When do Columbus pools open? See when you can dive into your favorite spot.
As the weather becomes consistently balmy, you may find your mind drifting to thoughts of days at the pool. The smell of chlorine and the sound of splashes may float, unbidden, across your thoughts.
If that describes you, good news; you don't have long to wait until your daydreams come true.
Dodge, Driving Park, Glenwood and Tuttle pools will open Saturday, May 25 of Memorial Day Weekend, Columbus Parks and Recreation Department spokesperson Dominique Shank said.
Those pools will be open 12-6 p.m. that day and 12-5 p.m. on May 26. They won't be open on weekdays until June 8, when the rest of the city pools open for the season, Shank said.
After June 8, every city pool will be open weekdays from 1-7:30 p.m., Saturdays from 12-6 p.m. and Sundays from 12-5 p.m.
What does it cost to swim in Columbus pools?
Residents over the age of three looking to visit the city pools will need a "Leisure Card," according to the city's website.
These cards allow the parks to "safely identify" pool and community center visitors. The cards are free and can be ordered online or at any community center, according to the city's website.
Once you have a card, it'll still cost $1 per person per visit to get into the pools. The pools are capacity-limited, first-come, first-served, and reservations cannot be made in advance.
Do Columbus pools have lifeguards; can I bring bags and coolers?
The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department also has several rules and requirements for pool-goers:
Swimming is permitted only when a lifeguard is on duty.
This is a family-friendly area. Be considerate, and watch your language.
Children under 13 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult over 18.
Children under 9 must be within arm’s reach of an adult over 18. An adult in proper swimwear must remain with child at all times, both in and out of the water.
All bags and coolers are subject to search at any time.
A Columbus Recreation and Parks Leisure Card is required for entry for anyone 3 years old and older.
Pool pass or daily admission payment is required for entry (even if you do not plan to swim). No re-entry without the current proof of admission.
Proper swimwear is required. Please refer to swimwear regulations and guidelines or ask the front desk for assistance.
The City of Columbus reserves the right to prohibit entry to or remove anyone from the premises due to safety concerns. This includes but is not limited to: equipment or chemical malfunction,weather and/or safety emergencies, public impairment, unsafe behavior, and/or failure to follow pool area rules.
@NathanRHart
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: When do Columbus pools open for the 2024 season?