We are deeply grateful for your respect for the following rules, which apply to all of Columbia Association’s indoor and outdoor pools. For any questions, please email Aquatics@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

Rules

General Pool Usage Rules

The pool manager is responsible for the strict enforcement of the rules and ensuring the facility is operated in a safe and peaceful manner for all to enjoy. The pool manager has the authority to temporarily deprive any member or guest use of this facility and may use discretion in the enforcement of these and other rules and regulations.

Please walk at all times while in the pool area.

All children ages 9 or younger must be accompanied by a supervisor. Children ages 10-13 who are CA members or Columbia Cardholders can be admitted to the facility without a supervisor if the child passes Safety First. Anyone who has not passed Safety First must be accompanied by a supervisor. Supervisors who are CA members or Columbia Cardholders must be at least 14 years old. Supervisors who are non-members – whether they are using a guest pass or paying the daily admission fee – must be at least 21 years old.

Members are responsible for the actions of their guests and must remain in the facility with them.

Unruly or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Profane, loud or abusive behavior is prohibited.

Columbia Association cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to personal property of any kind. Please keep a close watch on personal items and report any suspicious behavior.

For your safety, only United States Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices (life vests) may be used in the pool. Non-swimming children must be within arm’s reach of a responsible supervisor at all times unless wearing a properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Inner tubes, water wings or play equipment may not be used in the Main Pool. Wading pool toys must be able to fit (fully inflated) into a 30” x 30” x 30” box.

Extended breath holding and other hypoxic workouts are not permitted.

Spouting water and other unhygienic actions will not be permitted in the pool area.

For your safety and the safety of others, admission to the facility will be denied to all persons having infectious diseases, inflamed eyes, colds, nasal or ear discharges, or any communicable disease of any kind. Persons with excessive sunburn or open sores will also be restricted from entering the facility.

Obey the lifeguards. Violators will be asked to leave the facility immediately without a refund.

Lifeguards are on duty to enforce rules and regulations, respond to emergencies, and prevent as many problems as possible; however, a parent/caregiver is ultimately responsible for the safety of his or her child. There is no substitution for close, active parental supervision.

Wading Pool Rules

  • All children using the Wading Pool MUST be accompanied and closely monitored by a responsible supervisor.
  • The Wading Pool is for children six years of age or younger.
  • All diaper changing must be performed in the changing facilities provided in our facility bathrooms.
  • Wading Pool toys must be small enough to fit, fully inflated, into a 30”x30”x30” box.
  • No diving allowed. Feet first on all slides.
  • Protect our water.
    • Take a cleansing shower before entering the pool and after using the toilet.
    • All bathers who are not toilet trained shall wear a tight-fitting swim diaper.
    • Disposable cotton diapers are not permitted in the pool.
    • If your child has or has had diarrhea in the last two weeks, please do not use the pool.

Hot Tub Rules

  • The spa is for the use of adults sixteen (16) years of age or older.
  • Pregnant women and people suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure should not enter the spa without prior medical consultation or permission from their doctor.
  • Protect our water:
    • Take a cleansing shower before entering the spa and after using the toilet.
    • If you have or have had diarrhea in the past two weeks, please do not use the spa.
  • Check the temperature of the spa water before entering. Maximum safe temperature is 104° F.
  • Members utilizing the spa should only do so for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time.
  • Enter and exit slowly.
  • Do not use the spa if you have consumed alcoholic beverages.
  • No lifeguard on duty. Please use at your own risk.

Climbing Wall Rules

  • Must pass Safety First Test.
  • Maximum of one person on the wall at a time.
  • Climb must begin from the water.
  • Only feet first entry into the water off the wall.
  • Exit the splash area immediately after use.
  • Obey all staff instructions for safe use.
  • Climbers assume all risk of injury due to misuse or failure to follow these rules.

Outdoor Water Slide Rules

  • All persons using the slide do so at their own risk and responsibility.
  • Riders must be:
    • Minimum of 44” tall
    • Minimum of 70 pounds
    • Maximum of 280 pounds
    • Must pass Safety First test for slides going into water deeper than the height of the user
  • Obey all instructions given by the staff who have the authority to prevent any condition which leads to the unsafe operation of the water slide or pool.
  • Wait for the dispatcher’s signal to start the ride.
  • One rider at a time.
  • Riders must ride feet first with arms crossed across chest and legs crossed or together.
  • Do not stop or attempt to stop in the slide.
  • Exit the splash pool immediately after leaving the slide.
  • Riders must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Pregnant women, people with contagious diseases, open sores, known heart ailments, or prone to seizures should not ride the slide without prior medical consultation or permission from their doctor.
  • Shoes, sandals, shirt cut-offs or suits with exposed metal parts are not allowed. Wearing glasses is highly discouraged.

