Swimming Pools

Denver Parks and Recreation offers year-round swimming lessons, with more than 10,000 annual course offerings at indoor and outdoor pools throughout Denver.

Browse swimming lesson schedules and availability via the Online Service Center. 

User Tip: Filter by 'Site' or 'Location' to narrow search results.

Swimming Lesson Session Dates*
Beginning with Spring 2020, Aquatics activity registrations will be staggered by session.

Spring 2020

Registration #1: Opens 2/25/20

Session I: 3/16/20 - 4/18/20

Registration #2: Opens 4/21/20

Session II: 4/27/20 - 5/23/20

Summer 2020 Indoor Pools

Registration #1: Opens 5/5/20

Session I: 6/8/20 - 7/4/20

Registration #2: Opens 6/30/20

Session II: 7/13/20 - 8/8/20

Summer 2020 Outdoor Pools

Registration #1: Opens 5/5/20

Session I: 6/8/20 - 6/18/20

Session II: 6/22/20 - 7/2/20

Registration #2: Opens 6/30/20

Session III: 7/6/20 - 7/16/20

Session IV: 7/20/20 - 7/30/20

Fall 2020

Registration #1: Opens 7/28/20

Session I: 8/24/20 - 9/19/20

Registration #2: Opens 9/22/20

Session II: 9/28/20 – 10/24/20

Registration #3: Opens 10/27/20

Session III: 11/2/20 – 12/5/20

Winter 2020-2021

Registration #1: Opens 11/4/20

Session I: 1/4/21 - 1/30/21

Registration #2: Opens 2/2/21

Session II: 2/8/21 – 3/6/21

All registrations open at 12:00 PM (noon) Mountain Time on their corresponding dates.

*These are general session dates. Specific class dates vary by activity and/or location. Dates are subject to change.

FAQ

Why was this change made?

• Swim lesson levels are skill-based, not an age-based. Staggered registration helps improve activity registration accuracy, in-water safety, and programming equity for all participants.

When can I add future lessons to my "Save for Later" list?

• There is no change to the timeframe for adding activities to a “Save for Later” list. Participants may add activities from any visible session to their list; however, you must wait until the corresponding open registration date for that session to enroll.

Will this affect the waiting list procedure?

• No. The waiting list procedure for individual activities will not change. 

Ashland Recreation Center

Athmar Recreation Center

Carla Madison Recreation Center - Lap Pool

Carla Madison Recreation Center - Leisure Pool

Central Park Recreation Center

Glenarm Recreation Center

Hiawatha Davis Jr. Recreation Center

La Familia Recreation Center

Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center

Montbello Recreation Center

Montclair Recreation Center

Rude Recreation Center

Scheitler Recreation Center

Twentieth Street Recreation Center

Washington Park Recreation Center

Note: Outdoor pools are typically open from the first week of June through mid-August. Select pools may stay open on weekends only through Labor Day weekend.

Check back for Outdoor Pool Schedules for Summer 2020.

Thank you for your interest in private swim lessons with Denver Parks and Recreation. Please review the following general information and policies around private swim lessons.

General Information

• Private lessons cost $22.50 per lesson
• Each private lesson is 30 minutes in length
• Private lessons are scheduled based on instructor availability
• Payment is required prior to the start of your scheduled lesson and must be made in person at the front desk
• Discounts cannot be applied

Cancellation and Late Policy

• No refunds at any time
• Denver Parks & Recreation requires a 24-hour notice for all cancellations. Clients will forfeit private lesson sessions without refund if repeat cancellations occur without advanced notice.
• If participants are late, the lesson will only be taught for the originally scheduled time.

Completing a request for private swim lessons does not guarantee that you will be assigned an instructor. At times, space and instructors may be limited. We will make every attempt to fulfill each request.

Submit a Private Swim Lesson Request

If you have questions or comments about private swim lessons, please contact the Aquatics Coordinator at the recreation center you would like to visit for private swim lessons. A list of our recreation centers and their contact information can be found here.

