How do you say "it used to be a swimming pool..."

Question

I don't know if I can use "Solia ser" in this way but is this correct at all?

Nadé en la piscina, solía la ser una piscina para jubilados que vivían cerca.

It's supposed to translate into,I swam in the pool, it used to be a swimming pool for retirees who lived nearby.

I'm pretty sure I've placed that "la" in the wrong place too!

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Janet

Please complete your profile giving your languages and their levels .Thank you. - ray76, Mar 18, 2016

Done, thanks! - wong1, Mar 18, 2016

Answer 1

Don't use the verb "soler" in cases like this. Soler really means, "to have the custom/habit/etc. of" (tener la costumbre de) en español. All you need do is put the verb into the imperfect tense.

Era una piscina para jubilados que vivían cerca....

Note: In Mexico the preferred word for swimming pool is "alberca"

Thank you! - wong1, Mar 19, 2016

:) - gringojrf, Mar 19, 2016

You're welcome, wong. - Daniela2041, Mar 19, 2016