The Swimming Hole — Local services in Stowe

I have been involved with TSH off-and-on since its inception and can recall watching the pool being built in the ground before the structure was erected around it. For 8 or so years, I worked there during high school and college. We were proud of how clean we kept the floors, windows, lobby and bathrooms. We never missed a beat testing the pools levels for chlorine and other cleaning agents. We got to know every member by name and with the guidance of our managers, created the kind of experience you would expect from a high-end fitness facility like TSH. As the building/equipment aged, things were routinely kept in good condition and repair. Everyone was proud of how well things operated. I cannot stress how proud I was/am of my time working there.

About 7 months ago I rejoined and I am sorry to say you will not receive the same experience.

The building has an alarming amount of deferred maintenance. Exterior trims and soffits are rotting out with raw wood needing paint. On the interior, there are many roof leaks. They are breaking down the sheetrock and paint in areas, there are rusty towels wrapped around roof trusses to catch water and when you are there during a rain storm, you'll notice buckets catching water dripping. In 7-months, it doesn't appear anything has been done to remedy them. What kind of mold issues are developing in the layers of the construction? Overall the machinery is not terrible (and I don't use everything) but there are dumbbells where that are unscrewing apart. The rowing machines need tuning up. The assault and spinning bikes need lubrication and some parts are tight and squeaking with rust.

We recently called to inquire on the slide hours, got the voicemail, and were directed to their website for their calendar of events, slide hours, etc. When you go on their website, the calendar has nothing about slide hours. We call back, get someone on the phone who says, "Well I haven't heard that we aren't opening it today... It should be open 12:30-2:00." There is a lot that could be said here. TSH, you are probably missing out on a lot of revenue here. The slide brings in multiple people at a time (Mom, Dad, a kid or two, or four... maybe a couple families...).

There are so many things not working and you have to wonder if anyone sees this. The diving board has been out of service for at least 7 months; back in the day it was a HUGE hit with the kids, way more than the slide. The swimsuit dryer in the men's room has been "out of service" for at least a few months. The door lock on one of the stalls in the bathroom has been busted for 7+ months. The furniture in the lobby is exhausted. Things just feel dirty in areas and look run down. Some of the equipment and kids slide area is becoming a sad sight and the windows over there are rotting out in their frames.

The thing that finally triggered this review, is some of the manners of the staff. They are not happy to see you when you walk in the door, they aren't friendly, they don't care to ask how your day is going, they look bored and irritated to be there. I've been going there for 7 months and some of the regular front desk staff still do not know my name. They are unfriendly and I've had numerous occasions where I am shocked at the jabby, passive-aggressive, or uncourteous communications I've received. Some of the staff are friendly but they are people I know, personally as a local.

TSH needs to be run better. It has so much potential. When Jake and Donna built this place it was to function as a high-end fitness facility in the fancy town of Stowe, VT. Eventually, all this deferred maintenance will get to a point beyond return. A good place to begin would be a few suggestions boxes, so your members can reflect back their experiences, tell you which machines need attention, etc. Hope this is helpful and triggers some improvements. This review has taken some time to put together, so hopefully you can tell where it's coming from. There is so much potential at TSH and...

Purchased a day pass to use the gym last week and was given a locker. I was hoping they would have a Peloton bike but they didnt. Totally fine but the bikes they had were terrible. No biiggie, the weights were sufficient and I enjoyed the space.

Went back today to for the last hour it ws open and was told I cant have a locker, a cubby only. I explained that I had a locker before and just needed a place to lock my purse and boots. She asked who gave me a key (I don't remmeber but I'm not going to name names anyway, why would you ask a guest this?). Then she just kep saying, "sorry I cant give you a locker its against policy." At this point, she should have just said, I'm sorry you were mis informed, I can give you a locker this time but please know that moving forward we cant give you one. I mean, there was 1 HOUR left until they closed. Be reasonable, personable, kind, and customer centric. I stormed out and...

Very expensive considering none of the splash/sprinkler features work. (The slide was functional). Had to pay for myself and my infant when we were only spectating. Came because I needed an activity for my 5 yr old. $45 total. I had seen pictures of the kids’ pool area, but didn’t realize the sprinkler features would be broken. Doubt I would come again. If you are a member or a lap swimmer, then it seems it would be a...