Your Guide to CA’s 2024 Pool Season
We can’t wait to welcome you back to our outdoor pools this summer! The CA Aquatics team has been hard at work prepping all 23 pools for their big debut on Saturday, May 25 😎 .
Need a refresher on our pool rules? Check out CA’s policies and FAQs here. Here are five highlights we’re excited about, plus other reminders about what to expect!
1- Enhanced accessibility
This year, all 23 of CA’s outdoor pools have been upgraded to better serve individuals with autism. This is a result of CA’s work with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to become a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC).
CA’s new Sensory Guides will help provide valuable insights for children with sensory sensitivities and their families.
As part of this effort, at least 90% of our team are currently trained and certified in the field of autism. You’ll also find updated signage and sensory bags available at CA pools to ensure that all families in Columbia feel fully welcome and supported in our spaces.
Each CA pool is equipped with a sensory bag, containing noise canceling headphones, fidget toys, water sensory timers and more.
For the past eight years, CA has also partnered with the Autism Society of Maryland for autism awareness training for our 500+ team members. As part of this partnership, we’re proud to support families with neurodivergent members by designating Macgill’s Common Pool as a sensory-friendly pool to accommodate children with autism who may have stop/start, transition or other issues.
2- Encouraging swim safety
Did you know that life vests are available for free at all of CA’s outdoor pools?
Ask a CA lifeguard for help finding a swim vest that fits properly!
We also offer swim lessons for all ages and ability levels. Save the date for this year’s free swim lessons on Sunday, June 9 and Sunday, June 16. Don’t forget about the World’s Largest Free Swim Lesson at Running Brook Pool on Thursday, June 20! More information coming soon on our CA swim lesson webpage.
3- Columbia Card perks
If you live on CA-assessed property but aren’t 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 2024 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 9, July 14 and August 11.
As a reminder, obtaining a Columbia Cardholder is an easy (and free) process. Contact CA’s Customer Care Team at CMSC@ columbiaassociation.org or 410-730-1801.
4- CNSL season is upon us
The Columbia Neighborhood Swim League (CNSL) is one of our community’s most beloved summertime traditions 
. This recreational league – open to swimmers of all ability levels – is made up of 14 swim teams located throughout the Columbia, Ellicott City and Clarksville areas.
Pep rallies, charity nights, relays, hula hoop competitions and lots of dance parties are the kind of experiences that make CNSL so much more than just a swim league. After eight weeks of practice and meets, the All-City Meet brings together the entire league for a weekend full of fun, bonding and team spirit.
Interested in seeing what CNSL is all about? All swimmers ages 18 and younger are welcome to come practice for free during First Splash (May 28-June 1). You can learn more about CNSL here.
5- Wibit Wednesdays just got even better…
Last, but certainly not least: Prepare yourself for the awesomeness that is WIBIT WEDNESDAYS! This year, we’re pumped to roll out new obstacle courses for the community to enjoy at Hawthorn Pool (Wednesdays from 12-4pm). Wibit Wednesdays kick off on Wednesday, June 19.
CA also invested in a new inflatable volleyball court for Ultimate Rec Swim at Jeffers Hill Pool (Monday through Thursday from 4:30-6pm). This is rec time with fewer restrictions on toys and floats allowed in the pool.
Save the date 🗓
There’s so much to look forward to this summer!
- Tuesday, May 28- Saturday, June 1: First Splash (free CNSL practice).
- Saturday, June 1: Howard County High School Swim Meet at Stevens Forest Pool.
- Sunday, June 2: Special Olympics of Maryland Swim Meet at Stevens Forest Pool.
- Sunday, June 9: SECOND SUNDAY! Columbia Cardholders get free admission to all CA pools.
- Sunday, June 9: Free swim lessons.
- Sunday, June 16: Columbia Sprint Triathlon at Clemens Crossing Pool.
- Sunday, June 16: Free swim lessons.
- Thursday, June 20: World’s Largest Swim Lesson at Running Brook Pool.
- Saturday, June 22-Sunday, June 23: Coral Reef Encounter at Jeffers Hill Pool event (event info here).
- Sunday, July 14: SECOND SUNDAY! Columbia Cardholders get free admission at all CA pools.
- Sunday, July 14: 18th Annual Donna Sunderdick Columbia Peddle & Paddle (event info here).
- Sunday, July 21: Columbia Kids Triathlon at Clemens Crossing Pool.
- Friday, July 26-Saturday, July 27: CNSL All-City Championship Swim Meet.
- Sunday, August 11: SECOND SUNDAY! Columbia Cardholders get free admission at all CA pools.
General reminders
- CA’s outdoor pools accept electronic payments and CA gift cards only. Cash will not be accepted.
- Just like last year, you can look forward to a variety of food and refreshments from local vendors all summer long. Check with your neighborhood pool for the food truck schedule!
- Military members and their families pay Columbia Cardholder admission rates at Faulkner Ridge, Jeffers Hill, Macgill’s Common, Running Brook and Talbott Springs.
Don’t forget to follow CA on Facebook and Instagram for more pool season updates!
