Please follow the links below to view all Family Pool Schedules.

The Splash Pad will close at 1p on Thursdays for weekly deep cleaning and maintenance. The Splash Pad should reopen by 3p.

The Steam Room and Whirl Pool will close at 12p on Thursdays for weekly deep cleaning and maintenance. The Steam Room should reopen by 3p and the Whirl Pool should reopen Thursday evening once water temperature and balance are back in range.

Please follow the links below to view the Lap Pool Schedules.

Please follow the links below to view the Teaching Pool Schedules.

Please follow the links below to view and register for our Water Fitness classes.

Open/Family Swim!

• Designated for all ages! Typically held in the Teaching Pool and Shallow/Well area of the Family Pool.
• Swim, splash, blow bubbles, float on a noodle and have fun in our Family Pool Shallow and Teaching Pool space during Family/Open Swim! Family Swim is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening together while:
  • Building water skills and water confidence in a safe environment.
  • Practice your swimming outside of swim lessons!
  • Burn some energy and get some exercise!
  • Spend some fun time together!

Please review pool rules below for specific rules and policies related to Family/Open Swim.

Lap Swim! 

• Designated for swimmers ages 13+*
• Swim laps, water walk, build your endurance or work on your swim strokes in our Family Pool lanes and Lap Pool! Lap swim space is used for general exercise.

*Please review pool rules below for specific rules and policies related to Lap Swim.

Water Fitness!

• Designated ages 13+
• Kick, scoop, lunge and dance your way to better health in our interactive and fun water fitness classes! Classes led by team of trained YMCA instructors! Please see Water Fitness tab above for specific course descriptions and to register for a class!

1. The Y wants you to have a safe swim experience. Rules will be enforced in accordance to our safety standards
2. A full cleansing shower must be taken by all swimmers. Street clothes or workout clothes are not permitted in pools or hot tub.
3. Bandaids should be removed before entering any pool. No open sores in the pool.
4. No cell phones allowed in pool area or Spa. No pictures or videos. Phone conversations should be taken off the pool deck.
5. Horseplay is not permitted
6. Families with children should use the appropriate locker rooms. We have a family locker room, boys, girls and locker rooms for adults only.

7. Please store/keep all strollers and carriages off the pool deck. If you have to bring a stroller or carriage into the building, please corral them in the hallway space.

8. Shoulder length hair or longer should be pulled up to swim. Swim caps should be worn.
9. Children ages 7 and under must have an adult in the water within arm’s reach, regardless of swimming ability. Supervision of children from the hot tub, benches or side of pool is not permitted. Supervision must be within a 3:1 ratio.
10. The lifeguard reserves the right to swim test any swimmer. Those unable to pass a swim test must have an adult in the water.
11. All children in a Coast Guard Approved flotation device must be accompanied by an adult in the water within arm’s reach. No inflatables in the pool/pool area.
12. Hot tub and Steam room are for those ages 18 or older and swimmer must wear appropriate swim wear or clothing designated for pool use.
13. Children ages 7 and under must have an adult on the splash pad with them, children 8 and older must have an adult in the family pool area. If the lifeguard observes unsafe activity, parents may be required to stay on the splash pad with a child aged 8 or older.
14. Swimmers (including swim/synchro lessons) ages 12 and under must have an adult in the pool area.
15. Use of the lanes are reserved for lap swim or water walking/exercise and individual private lessons (by YMCA Staff)  and preference is given to adults ages 13+ unless a program is scheduled in the lap lanes. (Private lessons may not always reflect on the schedule) Please share, split or circle swim with 2+ swimmers in a lane. Swimmers ages 12 and under may use an unoccupied lane for lap swim with; adult supervision, permission from the lifeguard and will have to pass the swim test. YMCA swim team members and adults ages 13+ will be given preference for lap swim). 
16. The use of lap snorkels and fins are only permitted for exercise use in Adult Lap Swim. There are no fins and snorkels allowed in Family Swim. Full face snorkels and monofins are not permitted anywhere in the pool.
17. No unauthorized outside programming, coaching or lessons are allowed.
18. Use of the swim blocks are restricted to supervised YMCA programming and are not available for general use.
19. Equipment use: The Y does have a limited supply of equipment for member use during swim time. Kickboards, buoys and belts are available for lap swim or adult exercise in the shallow area. Noodles are available during family swim. Please be respectful and return your pool equipment after use. Flippers are not permitted in the shallow space. Full face snorkel masks are not permitted in any space.
20. The lifeguard is the sole authority in the pool area. The lifeguard will enforce all pool rules in order to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
21. Management reserves the right to close a pool if it is deemed unsafe at any time.
22. Pool schedule is subject to change at any time. Please direct all schedule and operations questions to the Aquatics Director. (Please note: Teaching Pool doors may be closed during open hours when not in use, a staff will open doors when asked)
23. Lifeguards will be subjected to unannounced safety drills, this is to ensure the safety of our swimmers and allow us to practice our rescues. We appreciate your patience during this time, it may cause some interruptions to your swim.

Weather Policies at the Pool

The Merrimack Valley YMCA is dedicated to the safety and well-being of our members and program participants. Your family’s health and well-being is our primary concern. That’s why we adhere to the following safety procedures when thunder, lightning and other signs of inclement weather strike near one of our pools (both indoor and outdoor). These procedures are recommended by YMCA of the USA, The National Lightning Safety Institute and our local insurance provider Redwoods.

-When thunder or lightning is first noticed, pool activities will be suspended and all aquatic areas will be evacuated until 30 minutes after the last sign of thunder or lightning. The distance from a facility to an approaching thunderstorm can be five to eight miles away, but lightning can strike from a much farther distance.

-The entire pool area, including the pool deck, will be closed. Current policies are based on best practices identified by the YMCA of the USA, The National Lightning Safety Institute and our local insurance provider Redwoods and require that the entire aquatics area be closed.

 “Indoor pool facilities are connected to a much larger surface area through underground water pipes, gas lines, and electric and telephone wiring. If lightning strikes the ground anywhere on this metallic network, it may induce shocks elsewhere. It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before resuming aquatic activities.” – National Lightning Institute

-All programs will be cancelled, including swim lessons and water aerobics classes. We will do our best to keep participants notified to any changes as soon as they happen. We monitor storms in real time, please monitor your emails. In the event of a paid program cancellation, a credit will be applied to the account.

-The pool area will be reopened 30 minutes after the last sign of thunder or lightning.

Thank you for your understanding. We strive to provide a safe and enjoyable facility for our members.