Pools

Cold Weather Guidelines:

The pool covers will not be removed from the pool when the ambient air temperature is at or below 32°F. If forecasts call for freezing conditions, the swimming pool will not open to the general public or aquatic user groups.

If the wind is over 15 mph, aquatic staff will not put the covers on or remove them until such time as the wind drops below 15 mph.

Aquatic staff will make every attempt possible to accommodate our patrons, but safety and protection of equipment must be of primary concern. The Aquatic Supervisor or his/her designee will make the final decision regarding covering and uncovering the pool.

The Aquatic Supervisor or his/her designee will make the final decision regarding covering and uncovering the pool.

Lightning Policy: 

The staff at city of Gainesville pools use a lightning detection service to monitor severe weather.  They receive an advisory notification when there is lightning within 20 miles of the facility; the facility will not close during this advisory but preparations will be made to do so. During this time, staff will inform patrons before paying the entrance fee of the inclement weather and remind them that there will be no refunds.

A Lightning Warning notification is received when there is lightning within 10 miles of the facility; staff at the facility are required to close down due to severe weather in the area. Patrons will be cleared from the pool deck and shower use will be prohibited.

An “All Clear” notification is received once the severe weather has left the area. At this time, staff at the facility will reopen and resume operating hours.

To avoid confusion, any weather information provided by the alert system used by City staff will supersede all other weather information sources.

POOL RULES

• NO REFUNDS, NO EXCEPTIONS. (Pool passes will be issued by the Pool Supervisor if the facility closes within one hour of arrival due to inclement weather, emergency or other health-related issue).
• No running on the pool deck.
• No prolonged breath holding of any kind.
• No alcohol or drugs permitted at any aquatics facility. Anyone suspected to be under the influence of these will be asked to leave the facility.
• The City of Gainesville is not responsible for personal belongings.  Please do not bring valuables into aquatic facilities and always lock your vehicle.
• Any child that cannot pass the swim test MUST be accompanied by an adult IN the pool.
• Smoking is not permitted on any city property, City ordinance 150406.
• Swimmers must wear proper swimming attire, i.e. swimming suits or trunks with liners.  Undergarments are not allowed under swimsuits. Thong-style and transparent suits are not allowed.
• Diapers are not permitted in the pool.  Swim diapers only.
• Swim tests are mandatory at all City aquatic facilities for any swimmer under the age of 16 who wants to swim in deeper water, use the slide, and/or the diving board.  Swim tests are administered by lifeguards.  To pass a swim test, one must demonstrate to the lifeguard their ability to swim 25 yards, without stopping, using an efficient front crawl stroke. Front crawl is performed correctly with face in the water.
• Plastic brightly colored wristbands are issued once a swimmer passes the swim test.  They must be worn in order to swim in deep water, use the slide and/or the diving board.  No swimmer under the age of 16 is allowed in deep water unless wearing a wristband.
• All guests must shower before entering the pool.
• Only Coast Guard approved flotation devices may be used in the pool.
• Groups shall not monopolize a particular area of the pool, limiting use by other guests.  Small children may not congregate on the stairs as this may cause an obstacle for other patrons.
• No running, rough play, dunking, diving off shoulders or pushing.
• Abusive or profane language is not permitted.
• Throwing of objects (balls, etc.) and underwater handstands are prohibited due to the risk of injury to other guests.
• A child may not ride on a parent’s back, nor may a child be tossed into the air.  Sitting on other’s shoulders is also not permitted.
• When jumping off side of pool, no flips, spins, or jumping off backwards
• Children must be able to pass the swim test and be at least 10 years old to be dropped off at the pool unattended.
• Bicycles, skateboards and in-line skates are not permitted on the pool deck or in the locker room facilities.
• Bathing suits indicating LIFEGUARD are prohibited by non-city staff.
• Anyone with diarrhea or who has had diarrhea within the past 24 hours should refrain from entering the pool water to prevent cryptosporidium (crypto) outbreaks.
• City of Gainesville equipment is for program use only
• While the rock wall is in use, the diving boards will be closed due to injury prevention. (Mickle only)
• The lifeguard is in charge.

1. Lap Lanes are for paid Lap Swimmers ONLY. Recreational swimmers are not allowed in lap lanes.
2. Lane sharing is required when all lanes are occupied.
3. When swim teams are using lap lanes, a minimum of one lane at Cherry and Mickle, as well as two lanes at Hunter, must be kept open for public lap swim.

• NO RUNNING
• No food, drinks, or animals.
• Children under 10 years of age are required to have adult supervision.
• Swim diapers are required for children who are not potty-trained.
• Do not drink or swallow water from splash pad.
• Do not use the splash pad if you are ill with diarrhea, or have had diarrhea within the last 24 hours.

1. NO RUNNING.
2. No food, drinks, or animals.
3. Children under 12 years of age are required to have adult supervision.
4. Swim diapers are required for children who are not potty-trained.
5. Do not drink or swallow water from splash pad.
6. Do not use the splash pad if you are ill with diarrhea, or have had diarrhea within the last 24 hours.

• Children under 16 must pass a swim test and wear a swim test band in order to use the diving boards.
• Only one person is allowed on the board at a time.
• Only one bounce is allowed on diving boards.
• Divers must wait until the previous diver reaches the ladder before diving.
• Divers must jump straight out from the end of the board.
• Goggles or masks are prohibited on the diving boards.
• No one may catch another swimmer jumping off the boards.
• After diving, the diver must swim to designated ladder immediately.
• Swimming in the diving area is prohibited.
• Hanging or sitting on the diving board is prohibited.
• No patrons may use the diving towers at any time, except to access the slide.