SplashPad Rules

  • All children using the Splash Pad MUST be accompanied and closely monitored by a responsible supervisor.
  • The Splash Pad is for the use of children six (6) years of age and younger.
  • All diaper changing must be performed in the changing facilities provided in our facility bathrooms.
  • Small hand held toys only.
  • Protect our water:
    • Take a cleansing shower before entering the pool and after using the toilet.
    • All bathers who are not toilet-trained shall wear a tight-fitting swim diaper.
    • Disposable or cotton diapers are not permitted in the pool.
    • If your child has or has had diarrhea in the past two weeks, please do not use the pool.
    • No lifeguard on duty. Please use at your own risk.

Lap Lane Etiquette

For everyone’s enjoyment with one or two swimmers please:

  • Enter and exit only from the end of the lane
  • Swim continuously from end to end

With three or more swimmers please:

  • Enter and exit only from the end of the lane
  • Swim to the right of the center black line
  • Swim continuously
  • Do not swim two abreast

One length = 25 yards

One mile = 72 lengths

Lap swimmers have priority in the lap lanes

Non-lap swimmers may use a lap lane if available. 

Diving Board Rules

  • Non-swimmers are not permitted to use the diving board.
  • One diver at a time on the board and ladder.
  • Only one bounce to jump or dive straight off the end of the board is permitted.
  • Handstands, cartwheels and sitting or back dives are not permitted.
  • The pool diving area must be clear before using the board.
  • Exit the pool diving area immediately after using the board.
  • Jumping off the diving board into the arms of another swimmer is not permitted.
  • Goggles, masks and floatation devices may not be worn while using the board.
  • Obey all staff instructions for safe use.
  • Divers assume all risk of injury due to misuse or failure to follow these rules.

Inclement Weather Policy

  • Normal Operations Sunny summer days. Pools open as usual.
  • Limited Operations Cold and dreary with light rain or thunder showers predicted. The following pools will remain open (except on their closed day): Dorsey Hall, Hopewell*, Kendall Ridge, River Hill, Stevens Forest and Swansfield*. *Slide not available in limited operations.
  • Inclement Operations Rainy inclement days: Stevens Forest and Swansfield* remain open (unless very inclement or on their closed day). All other pools closed. Slide not available in inclement operations.
  • Electrical Storms: For your safety, the pool may be closed at any time because of weather, operational difficulties, or other conditions at the discretion of the management
    • During electrical storms, the pool will be closed for a period of one half hour after the last report of thunder or lightning.
    • If the rain becomes heavy enough that the bottom of the pool cannot be observed clearly the pool will be cleared until the bottom can be clearly observed from the lifeguard stand.
    • During periods of lightning, members and guests will be cleared from the facility, as soon as reasonably safe.
    • Columbia Swim Center Program Pool and Columbia Athletic Club pool may remain open during electrical storms.

General Pool Policies

  • Anyone wishing to enter water deeper than the level of their shoulders must be able to swim one length of the pool while remaining in a horizontal position without stopping or touching the sides or the bottom of the pool.
  • Protect our water:
    • Take a cleansing shower before entering the pool and after using the toilet.
    • All bathers who are not toilet-trained are required to wear a tight-fitting swim diaper.
    • Disposable or cotton diapers are not permitted in the pool.
    • Anyone who has or has had diarrhea in the last two weeks should not use the pool.
  • At a quarter of every hour, there will be a 15-minute break (adult swim), at which time all children younger than 16 years of age will be required to clear the pool. One child 6 years or younger may accompany an adult into the pool during this time.
  • To maintain a safe and family environment, revealing or see-through bathing suits, thongs, shorts with rivets and clothing generally considered offensive will not be permitted.
  • In consideration of others, personal amplified music or radios with external speakers will not be allowed.
  • Illegal drugs and alcoholic beverages or persons under the influence will not be permitted in the pools or on its grounds.
  • Food and drinks are permitted in the designated areas. Grilling is not permitted except at the charcoal grill at Talbott Springs Pool. You must bring your own charcoal and clean the grill after using it. Glass containers of any kind are not permitted.
  • The outdoor pools are a smoke-free zone. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the property and within 50 feet of the entrance gate.
  • Dogs, cats and other pets are not permitted in the pool complex, except for service animals.
  • Masks, fins and snorkels are only allowed in the lap lanes, provided they are being used appropriately.
  • Pools with basketballs, volleyballs or other game equipment will require collateral for usage of CA pools property.
  • All lessons, training, and other similar business activities that are conducted in CA-owned facilities must be conducted solely and exclusively by employees or independent contractors of CA. CA strongly & vigorously enforces this policy. Members who violate this policy will be subject to suspension and possible termination of membership status.

