A. We allow U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejackets. Children wearing a lifejacket must be within the reach of a parent or guardian at all times. Approved jackets are available to pool patrons (30lbs and above) at no charge. You may bring your own infant jacket and have it inspected by a manager. All other flotation devices (noodles, floaties, water wings, tubes, etc.) are prohibited.
Q. Can we bring food to the pool?
A. Absolutely! You may bring your own food into the pool area or purchase food from our concession. Food must remain in the grassy areas (no eating on the cement deck). Please pick up your trash, don't leave your food unattended, and please don't feed the seagulls. Glass bottles and alcohol are not permitted anywhere on the property.
Q. Can I do flips and tricks on the diving board?
A. During public swim you must jump or dive forward from the boards. Flips and twists are not allowed. During adult swim we allow flips and tricks; however, you still must jump forward and straight out from the board (no jumping toward the side of the pool or jumping backward off the board).
Q. Can I wear a snorkel mask or fins?
A. Only if you are a serious snorkeler or lap swimmer using the mask, snorkel or fins in a lane designated for lap swimming. Otherwise, for the safety of the swimmer and those around you, snorkels and fins are not allowed and goggles should not cover the nose.
Q. Can I bring toys to the pool?
A. Due to the volume of swimmers and limited space, we do not allow toys (balls, diving sticks, action figures, etc.) in the pool or on the pool deck in the morning and afternoon. Toys are permitted from 5-8pm. Toys that are deemed unsafe (or are being used in an unsafe manner) may be prohibited at the manager's discretion.
Q. Is there a time or lane designated for lap swimming?
A. In the afternoon adults may swim laps during a designated adult swim time. During the evening a lane will be designated for lap swimmers.
Q. When is Adult Swim?
A. Adult swim is the last quarter of the hour at 1:45, 2:45, 3:45 and 4:45 (plus a 12:45 adult swim on Saturday & Sunday).
Q. Can my child swim with me during Adult Swim?
A. Children age 2 and under may swim with a parent on a one-on-one basis during Adult Swim (within the parent's reach at all times). Anyone 3-17 years of age must remain out of the pool during Adult Swim time.
Q. Why do you have Adult Swim?
A. Adult swim provides an opportunity for children to rest and for parents to make use of the pool in a calmer environment. It also provides a time for parents with infants and toddlers (age 2 and under) to spend quality time in the pool without worrying about sharing space with older children.
Q. What is Family Swim? When is Family Swim?
A. Family swim is a time to enjoy the pool as a family in a calmer setting (no camps, groups or unsupervised children). Family swim is from 5-6pm every day. Children under the age of 17 who are not attending with a parent must leave the pool area during this time.
Q. What it the capacity for the pool?
A. We allow a maximum of 475 patrons in the pool area. On days that we reach capacity, arriving patrons must wait until guests leave before being admitted into the pool area.
Q. Can I leave the pool and re-enter?
A. Yes, as long as you stamp/mark your hand as you exit. If the pool reaches capacity (475 swimmers) while you are out you may have to wait until other patrons leave before you can be admitted back into the pool, even if your belongings/party is still in the pool area.
Q. Do I have to pay admission if I'm not swimming?
A. Yes. Because we are responsible for everyone in the pool area, we require everyone to pay admission or have a pool membership. The pool area has a maximum capacity, so even if you aren't swimming you may be taking a spot from someone who would like to swim.
Q. Do I have to pass a test to use the slide or diving board?
A. Children must pass a swim test to swim in the large pool or use the water slide or diving boards. Please see a lifeguard or the pool manager to take the test, which are typically administered during Adult Swim. Parents may accompany their young children on the waterslide or wait for an older child in the splash area if they are unable to pass the swim test. Additionally, parents may take their children in the large pool as long as they are in arms reach, and may wait in the water to receive and assist their child after jumping off from the low dive. The high dive is restricted to use by only those who have passed the deep end test.
Q. Do you offer discounts for large groups (summer camps, preschools, parties, etc)?
A. We do not offer group discounts during public swim. You may rent the pool for private parties when the pool is not open to the public or reserved for a program. Groups attending the pool during public swim hours must pay the daily admission rate. We encourage groups to call ahead so that we can anticipate your arrival. We request that you send one representative to the cashier to pay for the group. Our staff will admit the group through the side gate and briefly explain pool rules and expectations.
Q. Can I rent the pool for a private party?
A. Yes. The pool may be rented when it is not open to the public or reserved for a program (a few nights a week in June and July and most Sunday mornings). For more information on pool rentals please see the Facility Reservation Application.
Q. I live in Essex Junction, how come I'm not considered a resident?
A. Only people who live in the Village of Essex Junction are residents who pay taxes to support Essex Junction Recreation and Parks and the Maple Street Pool. Our staff have a street address list that we can check to verify whether or not you are a resident.