Denver Parks & Recreation Swimming Pool Rules

• Lifeguards are on duty to enforce rules and regulations and to respond to emergencies.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for the actions and behaviors of their children.
• Children 5 years and under must be directly supervised in the pool, WITHIN ARMS REACH AT ALL TIMES, by a responsible parent or guardian.
• Children 6&7 years old must be accompanied by a responsible individual 12 years or older in the pool area at all times.
• Children 8 years and older may swim without a parent or guardian present.
• Proper swim wear is required – No jeans or cut offs. No street clothes. No undergarments.
• Showers are required before entry into the pool, in accordance with Colorado State Health Codes.
•  No running, pushing, wrestling or rough play in locker rooms, showers, or pool area.
• Diving in designated areas only.
•  Water wings and inner tubes, are not allowed. Swim equipment and toys are permissible at the discretion of management.
• Coast Guard approved lifejackets are allowed when directly supervised by a parent or guardian within arm’s reach.
• A swimming ability test may be required before entering the deep water.
• Swim diapers or plastic pants are required for participants who are diaper dependent. Diaper changing on or around the pool deck is prohibited.
• No spitting, spouting water or blowing the nose in or around the pool.
• Lap Swimmers will be required to share lanes and circle swim when needed.
• Food and drink in designated areas only. No glass containers.
• Swimmers with open sores or wounds or who have had diarrhea within the last 24 hours are asked not to get into the water in accordance with Colorado State Heath Codes.
• Smoking in or within 15 feet of the entrance to any city-owned facility is prohibited.
• No unsanctioned private lessons, coaching or selling of goods and services is allowed per Municipal Code Section 39-11.

Wading Pool Rules

• Children 5 years and under must be directly supervised in the pool, WITHIN ARMS REACH AT ALL TIMES, by a responsible parent or guardian.
• Feet first entry only.
• Swim diapers or plastic pants are required for participants who are diaper dependent.
• Follow all other pool rules.

Slide Rules

• Riders must be able to pass the swim test and be able to swim to steps independently.
• Riders must be 42” tall to ride.
• One person on the slide at a time.
• Riders must go feet first and face up. No spinning, stopping or turning on the slide.
• The splashdown area must be clear of swimmers before the next rider uses the slide.
• Riders may not be caught coming off the slide by parents or guardians.
• No jewelry, or swim suit with buttons, fasteners, or metal rivets on the slide for your safety.
• No Swimming in slide area.

Leisure Pool & Water Play Ground Rules

• Slides: Riders must go feet first and face up. No spinning, stopping or turning on the slide. 
• Do not climb on outside of play structures.
• No sitting on the geysers.
• During busy periods, the leisure pool will be limited to young children.

Reglamento para las Piscinas de Parques y Esparcimiento de Denver

• Los salvavidas se encuentran para poner en vigor las reglas y regulaciones y atender emergencias.
• Los padres/tutores son responsables por los actos y conducta de sus hijos.
• Los usuarios deberán respetar a los salvavidas y al personal de la piscina en todo momento.
• Los menores de 5 años deberán contar con supervisión directa en la piscina, ENCONTRÁNDOSE AL ALCANCE DE LA MANO EN TODO MOMENTO, por un padre o tutor responsable.
• Los menores de 6 y 7 años deberán encontrarse acompañados de una persona de 12 años o mayor en el área de la piscina en todo momento.
• Los niños de 8 años de edad o mayores podrán nadar sin que un padre o tutor esté presente.
• Se exige el uso de trajes de baño apropiados – Se prohíben las prendas recortadas, de mezclilla, las ropas de calle y las prendas íntimas.
• Se exige usar las regaderas antes de entrar a la piscina conforme al Código de Sanidad del Estado de Colorado.
• Se prohíbe correr, los empujones, o los juegos bruscos en los casilleros, las regaderas o en el área de la piscina.
• Se permiten los clavados únicamente en las zonas designadas para esto.
• Se prohíben los flotadores y las cámaras de llantas. Todo otro artículo de flotación, equipo y juguetes de natación se permiten a criterio de la gerencia. 
• Se permiten los chalecos salvavidas aprobados por los Guardacostas de ser supervisados directamente por un padre o tutor que se encuentre al alcance de la mano.
• Una prueba de natación se podría exigir antes de entrar en las zonas profundas.
• Se exige usar los pañales acuáticos y los pantalones de plástico para los que dependen de estos. Se prohíbe cambiar  pañales en las inmediaciones de la alberca.
• Se prohíbe escupir, echar corros de agua, o sonarse en las inmediaciones de la piscina.
• Las personas que hagan natación de circuito se les va a pedir compartan sus carriles de ser necesario.
• Los alimentos y las bebidas únicamente en las zonas designadas. Se prohíben los objetos de vidrio.
• De manera atenta se pide que las personas con úlceras, llagas, o afligidos por diarrea en las 24 horas previas se abstengan de entrar al agua conforme al Código Estatal de Sanidad en Colorado.
• Se prohíbe el fumar a 15 pies de distancia de las entradas de todas las instalaciones propiedad de la Ciudad.
• Se prohíbe fumar en toda instalación propiedad de la ciudad a 15 pies de la entrada.
• Se prohíben las clases particulares, la instrucción, o vender productos o servicios conforme al Código Municipal Sección 39-11.

