Los Alamos County Aquatic Center — Local services in Los Alamos

As much as I enjoy being able to take part in the out door pool experience, at the Aquatic Center one doesn't have to worry about sunscreen, too much sun exposure, committing to a pricey membership you may not use the whole summer. The Aquatic center has different membership packages that are affordable and with everything else going on in Los Alamos seems to make sense to use instead of membership one wouldn't. On top of that, the Aquatic center has everything that one would need to have a fun and enjoyable experience. There is Lane swimming, which I didn't do, there's diving which my child enjoyed. There is recreational pool with a number of safety safety flotation for all ages which the lifeguards help fit you in. Additionally they have bunch of fun things like basketballs and floating donuts and boat type things and kick boards... Also they have a therapy pool which is wonderful and I understand that they have classes that are great. (Still need to try.) Oh I forgot to mention in the main pool they have a device to help those that are handicapped to be lowered down into the pool. They also have snacks to sell also goggles. Lastly they do have a place where you can sit and eat. And they have three different bathrooms which is nice. Men, women, and unisex for families with little ones which is super convenient; yes they do have lockers and a scale to weigh yourself. One last thing, outside they have a dirt trail that you can bike or walk on. Best of all their staff are just super kind and professional...

If you prefer warmer water to swim & play, this is your happy place! There are 16 graduated-depth lap lanes, usually kept at 84°-86°F. and a smaller therapy pool, usually around 95°F. On M,W,F, there are flexibility classes in the smaller pool at 11:00 a.m. & power/endurance classes in the big lap pool, early, late, and mid-day. Can't swim? No problem! The lanes at that end are 13' deep, but all wear flotation belts so it's a no-fear zone. Really! Both pools have many hours daily of open swim, plus some adults-only time and time for fun with children & toys. This is a world class training facility for local and international teams, so some lanes are reserved at times for training and for swim meets. Unlike some other NM aquatic centers (Rio Rancho, for example,) you won't find the water slides, water basketball nets and so on, but the therapy pool has a long ramp to assist entering & leaving for anyone with mobility issues, & the lap pool has a lift chair. If you aren't put off by gang showers & smaller changing areas, come & give it a try. No Silver Sneakers benefit program for Seniors, but there are lots of options for single visit fees, family fees, Senior fees, and class fees that are all pretty reasonable, especially if you purchase a pass for a season, for a year, or for as little as 10 admissions. If you count on swimming or other water exercise for health, this is a great place to enjoy it. I encourage you to...

Stopped here on a visit to the nearby Bandalier National Monument. Really nice facility with reasonable usage fees. Olympic sized pool is great with many lanes and deep end. There's also a therapy pool and leisure lagoon. Tons of kickboards and flotation devices in different sizes. Upper observation deck has an exercise area with a pull-up bar and captain chairs for ab work, plus dumbells, bands, cubes, and many gym mats. Locker rooms offer showers, wash sinks, suit dryer, and several locker sizes. I brought my own towel and lock, and the fee was $3.50. It appears they have classes of various water related exercises and for swimming. Basically, it's like an aquatic focused gym with a huge pool. As big it is, it's a shame there's no hot tub or steam sauna. Friendly staff and vigilant lifeguards. No pass outs, so you pay another fee if you leave and come back on a "day pass." The facility is also the trailhead for central Los Alamos central trails from .9 to 7.5 miles in length, 11.4 mi total. Definitely planning to return here and make a day out of the trail hikes followed by aqua therapy, fitness, and leisure swim, then nice meal at one of the towns many...