Stay Cool & Swim- Guelph Swimming Pool List

📸 Stay Cool & Capture the Moments

Hey there! I’m Chelsey from Chelsey Kae Photography, your local photographer serving Guelph, Cambridge, and Kitchener. While you’re cooling off at the pool and making memories with your family this summer, don’t forget—it’s the perfect time to capture those genuine smiles, splashes, and sunshine-filled laughs. Whether it’s a lifestyle session at the park or a playful family shoot after a swim, I’d love to help freeze these summer memories in time. Let’s make this your most joy-filled, photo-worthy summer yet!

Here’s a refreshed guide to family-friendly public swimming in Guelph this summer—including pools, wading areas, splash pads, hours, costs, and what makes each one special:

🌊 West End Community Centre (21 Imperial Road S)

• Indoor pools: lap (25 m), therapeutic, and leisure (with slide, bubbles, water umbrella) (andraarnold.com, guelph.ca)
• Family swim: included in public/leisure swim times
• Hours: Daily from 6 a.m to 11:30 p.m in summer (caredove.com, guelph.ca)
• Cost (Leisure Swim drop‑in):
  • Youth (4–17): $2.75
  • Adult (18–54): $4.30
  • Senior: $3.45
  • Family pass (up to 6): $10.85 (caredove.com)
• Why it’s unique: three-pool complex with accessible lifts, warm therapeutic pool (32–34 °C), a fun slide, bubble bench, and sauna during swim times (guelph.ca).

🌊 Victoria Road Recreation Centre (151 Victoria Rd N)

• Indoor pools: both 50 m and 25 m pools, plus a teaching pool (andraarnold.com)
• Family swim: available during recreational swim hours
• Hours: daily from 6 a.m to 11:30 p.m (guelph.ca, andraarnold.com)
• Cost: same drop-in rates as West End (see above)
• Why it’s unique: one of the few local pools offering an Olympic-length 50 m pool—popular with lap swimmers—but still welcoming families (reddit.com).

🌞 Lyon Outdoor Pool (301 York Rd)

• Outdoor seasonal pool: with both lane swim and public swim (guelph.ca)
• Season: opens weekends starting June 11/28, then daily from ~June 30 to Labour Day (ward2guelph.ca)
• Times: Lane/public swim scheduled through RecEnroll
• Cost: single pass $37.88 + HST; drop‑in rates also apply (guelph.ca, ward2guelph.ca)
• Why it’s unique: refreshing outdoor option with flexible times and sunshine—rare for the city .

🏫 YMCA of Three Rivers (Guelph location)

• Recreational & family swim: open swims including parent/caregiver + tot, women’s only, family swims (ymcathreerivers.ca)
• Hours: varies—typically weekday mornings and midday (e.g. lane swim 10 a.m–1 p.m, rec swim 10–10:55 a.m) (ymcathreerivers.gymmasteronline.com)
• Cost: pay-as-you-go day passes or part of membership (details via YMCA)
• Why it’s unique: multiple inclusive swim formats; family-centered rec swims with toys/equipment; also offers regulated lane times for serious swimmers (reddit.com, ymcathreerivers.ca).

🎓 University of Guelph Athletic Centre

• Indoor pools: 25 m and possibly a warm pool/hot tub included in centre (en.wikipedia.org)
• Public swim: open to everyone with day-pass or membership (reddit.com)
• Cost: day-pass rates apply (student fee for basic rec); adult rates similar to city pools
• Why it’s unique: high-quality facilities, access to hot tub and athletic centre—ideal for families wanting an all-in-one experience .

🚿 Wading Pools & Splash Pads

Great for younger kids and smaller dips:

• Splash pads: May 30–Sept 14, daily 10 a.m–8 p.m at 7 parks (e.g. Waverley, Jubilee, Northview) (guelph.ca)
• Wading pools:
  • Sunny Acres & Exhibition Park: June 27–Sept 1—weekends 10–1, weekdays afternoons (guelph.ca)
  • Market Square: June 2–27 variable, then June 28–Sept 1 daily 10:30–7:30 (guelph.ca)

💰 Fees & Subsidies

• Drop-in public swim averages $4‑5 (youth and seniors cost less; family passes ~$11)
• Multi-visit passes and seasonal memberships available; 10‑visit, 20‑visit, and full-year options
• Subsidies available (FAIR, Leisure Access Card) for low-income families and persons with disabilities (guelph.ca)

Why These Pools Stand Out

Final Tips for Families

1. Check schedules online (RecEnroll) as times shift between “family swim,” “leisure,” and “lane.”
2. Consider passes if you’re a frequent swimmer—multi-visit or seasonal saves money.
3. Be pool-aware: indoor pools fill fast after schools let out; outdoor pool busiest midday.
4. Look into subsidies/helpers like FAIR and PAL/LAC for families who qualify.

🌞 Ready for Summer Splashes?

Whether you’re after waterslides, sunny outdoor sessions, therapeutic warmth, or quality lap space—Guelph has a public pool to suit. Have a favourite? Or curious about swim lessons? Just say the word—I can help!