What’s the Difference Between the Five Water Facilities?
How you can choose an Aquatics amenity for any water activity
With almost 1.8 million (yes, you read that correctly) gallons of water making up Rec Sports’ beloved natatorium, Aquatics can easily get overwhelming. But the spaces are conveniently organized by purpose, so whether you’re doing low impact aerobics or swimming laps, there’s a pool with your name on it.
Here are the five areas to help you get started:
Dive Well & 50 Meter
As the heart of the natatorium, the dive well and 50 meter pool are always brimming with activity. The dive well, at 17 feet, is the deepest pool, with the 50 meter being the longest and widest pool at 50 meters by 25 yards. This makes it perfect for more experienced swimmers or divers, those interested in getting a scuba certification, or swimmers looking to practice with other people. It also provides exclusive access to the scoreboards for timing.
The 50 Meter pool is open from 9 am to 2 pm on weekdays during the semester, and the Dive Well is open on some weekdays, pending any updates to the Aquatics online pool schedule
Instructional Pool
The instructional pool is used for swim lessons and water-based teaching. It was designed with instruction and skill development in mind, with moderate 4-foot depths, an accessible, sloped entrance, and 5 lanes. As the host to all of your favorite classes–scuba training, kayak roll clinics, water aerobics, and more–the instructional pool is ideal for aquatic education and fitness.
To access this pool, simply register for cardio water or other classes on the Rec Sports app or the Fitness & Wellness website! Or, explore swimming and scuba classes on the Aquatics page.
Indoor Lap Pool
The 8-lane, 25-yard indoor lap pool offers a dedicated space for recreational swimming. At only 4 feet deep, it’s perfect for the training swimmer or anyone seeking a peaceful place to rep out some laps, and can be found on the way to the backyard.
The lap pool is open on weekdays from 6 am to 9 am and 2 pm to 11 pm. For the most up-to-date hours, check out the online swim schedule!
Cain Outdoor Pool
The most versatile of all of the aquatic facilities, the Cain Outdoor Pool caters to swimmers of all ages, skill levels, and activity preferences. It boasts a beach entrance designed for easy, gradual water access, 6 lap swimming lanes, water basketball, and a children’s play area. All of this, combined with the fresh air, provides recreation AND relaxation all at once!
This pool is available on a seasonal basis, with operating hours falling between 12 pm and 6 pm until October, and then starting back up in March. Accessed by simply checking the hours online and taking a stroll to the backyard, the Cain Outdoor Pool is the perfect destination for your next water endeavor.
Day Spas
The Student Rec Center’s natatorium is home to not one, but two aquatic day spas. The General Use Spa (coined Gus by the Aquatics team) is accessed via the locker rooms. The Dive Pool spa, while slightly smaller, provides the same 102-104 degree water for pinnacle relaxation.
The availability of the spas depends on the chemical balance in the water, but Gus is open more regularly.
BONUS: Adult Learn-to-Swim
Now that you know the difference, get to swimming! Aquatics invites Aggies of any swimming ability to get comfortable in the water with Adult Learn-to-Swim classes! Adult Learn-to-Swim is an American Red Cross program with certified instructors. Registration is currently open for Package 1, which will be held Sept. 9 – Oct. 3, and Package 2, which will be hosted Oct. 14 – Nov. 7. Adult Learn-to-Swim is scheduled with convenience in mind, providing the busy student with evening classes on either a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule. For more details, visit the Aquatics website.
Written by: Claire Frazier ‘27
