Outdoor Pool FAQ

General Questions

Why do I have to buy a day pass if I'm already a Y member?

All outdoor facilities are owned by the City of Colorado Springs. Since 2012, the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region has been in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs to operate these pools. Access to all of our indoor pools are included with a YMCA membership.

You do not have to purchase a season pool pass, you may purchase a day pass at any of our outdoor pools. Day passes are $10/youth (ages 3-17), $15/adult (ages 18+), and $45/family (two adults and up to four children). Children ages two and under are free.

Do you have to have a pool pass to visit the outdoor pools?

You do not have to purchase a season pool pass, you may purchase a day pass at any of our outdoor pools.

Day passes are:
$10/youth (ages 3-17)
$15/adult (ages 18+)
$45/family (two adults and up to four children).

Children ages two and under are free.

*Please note*
We are unable to make change so please use exact change only for day passes. Or use another form of payment. If you cannot provide exact change, you can make a donation to the Y's scholarship and financial assistance fund in lieu of change. Cash is accepted at Wilson Ranch Pool, Monument Valley Pool, and Cottonwood Creek Recreation Center during our summer season.

Why does my child need a swim band?

Swim bands are part of our method to provide a safe environment for every child. All children 12 and under are required to wear a band. Children 7 and up can complete a swim test. All children must complete a swim test to start the season for safety purposes. All previously earned neck bands will not be honored.

Children 6 and under will be red banded no mater what. Blue & Green bands are required for seasonal swim without parent/guardian in the pool with them.

Click Here to learn more about our pool banding policy

What are the outdoor pool hours?

Outdoor pools will have modified schedules the first week they open and at the end of the season before they close.

Wilson Ranch Pool
Sunday - Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.



Monument Valley Pool
Monday - Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sunday
12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

What pools will I have access to?

For the 2024 season, Monument Valley Pool & Wilson Ranch Pool will be available with the Pool Season or Day Pass.

(Please note that a pool day pass does not give you access to the YMCA's indoor pools including Cottonwood Creek Family Center.)

Can nonmembers use the pools?

Yes, individuals and families who are not YMCA members may purchase a day pass or a nonmember pool pass.

Do you give refunds for inclement weather?

If you are in the pool for less than 30 minutes and you have to leave due to inclement weather we will provide you with a raincheck card. If you are in the pool for more than 30 minutes you will not receive a raincheck card. Please check the forecast and visit ppymca.org/status if you plan on visiting the pools! Pools will close temporarily for any lightning within 8 miles.

What is block scheduling?

Outdoor pools will use block scheduling if they reach full capacity. At the end of each time block the pool will be cleared and people in line will be let in on a first-come, first-serve basis. You are welcome to reenter the line for the next time block, but there is no guarantee that your party will be able to reenter the pool.

Do I still have to pay if I'm not going to swim?

Even if you are not planning on swimming, you must purchase a pass, as any patron in the pool counts toward our total capacity number, regardless of if they are swimming or not.

Why isn't Portal, Memorial Park Recreation Center Opening or Prospect Lake Beach?

Portal Pool and Memorial Park Recreation Center will not be open for the 2024 summer season. The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region no longer manages operations at these facilities due to the City of Colorado Springs continuing their assessment for required repairs and future needs of the facility. 

The City of Colorado Springs announced last summer a realignment of the utilization and access of Prospect Lake, which included changing the beach area to a swim at your own risk space. Due to this change the YMCA will not be operating Prospect Lake Beach in 2024. For more information and for hours of operation please visit ColoradoSprings.gov.MemorialPark

Valuables

Please leave any valuables at home. Thank you for your patience and understanding!


FastPass Access

HOW DO I USE MY FAST PASS AT WILSON RANCH?

You will gain access to the fast pass lain by entering on the left hand side of the Wilson Ranch entry doors. From there you will immediately go to the far check in desk and scan your card or provide a name for fast entry.

CAN I BRING GUEST IN WITH MY FAMILY/INDIVIDUAL FASTPASS?

You are welcome to bring guests with you if you are a FASTPASS holder but they will not be able to use FASTPASS access. Guests coming with FASTPASS holders will need to wait in the standard line to gain access into the pool. This will also be dependent on capacity.

CAN I USE MY FAST PASS DURING BLOCK SCHEDULING?

Yes, you are able to wait in line during block scheduling and get first access to the pool as soon as space is available. Otherwise, if filled till the end of block time, you will still gain entry into the pool first.

CAN I USE MY FASTPASS AT MONUMENT VALLEY POOL?

Due to the entrance of the MVP, you will not be able to use the FASTPASS at that location.


What can I bring?

Are floaties allowed?

You may bring Coast Guard approved floatation devices such as life jackets or puddle jumpers. Each pool has a very limited supply of puddle jumpers you may borrow at no cost. Please understand that it takes three days for the puddle jumpers to be cleaned and disinfected properly. Pool noodles and beach balls are allowed.

Inflatables and inner tubes are not allowed.

Can you bring chairs?

Yes, you may bring a chair. Pools have a limited number of chairs available on a first come, first serve basis. 

Can you bring food/a cooler? Do you sell food?

You may bring your own food and or cooler - just no glass or alcohol. We do not sell concessions at the outdoor pool, but each pool does have a vending machine for drinks.

Can I bring water guns, beach balls, and other pool toys?

Yes, most pool toys are permitted at the outdoor pools. Hard balls such as tennis balls, footballs, etc, are not permitted.

VALUABLES

Please leave any valuables at home. Thank you for your patience and understanding!


Pool Amenities

Do you offer swim lessons at the outdoor pools?

We do not currently offer swim lessons at the outdoor pools. This helps us minimize the amount of lesson cancellations due to inclement weather and also provides more uninterrupted public swim time for our guests and members.

Are the pools heated?

Yes! All of our outdoor pools are heated to 80-86 degrees.

Do the outdoor pools have lap lanes?

Each pool has one lap lane.

The lap lane at Monument Valley Pool is 25 meters long, the depth begins at 3.5 feet and goes to 13 feet.

The lap lane at Wilson Ranch Pool is 25 yards long, the depth begins at 3.5 feet and goes to 4.5 feet.

kids playing ball

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