Reglas para los Chapoteaderos

• Los menores de 5 años DEBERÁN encontrarse acompañados en la piscina AL ALCANCE DE LA MANO del menor de uno de sus padres o tutores EN TODO MOMENTO.
• Únicamente entre con los pies primero.
• Se exige usar los pañales acuáticos y los pantalones de plástico para los que dependen de estos.
• Acaten las otras reglas de la piscina.

Reglas de el Tobogán

• Los usuarios deberán aprobar la prueba de natación y poder nadar de manera independiente.
•  Los usuarios deberán medir 42” = 1 metro de estatura para usarlas.
• Una persona a la vez por el tobogán.
• Los usuarios deberán entrar con los pies por delante y bocarriba. Se prohíben las piruetas, detenerse, o las vueltas en el tobogán.
• La zona de desemboque deberá estar despejada de usuarios antes de que la persona siguiente utilice el tobogán.
• Los usuarios no podrán ser sacados conforme se desplacen por el tobogán por sus padres o tutores.
• Por su seguridad, se prohíben las alhajas, o los trajes de baño con botones, broches, o estoperoles.
• Se prohíbe nadar en la zona del tobogán.

Reglas para las Piscinas Recreativas y los Juegos Acuáticos

• Para el tobogán: Con los pies por delante ya sea bocarriba o bocabajo. Se prohíbe girar, detenerse o dar vueltas en el tobogán.
• Se prohíbe treparse en el exterior de las estructuras de juegos.
• Se prohíbe sentarse en los géiseres.
• En los periodos más ocupados, las albercas recreativas se van a limitar para los niños menores.

City and County of Denver Parks & Recreation Outdoor Pools may close periodically.

Incidents of closure include:

• Inclement weather
  • Low air temperature, low water temperature or high wind
    • If the air temperature drops below 64 degrees or colder the pool may close temporarily until the temperature rises
    • If the water temperature is lower than 78 degrees the pool may close temporarily until the water temperature rises
    • If there are high winds occurring and lifeguards cannot see the bottom of the pool or visibility is poor then the pool may close temporarily until corrected
  • Electrical storms (lightning & thunder)
    • The pool will close for a minimum of 20 min until the area is clear. Since weather in Colorado is unpredictable, these closures can be frequent and sometimes result in the closure of the pool for the day.
       
• Pump room mechanical issues
  • Depending on the situation we will reopen as soon as we can for patrons
     
• Accidental solid or diarrheal fecal matter incident
  • These closures range from 1 hour to 24 hours depending on the severity and type

DAILY ADMISSION FEES

MY Denver Card: Free

• Youth (2-18): $1.00
• Young Adult (19-24): $3.00
• Adult (25-64): $3.50
• Senior (65+) $2.00
• Persons with Disabilities: $2.00

OUTDOOR POOL PASS
Valid June 3, 2019 - Sept. 1, 2019

• Youth (2-18): $20.00
• Young Adult (19-24): $35.00
• Adult (25-64): $50.00
• Senior (65+): $30.00
• Persons with Disabilities: $30.00

DROP-IN AQUA FITNESS CLASS FEES

• Young Adult (19-24): $3.00
• Adult (25-64): $4.00
• Senior (65+): $2.50
• Persons with Disabilities: $2.50

Denver Parks and Recreation Aquatics recognizes that providing open swim times for local groups/camps is an important part of ensuring a successful summer.

