Cactus Aquatic & Fitness Center — Local services in Scottsdale

Size: Larger than Eldorado or Chaparral, with long course capability, although usually split into two 25s.

Water Temp: The water is cooler than Eldorado, accommodating more rigorous sets, for more serious swimmers. There is some age group diversity, and the deck includes bleachers, with limited chairs.

Water Quality: The water is clear.

Gym: There are three gym areas, one for aerobic, one for strength training, one dance studio.

Energy/Vibe: Cactus pool has it's own distinctive energy, that can sometimes be toxic, with some lifeguards unfamiliar with pool policy. I witnessed one guard trying to prohibit swimming underwater, when the policy is that underwater swimming, up to one length is allowed. Buckle up if your trying to swim seriously because certain guards might be on a power trip.

Music: At some points, the staff frequently blasted music to the point of being annoying if your head isn't underwater. The music selection was not always family appropriate, with lyrical content often suggestive of general debauchery. If it wasn't content, the amplitude of the radio was unreasonably loud, completely destroying any chance of peacefully relaxing on deck. Bring headphones or earplugs. It was horrendous, and even worse because the location had potential to be pleasant, but the blasting radio ruined it if you were on deck. The guards needed some leadership and oversight in this regard.

Update: The obnoxiously loud amplitude of the music has been reduced in recent times. Therefore this location again stands at a full five stars. Guards are polite. The deck experience is normally peaceful....

My husband and I enjoy working out at the Cactus and McDowell workout facilities. I love the gym at both locations however I have had some negative experiences at the Cactus workout facility. On two occasions the cactus facility has run out of the cleaning towels in the gym. Today when this occurred I went up to the desk and was told that they ran out yesterday and have been unable to locate more. This is unacceptable and very unsanitary. I asked if there was spray I could use I was informed that they didn't have any to use on the machines, but I could wet paper towels and use soapy water from the bathrooms. I think it is terrible that this was a known issue and no action was taken to rectify it. A manager could have gone to the store to purchase some cleaning supplies or some could have been borrowed from a sister facility until an order could be placed and delivered to the Cactus facility. This practice of not providing cleaning materials is unsanitary and I am dissapointed that it continues to occur. Since it is clear that maintaining a sanitary workout environment is not important to the team at Cactus, I will make sure to bring along my own sanitizing wipes when I...

This is a regular pool and fitness center, no frills here. It is where our kids attend their Scottsdale Aquatic Club practice so we are here regularly. The lifeguards and attendants are all very nice and helpful and generally keep the place nice and clean. This includes the bathrooms, which are basic but in good order. If you are wanting to take smaller kids to a free swim area with fun areas and splash pad then try McDowell Mountain Ranch pool. Cactus is more for lap swim and diving practice and their changing rooms are the older style with an...