Lap Swim

DROP-IN LAP LANES: 

  • Lanes 1-3 are available on a first come, first served basis. Weekdays 6am-12pm. Weekends 10:30am-12pm. 
  • Lanes 4-6 transition from reservable to drop-in, Monday through Thursday at 12pm. Monday and Wednesday these lanes close for Swim Team use at 6pm.
  • Friday through Sunday, lanes 5-6 are available for drop-in beginning at 12pm. Lane 4 is removed for additional open-swim space.
  • When there are two swimmers in a lane, split the lane and stay to one side. When 3 or more swimmers are in a lane, circle swim.
  • It is common practice to cap circle swimming at five swimmers. The lifeguard will decide to allow more than five circle swimmers per lane based on appropriate staffing levels.
  • Drop-in lanes may be accessed by paying the daily rate, use of a membership, or pool access pass. Refer to Memberships, Passes & Drop In Pricing for details.
  • Pull buoys and kickboards are available for lap swimmers only.
  • Note: Lanes may not be available at sometimes due to other programming. Refer to the SHSAC Calendar for specific details.

 

RESERVABLE LAP LANES:

  • Lanes 4-6 are reservable for 90-minute sessions. Weekdays 6am-12pm. Weekends 10:30am-12pm.
  • Lap lane reservations guarantee your space in the lane, which is limited to two swimmers.
  • Lap lane reservations guarantee your use of the lane for the 90-minute session you reserve.
  • Reservations can be made up tp 14 days in advance.
  • Visit Reservable Lap Lanes to schedule your session. $14 per 90-minute session or purchase a Lap Lane Reservation Access Pass 10 for $55 or 20 for $110.
  • Lap Lane Reservations are not included in any other membership or access pass.
  • If a reservable lane is not being used to the maximum capacity of two swimmers, you may check with the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center front desk staff for availability. Staff will check the reservation schedule and must approve your use of a reservable lap lane if you did not reserve it for yourself. You must adhere to the rules and time limit if you are given permission to swim in a reservable lane. You will be asked to move out of a reservable lane when reserved swimmers arrive.
  • Pull buoys and kickboards are available for lap swimmers only.
  • Note: Reservations may not be available at sometimes due to other programming. Refer to the SHSAC Calendar for specific details.

 

LAP LANE ETIQUETTE/LANE SPLITTING:

  • Lane splitting is utilized to accommodate two or more swimmers per lane.
  • Lane splitting can be straight swim style or circle swim for up to two swimmers per lane.
  • Circle swim is utilized for three or more swimmers per lane.
  • To avoid collisions, only begin swimming when the other swimmers in the lane have been made aware of your presence. The best method is to get in the water and wait at the wall until the other swimmers come to you.
  • When entering a lane, sit down on the side of the pool with your legs in the water, off to one side of the lane, this will give the swimmer a chance to stop and confirm how you want to swim: split the lane or circle swim.
  • When you enter the water, never dive, jump, or push off into oncoming swimmers. Wait until they have made the turn and then push off.
  • Be aware of your space in the lane and orientation of others.
  • Lifeguards may ask you to switch lanes. Please accommodate their requests.
  • An ADA lift and ADA stairs are at entry points in the shallow end of the lap pool.

 

LAP LANE ETIQUETTE/CIRCLE SWIMMING: 

  • Circle swimming is utilized to accommodate three or more swimmers using the whole lane; down and back on the right side of the lane.
  • It is common practice to cap circle swimming at five swimmers. The lifeguard will decide to allow more than five circle swimmers per lane based on appropriate staffing levels.
  • Circle swimming is done by swimming in a counterclockwise direction within the lane. In other words, swimmers always stay on the right side of the lane, like cars on the road.
  • Look at the speed of the swimmers in the lanes and select a lane that is most appropriate for you, then notify the other swimmers in that lane that you would like to join them.
  • To avoid collisions, only begin swimming when the other swimmers in the lane have been made aware of your presence. The best method is to get in the water and wait at the wall until the other swimmers come to you.
  • When entering a lane, sit down on the pool's side with your legs in the water, off to one side. This will give the swimmer a chance to stop and confirm your presence.
  • When you enter the water, never dive, jump, or push off into oncoming swimmers, wait until they have made the turn and push off.
  • Always swim complete laps of the pool. Avoid stopping in the middle of the pool for any reason; this can interfere with other’s progress and cause collisions.
  • Be aware of your space in the lane and orientation of others. 
  • If you need to pass in your lane, move up to the swimmer and tap his/her foot. It is inappropriate to grab or pull the person, but a tap is a clear indication of your presence and your intent to pass. A pass must be initiated in time to overtake the slower swimmer before the wall, to avoid a collision.
  • Slower swimmers should wait to push off the wall until faster swimmers have passed.
  • If you stop at the wall for any reason, squeeze into the corner of the lane so that other swimmers have ample room for turns.
  • Lifeguards may ask you to switch lanes. Please accommodate their requests.
  • An ADA lift and ADA stairs are at entry points in the shallow end of the lap pool.

 

OTHER WATER EXERCISE: 

  • Lap swimming is preferred in lap lanes.
  • Other water exercises may be performed in the open space outside the lap lanes when lap swimmers are waiting for a lane.

 

THINGS TO NOTE: 

  • We require that everyone take a soap shower before entering our pools: Code of Colorado Regulations 
  • Water Quality Control Division 4.11 (1).
  • Do not leave anything of value in the locker rooms. Locker rentals are available for $2 or you may take your belongings out on deck with you. Wall hooks and cubbies are available your belongings. Do not block the walkways or doorways.
  • We only allow water on the deck. You are welcome to eat and drink in the lobby at the picnic tables.
  • Children who are unable to swim 25 meters on their fronts without stopping will need to stay within arms reach of an adult at all times
  • Please respect and obey the lifeguards. If you have any questions please feel free to ask the lifeguards on deck.

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Lap Lane Etiquette
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