Volleyball Court Usage

The sand volleyball courts at the outdoor pools are to be used only for volleyball or other similar games (nuke ‘em). Its purpose is not to be used as a sandbox. Therefore activities, such as digging holes or building sand castles, etc are not permitted. Digging in the sand ruins the court surface and base layer which may cause injury to those playing volleyball.

Camera, Phone & Video Policy

Columbia Association recognizes the desire for individuals to document activities with family and friends; however, this should not infringe on the right to privacy of others. Photographs or videos should not be taken of others without their permission. Cameras (video and still) have no reason to be in the locker rooms or bathhouses. Additionally, use of camera phones is prohibited while in these areas.

Crowd Level Policy

Thanks to optimistic public health metrics, we’ve been able to lift capacity limits. However, to accommodate members who may not be ready for crowds, we will maintain a maximum capacity of 75 swimmers during recreational swim and senior swim at Hobbit’s Glen Pool.

Columbia Athletic Club Therapy Pool Rules

The pool manager is responsible for the strict enforcement of the rules and ensuring the facility is operated in a safe and peaceful manner for all to enjoy. The pool manager has the authority to temporarily deprive any member or guest use of this facility and may use discretion in the enforcement of these and other rules and regulations.

Please walk at all times while in the pool area.

All children ages 13 or younger must be accompanied by a therapist.

Members are responsible for the actions of their guests and must remain in the facility with them.

Unruly or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Profane, loud or abusive behavior is prohibited.

Columbia Association cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to personal property of any kind. Please keep a close watch on personal items and report any suspicious behavior.

For your safety, only United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (life vests) may be used in the pool. Non-swimming persons must be within arm’s reach of a responsible supervisor at all times unless they are wearing a properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Extended breath holding and other hypoxic workouts are not permitted.

Spouting (spitting) water and other unhygienic actions are not permitted.

For your safety and the safety of others, admission to the pool will be denied to all persons having infectious diseases, inflamed eyes, colds, nasal or ear discharges, or any communicable diseases of any kind. Persons with excessive sunburns or open sores will not be permitted to use the pool.

Pregnant women and people suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or low blood pressure should not use the pool without prior medical consultation or permission from their doctor.

The pool may be closed at any time because of operation difficulties or other conditions at the discretion of management.

Obey the lifeguards. Violators will be asked to leave the facility immediately without a refund.

Columbia Association lifeguards are on duty to enforce rules and regulations and respond to emergencies, and prevent as many problems as possible; however, a parent/caregiver is ultimately responsible for the safety of their child. There is no substitution for close, active parental supervision.

FAQs

What ages are considered a child, an adult and a senior?

These ages below are the guidelines for daily admission fees, adult swim, adult or senior only usage, and spa restrictions.

A child is anyone 18 months to 15 years of age.

An adult is anyone 16 years of age or older.

A senior is anyone 30 years of age or older.

Can I bring a guest to the pool?

Only CA members and Columbia Cardholders may bring a guest to visit the pool. A Guest Visit or Guest Pass may be used or the guest must pay the daily admission rate. The age restrictions below apply.

Those 16 years of age or older may bring a non-member of any age to visit the pool.

Those 15 years of age or younger may only bring a non-member supervisor who is 21 years or older to visit the pool.

What is the difference between a Guest Visit and a Guest Pass?

CA members are allotted one to two Guest Visits per member, per month based on membership type. Guest visits may be used to bring a non-member guest to the pool.

CA members and Columbia Cardholders may purchase electronic Guest Passes at the Aquatics office, CA’s Customer Care Team (6310 Hillside Court), Columbia Athletic Club, Columbia Gym, or Supreme Sports Club. Guest passes may be purchased in groups of one, five or 10.

I am not a CA Member or Columbia Cardholder, can I visit the pool?

You must be 16 years of age or older to pay the non-member daily admission fee to visit the pool.

If you are 15 years of age or younger, you must pay the non-member daily admission fee to visit the pool as outlined below:

You are with a supervisor who is a non-member who is 21 years of age or older or, you are the guest of a CA member or Columbia Cardholder who is 16 years of age or older.

