Pool Rules

• Children ages 10 and younger will not be admitted without an adult or legal guardian present.
  • All minors over the age of 10 may utilize Aquatics facilities provided they are mature enough to display proper conduct and abide by all rules of use. Please refer to the Aquatics Unattended Minors Policy.
• All children using flotation devices, mask-style goggles with snorkel, and children ages 8 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times while in the water. If the child is in the pool, the parent/guardian must also be in the pool within arm’s reach.
  • If children age 8 and under can demonstrate sufficient swimming abilities through a swim test, they may be eligible to receive a wristband to identify them as a swimmer, giving them the ability to swim in the pool without a parent/guardian.
• Do not run.
• Always shower with soap and water before entering any swimming pool.
• Keep food in designated areas, out of the pool and locker rooms.
• Only proper swim attire allowed — no street clothes will be permitted.  NO EXCEPTIONS! Click here for more information on the swimming attire policy.
• No smoking on premises.
• No diving in undesignated areas.
• No glass containers allowed in the pool area.
• No swearing, cursing, or disrespectful language.
• No excessive displays of affection.
• No horseplay (pushing, shoving, wrestling).
• Only balls designed for Aquatic play permitted (i.e., no tennis balls, footballs, racquetballs, etc.).
• Do not distract or visit with Lifeguards.
• Always obey Lifeguards.
• Follow any additional rules posted specific to each facility for lap swimming, diving, and/or water slides.

Further Prohibited Activity

• Patrons shall not engage in any illegal activity.
• Harassing, fighting, assaulting, or threatening people will not be tolerated.
• Excessive use of foul language is not allowed at City Aquatics facilities.
• It is unlawful to engage in or solicit any sexual act in a City facility.
• Theft, damage, or destruction of City property or the property of others is prohibited.
• Carrying weapons of any type is not allowed on City Aquatics facility grounds.
• Patrons or members of the public are not allowed into staff areas without staff approval or knowledge.

The City of Albuquerque Aquatics Division has developed the above Aquatics Facility Rules of Use to help ensure the safety and security of Aquatics patrons and staff.  Rules of use are additionally established to promote a comfortable and enjoyable aquatics experience for all.  Persons who violate the Facility Rules of Use are subject to removal from the premises and/or suspension of their Aquatics Facility privileges, or, when appropriate, City security or police intervention .  

Water slide rules:

1. Wait for a lifeguard to signal your departure.
2. Feet first, face up, no twisting or turning over.
3. One person at a time- Adults may not ride holding children.
4. Persons using slide must be able to exit on their own no catching.
5. Exit catch area promptly.
6. If you wear eyeglasses they must be securely fastened to your head.
7. No exposed zippers, buckles, or rivets are allowed on the slide- No jean shorts or cut offs allowed.
8. Caution: Pregnant women or people with heart or back problems should not ride the slide.

The policy for the slide dispatch states that lifeguards should only allow individuals to use the slide if the rider is at least 42 inches tall and can swim unassisted. If the rider is shorter than the 42 inches, they can ride the slide as long as they can demonstrate that they can swim on their own. Also, if someone is taller than the minimum required height and they appear hesitant, the lifeguard at the top of the slide will signal to the lifeguard at the bottom of the slide that the rider may need assistance. If a rider is unable to exit the slide without assistance, they will not be able to ride the slide again during that pool visit.  

Rules And Regulations For Group Use Of City Pools

• Adequate supervision is required. One group leader per 5 children ages 7 and younger, and/or one group leader per 10 children ages 8 and older. Supervisors must be in the water with the group to assist with supervision.
• Have your group line up in single file. Pool cashiers need a count of all group participants.
• Take an accurate count of the group before entering and exiting.
• Have money collected from the group prior to arrival at the pool. Present admission fees to cashier upon arrival.
• Brief individuals in your group of all pool regulations.
• Provide the cashier with the name of the person in charge of the group, as well as site and telephone number.
• Arrive and depart on time and only as scheduled.
• Inform the pool of cancellations as soon as possible.
• Problems should be referred to the Pool Supervisor or Head Guard.
• Groups cannot utilize the wading pools due to the limited size.
• Bring children dressed to swim.

Swimming Attire Policy

The current City of Albuquerque Aquatics requirements are as follows:

• All persons in the pool must have on proper swim attire.
• All infants/toddlers that require a diaper must wear swimmer diapers and proper swimwear.
• Clean t-shirts and shorts are allowed on the pool deck, however patrons must have on proper swim attire underneath.
• The following attire is not allowable swimwear:
  • Street clothes, Brazil/French-cut, thong style and/or revealing swim wear, cut-off jeans, jeans, skirts, basketball shorts, leotards, leggings, dri-fit wear.  Underwear and undergarments are not allowed to be worn under swimsuits.

Patrons will sometimes ask us, "Why do I have to wear proper swimwear?"  Here are a few reasons as to why it is important to only wear proper swim attire in the pool.

1. Street clothes (especially cotton) can transport airborne and ultimately water borne contaminants into the pool.
2. Lycra and Nylon are the best non-absorbent material for swimming and are the best fabrics for proper swim attire.
3. Other absorbent materials (such as cotton) can break down in the water and cause fibers to clog filters. Clothing shouldn’t be overly baggy or made of heavy materials such as denim or wool. These can become water logged and heavy, making it difficult to swim or float.
4. Any “colored” material (unless specifically made for swimming) can bleed into the pool, affecting water chemistry and balance. This is also a reason for turbidity in pools.
5. Cotton and similar materials can absorb the chemicals in the water, causing the water to become less effective at maintaining the proper chemical balance or may cloud the water

Lap Swim Guidelines

Lap Swimming at all pools will be on a first come first serve basis. As of July 1, 2021 we will no longer make reservations for lap swimming. Please follow the below guidelines while lap swimming at a City pool.

1. If there is an empty lane, swim in it
2. Find a lane that matches your ability. Let others know you are entering
3. If another swimmer is faster, do not push off in front of them
4. If a swimmer taps your foot, please let them pass
5. Avoid the center of the wall while resting
6. Avoid wide strokes in crowded pools
7. Be considerate of lap mates when swimming intervals
8. Please be nice