This happened to me last year and will again this year. I use the pool at work (college gym) and they close it every year for maintenance for two weeks in August--the two weeks before the Iron Girl.

What I did last year was go to my sister's gym and get a two week free membership. Most gyms do this as a way of drumming up new business--let people use the facilities for free for a couple of weeks and then work hard to sign them up. I knew I was completely taking advantage of the system when I did this since I had no intention of becoming a member, but since my sister has been a member for years and pretty much never goes, I didn't feel too bad!

I don't know what I'll do this summer. Either suck it up and not swim or find another gym to take advantage of. Pay-as-you-go isn't an option that I've found, and all of the outdoor pools are accessible to members only.

Good luck--I hope you find a solution!

Sarah