Outdoor City Pools to Reopen Memorial Day Weekend

Today, the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department announced that all eight of its outdoor pools will officially reopen for recreational swim on Saturday, May 29, 2021. Historically, outdoor pools have always opened Memorial Day weekend, but closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic meant gates stayed closed last year.

“Throughout the pandemic we asked folks to put in the hard work of social distancing and mask wearing so we could get back to doing our favorite things,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Now – we are starting to see that hard work paying off. We are looking forward to a summer full of safe gatherings for families at our pools and splash pads across the city.”

Under the current re-opening guidelines from the State of New Mexico, outdoor pools are limited to 75% capacity and indoor pools to 50% capacity. To limit capacity, all visits to City pools, both indoor and outdoor, must be reserved online at play.cabq.gov or by calling the facility, and will be limited to two hour increments. Reservations can be made up to two days in advance, with registration opening at 7 am each day. There are currently no spectators allowed. As New Mexico’s public health orders change in response to vaccination rates and CDC guidance, the Parks and Recreation Department will continue to review and update pool procedures.

“Our staff has been ready and waiting to reopen our aquatics facilities,” said Josh Herbert, Aquatics Division Manager. “We cant wait to welcome the community back in just a few short weeks.”

Many splash pads around Albuquerque are also expected to open in the coming weeks, following the schedule of the community center nearest each location. The splash pad on Civic Plaza will be the first to reopen on May 29, 2021.

The following COVID-19 Safe Protocols will be in place at each pool:

• Masks are required for non-vaccinated individuals at all times while in the locker rooms and on the pool deck but are not allowed in pool.
  • Temperature screening will be performed by front desk clerk with a digital thermometer. Individuals with a temperature reading above 100.4°F will be denied entry.
  • Front desk attendants will no longer have the ability to hold personal belongings.
  • A water-resistant bag to place face coverings in is recommended.

Sanitation measures at each pool include:

• Continued advanced levels of water testing; full water test at opening and closing and test chlorine and pH every hour
  • All pools will maintain above standard disinfection methods for pool water to include UV systems in all indoor pools.
  • Disinfection of shared equipment (kickboards, pull-buoys, etc.) after each use.
• Disinfection of locker rooms, showers, pool deck shift will be done for 30 minutes between each hour session.
  • Soap/shampoo will be provided in showers and rules for showering prior to entering the pool will be strictly enforced.
  • All facility users should refrain from showering after their swim to limit the amount of people in the locker rooms.

The City is still hiring seasonal aquatics staff – from lifeguards to aquatic aides and instructors. Positions are filling up fast. Apply at cabq.gov/jobs.