pools

More Details on DPR Doggie Day Swim on Sept. 7th – New Third Location Added

By Prince Of Petworth

doggie_day_swim_dc
Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota

From a press release:

“The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will partner with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Washington Humane Society (WHS) to host the 5th Annual DPR Doggie Day Swim on Saturday, September 7, 2013 from 12 pm to 4 pm at DPR’s Upshur Pool (4300 Arkansas Avenue, NW); Francis Pool (25th & N Street, NW); and newly added location, Randall Pool (South Capitol and I Sts., SW). With the end of the outdoor swimming season, this annual event provides dogs with a one day opportunity to partake in the pools, enjoy a swim and play fun aquatics games. DOH will be on location to monitor the health and safety of the pets and their owners; to issue DC dog licenses; and to provide outreach and education regarding pet vaccinations, dog licenses and dog park licenses. (more…)

DPR’s Doggie Day Swim is Saturday September 7th

By Prince Of Petworth

doggie_day_swim_dc
Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota

“Dear PoPville,

Are dates up yet for doggie swim day 2013 in the local pools?”

I’m told this year it will be the Sat. after labor day (Sept. 7th) but they are still finalizing which pools will host. Last year it was at Upshur and Francis pools but I’ll update when it’s been finalized.

Better Get Your Swimming In! DPR Announces the 2013 Outdoor Pools Closure Schedule

By Prince Of Petworth

dc_public_pool_closing_schedule
Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

From DPR:

“DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) released the Outdoor Aquatic Facilities Closure Schedule for the 2013 summer season, as DPR prepares to bring this year’s swim season to a close. Beginning Sunday, August 11, 2013; DPR will implement the first phase of Outdoor Pool closures.

All Outdoor Pools will close in waves beginning on Sunday, August 11, 2013. Pools will close for the season at 6 pm on their respective Sundays.

All Spray Parks will be closed for the season by 7 pm on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2013, with the exception of the spray park at 14th & Park Rd, which will close for the season at 7 pm on Monday, September 30, 2013.

All Children’s Pools will be closed for the season at 6 pm on Sunday, August 18, 2013.

Below is the comprehensive closure and maintenance schedules for the 2013 season.
Pools are listed by type (Outdoor, Children’s and Spray Park) and then by date.
Please call DPR’s Aquatics office at (202) 671-1289 for additional questions or further assistance.

OUTDOOR AND CHILDREN’S POOLS CLOSURE SCHEDULE (more…)

DPR Posts Official List of Proper Swim Attire for DC Pools

By Prince Of Petworth

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Back in June a reader wrote in about being banned from Turkey Thicket pool for wearing a “swim shirt”. Here is the definitive list of permitted swim attire from DPR:

The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) reminds patrons of the current DPR Swim Attire Requirements for all District pools; and provides a more illustrated guide.

The current requirements are as follows:

All persons on the pool deck and/or swimming in the pool must have on proper swim attire.
All infants/toddlers that require a diaper must wear swimmer diapers and proper swimwear.
Clean cotton t-shirts and sarongs are allowed on the pool deck, however patrons must have on proper swim attire underneath.

The following attire is not allowed at District pools:

“Street clothes”, Brazil/French-cut, thong style and/or revealing swim wear, cut-off jeans, jeans, skirts, shorts, sport bras, leotards, leggings, dri-fit wear, compression shorts and compression shirts are prohibited. Underwear and undergarments are not allowed to be worn under swimsuits.

Pool patrons often ask, “Why do I have to wear proper swimwear?”. Here are just a few reasons as to why it is important to only wear pool attire in the pool.

1. Street clothes (especially cotton) can transport airborne and ultimately water borne contaminants into the pool.
2. Lycra and Nylon are the best non-absorbent material for swimming and are the best fabrics for proper swim attire.
a. Other absorbent materials (such as cotton) can break down in the water and cause fibers to clog filters.
b. Any “colored” material (unless specifically made for swimming) can bleed into the pool, effecting water chemistry and balance. This is also a reason for turbidity in pools.
3. Cotton and similar materials can absorb the chemicals in the water, causing the water to become less effective at maintaining the proper chemical balance or may cloud the water.

Photo of permitted swimwear after the jump. (more…)

5pm Post – DPR To Host Second Annual DPR Doggie Day Swim on September 11

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota

We were discussing the dog swim over the weekend. Earlier today I received a great update. If anyone goes please take some photos for me!

From DPR:

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will host their 2nd Annual DPR Doggie Day Swim on Saturday, September 11, from 12 noon to 4 pm at the Upshur Pool, 4300 Arkansas Avenue, NW, and Banneker Pool, 2500 Georgia Avenue, NW. With the end of the outdoor swimming season, this annual event provides dogs with a one day opportunity to enjoy a swim and play games.

Admission is free to DC residents and their dogs. Attendance the day of the event will be based on capacity at the time of arrival. During the Doggie Day Swim, there will be limits to the number of dogs in the pool area at one time; 75 dogs at Upshur Pool, and 150 dogs at Banneker Pool.

Dog handlers must be 16 years of age or older, and cannot swim or enter the pool with their dogs. Dogs must be sociable and remain leashed while on the pool deck. All dogs must wear current DC dog license; vaccination tags or have a current rabies certificate or letter from their veterinarian stating that they have received necessary shots in order to gain entry to the event.

The DC Department of Health (DOH) will be on hand to monitor the health and safety of the pets and their owners. They will also provide outreach and education regarding pet vaccinations, dog licenses and dog park licenses.

Dear PoP – dog swimming in dc?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota

“Dear PoP,

I hear a rumor that dogs are allowed in the public pools on the last day of labor day weekend. Is this true? Where can I take my pup swimming?”

Last year the first DPR Doggie Day Swim took place Sat. Sept. 12th. I have not seen a date announced yet for this year or if there are plans for this year. Last year the two participating pools were the Upshur Pool, 4300 Arkansas Avenue, NW, and the Francis Pool, 25th and N Streets, NW. I’ll be sure to update if/when this year’s date is released.

Banneker Swimming Pool (and Tennis Courts)

By Prince Of Petworth

Well this is sweet! Someone mentioned it in the comments last week and I’d actually never checked it out. (Julian may do a more detailed post later on put I wanted to get something up quick so people could take advantage of it.) Located on the 2800 block of Georgia Ave. the pool is open 1pm-8pm on weekdays (closed on Thursday) and 12-6pm on weekends. It is a huge pool and people seemed to be having a blast. So if you’re looking to cool off in August this seems like a great option. Anyone a regular? Tennis courts after the jump. (more…)