Why School In The Pool is the Perfect Choice for Families with Autism

Learning to swim has been a goal of mine for ages, and it feels so good to finally check it off my list! While I’ve had plenty of people offer to teach me over the years, I’ve always wanted to do it the right way—with a professional. I took the same approach when I learned to drive, so it just made sense! The best part is that this summer, it wasn’t just me. My mom, sisters, and son all wanted to join in, and it turned into such a fun family experience.

Now, finding the perfect swimming program for us wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. With my two sisters and son having unique needs, I wanted a program that could accommodate them while also providing a calm and supportive environment. That’s when we found School In The Pool, and let me tell you—it’s been a total game-changer. I’m so excited to share our experience with you and why this program is the perfect fit for families like mine!

Why School In The Pool Stood Out

Choosing School In The Pool came down to a few key factors. First and foremost, I needed a program that truly understands and accommodates autism. With my two sisters and son all being on the autism spectrum, I wanted an environment where they could feel comfortable, supported, and confident.

School In The Pool has been everything I hoped for and more. The instructors are not only experienced in working with individuals on the autism spectrum, but they go above and beyond to ensure each person feels at ease in the water.

Another thing I love about this program is how flexible they are with grouping. Even though my sisters and son are all different ages, School In The Pool made it possible for them to learn together, creating a class just for our family. This meant they didn’t have to worry about other kids joining the group, which helped eliminate any anxiety and allowed them to focus on learning at their own pace.

And let’s be real—the cost was definitely something I had to think about. With so many of us taking lessons, I needed a program that could work with our unique needs without breaking the bank. Not only did they offer us an affordable package, but they also created a customized plan that matched our family’s specific situation.

Our Personal Experience with Swimming Lessons

Our family’s journey with School In The Pool has been nothing short of amazing. If I’m being completely honest, I was a little nervous about learning how to swim, especially alongside my family with our unique needs. I wasn’t sure if this program would be the right fit for all of us. But from the very first lesson, it became clear that we had made the right choice. The way the instructors were able to connect with and teach each of us, despite our differences in age and abilities, was incredible.

1. Customized Support and Understanding

The moment we arrived, I knew we were in good hands. The instructors were so patient and understanding, and that created such a supportive atmosphere right from the start. My son seemed to adapt quickly. My sisters, who sometimes take time to adjust to new situations, received that individualized support without question. Seeing my sisters and son become more comfortable and confident in the water was such a proud moment for me.

2. Family-Friendly Environment

School In The Pool wasn’t just a swimming program for my sisters and son—it was a family experience. My mom and I decided to jump in (literally!) and take lessons together, which made the whole experience that much more special. Even though we had a different instructor, we were able to learn and grow alongside my sisters and son. The energy during every lesson was so positive, and the instructors’ encouragement made each session fun and exciting.

3. Saltwater Pool

Another thing I loved is that they use a saltwater pool instead of a traditional chlorine pool. Typically I’ve always been used to chlorine pools so it was a nice change. Most of the time, the water was warm, which made focusing on our lessons even more relaxing. It’s a small detail, but it made a big difference in how much we enjoyed the sessions.

4. Building Confidence and Skills

What I loved most about this program was getting a front-row seat to the growth and development of my sisters and son. They started off hesitant, especially when it came to swimming in the deep end or attempting to dive, but the patience and expertise of the instructors helped them gradually overcome their fears. By the end, they were not only swimming more confidently but also felt a sense of accomplishment for how far we have come. We honestly didn’t want the lessons to end!

Pros & Cons

Just so you know, this isn’t a sponsored post or a gifted review. I’m sharing this because it truly made a difference for my family and me, and I believe it could for you too! You know I always keep it real with you—I give my honest feedback, whether it’s about products, places, or services because nothing is ever perfect.

And while our experience at School In The Pool was amazing, there were a few things I think could be better. Let’s dive into the good and the not-so-good:

Pros:

Patient, friendly, and kind instructors: This is huge for me, especially with my son and sisters. The instructors were so patient, making sure everyone felt comfortable and encouraged.
Saltwater Pool: The saltwater pool was a total game-changer. Just make sure you wear goggles!
Indoor Pool: Rain or shine, we could still keep our lessons going, which I loved!
Private Small Groups: What really stood out for me was the ability to have semi-private, small group lessons with my family—even with all of our different ages. My mom, my sisters, and my son could all learn together!
Shower Area: Loved having the option to freshen up after a lesson.
Lockers: The lockers were super handy for keeping all our stuff safe while we swam.
Clean Facility: The facility was very clean every time we visited.
Plenty of Parking: It might sound small, but there were lots of free parking.
Close to Home: It wasn’t far from our home which is a nice drive after a swimming lesson.
Accommodating: They provided make-up lessons and gave us notice ahead of time if they needed to cancel a lesson.

Cons

Finding the front door was confusing on day one: This place looks more like an event space than a pool facility. When we arrived, it felt strange walking through the front door of what looked like an event center. So, if you’re heading there for the first time, be prepared for that!
Shared space with an event center: I kind of wish there was more of a separation between the pool facility and the event center. Sharing the same entrance meant we occasionally walked through a lot of traffic, especially during events. It wasn’t a huge deal, but it did make things feel a bit crowded sometimes.
Different instructors for my siblings and son: While consistency is important for them, the instructors sometimes change. It would have been easier to have the same instructor each time, but I’m incredibly proud of how well my son and sisters adapted to the different teaching styles and still thrived.
Organizing lessons could be smoother: Life is busy, especially as a mom! I do wish there was a system in place for the instructors to track where we left off, rather than relying on us to remember every technical swim term. The last thing I need is another thing to keep track of!
Not enough lessons: Even though we had weekly lessons for an hour over the summer, it just didn’t feel like enough. I wanted more time to practice and improve. We were all getting into a rhythm, and it felt like the lessons ended too soon.
Limited make-up days: In life with kids on the autism spectrum, our days can vary a lot. So, having more flexibility with make-up days would have been a big help. We had just one available make-up day, and I wished there were more options in case we had to miss a lesson.

Our Swim Lesson Essentials

If you’re gearing up for your own swim lessons or planning some pool time, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few essentials that our family picked up to stay organized for our swim lessons and pool days. These items made things a whole lot easier, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you. Oh, and you should get indoor goggles if you doing lessons inside. Let’s dive into what worked for us!

Final Thoughts

Choosing School In The Pool was hands down one of the best decisions we’ve made for our family. I’m beyond happy with the results, and honestly, I can’t wait to go back for more classes!

If you’re looking for a swimming program that truly understands your family’s unique needs, I highly recommend giving School In The Pool a try. Whether you have family members with special needs or just want a more welcoming and comfortable swimming experience, this program is an incredible solution for families in the GTA.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Do you know how to swim? Who taught you? Drop your stories in the comments below, and let’s chat!

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What’s your take? I welcome you to share yours below!

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