Pool Rules & Policies

We are committed to providing you with a safe and healthy pool environment. Please help us by observing the following rules and policies.

Weather closing policy

Each of our outdoor pools open at noon each day during the swim season, weather permitting. If inclement weather prevents us from safely opening the pools at noon, we will attempt to open them at 4 p.m. that day. Before you leave home, please call your desired pool to confirm whether it is open for the day.

  • If inclement weather continues to prevent us from safely opening Flat Rock Creek pools at 4 p.m., they will remain closed for the day.

  • We will continue to try to open Ad Astra Aquatic Center, if possible.

For your safety, we may adjust pool hours for:

  • inclement weather

  • extreme water temperature

  • unsuitable swimming conditions


Registration, cancellation and ADA policies

Before participating in any of our programs, you must sign a release from liability form that is good for one calendar year. You will be notified if a program is cancelled or changed.

If you need to cancel, call at least five business days before the program begins. We will not issue a refund after the activity starts. We will only issue refunds for programs if your cancellation does not affect the minimum number of participants required. There will be a $5 processing fee. We do not issue refunds for daily admission. For memberships, we will issue refunds on a case-by-case basis, and they are subject to additional cancellation fees. Refunds generally take 3-6 weeks.

We are committed to making reasonable accommodations for disabled persons, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests for Accommodations must be made at least 10 business days prior to the start of the program or activity. Each facility provides one ADA self-operable chair lift.


Outdoor pool rules

 

Water safety

We are committed to providing you a safe and healthy pool environment for your enjoyment. Our highly experienced staff works hard to ensure that the pools are well maintained and that safety standards are met. Without your help, though, even the best maintained pools can spread germs. Here are steps you can take:

  • Don’t swim with diarrhea or if you have had diarrhea within the last two weeks.

  • Don’t swallow pool water.

  • Wash your body before swimming.

  • Take frequent bathroom breaks, check diapers often and change diapers in the restroom.

  • We are working in partnership with the Crypto Task Force and other metro agencies to educate the public about water safety. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming.

Staff training

Throughout the summer, you will see lifeguards training in and out of the water at all three aquatic facilities to maintain "rescue readiness." You will see them practicing skills like CPR, standing up in the lifeguard stands, performing training drills and periodically entering the water.

To help our lifeguard staff in their training, here are a few things you can do:

  • Be aware that we use training devices such as mannequins and silhouette outlines in and out of the water. If you see one of these devices, please leave it where it is. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please tell the closest lifeguard.

  • We use whistles for many reasons, and you will be able to hear different patterns in the whistles. Lifeguards use this to communicate with each other and with you. If you hear a whistle, stop what you are doing and look at the closest lifeguard for instructions.

  • As a part of their training curriculum, our lifeguards practice their skills during open swim. This may include closing a small portion of the pool for a short time and practicing using equipment like the immobilization backboard. If you see this, please be courteous and allow the lifeguards to complete their training.

  • Our lifeguards train hard and train often. Thank them for their service!

General pool rules

  • If you are entering the water, you must be properly attired in a bathing suit. Street clothes, cutoffs, or aqua socks are not permitted in the pool. You may wear a t-shirt over your swimsuit while in the water. If your child is wearing a swim diaper, they must wear a bathing suit over it.

  • If your child is not potty-trained, they are required to wear swim diapers, which are for sale at all pools. Swim diapers help ensure the pool water stays clean and clear, and prevents pool closings due to contamination.

  • You must change your child’s diapers in the designated areas in the changing rooms.

  • You are encouraged to shower before entering the pool to maintain clean water.

  • Outside food and drink are allowed. Personal coolers, alcoholic beverages and glass bottles/containers are prohibited.

  • You may not bring food or drinks on the pool deck.

  • U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices (Puddle Jumpers and Life Jackets) are permitted; an adult must stay within one arm's length. You may not use flotation devices on slides, diving boards or rock walls.

  • Children 8 years and younger must be accompanied by someone 14 years of age or older.

  • You can bring pool toys in the zero-depth area. Exceptions include torpedoes, hard diving sticks, beach balls, rafts, noodles, etc. 

  • If you have open wounds, diarrhea, infection, or any communicable disease, you are not allowed in the water area.

  • We only accept cash and credit card.

