City Announces Changes to Fees at Pools
The City’s aquatics facilities, which include 5 splash pads, 9 outdoor swimming pools and 5 indoor pools, have not seen a change to fees since 2017. To keep up with the increased demand and maintenance needs for these facilities, the Parks and Recreation Department announced new pool fees which will go into effect July 1, 2021.
Adjusting these fees brings the City more in line with market rates, while still keeping City aquatics facilities affordable for residents. The City Council approved these fee changes as part of the FY22 budget.
“City pools remain a great value and the most affordable option in the area,” said Dave Simon, Director of Parks and Recreation.
The City of Albuquerque continues to offer the lowest pool admission prices in the metro area, especially for monthly passes. Daily admission to City pools will increase by 50 cents, while monthly and annual passes, and pool rentals will see slightly higher increases. Splash pads will largely remain free to the public, aside from the brand-new splash pad at Wilson Pool, which will be free with regular admission to the pool. To celebrate the grand re-opening of Wilson Pool on Monday, June 28th, the City will waive admission fees at Wilson through July 5.
The Parks and Recreation Department also offers an income-based fee waiver for swimming lessons through the Shanta Strong Swim Fund. In partnership with the One ABQ fund, every donation to the Shanta Strong Swim Fund provides swimming lesson scholarships for children living in the Highland community as well as other children in need throughout the City of Albuquerque. All children who qualify for the free or reduced lunch program are eligible for this scholarship. To apply, families can visit www.cabq.gov/pool and navigate to the Shanta Strong Swim Fund Page. For information on how to donate to the Shanta Strong Swim Fund, please click here.
New fees are as follows:
| Single Admissions | Rate | Monthly Pass |
Rate |
Yearly Pass |
Rate |
Group Usage |
Rate |
Lesson Programs |
Rate |
| Senior | $1.50 | Senior | $15.00 | Senior | $75.00 | Boy scouts | $1.25 | Swimming Lessons | $40.00 |
| Adult | $3.00 | Senior Couple | $20.00 | Senior Couple | $100.00 | Groups Use | $1.25 | Metro League | $55.00 |
| Teen | $2.75 | Adult | $30.00 | Adult | $190.00 | Birthday party | $2.00 | Metro League +1 | $40.00 |
| Child | $1.00 | Adult Couple | $48.00 | Adult Couple | $215.00 | Rentals | Rate | Junior Lifeguarding | $40.00 |
| Toddler | $3.25 | Teen | $26.00 | Teen | $155.00 | Team Lane Rental | $6.00 | Lifeguarding | $75.00 |
| Water Exercise | $1.50 | Child | $20.00 | Child | $110.00 | Basic Pool Rental | $75.00 | ||
| Military | $1.50 | Toddler | $9.00 | Toddler | $25.00 | WMAC & Sierra Vista | $125.00 | ||
| Disabled | $1.50 | Water Exercise (10 punch) | $28.00 | Water Exercise | $215.00 | Scuba | $50.00 | ||
| Spectator | $1.50 | Military | $15.00 | Military | $75.00 | Friday nights | $1.00 | ||
| Disabled | $15.00 | Disabled | $75.00 | ||||||
| Family | $60 | Family | $299.00 | ||||||
| Family Summer Pass | $115.00 |
Fees and other funding sources help the City manage, maintain, and improve the City’s aquatic facilities. Despite the pandemic, the Parks and Recreation Department continued to make improvements to City pools throughout 2020. Some of the major improvements over the past year have included:
- Installation of “Clear Comfort” pool disinfection systems at 8 pools
- Rehabilitation of two slides at Sierra Vista Pool
- Installation of shade structures and other amenities at Eisenhower Pool
- New roof at Eisenhower pool
- Installation of a new boiler at Highland Pool
- Locker room improvements at Montgomery Pool
- Installation of a new pool heater at the Montgomery pool
- Improvements to Wilson Pool and construction of a new splash pool.
- Gave the Sunport, Montgomery, and Eisenhower pool buildings a new paint job
- Phenomenal mural at the Sunport pool
- New tables, benches, and new paint throughout the West Mesa Aquatic Center
- New Lane lines at the Highland pool, West Mesa Aquatic Center, and Rio Grande pool
- Free Wi-Fi at both Wilson and East San Jose pools.