It’s the summertime refrain parents dread: “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.”

Perhaps a trip to a community pool is in order.

Not only does it provide exercise and entertainment, swimming is a great way to stay cool in the scorching Santa Clarita Valley heat — all at a reasonable price.

“It’s the best value for the dollar. We charge $4 for adults and $3 for kids at the aquatic center, and $3 for adults or $2 for kids at the other city pools,” said Lance O’Keefe, aquatics supervisor at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center.

According to O’Keefe, children 12 and under should be accompanied by parents or an older guardian. The city of Santa Clarita pools are always manned by trained lifeguards.

“We do get teens that bring in their younger siblings. If the lifeguards feel it’s an unsafe situation, they’ll address it at that time, but most of the time, it works out pretty good,” O’Keefe said.

Safety is the No. 1 goal, as O’Keefe illustrated. “In an emergency, we need to know who to look to,” he said. “Swimming is one of those safety skills that’s lifelong, so the more exposure kids have to swimming and water activities, the better.”

On-the-spot tests are given to any child under 12 who wishes to swim in the deep end at any of the city pools.

“They need to be able to swim one length of the pool proficiently, without touching the sides or the bottom,” O’Keefe said.
Outside food or drink is not permitted at the pools, many of which have concession stands.

Swimmers should bring sunscreen and towels at the minimum, and umbrellas or chairs if desired.

Footwear, such as flip-flop style sandals or water shoes, would also be appropriate.

Proper swimwear is always required.

“Anyone who wants to ride the 3-story waterslide can’t have any plastic or metal on their bathing suit,” O’Keefe said.
A recreational swim pass is also available at $30 for children and $50 for adults.

The weekday swimming season ends on Sept. 4 or 5 at most pools, with extended Saturday hours through Sept. 24 at the aquatic center.

The pass offers the user access to any recreational swim times at any of the city’s pools (see schedule below) and also includes admission to Dive In Movies, which take place on Friday nights at 7 p.m. at the aquatics center.

“There’s still plenty of time to enjoy the city’s pools,” O’Keefe said.

“Even after school starts, parents can bring their kids to the pool. We’re open until 5 p.m., so there’s still a couple hours to tire them out and enjoy the warm weather,” he continued.

City community pools:

Santa Clarita Aquatic Center
20850 Centre Pointe Parkway, Saugus. (661) 250-3766

Dive Pool
Recreational swim: Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. through Aug. 26; Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. through Sept. 4; Mondays, 1-5 p.m. Sept. 5.

Waterslide Pool
Recreational swim: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. through Aug. 26; Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. through Sept. 4; Mondays, 1-5 p.m. Sept. 5

Newhall Pool
24907 Newhall Ave., Newhall. (661) 799-1050
Recreational swim: Monday-Friday, 12:15-4 p.m. through Aug. 5; Saturday-Sunday, 12:15-4 p.m. through Sept. 4; Mondays, 1-4 p.m. Sept. 5

North Oaks Pool
27824 N. Camp Plenty Road, Canyon Country, (661) 284-1471
Recreational swim: Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. through Aug. 5; Saturday-Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m. through Sept. 4; Mondays, 1-4 p.m. Sept. 5

Santa Clarita Pool
27285 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus, (661) 284-1470
Recreational swim: Monday-Thursday, noon-3 p.m. through Aug. 5; Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., through Aug. 5; Saturday-Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m. through Sept. 4; Mondays, 1-4 p.m. Sept. 5

Valencia Glen Pool
23750 Via Gaviola, Valencia, (661) 284-1467
Recreational swim: Monday-Friday, noon-3:30 p.m. through Aug. 5; Saturdays, noon-3:30 p.m. through Sept. 3; Mondays, 1-4 p.m. Sept. 5

Valencia Meadows Pool
25671 Fedala Road, Valencia, (661) 284-1464
Recreational swim: Monday-Friday, 12:30–3:30 p.m. through Aug. 5; Sundays, 1-4 p.m. through Sept. 4; 1-4 p.m. Sept 5

County community:

Val Verde Park
30300 W. Arlington Road, Val Verde, (661) 257-7639
Recreational swim: Daily, 12:30–5 p.m. until, free — ends Sept. 5