Public pools in Raleigh are getting ready to open, but you’ll need a reservation
With statewide coronavirus numbers still trending high, public swimming pools in and around Raleigh are preparing to open, but with limited capacity and with physical distancing and cleaning protocols in place.
Pools were allowed to open in North Carolina when Phase Two of Gov. Roy Cooper’s reopening plan started, and many private pools — such as those maintained by community clubs and apartment complexes — opened around that time, with lower capacity and with COVID-19 rules in place.
Public pools owned and maintained by cities and towns have been slower to open, and some of them won’t open at all this year.
Here’s what we know at this time about the opening of local public pools.
When do city of Raleigh public pools open?
The city of Raleigh is opening a number of its pools on July 6.
Which Raleigh pools will open?
The city of Raleigh will open the following pools: Millbrook Aquatic Center, Optimist Aquatic Center, Pullen Aquatic Center, Biltmore Pool, Lake Johnson Pool, Longview Pool and Ridge Road Pool.
Will the pools open at full capacity?
Nope. There will be limited capacity to try to maintain social distancing. The capacity will be controlled by requiring visitors to make reservations in advance.
I can’t just show up at the pool?
Probably not. A few spaces will be reserved for walk-ins, but it’s a good idea to make a reservation at reclink.raleighnc.gov to make sure you get a spot at the pool.
First, register to get a RecLink account. Then sign in and click “Browse Programs/Camps,” then click “Aquatic.” There are a number of programs available, but if you just want to hang at the pool, scroll to the bottom and find “Recreation Swim” and click “Show Courses.”
If I make a reservation, can I swim all day?
Swim sessions are reserved in two-hour blocks, but your actual time at the pool will be 75 minutes. The last 15 minutes will allow staff to perform extra cleaning before the next swimmers arrive.
Is the pool free?
You still have to pay to visit the pool. It’s $2 for residents and $3 for non-residents, with kids 12 and under admitted free.
What about the punch passes and monthly memberships?
Any existing punch passes or memberships will be honored through Sept. 7, but no new ones will be sold until Sept. 8, 2020.
Do I have to wear a mask at the pool?
Yes, you have to wear a mask at the pool unless you are actively swimming or eating. (We recommend SPF 50 to avoid embarrassing tan lines.)
Will the pools screen for sick people?
Yes, before you can enter the pool, you’ll be asked some questions about how you feel, and your temperature will be taken with a touchless thermometer. If anyone in your party does not clear the screening, no one from your party can enter. Everyone visiting a pool also will be required to leave their name and contact information.
Are any other public pools opening up?
▪ The Holding Park Aquatic Center in the town of Wake Forest is open as of Wednesday, July 1. Just as in Raleigh, patrons must register and pay for each session (at this pool, at least two hours in advance). The pool will follow mask and distancing rules, and you can read more about those at wakeforestnc.gov.
▪ Durham’s public pools will not open for the 2020 summer season.
▪ Chapel Hill will open the A.D. Clark Outdoor Pool at the Hargraves Recreation Center, 216 N. Roberson St., on July 6. There will be limited capacity for laps and recreation swimming, and walk-up swimming is not permitted.
Reservations must be made in advance for a block of time for lap swimming (one lane reservation per week), independent water exercise and recreational swimming (one reservation per week, per household of up to five persons). Go to https://tochaq.getomnify.com, reserve in person or call 919-968-2816. This is a pilot program only for this pool. The status of other town pools will be determined at a later date.
This story was originally published July 2, 2020 at 8:00 AM.
