Make the most of CA pool season
We’re so excited to welcome you back to Columbia Association’s (CA) outdoor pools for another fun-filled summer, kicking off on Saturday, May 23 😎. Here are a few reminders to help you make the most of your pool experience.
Know before you go 🏊🏽♀️
Before you suit up, bookmark CA’s interactive pool guide for a real-time map showing the status of all 23 outdoor pools in one convenient place – from pool capacity to off-hours to available amenities.
We also have a printable pool map! Check it out here.
Safety is our priority 💪🏼
While CA’s lifeguards always keep a safe eye, water safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage parents and caregivers to stay alert and actively supervise young swimmers at all times.
As a reminder, free life vests are available at all CA outdoor pools. Ask any CA lifeguard for help finding the right fit for your child. We also offer swim lessons for all ages and ability levels, including adults. Click here for more information on swim lessons.
Everyone is welcome here 💚💙
All 23 of CA’s outdoor pools are Certified Autism Centers™ and feature comprehensive sensory guides to help children and families prepare for their visit and any sensory impacts. Each pool also offers sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, water sensory timers and fidget toys to support a more comfortable experience.
Here’s what inside those neon orange sensory bags! Each CA pool is equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget toys, water sensory timers and more.
As part of this effort, CA’s team members have completed specialized training to better understand and support individuals with autism, building on our nearly decade-long partnership with the Autism Society of Maryland, which provides annual autism awareness training for our team.
We’re also proud to offer a designated sensory-friendly space at Macgill’s Common Pool, which accommodates children with autism who may face challenges with transitions, routines, or sensory overstimulation.
Free summer fun 😎
Live on CA-assessed property, but not a CA member? You can request a free Columbia Card to enjoy our outdoor pools at a discounted rate.
Columbia Cardholders get four guest passes per household for the 2026 season, which can be used Monday through Thursday (excluding holidays). All Columbia Cardholders also get free admission to CA’s outdoor pools on the second Sunday of each month: June 7, July 14 and August 11. Getting a Columbia Cardholder is an easy (and free) process – learn more here.
General reminders
- Military members and their families pay Columbia Cardholder admission rates at Faulkner Ridge, Jeffers Hill, Macgill’s Common, Running Brook and Talbott Springs.
- CA’s outdoor pools accept electronic payments and CA gift cards only. Cash will not be accepted.
- Need a refresher on our pool rules? Check out CA’s policies and FAQs here.
Don’t forget to follow CA on Facebook and Instagram for more pool season updates!