Aquatic Center Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do you supply towels?
A. No, we do not supply towels. You should either bring your own towel or you can purchase on at the front desk for $5.
Q. What are the temperatures of the pool?
A. Lap 80-83 degrees, Leisure 85-87 degrees, Spa 100-104 degrees
Q. Do you have a sauna?
A. No, but we do have a hot tub.
Q. Why do the pool temperatures fluctuate?
A. The water heaters work very similarly to the furnace in your home; it doesn’t stay exactly the same all the time. You are more likely to notice small temperature differences in the water than you are in the air. The heater heats the water coming into the pool until the temperature of the water gets high enough to signal the heater to turn off. The water will then slowly cool off until the water gets cool enough to send another signal to the heater to start heating the water again. Water heats and cools very slowly so it can take anywhere from several hours to a few days for this to happen.
Q. Why can’t I stay in the spa for more than 15 minutes?
A. Extended exposure to hot water can cause you to pass out and slip beneath the surface of the water. If you would like to stay in the spa for longer than 15 minutes we recommend that you get out, cool off and get something to drink before returning to the spa. Please get out of the spa immediately if you feel sleepy or lightheaded.
Q. How deep are the pools?
A. Lap pool: 3’9” to 12’3” Leisure pool: 1’9” to 4” Both have zero-depth entry ramps for easy access.
Q. How can a wheelchair bound person get into your pools?
A. Both of our pools have zero depth ramps for easy entry and exit. We also have 2 waterproof wheelchairs available for your use. Our pools are wonderful for people with disabilities.
Q. What chemicals are used in the pools?
A. Chlorine is used to kills germs. Diluted muriatic acid is used to control the pH of the pools.
Q. How high is the chlorine?
A. The normal chlorine level in the pools is 1.5 to 4 parts per million. We check the levels several times each day to ensure they stay within the proper ranges.
Q. Why do I have to take a shower before entering the pool?
A. State law says that everyone must take a shower before entering the pool. This dramatically cuts down on the dirt and debris that is brought into the pools. It helps to keep the pool cleaner and safer for everyone.
Q. Why can’t I wear colored clothes in the water?
A. The chlorine in the water will bleach the clothing and the dyes will enter the water. This could interfere with our ability to keep the chemical levels where they need to be.
Q. Why can’t I have my own lane to swim laps?
A. Lane sharing will not always necessary but sometimes it is. If there are two people using a lane, it usually works well if each person stays on one side of the lane. If there are three or more people in a lane circle swimming will be necessary. It is helpful if people who are swimming at about the same speed share lanes.
Q. Can I use the starting blocks?
A. The starting blocks are to be used by those who are trained to do long shallow dives. They are not to be used for jumping. They may only be used when there are no other lap swimmers in that lane.
Q. When is the diving board open?
A. The diving board can usually be opened anytime a guest requests it as long as there are two guards on duty. The second lifeguard must be stationed at the board in order for guests to use it. If there are many lap swimmers or if classes are using the lanes we may not be able to open the diving board.
Q. How long is the lap pool?
A. 25 yards
Q. How many laps are in a mile?
A. 72 laps (or lengths)
Q. What is the deep end test? Why does my child have to pass the deep end test before swimming in the lap pool?
A. The deep end test is designed to help prevent emergencies. It consists of swimming 1 length of the pool comfortably and confidently followed by treading water for 1 minute. If a child cannot complete this test he or she should not swim in the lap pool and should remain in the leisure pool.
Q. Can I use the equipment?
A. Basketballs and toys can be used by anyone. Fins, kickboards, and pull-buoys can be used by lap swimmers of any age as long as they are being used properly. Noodles, Hydro-Fit equipment, belts, barbells, and paddles are for adult use only. The rest of our equipment is designated for classes only. Children are not allowed to use most of our equipment because it is not intended to be used as a toy or as a lifesaving device.
Q. Can I use the patio?
A. Yes. The patio is open for guests to use during the late spring, summer and early fall. You may not enter or exit the building through the patio doors. You must use the main entrance and check in or pay at the front desk.
Q. Why is there sometimes a rope across the leisure pool?
A. The rope is occasionally put in the pool to separate the deeper water from the shallower water.
Q. Why does my child have to wear a swim diaper?
A. All children who are not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper. Regular disposable diapers are designed to absorb water. They will keep swelling up until they break open. If this happens, we will have to close the pool, vacuum it, and add additional chemicals.
Q. Why can’t my child wear water wings/use inflatable toys/wear a lifejacket that are not US Coast Guard approved?
A. Anything inflatable can suddenly deflate. Water wings and buoyancy vests are designed as a swim aid not as a lifesaving device. They will keep your child’s body floating but not necessarily keep their face out of the water. You are welcome to bring in a properly fitting USCG approved life jacket to use while you are here.
Q. Why do you have to be less than 48 inches tall to use the slide?
A. The slide is designed for use by toddlers and preschoolers. It is not meant to support the weight of older/larger children.
Q. Are children allowed to bring toys?
A. Small toys are fine for children to bring in to play with. However inflatable rings, rafts, water wings etc. are not allowed.
Q. Why do I have to stay in the aquatic center with my child who is under 10?
A. The lifeguards at this facility are trained to prevent accidents and emergencies from happening. It is up to the parents and guardians to maintain constant supervision of their children.
Q. Why do I have to stay within arms reach of my younger child?
A. All children under 42 inches in height must be actively supervised by an adult who is in the water and remains within arms reach at all times. Young children can slip under the surface and drown within seconds. Parents MUST take responsibility for the safety of their children.
Q. When are swim lessons? Can I still swim during lessons?
A. Guests can still use the pools during swim lessons with the exception of Saturday mornings, but there is very limited space and they must stay out of the way of the classes. Classes will have pool space priority over other guests. Classes generally run the following times: Monday – Thursday 9:30 – 11:30 am & 4:30 – 7:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 12 pm.
Q. If I’m here for a swim lesson, can I use the pool before or after class?
A. If you are not a member or do not pay the daily fee, the pools cannot be used before or after class. If you are a member, make sure you check in at the front desk and please do not disturb the classes in progress.
Q. Why do parents have to wait on the benches during swim lessons?
A. The lifeguards need to be able to see all areas of the pool and deck. Having groups of parents standing along the edge of the pool prevents this. It is also a distraction for the children in the swim classes as well as for the instructor.
Q. Why are there so many rules?
A. Lifeguards at this facility are trained to prevent accidents before they happen. By enforcing rules this ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Q. Who do I talk to about comments/concerns/problems?
A. The Aquatic Coordinator, Stephanie Ferguson at 734-429-3502 ext 2511 or sferguson@cityofsaline.org.
