Simpkins Family Swim Center
Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a resident and who is a non-resident?

You are considered a non-resident if you live outside of Santa Cruz County , in one of the following cities or special recreation districts:

City of Santa Cruz            City of Capitola            City of Watsonville            City of Scotts Valley

Alba Recreation District (Ben Lomond Area)            Opal Cliffs Recreation District

La Selva Beach Recreation District                            Boulder Creek Recreation District

Residents of all other unincorporated parts of Santa Cruz County are considered a county resident.

 

Why is the 50-Meter Pool not currently scheduled to have more laps swimming lanes available?

The County of Santa Cruz Parks Department schedules the 50-Meter pool for a variety of community programs which run concurrently. At times, these programs impact the different user groups which share the pool. Because the lap swim program is in very high demand, it is offered throughout the day. Our goal is to always have four lanes reserved for this program.

 

When are the most lap swim lanes available?

Availability may vary according to seasonal programs. Generally, more lanes are available Tuesday and Thursday mid morning and Tuesday through Friday afternoons between 1:30pm and 4:00pm .

 

When are the fewest lanes available?

Between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Tuesday- Friday, lap lane availability is extremely limited.

 

Who can I talk to about the pool hours of operation?

Margaret Ingraham , Recreation Supervisor - (831) 454-7927

 

When will the pool be set up for 50-meter lap swim?

Staff is currently working to make this option occasionally available.

 

Why do I have to pay to enter the swim center when I’m not going to be swimming?

There is a general admission fee for all people entering the pool deck for Recreation Swim, Lap Swim and Warm Water Swim. The pool is staffed to guard all customers, those in the water and on the pool deck.

Parents bringing their children to swim lessons are not charged a fee to stay on the pool deck and watch during class. They will be charged if they swim while they wait for their children.

 

What chemicals are regularly used in the pools?

Liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite), muriatic acid, and carbon dioxide.

 

Why isn’t more time set aside for the public to use the warm water pool in the summer schedule?

The only feasible time swim lessons and other youth programs may be offered is during the summer when local elementary schools are closed.

 

May my child use a floatation device?

No. Children who are not accompanied by an adult must stay in water where they can touch the bottom. During the summer, when available, swimmers may use the swim center’s inner tubes after they pass a swim test administered by the lifeguards. 

 

What are the temperatures of the pools?

The 50-meter pool is maintained at 78° F, the warm water pool and the tot pool are 88° F, and the “splash-down” pool at the foot of the water slide is maintained at 82 ° F. The swim center strives to maintain these averages but the temperature may fluctuate according to the weather.