  • Everyone entering the aquatic facility must pay the applicable fee. Season pass holders must scan their photo membership tag to enter.

  • We do not allow admittance to anyone under the influence of controlled substances, including drugs and alcohol, and/or who demonstrates behavior that is detrimental to the operations of the facility and the safety of others.

  • The pool may be closed due to inclement weather, scheduled swim meets, special events, or at staff's discretion.

  • To prevent overcrowding, we may limit the number of swimmers.

  • You may not smoke or use tobacco at our pool facilities, including vapor and e-cigarettes.

  • Please use courteous language. Abusive and profane language is prohibited.

  • Please do not talk to the lifeguards unless it is necessary.

  • Do not run, push, dunk, play rough, intentionally splash or engage in other personal conduct that is considered unsafe.

  • Do not climb or hang on the equipment.

  • We only allow feet-first entries from the side of the pool. Please do not perform cannon balls, diving, flips or other unsafe entries.

  • Do not swim or hang on ropes.

  • During safety swim times, children must be in direct contact with an adult.

  • You are swimming at your own risk.

  • We are not responsible for the loss of personal belongings.

  • We do not allow cameras and recording devices in the restrooms or changing areas. In the pool area, only take pictures of people in your party. We have the right to deny the use of recording devices.

  • Additional rules are posted throughout the facility. Our staff can change, modify or add rules as deemed necessary for safety.

Diving boards

  • The diving boards are for experienced swimmers only.

  • Only one swimmer at a time on the diving board. You must wait on the ground until the person in front of you is in the water.

  • Only one swimmer at a time in the water. Once the person in front of you has exited the water, then you may proceed.

  • Do not swing on the rails.

  • You are allowed one approach and once bounce per dive. Please walk to the end of the board.

  • Dive straight forward. You must perform safe jumps and dives off of the diving boards.

  • Exit the pool using the ladder at the side of the pool.

  • You are only allowed in the diving well when you are using the diving boards.

  • You may not use floatation devices, toys or goggles on the diving board or in the diving well.

AquaClimb

  • The AquaClimb is for experienced swimmers only.

  • You must enter the pool from the side of the aqua climb and wait to enter the water until the previous person has exited the water.

  • Only one swimmer at a time on the AquaClimb and in the drop zone.

  • You will be given a limited amount of time to use the AquaClimb.

  • Do not dive off the AquaClimb. Only enter the water feet first.

  • Exit the pool using the ladder at the side of the pool.

  • You may not use floatation devices, toys or goggles on AquaClimb.

Basketball

  • Do not grasp or hang on the rim.

  • You must remain in the water to participate in basketball.

  • You may not use flotation devices. You must be able to swim and recover by yourself.

  • Do not play rough.

  • You must keep the ball in the basketball area.

Indoor pool rules

General rules

  • Age restrictions: Ages 12 and older do not require supervision. Ages 9 to 11 must have an adult 18 or older in the building at all times. Ages 8 and younger must have an adult 18 or older in the building AND must be directly and responsibly supervised by someone 14 or older at all times.

  • An adult must be within an arm’s reach of any weak swimmer, non-swimmer, or a swimmer who requires a lifejacket.

  • Pool toys are allowed in the zero-depth area (Exceptions: torpedoes, hard diving sticks, large water guns, beach balls, rafts and noodles.)

  • Only feet-first entries are allowed from the side of the pool. “Cannon balls,” diving, flips and other unsafe entries are not permitted.

  • The number of swimmers may be limited to prevent overcrowding.

  • The pool or sections of the pool may be closed due scheduled programs and special events, or at the discretion of the Parks & Recreation Department.

  • Pollution prohibited.

  • No food or drink is allowed, except for water. Glass containers are not permitted.

  • Patrons under the influence of controlled substances, including drugs and alcohol, and/or who demonstrate behavior that is detrimental to the operations of the facility and the safety of others, will not be admitted.

  • Silhouettes, mannequins and other training devices may be in use. Please do not disturb.

  • Cameras and recording devices are not permitted in the restrooms or changing areas

  • Pictures and video are permitted of those in your group only.

  • Additional rules are posted throughout the facility. Parks & Recreation staff can change, modify or add rules as deemed necessary for safety.

  • We are not responsible for the loss of personal belongings.

