CA is here to help you plan before you head out to one of our 20+ pools. Click through the sections below.

Parking

A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. Pool parking lots are located near the front of the main entrance to the outdoor pools. Guests who display appropriate disabled parking permits – as required by the state of Maryland – are welcome to use accessible parking spots near entrances.

On-site team

Lifeguards

CA lifeguards are on duty to assist with welcoming members and guests to pool at check-in, enforce rules and regulations and respond to emergencies.  

Lifeguards are licensed in the Jeff Ellis International Pool and Waterpark Program annually and receive bi-annual autism training through the IBCCES program. A reminder that a parent/caregiver is ultimately responsible for their child’s safety. There is no substitution for close, active supervision.

Managers on Duty

Managers on Duty are on site at each pool to ensure the safety of our members and guests in the pool area. The Manager on Duty helps prevent potential accidents by enforcing the rules and regulations of an aquatic setting and providing leadership if any emergency were to occur.  

Managers on Duty are licensed in the Jeff Ellis International Pool and Waterpark Program annually and receive bi-annual autism training through the IBCCES program and are certified Howard County Pool Operators. If the lifeguards are not able to assist you at the pool, please seek out the manager on duty. 

Pool Supervisors

CA Pool Supervisors oversee different zones around Columbia providing leadership to multiple pool locations. The Supervisor inspects each pool in their zone of coverage multiple times a week to make sure safety and cleanliness standards at each pool are being enforced to protect the safety of our members and guests in the pool area.  

Supervisors are licensed in the Jeff Ellis International Pool and Waterpark Program and may also be Instructors, receive a 4hr bi-annual autism training through the IBCCES program, and are certified Howard County Pool Operators. If the lifeguards or the pool manager on duty are not able to assist you at the pool, please call the Aquatics Office and ask to speak to the Pool Supervisor.

Food policy

Pool guests are welcome to bring outside food and drink or have food delivered to the facility’s front desk. There is no food and drink service at these facilities. Please note:  

  • No glass containers or gum is allowed in the pool area.  
  • Alcoholic beverages, or persons under the influence, will not be permitted in the pool or on its grounds. 

Coolers are allowed inside the pool area, but CA team members reserve the right to search those coolers for any prohibited items.

The pools are each equipped with a water fountain or bottle dispenser for water refills, so we encourage guests to bring a reuseable water bottle.

Each pool has a limited number of tables with umbrellas available (first come, first serve) unless booked for a party. 

Accessible locations

The following pools are fully ADA-compliant:  

The following pool locations have lifts available in the main pool: 

Need additional assistance?

CA is committed to assisting members, guests and families of all abilities. If you have questions, you’re welcome to reach out to our team. 

CA’s Customer Care team is equipped to assist your family with the following in advance of your visit to the pool or any CA facility: 

  • Membership & Columbia Card information 
  • Purchasing additional guest passes in advance. 
  • Replacing lost membership cards 
  • Account services and password resets. 
  • CA gift cards for electronic payments 

You can contact the Customer Care team via email at CustomerCare@ColumbiaAssociation.org, by phone at 410-730-1801 (9am–4pm, Monday – Friday) or in-person at the CA Welcome Center located at 6310 Hillside Court, Columbia, MD 21046 (9am–4pm, Monday – Friday). 

You are also welcome to reach out to the CA Aquatics Office regarding: 

  • Pool hours and information about each of our 27 locations 
  • Swim lessons registration. 
  • CNSL (Columbia Neighborhood Swim League) registration 
  • Birthday party reservations 
  • Camps, youth groups and other rentals 

Team members at each of the 23 outdoor pools can assist with the following services on site:  

  • Daily pool hours for their location 
  • Take electronic payments on site for daily admission & guest (no cash) 
  • Safety first swim test