Aquatics Facilities
Aquatics News
Know Before You Go
Capacity Notice for Outdoor Pools
Due to high demand and limited capacity, wait times up to 30 minutes are possible. Groups should make a rental reservation in advance as space is not guaranteed. Staff will share wait times on arrival. Thank you for your patience. See facility pages below for pool hours and details.
Financial Assistance
- Learn more and access resources: Financial Assistance Information | RPCA Fee Schedule
- Policy: Financial Assistance Policy
- Application: English | Español | አማርኛ | العربية
- Submit in person at the pool or email to Chinquapin@alexandriava.gov
- Questions? Call 703.746.5414 or (TTY) 703.838.4902
Aquatics Facilities
Aquatics Fees
Outdoor pool passes go on sale on Friday, May 1. Click the links below to purchase.
Indoor Pool Daily Fees & Passes
Visit the links below for detailed fee information:
Rentals
For additional information or to reserve, please call 703.746.5441 or email Chinquapin@alexandriava.gov.
Pool Lanes & Diving Wells
Swimming pool lanes and diving wells are available for rental. Due to limited capacity, organized groups planning to visit the pool are highly encouraged to make a rental reservation in advance; otherwise, they may not be accommodated at pool entry.
Picnic Area & Club Rooms
Pool party rentals are available at the picnic area at Old Town Pool and in the club rooms at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility.
Pool Tips & Rules
Open swimming is first-come, first-served on a drop-in basis. Adult swimmers and youth swimmers* can use the diving well when available.
*Youth swimmers must pass the swim test before going to the diving well or using the diving board. Please see a staff member to take the swim test and get a wristband upon successful completion of the test.
Safety Swim Test
Enter the water and submerge head and continue.
Swim the length of the pool (25 yards) without stopping and demonstrating freestyle or breaststroke with good breath control (no 'heads up' swimming) and remaining on their front.
Lap swimming is first-come, first-served on a drop-in basis. When swimming in a lane with other swimmers, please let others know you are entering the lane. For 2 swimmers, split the lane, with each swimmer staying on 1 side of the pool respectively; for 3+ swimmers, circle swim counterclockwise (always stay to your right).
- Arrival and Capacity – Please check in at the front desk and pay the daily admission fee or swipe your pass.
- Accompanied Youth – Youth ages 0-12 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult (18+) at all times. Youth ages 0-5 must have an adult in the water within arm's reach. Youth ages 6-12 must have an adult in the water or on the pool deck within direct line of sight.
- Teenagers – Teenagers ages 13-17 may visit the pools without an adult once their parent or guardian has completed a Teen Registration Form. Parents or guardians may complete the form online or go to any pool to fill out and sign the form, which is valid from September through August each year. Registered teenagers must present a valid identification card, such as a school ID or RPCA teen key fob, for each pool entry. Teenagers aged 13-17 without a completed Teen Registration Form must be accompanied by an adult (18+) in the water or on the pool deck within direct line of sight.
- Locker Rooms – Men's, women's, and universal locker rooms with showers are available at each pool. You may bring a lock for a day-use locker or bring your personal items to the pool deck.
- Pool Attire – Swimwear should be clean and water-safe. Prohibited items include denim, street shoes, excessively loose or bulky clothing, and thong bottoms. Unsure? Ask a staff member.
- Lane or Zone Assignment – Lanes and zones are designated for lap swim, open swim, programs, and rentals. A staff member can assist you with finding a lane or zone for your visit.
- Safety Breaks – When the weather is hot or the pool is crowded, lifeguards will blow their whistles to signal safety breaks from the 45-minute mark to the top of the hour, hourly. During safety breaks, only adults may remain in the water, and some zones may be closed (such as diving boards and training pools). Safety breaks are a great time for lifeguards and swimmers to get some shade, rehydrate, use the restroom, and reapply sunscreen to ensure that the fun can safely continue after the break.
- Equipment – You may bring your own swim equipment and pool toys, but please, no non-Coast Guard-approved flotation devices, such as water wings, pool floats, inflatable rings, or noodles. Swimmers wearing a Coast Guard-approved flotation device must be within arm's length of an adult at all times. All pools have life jackets available for complimentary use. A selection of swim equipment will also be available on the pool deck. Equipment available for lap swim or adult water aerobic exercise only may include kickboards, exercise noodles, ankle weights, aqua jogger belts, pull buoys, aqua barbells, and aqua dumbbells.
- Inclement Weather – In the event of inclement weather or other unexpected interruptions that close the pool, you may receive a complimentary visit pass if your swim time is cut short. Participants in an aquatics class cancelled due to inclement weather will be contacted regarding a credit or make-up class.
Employment Opportunities
Apply for Lifeguard Training
Ready to guard Alexandria's pools? Our American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course is free for those planning to work with RPCA. Plus, successful applicants get paid during training!
Interested? Email us at chinquapin@alexandriava.gov to learn more.
Already certified? Apply now at alexandriava.gov/Jobs.
Become an Instructor
Opportunities are available to qualified instructors to instruct aquatic exercise and enrichment programs for all ages. Classes are offered seasonally and year-round. To submit a proposal, email chinquapin@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5382.
Contacts
For inquiries, email Chinquapin@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5553.
- Dion Bates, Park Manager, Potomac Yard
- Jacquay Plummer, Regional Program Director, Chinquapin & Outdoor Pools
- Bailey Stapleton, Aquatics Manager, Programs & Facilities, Minnie Howard
- Ingrid Blanco, Aquatics Manager, Chinquapin & Outdoor Pools
- Lindsey Baylor, Aquatics Manager, Chinquapin & Outdoor Pool Programs
- Ann Redfearn, Recreation Coordinator, Chinquapin & Outdoor Pools
