Aquatics Facilities
Facility Closure

The training pool at Old Town Pool is currently closed until further notice due to a mechanical issue. The main pool remains open for public use. We’ll share updates as soon as they’re available—thank you for your patience!
Aquatics News

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.
Capacity Notice for Outdoor Pools
Alexandria's Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities team is excited to welcome our patrons back to the pool for another season! Due to high demand and limited capacity, there may be wait times of up to 30 minutes upon arrival. Please plan your trip accordingly, and note that organized groups are highly encouraged to make a rental reservation in advance, as they may not be accommodated without one. Our team will work diligently to manage the flow of patrons at each site and will inform you of approximate wait times when you arrive. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we strive to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. For more information on our pools and hours, please see our facility pages below.
Aquatics Facilities
Aquatics Fees
Purchase Outdoor Pool Passes Online:
Outdoor Pool Daily Admission Fees
- Child (0-4): Free w/ paid adult
- Youth (5-17): $3
- Adult (18-59): $4
- Senior (60+): $3
- Non-resident: $6
- Interactive Fountain Admission: Free
Outdoor Pool Season Passes
- Child (0-4): Free w/ paid adult
- Youth (5-13): $53
- Teens (13-17): $39
- Adult (18-59): $105
- Senior (60+): $84
- Family (up to 4 residents): $288
- Non-resident: $154
- Interactive Fountain Admission: Free
Indoor Pool Daily Fees & Passes
Please visit the Chinquapin page for detailed fee information for Chinquapin's Rixse Memorial Pool.
Fee Assistance Program for City Residents
Fee Assistance Information
The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities encourages participation in City services from all City residents. If you, a member of your family, or a friend would like to purchase a pool season pass and are in need of fee assistance in order to participate, please view the Financial Assistance Policy and contact the sponsoring program office for more detailed information. Financial Assistance Requests can be filled out at any of the pools or emailed to chinquapin@alexandriava.gov. For fee assistance information, call 703.746.5414 or (TTY) 703.838.4902.
Alexandria Swim Academy

The Alexandria Swim Academy is part of the Red Cross Learn to Swim program, offering swim lessons for ages 6 months through adult. Swim lessons are available for all skill levels and abilities. Lessons run all year and registration is available online. Register now.
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 & Safety Swim Test
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
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).
Tips for Enjoying the Pool
- 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

Applications for Lifeguards, Pool Operators, Head Lifeguards, Swim Coaches, and Water Safety Swim Instructors are accepted on a seasonal and year-round basis. The City of Alexandria also offers paid Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor training for successful RPCA job applicants. Please visit our Jobs page to apply; email chinquapin@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5563 for more information.
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 MinnieHowardAquatics@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5553.
- Jimmy Roland, Park Manager, Potomac Yard
- Natalie Smart, Regional Program Director, Chinquapin & Outdoor Pools
- Bailey Stapleton, Aquatics Manager, Programs & Facilities, Minnie Howard
- Ingrid Blanco, Aquatics Manager, Chinquapin & Outdoor Pools
- Trina Wood, Aquatics Coordinator, Programs, Chinquapin & Outdoor Pools
- Lindsey Baylor, Aquatics Manager, Chinquapin & Outdoor Pool Programs
- Ann Redfearn, Recreation Coordinator, Chinquapin & Outdoor Pools