Well, there's nothing I can say to change the mind of someone who dislikes the pool, but for those who have not made up their mind I can tell you from personal experience the pool is fine. Yes, it is like swimming in a pond or the river. I enjoyed swimming laps at the U of M pool and I can certainly see where someone swimming here would be freaked out by the floating vegetative matter. Yes, the water is cloudy. Yes, the water has plant life floating in it. Yes, there are ducks and ducks do relieve themselves. Yes, if you are use to a filtered, clear pool this would be disturbing.
I grew up with the pool and I like the idea of summer and swimming in the river water. I like the beach which gradually goes into the water so my kids can play. I enjoy sitting under the cottonwoods and looking out at the park. Yes, these cottonwoods are also responsible for the cotton on the surface of the water. Oh, I could do without the cotton, but so be it.
I you don't like the pool, don't swim there.