Heatwave Alert: Tucson’s City Pools Splash Open June 1, Pima’s Open Next Week!

As summer approaches, Tucson is bracing for a rise in temperatures, signaling the start of swimming pool season. Residents can expect triple-digit weather soon, pushing many to seek relief at local pools.

Beginning June 1, Tucson’s Parks and Recreation Department will open 19 swimming pools across the city, offering free access for those looking to cool down. The facilities will host both lap swimming for adults and free swim for all ages, with several locations, such as Quincie Douglas, featuring giant waterslides.

Pima County is also joining in the summer festivities, with nine swimming pools set to open on May 24. Entry fees are $1 for children under 17 and $3 for adults. Swim lessons for kids aged 6 months to 17 years will be offered at $15 for a two-week session, starting with registration on May 19 at 9 a.m. Information about times and locations is available on the city’s website.

Adaptive swim lessons cater to children with physical or intellectual disabilities. Parents seeking details can contact 520-837-8059. For those competitive swimmers, several city pools—Archer, Clements, Fort Lowell, Himmel, Purple Heart, Quincie Douglas, and Udall—are forming swim teams. Registration is open to kids 17 and younger who can swim a competitive stroke for one length of the pool, with fees at $30 for city residents and $38 for non-residents.

The city also offers a synchronized swimming league for children aged 6 to 17, running from June 2 to July 12 at various pools. No prior synchro skills are required, and the program concludes with a city-wide water show on July 12. Fees for this league are $41 for city residents and $51 for non-residents.

All city pools will have lifeguards on duty and remain open until July 31, though some will close for specific summer holidays—check the schedule for details. Splash pads will operate until October 31, hopefully beyond the peak summer heat.