Public pools set to open soon

As the weather heats up, soon there will be more options to cool down.

The city of Asheville and Buncombe County will open public pools on Memorial Day weekend. In addition to open swimming, a variety of lessons, games and exercise classes are available.

With tough budget decisions ahead, there’s been talk among Asheville officials that some pools would have to be shut down to save costs. But as the June 30 deadline to finalize the budget draws near, it looks like city pools will be open for the summer.

See details on the city and county pools’ locations, operating hours, and other information below, via local government websites.

City of Asheville Swimming Pools

Three outdoor pools are open June through mid-August and offer relief from the heat at Recreation Park, Malvern Hills Park and Walton Street Park. A variety of swim lessons, water games and exercise classes are available. Pools are located in parks adjacent to picnic areas, tennis courts, playgrounds, walking trails and ball fields.

Recreation Park – (828) 298-0880
May 27, Memorial Day: 12-6 pm
June 1-2: Saturday & Sunday 12-6 pm
June 8-August 18: Sat. 11-6 pm, Sunnday 1-6 pm, Monday – Friday, 12-6 pm
August 24-September 1: Saturday & Sunday Only 12-6 pm
September 2, Labor Day: 12-6 pm

Lap Swim – Two lanes provided everyday

Recreation Park Pool will be closed to the general public Wednesday, July 10.

Malvern Hills – (828) 253-1164
June 8 – August 11:  Saturday 11-6 pm; Sunday 1-6 pm, Monday – Friday 12-7 pm                  

Walton Street – (828) 253-1143
June 8 – August 11: Saturday 11-6 pm; Sunday 1-6 pm, Monday – Friday 12-7 pm

Pool Fees
General Admission: $3
15 visit pass: $40
Individual Season Pass: $100
Family Season Pass: $150 (5 persons)

Events & Programs

Memorial Day Pool-A-Palooza– May 27, 12-6 pm
$1 Dip Days-Malvern Hills Jun. 16, July 7, Aug. 11
$1 Dip Days-Rec Park June 23, July 21, Aug. 18
Labor Day-Last Chance to Splash– Mon. Sept. 2

Water Aerobics at Malvern Hills
TBA 6-7 pm $1 per class

FREE Swimming Lessons
1st Session: Registration Monday June 10, 11:00 am, at pool of choice
Class Dates: June 17-June 27 Mon-Thurs.

2nd Session : Registration Monday July 8, 11:00 am, at pool of choice
Class Dates: July 15-25 Mon-Thurs.

Lesson Times:

Recreation Park / 10 am-10:45 am, 11 am-11:45 am
Malvern Hills / 9am-9:45 am, 10 am-10:45 am, 11 am-11:45 am
Walton Street / 5:30-6:15 pm

All lessons are provided free of charge

Guard Start Program
Guard Start program is for youth ages 11-14 years old.  The program prepares participants to gain leadership, & guarding, along with learning Adult CPR.
Program site, & dates TBA, Mon-Fri., 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Cost: $40 class/$10 text book

Pool Fees
General Admission: $3
15 visit pass: $40
Individual Season Pass: $100
Family Season Pass: $150 (4 persons)

For More Information
Prior to Season Opening: Candy Hensley Shaw, 259-5800, or 552-1889
After Pools Open: Contact the pool of choice for more information.

Buncombe County pools

Video produced by Buncombe County

Buncombe County Pools will open to the public weekends beginning Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 25.

The pools will be open for the season when schools are out for summer break and will remain open daily until school begins in August.

Pool hours:

Monday – Friday (Noon – 5:45 p.m.)
Saturday (11 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.)
Sunday (1 – 6:45 p.m.)

The cost to swim is $3 per person. Discount passes are available at all pools.

10 visits for $25
25 visits for $50

Pool Contact Information:

Cane Creek – Fletcher 628-4494
Erwin – Asheville 251-4992
Hominy Valley – Candler 667-9937
North Buncombe – Weaverville 645-1080
Owen – Swannanoa 686-1629