Yes, costs can get a bit much.

Here is the way I thought of it (due to lung issues, I no longer use indoor pools) - if computed on a daily basis, our membership cost the equivalent of $1/day/person. That is equal to one nice meal out or 2 mid-price meals out for us per month - decided the gym was better for us. My daughter says her membership cost the same as one chiropractor copay.

When my Mom needed water exercise, the local therapeutic pool charged $4 per visit, or $36 for a 10 punch card.

Of course, with Covid at a very high rate, we are "on hold" yet - our primary docs both told us to stay away until local positivity rates are below 5% (we have been above it for MANY months in our county.)

Can you check on a limited or senior rate at the health club? Or, if you have a Medicare supplement, a "Silver Sneakers" membership?
Sue