At the DAC, we strive to keep our members informed and in tune with important day-to-day happenings, especially those concerning safety, cleanliness, and having a positive member experience. We’re taking this opportunity to review the cleanliness and etiquette of our Aquatic Area, which includes the Lap Pool, Fitness Pool, hot tub, and pool deck.
Aquatic Area Guidelines:
- Respect our staff, students, members, and guests: Please respect our staff, pick up and drop off times, and other people within the Aquatic Area.
- Take a 1-minute cleansing shower before entering the pools or hot tub: A brief shower removes a majority of dirt, sweat, cosmetics, lotion, and traces of body pollutants.
- Children 14 years of age and under must have direct adult supervision: Safety is our top priority.
- Kindly share lanes, equipment, and space: Let’s ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy the facilities.
- Proper equipment usage: Be sure to use equipment properly; don’t walk in flippers, return when finished, and place items in their designated homes.
- All children must be toilet trained to use the hot tub; swim diapers are not permitted: This maintains cleanliness and hygiene.
- No splashing or toys are allowed in the hot tub: The hot tub is for relaxation.
- Refrain from exercising in the hot tub: The hot tub is not designed for working out.
- No glass containers or food permitted in the aquatic area: Safety and cleanliness are essential. Beverages must have enclosed lids.
- Swim attire is required when using the pools or hot tub: We kindly ask that you not soak your feet in the pools or hot tub while in street clothes.
- Swim lesson usage: Unless a day pass is purchased, non-member swim lesson families are not permitted to use the aquatic area while waiting for their child’s swim lesson. This includes, but is not limited to, swimming, soaking feet in the spa or pools, and bringing other to use the Club.
- Swim lesson cancellations: Cancellations must be done 24 hours in advance to avoid charges.
- No lifeguard on duty: All persons must conduct themselves with safe and responsible behavior in the Aquatic Area.
The Science of Chlorine: Chlorine is an effective way to kill harmful bacteria and germs, but when it binds to the body contaminates swimmers bring into pools, it can form chemicals called chloramines. Chloramines in the water irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract (including the nose) when they turn into gas into the air above the water, particularly indoors. In addition, chloramines can also contribute to corrosion of metals around the aquatic venue and in air handling systems. (CDC)
Did you know that if our level of chloramines is too high, we have to shut down all pools and hot tubs until they return to acceptable levels? Wearing clean swimwear, taking bathroom breaks, and taking a cleansing shower are a few simple practices that ensure our pools and hot tub stay clean for all to enjoy, with fewer illnesses and shutdowns. You may have seen our team test the pool levels, and chloramines is one of the many things they measure.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to maintaining a clean and safe aquatic environment. We appreciate your help in making the Downtown Athletic Club a fantastic place for everyone!
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2025), Chloramines and Pool Operation, https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/toolkit/chloramines-and-pool-operation.html
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The DAC’s blog content is not medical advice; it’s inspiration to live well.
Our community health club goes beyond a gym – in providing fitness, weight loss, strength training, aquatics and swim lessons, childcare programs, and group fitness including yoga, barre, Pilates, dance and cycling. Check the DAC blog often for more healthy lifestyle tips and resources to support your active lifestyle! Click here for a free guest pass to experience the DAC for yourself!
