Guidelines for visiting our pools

Guidelines

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  Pool admission rules and regulations

  Supervision requirements

  Children 7 years and under must be supervised at all times by a responsible guardian (16 years or older), and must be within arms' reach of the children. Information icon One guardian can supervise up to 3 children. 

  Health precautions

  • Before entering the pool, consult with a doctor if you: 
    • Are an older adult 
    • Have heart disease, diabetes, or high or low blood pressure 
    • Are taking medication for cardiovascular or nerve disorders 
    • Are pregnant 
  • Anyone with a communicable disease or illness such as, but not limited to the following, are not permitted in the pool: 
    • Diarrhea 
    • Open sores or exposed bandages 
    • Head colds, flu, or COVID-19 
    • Infections
    • Discharging ears, nose, or throat 

  Hygiene and behavioural expectations

  • Shower on-site before entering the pool. 
  • Swim and act responsibly while on-site and to be respectful of all others in the facility. 
  • Alcohol, drugs, smoking, and vaping are prohibited on facility property. 
  • No running on the pool deck or horseplay in and around the pool.
  • No diving in shallow water.
  • No street shoes allowed on deck.
  • No pets on the pool deck unless they are a registered service animal.
  • Prolonged or repetitive breath holding PDF file (232 KB) is not permitted. 

  Mermaid fins and mono-fins

  • Mermaid fins are not permitted in pools. Mono-fins for fitness training by length swimmers are permitted. 
    • Mermaid fins are a single fin that contains both feet and includes some form of enclosure (fabric, rubber or other materials) that covers some or all of a person’s legs. These items are designed to replicate the aesthetic of a mermaid tail.  
    • Mono-fins are training tools that contain both feet and do not cover part or all of a person’s legs. These items are designed to aid fitness and competitive swimming training.

  Aquatic equipment

  • Individual pools may supply aquatic equipment such as, but not limited to, noodles and kickboards. If you are bringing other pool specific items, check with our pool staff first. They must not impact the safety of yourself, or other individuals. 

  Photography

  • The use of photographic devices (camera or cell phone) in fitness centres, swimming pools, or connected change spaces is not permitted without prior staff approval. Contact the supervisory team at the pool you attend.  

  Information icon Site specific rules will apply. Follow the guidance of our staff on-site. 

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  Wearing appropriate swimwear

  We welcome participants of all ages, abilities, bodies, genders identities and expressions, religions, and cultures to our aquatic facilities. We are inclusive facilities and it is important that everyone is able to enjoy the facilities in a safe, welcoming, and equitable manner.

  Swimwear policy 

  The Attire for Swimming in Public Aquatic Facilities Public Policy PDF file (412 KB) which was passed at the Board Meeting on April 24, 2023, as a 1-year pilot. This policy is designed to provide our staff with guidance on managing Park Board pool operations and educating patrons about issues related to unsafe or inappropriate attire.

  Our policy defines appropriate swimwear as, "what other Canadians find as an acceptable level of tolerance in a family public swimming environment that includes maintaining full and appropriate coverage of genitals."

  You are required to wear attire suitable for swimming in a public pool that meets British Columbia Health Regulation and pool safety requirements.

  Acceptable swimwear

  • Bathing suit
  • Swim trunks
  • Board shorts 
  • T-shirts and shorts
  • Burkini
  • Swim hijab 
  • Leggings and tunic 
  • Rash guard 
  • Wet suit

  Unacceptable swimwear

  • Attire with long and flowing fabric that may limit movement or cause a safety risk
  • Clothing which absorbs water and becomes heavy such as jeans or sweatpants
  • Items designed for sexual or intimate purposes

  Swim diapers

  In order to maintain water quality, remember to wear reusable or disposable swim diapers if needed.

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  Aquafit registration

  To make sure everyone has a chance to join aquafit classes at any of our pools, class registration will open 3 days before the class you want, starting at noon.

  Registration for these classes will close at 11:59pm the night before the class takes place. Information icon This applies to all classes on the following day, not just the morning classes. 

  Drop-in fee and availability

  If you missed registration, you can pay the drop-in fee before a specific session if there is space available. You must pay the drop-in fee at the time of entering the facility. You cannot pay for a drop-in session for later in the day and return for the class. 

  We reserve 20% of spaces in each class for drop-in visitors. Any spaces not reserved by 11:59pm the day before the session will be made available for drop-in participants.

  Register for aquafit

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  Group bookings

  You must notify our staff in advance if you are booking more than 10 people for a rental session. We want to make sure that enough staff are available to maintain public safety. 

  Indoor pool group bookings

  To make a group booking at an indoor pool, contact the specific site directly to allow for staff coordination on-site. Learn more about group rates

  Outdoor pool group bookings

  To make a group booking at an outdoor pool, fill out the outdoor pool group bookings form PDF file (738 KB) and email it to outdoorpools@vancouver.ca at least 10 days in advance of your booking date.

  Information icon Outdoor pool group booking requests are limited to day camps and non-profit organizations for Monday to Friday sessions.

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  Doing business at public pools

  Renting space for non-profit sport organizations and partner agencies 

  Your organization can qualify for non-profit rates if it: 

  • Is a registered non-profit with a current society number
  • Has an affiliation with a Provincial Sports Organization (PSO) or National Sports Organization (NSO), or equivalent governing body
  • Holds appropriate insurance which meets Vancouver Park Board indemnification requirements

  Contact the site specific staff to discuss pool rental opportunities. 

  Renting space for commercial ventures

  Filming

  Find out how you can apply for a film permit

  Private fitness training and swimming lessons

  • The use of Park Board facilities to train or instruct (including private swimming lessons or personal fitness training) clients such as in swimming pools, fitness centres, and ice rinks is not permitted unless you are a private business. Review the process on how to do business in our pools PDF file (542 KB)
  • The use of Park Board facilities for rehabilitation sessions requires pre-approval. Learn more about private rehabilitation training in our facilities

  Commercial ventures

  All commercial venture inquiries related to aquatic facilities should review initial criteria on using pools for private businesses PDF file (542 KB) and follow up with any additional questions to aquatic.services@vancouver.ca

  Renting space for personal gatherings such as birthday parties

  Rentals for private (non-commercial) events can be arranged by contacting the site directly. All requests will be assessed based on the type of event, availability of space, and availability of staff. Learn more about how to rent a pool or lane

  Information icon Additional staff fees may apply.