Hugh Smith Indoor Pool to Reopen With Limited Capacity May 18, 2020
By Melissa Entralgo, Arlington Parks & Recreation
Posted on May 13, 2020, May 13, 2020

Hugh Smith Indoor Pool

Please note, the information below is subject to change at any time as new information and resources become available.

In accordance with Governor Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen Texas, Arlington Parks & Recreation Indoor Pool at Hugh Smith Recreation Center will reopen in a limited capacity on Monday, May 18, 2020.

The Indoor Pool will be operating at a limited schedule and will be open 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for lap swim, water walking, and water jogging.

To check availability and sign up for a time to swim, water walk, or jog, please call Hugh Smith Indoor Pool at 817-275-0513.

Following industry leaders, we are implementing many changes as we work toward a new operating normal. We appreciate your patience and flexibility, as your safety and health remain our top priority.

The pool will be operating at 25% capacity allowing Arlington Aquatics to serve 28 patrons at a time. This includes all swimmers and non-swimmers that enter the pool deck.

There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine and bromine) of these facilities should inactivate the virus in the water. Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html.

At this time, rentals are not permitted. Equipment you could normally check out, such as life jackets, noodles, dumbbells, float belts etc. will not be available, so please bring your own. Swim fitness equipment can be used at the pool. While the chlorination inactivates the virus, the buoyancy of swim fitness equipment keeps them at the surface exposed to air particles, which is why we are unable to provide fitness equipment for use. In addition, the use of swim snorkels at this time is prohibited. Snorkels release expelled air particles into the air with a mist like cloud.

Water fountains, and lockers are not available for use. Please plan accordingly to bring enough hydration to support your workout. Water bottles are available at the Indoor Pool front desk for $1. These are single-use bottles.

After careful consideration, the City of Arlington has determined while social distancing measures are in place that group exercise and open swim cannot be conducted at this time. As restrictions begin to lift, we will re-evaluate this.

Normal business hours will resume at this time as well with designated times for aerobics, lap swim, open swim, and swimming lessons.

Along with the reduction in activities and patrons served daily at the pool. We have reduced our seating capacity to meet the needs of just the patrons booked. Each patron sitting area will be outfitted with its own either table or storage rack for their personal belongings. The 15-minute gap between swim appointments allows the lifeguards to clear the pool, wipe down (sanitize and disinfect) the used areas and prepare for the next set of patrons. The staff will be utilizing a sanitizing and disinfecting solution comprising one-part bleach to 10-parts water.

Upon arrival, visitors can expect no contact check-ins. You may see staff and members wearing face masks and gloves—just know that the staff is smiling and happy to see you! Face masks and gloves are not required during your visit. High-touch surface areas will be disinfected regularly throughout the day.

Along with equipment, visitors must also disinfect personal belongings upon arrival and exit. Sanitizing stations have been set up throughout the facility, which visitors can use as frequent as desired.

Staff and visitors are expected to self-screen before entering.

Parks staff is working closely with the Arlington Fire Department to monitor and implement a reasonable reopening timeline that complies with Gov. Abbott’s latest executive orders, the City’s Roadmap to Reopen and Recover plan and social distancing recommendations from local health officials and the CDC.


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