off.”

• CSC Tip: Use the swim suit dryers provided to keep your wet swimsuits from damping your bags!

Tips and hacks for staying cool and refreshed

• “I always bring a big reusable water bottle and freeze it halfway the night before,” says FireOwl. “By the time I’m done swimming, I’ve got cold water ready to drink — super refreshing and it helps prevent dehydration.”

• Kelvin L prefers something sweeter: “Nothing beats having a Milo slushie in a thermos flask to beat the heat and enjoy a refreshing energiser in between pool sessions.” For Kian Tiong, the go-to is fruit: “Freeze homemade fruit juice in a bottle and enjoy it cold after your swim.”

• Noor, Fiza and FishyFishy all recommend freezing aloe vera gel in ice cube trays: “Use them to soothe sunburns or cool down overheated skin,” says Noor. FishyFishy adds: “You can spray your towel with a refreshing mist of essential oil and water for a post-swim cool down,”.

• For families, Ms Vanzy has a kid-friendly trick: “I always freezes packet drinks and fruits for my children. It keeps them cool and refreshed between swims.”

Photo credit: fan10bulovekids

Ensure little ones have fun

• For parents, small hacks can make swimming with kids easier and safer. Jeyalakshmi suggests hooded towels: “Wrap them up the minute they are out of the pool. It prevents dripping water everywhere and keeps the floors safe and dry for everyone.”

• Snacks are another essential, says Nurdiana: “I pack finger food or snacks, on top of lunch. And bring water guns for added fun!”

• Floats are always fun for the kids. Ashok recommends renting them from CSC. And if inflating floats becomes a challenge, Shamsiya has a clever hack: “Cut an empty plastic bottle in half and use the top half with the cap. Make an x-shaped hole in the cap and insert a straw inside. Push the straw into the float’s airhole, then place a hairdryer on cool mode at the other opening of the cut bottle. Your float will be pumped up in seconds.”

Want even more pool time?

Besides your favourite CSC clubhouse pools, check out those at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, Khatib and Bedok Reservoir — they are open to CSC members under the reciprocal arrangement.

Plus, from now till 31 December 2025, cool off at Wild Wild Wet for less — CSC members enjoy 20% OFF day passes with the code <CSC2025>.