Montgomery County Swimming Pools Opening Schedule 2018

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Memorial Day is fast approaching and the temperature is rising, and that means people are starting to think about when they'll get their first dip in the pool in Montgomery County.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 26 — the unofficial start of summer pretty much everywhere. That will be opening day for public pools pretty much no matter where you go, not only in Montgomery County but also D.C. and Prince George's County.

Montgomery County pools will be open from 12-6 p.m. on weekends during the "pre-season," from May 26 - June 15. Pools will be closed on weekdays.

During the "summer season" from June 16 - August 17, pools will be open 1-8 p.m. on weekdays and 12-8 p.m. weekends. All pools will close at 6 p.m. on July 4. Long Branch and Upper County pools are closed on Fridays.

"Post season" runs from August 18 - September 3. Pools will be open from 1-7 p.m. weekdays and 12-6 p.m. weekends and Labor Day.

The list of outdoor pools in Montgomery County include:

• Bethesda Outdoor Pool: Facilities include a six-lane wide 50-meter long Z-shaped Main Pool with a six lane 25-meter course into the diving well, which features one half-meter and one-meter boards, and a "drop" slide; a separate Tot Pool; a shallow water Teach Pool, and a six-lane Lap Pool. Also included area a snack bar, bathhouse and lawn areas with shade structures. Address is Little Falls Parkway and Hillandale Road, Bethesda.
• Rockville Swim and Fitness Center: Facility features two indoor and three outdoor pools, along with a whirlpool and fitness and exercise room. Address is 355 Martins Lane, Rockville.
• Germantown Outdoor Pool: Facilities include an eight lane, 25-meter Main Pool with one-meter and hald-meter diving boards, a separate Leisure Pool featuring two water slides and two cross walk features, Tot Pool, snack bar, bathhouse, and lawn areas. Address is 18905 Kingsview Drive, Germantown.
• Long Branch Outdoor Pool: Includes a six lane, L-shaped 25-meter Main Pool, a Teach Pool, a Tot Pool, and a snack bar, bathhouse and lawn areas. Address is 8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Outdoor Pool: This facility features a six lane, 50-meter L-shaped Main Pool, with an eight lane, 25-meter course into the diving area, which offers one half-meter and one-meter boards. The separate Leisure Pool consists of a shallow water lagoon with slides and water play features, surrounded by a circular "Lazy River" for riding inner tubes with the current. Bathhouse with showers, First Aid areas, a separate Tot Pool and lawn areas with shade structures. Address is 1201 Jackson Road, Silver Spring.
• Upper County Outdoor Pool: This facility includes an eight lane, 25-meter Main Pool with two one-meter diving boards; a separate shallow water Leisure Pool with a water slide, Tot Pool, snack bar, bathhouse and lawn areas. Address is 8211 Emory Grove Road, Gaithersburg.
• Western County Outdoor Pool: Facilities include a six lane, 25-meter Main Pool and an eight lane, 25-meter swim course, with one-meter and half-meter diving boards. A separate shallow water Leisure Pool has fountains, sprays and kiddie slides. An Activity Pool has two flume slides and crosswalks. A Tot Pool, snack bar, bathhouse, and lawn areas are also provided. Address is 20151 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville.
• Wheaton/Glenmont Outdoor Pool: Facilities include a six lane, 50-meter Main Pool and an eight lane, 25-meter swim course, with one-meter and half-meter diving boards. A separate shallow water Leisure Pool has fountains, sprays and kiddie slides. An Activity Pool has two flume slides and crosswalks. A Tot Pool, snack bar, bathhouse, and lawn areas are also provided. Address is 12621 Dalewood Drive, Wheaton.

If you go to the pool, keep in mind the following public safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Use a test strip available at most superstores or pool-supply stores to determine if the pH and free chlorine or bromine concentration are correct.
• Make sure the drain at the bottom of the deep end is visible. (Clear water allows lifeguards and other swimmers to see swimmers underwater who may need help.)
• Check that drain covers appear to be secured and in good repair. (Swimmers can get trapped underwater by a loose or broken drain cover.)
• Confirm that a lifeguard is on duty at public venues. If not, check whether safety equipment like a rescue ring or pole is available.
• Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea.
• Stay out of the water if you have an open wound (for example, from surgery or a piercing) that is not covered with a waterproof bandage.
• Shower before you get in the water. Rinsing off in the shower for just 1 minute removes most of the dirt or anything else on your body.
• Protect against sunburn by using sunscreen with at least SPF 15 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
• Use well-fitting Coast Guard approved life jackets for flotation assistance rather than foam or air-filled toys.
• Don't pee or poop in the water.
• Don't swallow the water.
• Keep an eye on children at all times, kids can drown in seconds and in silence.
• Take kids on bathroom breaks.
• Check diapers, and change them in a bathroom or diaper-changing area–not poolside–to keep germs away from the pool.
• Reapply sunscreen.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Dry ears thoroughly with a towel after swimming.

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