Attire and personal hygeine

  • Shower before entering the water. Wash your hands after using the restroom.

  • Please use the restroom not the pool.

  • Only US Coast Guard (USCG)-approved personal flotation devices are allowed. Limited quantities of USCG lifejackets are available at each facility for check-out on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • All individuals must wear bathing suits if entering the water. White t-shirts only may be worn over swimsuits while in the water. Street clothes, cutoffs or colored t-shirts are not permitted in the water.

  • Patrons with open wounds, infection, any communicable disease, or who have or have had diarrhea within the past two weeks are not permitted in the water.

  • Incontinent persons and children not potty-trained are required to wear a swim diaper. Paper or cloth diapers are not permitted. Diapers must be changed in the designated changing areas inside the locker rooms and restrooms, and should be checked regularly.

  • Do not swallow or spit pool water.

Basketball

  • Players must remain in the water.

  • Flotation devices are not permitted. Participants need to be able to swim and recover by themselves.

  • No grasping or hanging on the rim.

  • No rough play.

  • Ball must remain the basketball area.

  • Swimming is at your own risk.

Conduct

  • Unnecessary talking to lifeguards is not permitted.

  • No swimming on or hanging on ropes.

  • No diving in the pool area, except in the diving well.

  • Please use courteous language. Abusive and profane language is prohibited.

  • Conduct which may result in injury is not permitted. This includes running, pushing, dunking, rough play, intentional splashing and personal conduct endangering safety of self and others.

  • Intentional hyperventilation or extended breath holding activities are prohibited.

Diving platform

  • Experienced swimmers only.

  • No swinging or climbing on the rails or walls.

  • No horseplay.

  • Only one user at a time on the dive platform. Users must wait until the person in front is in the water before approaching the platform.

  • Walk to the end of the platform.

  • Only one swimmer at a time in the water. Once the first person has exited the water, then the next user may enter the water.

  • Dive or jump straight forward. Users must perform safe jumps and dives off of the platform. Flipping the head towards the platform is not permitted.

  • Exit the pool using the ladder at the side of the pool.

  • Flotation devices, toys and goggles are not permitted.

  • The diving platform will be open during scheduled times.

Lap swimming

  • Continuous swimming only.

  • Lap lanes are first-come first-served. Circle swimming may be required.

Lazy river

  • All general pool rules apply.

  • Be advised there is a water current.

  • Users must move in the direction of the current, unless otherwise approved.

  • Noodles provided for the lazy river must remain in that area only.

  • No climbing over the walls.

Water slides

  • All riders must be at least 48” tall.

  • Maximum rider weight is 300 pounds.

  • WARNING: Water depth is shallow.

  • Non-swimmers are not permitted.

  • All riders must ride feet first while lying on their back with arms crossed across their chest. Do not go down the slide head first. Do not sit up while riding the slide.

  • Riders must enter the slide in a sitting position and wait for instructions from the lifeguard stationed at the slide starter tub.

  • Do not propel yourself into the slide.

  • Only one rider at a time. Absolutely no trains or chains of riders are permitted.

  • No running, standing, kneeling, rotating, tumbling or stopping in the flume. Arms and hands must remain inside the flume at all times. Riders should remain in proper riding position until forward movement is terminated. At no time should the rider attempt to stand up while on the slide or prior to coming to a complete stop in the splash out area.

  • No tubes, mats, or lifejackets are permitted on the water slide.

  • No combs or foreign objects are allowed in pockets, and no jewelry can be worn while riding the slide. No cutoff jeans or swim wear with exposed zippers, buckles rivets or metal ornamentation; only approved swim suits allowed.

  • Toys and goggles are not permitted.

  • The line should form on the deck with one rider on each landing and one rider in the starting tub. Wait until landing area is clear before entering.

  • Riders must be in good health. Elderly persons, those suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or persons using prescription medication should consult their physician before using this slide. Individuals with medical conditions including, but not limited to, pregnancy, heart or back problems should not ride.

  • Do not use this slide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • No diving from the slide.

  • Leave the run out area promptly after entering.

  • Riders assumes all risk of injury due to misuse of this slide or failure to follow these rules.

  • WARNING: Failure to follow rules can result in serious injury.

Wellness pool

  • All general pool rules apply

  • No diving or jumping off of benches or the side.

  • No toys or rough play.