In order to maintain a safe and consistent environment for all our patrons, we ask that all groups of 10 or more children/youth arrange their visit in advance.

For outdoor pool requests, please check this page for updates in early 2021. Links to the group request form will be updated at that time.

For indoor pool requests, please contact the recreation centers directly. Click here for DPR Recreation Centers.

By requesting a group/camp visit you acknowledge that you have read and agree to DPR Aquatics Swimming Pool and Water Playground Guidelines for Groups/Camps. (PDF) Please direct questions to 720-865-0660 or email aquatics@denvergov.org.

Find updates on the Park & Facility Projects page. 

Ages

• At least 6m but less than 3y 11m

Skills Needed to Enroll

• Within minimum/maximum age
• One Adult must accompany each child in the water
• Swim diapers are required

Skills Taught in Class

• Introduce swimming skills that are developmentally appropriate for infants and toddlers
• Each class uses toys, songs, fun and games to keep children engaged and enjoying the water experience
• IMPORTANT: Parent-Child classes are not designed to teach children to swim or even to survive in the water on their own

Ages

• At least 3y but less than 5y 11m

Skills Needed to Enroll

• Within minimum/maximum age
• Swim diapers are recommended for all participants
• Swim diapers are required for participants who are diaper dependent

Skills Taught in Class

• Entering and exiting the water independently
• Submerging the mouth and nose
• Supported/independent glides on the front and back
• Rolling over from the front to the back with/without support
• Swimming on the front with/without support

Ages

• At least 5y but less than 17y 11m

Skills Needed to Enroll

• Within minimum/maximum age
• Swim diapers are required for participants who are diaper dependent

Skills Taught in Class

• Enter and exit water using ladder, steps, side or ramps
• Bob and blow bubbles through mouth and nose
• Open eyes under water and retrieve submerged objects independently
• Front and back glides (supported)
• Back float and recover to vertical (supported)
• Roll from front to back and back to front (supported)
• Tread water using arm and hand actions
• Alternating and simultaneous arm and leg actions on front/back (supported)
• Combined arm/leg actions on front/back(supported)
• Staying safe around aquatic environments

Ages

• At least 5y but less than 17y 11m

Skills Needed to Enroll

• Within minimum/maximum age
• Use alternating and simultaneous arm and leg actions on front/back
• Combined arm/leg actions on front/back
• Tread water using arm and hand actions
• Glide on front/back float on back and recover to vertical
• Roll from front to back and back to front
• Open eyes under water and retrieve submerged objects
• Bob and blow bubbles through mouth and nose
• Demonstrate how to stay safe around water

Skills Taught in Class

• Enter water by stepping or jumping from side
• Exit using ladder, steps or side
• Fully submerge and hold breath
• Open eyes to retrieve submerged objects
• Front, jellyfish and tuck floats, face down
• Front and back glides and back float
• Recover from a front and back float or glide to a vertical position
• Roll from front to back and back to front
• Change direction of travel while swimming on front or back
• Tread water using arm and leg actions
• Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
• Finning arm action on back
• Staying safe around aquatic environments
• Rotary breathing

Ages

• At least 5y but less than 17y 11m

Skills Needed to Enroll

• Within minimum/maximum age
• Execute combined arm/leg actions on front/back
• Rotary breathing
• Tread water using arm and leg actions
• Use a finning arm action on back
• Change direction while swimming on front/back
• Roll from front to back; perform from front/back float, glide and recover to vertical position
• Perform front, jellyfish and tuck floats, face down
• Fully submerge and hold breath
• Open eyes and retrieve submerged objects
• Demonstrate water safety

