Upper Valley Aquatic Center — Local services in Hartford

UPDATED: I've been a member here for two years. Membership is a much better deal than paying daily. Hartford, VT residents (Villages of Quechee, Hartford, West Hartford, Wilder, and White River Junction) get discounted memberships, and they also have support with the fees if you need it. I have a home in Wilder so I do get the discounts.

The swimming area is really nice. They have a competition pool that is very large and deep. It is comparable to a competition swimming area at a university. I use this pool multiple times per week when I am in town. They also have a warm water pool with play areas, water slides, the lazy river (which has quite a current), and other things. They have good lifeguard coverage. All of it is inside so it is available all year. Apparently it is even properly grounded against lightning - I was allowed to swim during a major thunderstorm and they mentioned the lightning protection when I asked.

The place also has a indoor gym with a weight area, weight equipment, and aerobic equipment. It has a good selection of equipment, though sometimes you do have to wait for it. I don't use that section as often. That's all included with the membership too.

They have many events geared to children and young adults. The kids I see always seem to be having a great time, especially during toddler swim. It also looks like a great place to work as a lifeguard. They do need lifeguards; when I joined and mentioned I had previous lifeguard training they tried to recruit me.

Sometimes the warm water pool is a little crowded. That happens mostly on weekends. The competition pool does not have this problem since the maximum is 2 people per lane in the shared lane. The competition pool does require an on-line reservation.

Staff there are really nice all the time. They are different from other health clubs I've experienced in that they are MUCH nicer at closing time than any other place...

I've been a member a few times over the last 5 years (2 years, 6 months, then 5 months). Mixed thoughts that I hope you will find helpful.

BEST competition pool in the Upper Valley. Very inspiring place to get your swim in, as this pool hosts most of the area's best swimmers, you are sure to get some good pointers in watching others swim in lanes around you, or if you overhear a swim instructor talking about a stroke or kick that interests you. If, however, you are an aqua jogger (I do both lap swimming and aqua jogging) I've been privy to the cold shoulder if its a heavy traffic time; that bothers me.

There are a lot of students in the pool from 4-6 pm weekdays; hard to get a lane after work.

The center holds a lot of competitive swim meets; sometimes (particularly over the winter and early spring) the competition pool is closed all weekend to members because of these events.

Occasionally, I would/will show up to swim, having checked the online competition pool schedule (and seeing that there is nothing going on) only to discover signs on the glass doors that say "Pop Up Swim Meet"

Warm water pool is almost therapeutic is is so warm; perfect for a swim if your muscles are sore but you still want to do laps (just dont go when there will be a lot of kid traffic; try early mornings)

Land class instructors are AWESOME. They change things up; your muscles will always be adapting; no lassitude there at all. Personal trainers seem very knowledgeable, definitely outgoing, and very responsive (as overheard) to feedback from clients.

Spin classes are awesome. There are may instructors and fall/winter classes to choose from; each instructor fills a different type of member profile, it seems; an instructor for everyone.

Gym 'footprint' is okay; can get crowded but they def have the right equipment available. They do a fair to good job (relative to other gyms in the area) keeping up on repairs...

The Upper Valley Aquatic Center is safe and family friendly and the staff is courteous and helpful. My 7 year old daughter loves swimming in the Splash Park, lazy river, and leisure pool. She's now tall enough to go on the big slide which she loves. We recently had a birthday party for her at the Aquatic Center and it was the best party. The staff was very accommodating. The room was all decorated for us. The table for the children was all set up and decorated. Plates, utensils, napkins, cups, table coverings, streamers, and goodie bags were all provided at an affordable price. At the last minute we were able to add an additional hour to the party as well. My husband and I were extremely impressed with the party, the decorations and with the friendliness of the staff. We will definitely book another party in the future. We also have taken advantage of the "Parent Night Out" offered every second Saturday of the month. The children swim, have pizza and watch a movie for three hours at an affordable price. Our daughter had a great time and wants to go back again! We love the aquatic center. It's a great place at an...