City Pools Reopen for Lap Swim and Private Parent/Child Swim Lessons

Following updated guidance from the New Mexico Department of Health and City of Albuquerque leaders, the Parks and Recreation Department will begin to open City pools to the public on Monday, June 8. Pools will be open for lap swim and private parent-child swim lessons only at this time. As state and city officials proceed further into the next phases of reopening, we will continue to expand programs at the City pools. Please see below for specific rules and guidelines that must be followed for visiting the pools in this phase:

Facility Operations/Maintenance/Sanitation/COVID-Safe Practices:

Operations:

• All visits to the pool for lap swim will be reserved online by going to play.cabq.gov or by calling the facility.
• Reservations can be made up to 2 days in advance. Reservation time opens online at 8 am.
• Lanes will be available on reservation basis through play.cabq.gov. We will have 30 minute time blocks and a person can reserve up to two time slots (1 hour).
  • Waiver will be attached to the registration and individual will be required to provide answers to screening questions.
  • Drop-ins will not be allowed – those without internet access can call the pool up to two days in advance to make a reservation.
    • If calling ahead of time, individual will be required to fill out their waiver and answer the screening questions prior to entry at kiosk (disinfected after each use).
  • Upon registration, individual will receive an email confirmation with social distancing guidelines and signed waiver.
• During all three phases, payment for facility/program fees will be credit card only. No cash or checks accepted.
• Masks are required when in the locker rooms and on the pool deck but 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.

Maintenance/Sanitation:

• Aquatics staff will continue with 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.
• Sanitation stations will be located in the bathrooms (hand sanitizer and hand soap).
• All bleachers are closed. West Mesa Aquatic Center will leave the bottom step of the bleachers open. Additional tables will be added to place belongings. Additional hooks will be installed on walls to hang bags.
• Disinfection of shared equipment (kickboards, pull-buoys, etc.) after each shift/program.
• Deep cleaning after every shift.
  • Use disinfection methods in locker rooms, showers, pool deck, etc.
• 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.

COVID-19 Safe Practices:

• CDC signage added to locker rooms to provide information about healthy swimming, social distancing, and COVID-19 precautions. Also signs advising patrons to wipe down surfaces by utilizing sanitation stations in all locker rooms.
• Floor signs with 6 ft. distances for waiting in line to pay (if not paid online).  
• Floor signs in high traffic areas (drinking fountains, sinks, etc.).
• A number of showers will be closed off to allow for 6 ft. distances.
• All lap swimming is limited to one person per lane (no matter the relation). We recommend bringing a water resistant bag to place your face covering at the pool wall while swimming laps.