Can 1Fit or 7Day Golf memberships be used to access outdoor pools?

Yes, you may visit the pool and pay the daily admission fee.

Do I need to have a membership card or pay the admission rate for my baby to visit the pool?

Infants who are CA members or Columbia Cardholders must have a membership card by six weeks old. Admission is free for infant guests 18 months or younger.

When can my child be left at the pool unattended?

CA members and Columbia Cardholders 10 to 13 years old must pass Safety First to visit the pool without a supervisor.

CA members and Columbia Cardholders 10 to 13 years old that have not passed Safety First or are 9 years of age and younger are allowed to visit the pool with a supervisor as outlined below.

They are with a supervisor who is a CA member or Columbia Cardholder 13 years or older or, they are with a supervisor who is a non-member 21 years or older who pays the daily admission fee or uses a Guest Visit or Guest Pass.

Supervisors may visit the pool only to watch the children and may watch no more than 10 children, including no more than four children ages 9 or younger. Non-swimming children must be accompanied in the main pool on a one-to-one ratio.

Can my babysitter or nanny bring my child to visit the pool?

Members and Columbia Cardholders 13 years of age and younger are allowed to visit the pool with a supervisor as outlined below:

  • They are/are with a supervisor who is a Member or a Columbia Cardholder 13 years or older
  • They are with a supervisor who is a non-member 21 years or older who pays the daily admission fee or uses a Guest Visit or Guest Pass.

Supervisors may visit the pool only to watch the children and may watch no more than 10 children, including no more than four children ages 9 or younger. Non-swimming children must be accompanied in the main pool on a one-to-one ratio.

Do I need an ID to visit the pool?

A CA membership card or Columbia card is preferable; however, any form of photo identification is acceptable. You may also have your picture added to your account in Spectrum so that no ID is required. Visit CA’s Customer and Member Service Center (6310 Hillside Court), Columbia Athletic Club, Columbia Gym or Supreme Sports Club to have your picture added to your account.

CA team members are required to enter guest information into our online system for security purposes; please plan ahead and be patient, as this takes a few minutes when you arrive.

Do Columbia Cardholders or Non-members participating in Aquatics Programs such as swim lessons, CNSL or Aqua Fit need to pay an admission fee?

Columbia Cardholders and non-members that wish to stay in the facility after participation in any Aquatics programs must exit the facility and pay the daily admission fee once the pool opens for general use.

What if I paid the daily admission fee and the pool closes for inclement weather or facility issues?

If the facility closes within less than an hour after you have paid the daily admission fee, the pool staff may contact the Aquatics Office to process a refund. The receipt received at admission is required.

How do I become a Columbia Cardholder?

If you live on CA-assessed property, you may obtain a free Columbia Card. Visit this page for more information.

Need help signing up online?

Creating a login requires a member number, zip code, date of birth

  • Make sure you enter your membership number in the 99999.01 format.
  • If you cannot create an account using your information, something is most likely incorrect in our system, i.e. wrong year on date of birth. Please contact Membership Services at 410-730-1801 and make sure they have your correct date of birth and zip code.

…No Match Has Been Found

If you see the issue of “No match has been found” is an error caused by the wrong information being inputted. This means the membership number input  is wrong, or the wrong date of birth or zip code exists in Columbia Association database.

Spectrum3

… Relationship

If you see the issue of “Relationship” with a yellow triangle, this is an error due to the primary member number not being used. The primary member is normally the first member on the account, normally the .01 of the membership.

Spectrum4

In Program Registration
IMPORTANT:

  • Membership Services is the defaulted site. The number one error from the member in program registration is that they member does not hit “Change” next to the site.
  • For Aquatics, please do not use the middle section in your search; see the image below.

 

Specturm

Swim Lessons Program

To register, go to the membership login page. Login and go into Program Registration.

Change the Site to “Dickinson Pool” or desired lesson center.

  • Change the Session to “Week 2 July 1-July 5” or desired dates for lessons.
  • Change the Category to “Aquatics”
  • Choose the Course you wish to enroll in and hit search.
  • Code Examples:
    W2.3-1020: One on One Lesson, Week 2, Instructor 3, 10:20 a.m.
    W5.PS1-1130: Preschool Level 1, Week 5, 11:30 a.m.

Sub Members**
Once you have added a child to a class, in the cart, double click on class details, and select the proper sub-member you wish to enroll in the course.

In The Cart:
The member and non-member fees look incorrect online. The pricing is automatically adjusted with the membership once you add it to the cart. This is a system error that we cannot adjust. See right hand side below:

Spectrum2