Pools could reopen as early as July but swimmers could be forced to arrive "beach ready" to avoid crowded changing rooms.
Social distancing would also have to be maintained in the water.
Officials are understood to be drawing up guidelines on how pools can reopen safely, and will publish them on June 15.
Jane Nickerson, chief executive of Swim England, told the Sunday Times: "In the early days, it may be that you are encouraged not to use the changing rooms. What we're suggesting is going 'beach-ready'.
"Some pools might ask you just to put on a towelling robe and - let's hope you're not on a bus, you're in a car - travel home like that".
Children are expected to be banned from pools unless they are having a lesson, amid fears they would struggle to stick to social distancing rules.
Outdoor gyms, playgrounds and swimming pools currently remain closed.
Under the new plans people may be told to change by the pool and put their valuables in a bag inside a locker.
Ms Nickerson said children will be banned from pools because of problems with social distancing.
However she added: "It doesn't mean that we couldn't do...lessons, or some club and community activity - as long as they are programmed and maintaining a distance."
Swimmers will also have to adhere to social distancing rules in the water.
A standard 25-metre pool will be modified so it has three lanes, rather than the normal six.
Under the proposals, this would mean 10 people to a lane, and 30 in the pool in total.
Ms Nickerson said: "It will be a much stricter regime...not standing at the end, but to keep swimming - and to keep five metres from the person in front of you.
"We are saying if you do need to stop for a rest, or catch your breath, just make sure you get to the edge of the lane, to allow others to turn, and keep your head away, face the wall."