Skills Taught in Class

• Enter by jumping from the side, fully submerge, recover to surface and side in deep water
• Headfirst entry from the side in sitting and kneeling positions
• Bobbing while moving toward safety
• While vertical, rotate one full turn in deep water
• Rotary breathing
• Survival float on front, back float
• Change from vertical to horizontal position on front and back
• Tread water with modified scissor, breaststroke and rotary kick
• Push off in a streamlined position then begin flutter and dolphin kicks on front
• Front crawl and elementary backstroke
• Scissors kick and breaststroke kick

Ages

• At least 5y but less than 17y 11m

Skills Needed to Enroll

• Within minimum/maximum age
• Perform front crawl, elementary backstroke, scissors kick
• Push off and begin dolphin and flutter kick on front
• Tread water with modified scissor, breaststroke and rotary kick
• Change from vertical to horizontal on front/back
• Perform survival float
• Rotary breathing
• Bob while swimming to safety, rotate 1 full turn
• Enter headfirst from sitting/kneeling positions
• Jump from the side, recover to surface and swim to side

Skills Taught in Class

• Headfirst entry from the side in compact and stride positions
• Swim under water
• Feet first surface dive - submerge completely
• Survival swimming
• Stroke refinement: front/back crawl, elementary backstroke,
• Breaststroke, sidestroke, butterfly
• Front crawl and backstroke open turns
• Tread water using two different kicks
• Push off in a streamlined position then begin flutter and dolphin kicks on back

Ages

• At least 5y but less than 17y 11m

Skills Needed to Enroll

• Within minimum/maximum age
• Perform front crawl, elementary backstroke, scissors kick
• Push off and begin dolphin and flutter kick on front
• Tread water with modified scissor, breaststroke and rotary kick
• Change from vertical to horizontal on front/back
• Perform survival float on front/back
• Enter headfirst from compact and stride positions
• Jump from the side, recover to surface and swim to side

Skills Taught in Class

• Shallow-angle dive from the side, then glide and swim
• Tuck and pike surface dives
• Stroke refinement: front/back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, butterfly
• Front flip turn and backstroke flip turn while swimming
• Tread water using legs only
• Standard scull on back

Ages

• At least 5y but less than 17y 11m

Skills Needed to Enroll

• Within minimum/maximum age
• Perform front/back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, butterfly
• Front flip turn and backstroke flip turn while swimming
• Tread water using legs only
• Standard scull on back

Skills Taught in Class

• Refine shallow angle dive
• Refine pike and tuck surface dive
• Refine swimming the front/back crawl and elementary backstroke for 50 yards
• Refine swimming the sidestroke, breaststroke, and butterfly for 25 yards
• Refine flip turns on the front and back

Ages

• At least 5y but less than 17y 11m

Skills Needed to Enroll

• Within minimum/maximum age
• Perform front/back crawl for 50 yards
• Perform breaststroke, and butterfly for 25 yards
• Front flip turn and backstroke flip turn while swimming
• Tread water using legs only
• Standard scull on back

Skills Taught in Class

• Stroke refinement: front/back crawl, breaststroke, and butterfly
• This class refines the strokes so participants swim with ease, efficiency, power, and smoothness over greater distances.

Ages

• At least 15y

Skills Needed to Enroll

• Meets minimum age

Skills Taught in Class

• Adult Swimming Lessons are designed to aid persons age 15+ to learn to swim, improve strokes, or begin fitness swimming
• Instructors will design the lesson to fit the needs of each individual student, whether they are new to swimming or just want to improve their strokes for fitness swimming

Ages

• At least 18y

Skills Needed to Enroll

• Meets minimum age
• Intermediate to experienced swimmers who wish to get an hour-long structured workout
• Proficiency in at least one stroke (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly) required

Skills Taught in Class

• Practices work on various aspects of fitness such as endurance, cardio, flexibility and strength.
• Coach is present to provide swimmers with feedback and listen to any questions, comments or concerns.
• A good fit for Masters or triathlon training, or if you just want to stay fit and be a part of a team