Aquatics

Pool Locations

The City of Escondido operates its Aquatics Programs out of two pools conveniently located in the heart of the City. James A Stone Pool hosts our lap swim and AquaFit programs by City Hall and Grape Day Park. Washington Park Pool is where our Open Recreational Swim and special events are held.Swimming Pool

Swim Lessons

Registration is now open for Summer swim lessons.

Fees

  • Group Lessons - $50 for four 30-minute lessons
    1. Offered starting at 6-month age group with guardians in water
    2. As young as 3-years can start classes without parents
    3. Adult & Teen classes offered

Learn-to-Swim Classes Information

swim flow chart The City of Escondido has aligned itself with Starfish Aquatics Institute. The Starfish Swimming curriculum is designed for students ages 6 months to adult. Benchmarks are established at each stage in the program that combines both swimming and safety skills. Students participate in experiential learning activities that allow them to explore the water in a creative and comfortable environment. Correct swimming techniques are taught from the very beginning, providing an easy transition to the swim team. To see which benchmarks are required to pass at each level, view our flow chart.    

  • Swimmers MUST be proficient at the benchmarks of one level, to progress to the next. For levels Dolphin, Starfish, Seahorse, and Seal, swimmers must have graduated from the previous level or new swimmers must take a swim assessment test (available any lap swim times or appointment via email) to enroll.
    • For returning swimmers, the last completed “skill” which identifies swim level, will still be registered on their Amilia account and access to enrollment will be valid.
    • Qualified individuals with disabilities who wish to participate in City programs, services, or activities and who need accommodation are invited to present their requests to the City by filling out an Inclusion Support Request Form for Minors (PDF), or by calling 760-839-4643, preferably at least 72 hours in advance of the event or activity.
    • If you have any questions, please email recreation@escondido.gov
  • Assessments will be held:
  • Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Washington Park Pool 
  • Monday to Thursday 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at James Stone Pool
  • Friday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Washington Park Pool during open swim
  • Saturdays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Washington Park Pool
  • Please request your assessment with the pool staff upon entry.
    • At the assessment, a staff member will assign the correct skill to the swimmer’s Amilia account, allowing the student to enroll in the level best suited to them.
  • Report cards are given at the end of every four-class, session enrollment indicating if the swimmer is still in the skill-appropriate class best suited to them, or should advance to the next level.

Lap Swim

These outdoor activities are the perfect way to support physical distancing and improve health and well-being. So whether you've been swimming for years, or are looking to incorporate something new into your fitness routine come visit us at James Stone Pool!

Location: James Stone Pool

Fees

  • $5 Drop In cash only, due at the pool
  • $40 Punch pass of 10 swims - Purchase online or $40 cash due at the pool 
  •  $24 Monthly lap swim option Purchase the monthly pass here. 

    Cash only accepted at the pools for purchases. 

Season Dates

  • Summer 2025: April through August
    • Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday  from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. 

    *No lap swim 7/3 & 7/5/2025


    Info / Policies
  • Lap Swim is now available on a first come first served basis
  • A maximum of 24 lap swimmers are allowed in the water at once
  • Lanes are non-reservable and must be split if necessary
  • You may stay for any duration of the lap swim times stated

Open Swim

Our Open Swim program is simply that! An open pool for all swimmers to enjoy the facility with their families. Children under 14 are not allowed at the facility without an adult and any children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult on deck, in the locker room and in the pool. Children who are not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper. Swim diapers are sold at Washington Park Pool for $3. Nothing that needs inflated is allowed in the pool, but life jackets are available for public use and included in the price of entry.

Pool Etiquette and Rules (English PDF)

Pool Etiquette and Rules (Spanish PDF)

Location: Washington Park Pool

Fees

  • $5 Drop In cash only, due at the pool

    $40 Punch pass of 10 swims - Purchase online or $40 cash due at the pool 

    Open Swim Family Pass $13 per session 

    (Up to five members of same household) cash only accepted at pool

Season Dates

  • Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m. 5/24 -8/18/2025
  • Wednesdays and Fridays  1-5 p.m. 6/18 -8/15/2025
  • Open Memorial (5/25) and Labor Day (9/2) 1-5 p.m.

Aqua Fit

4-5 Weeks • Adult

Come participate in a great low-impact, cardio exercise in our warm pool. Make new friends and have fun! Must bring your own water weights/foam barbells and pool noodle. Classes are $7 each when sold in a monthly session package; $28 for four dates in a month, $35 for five dates in a month. Available as a drop-in for $9 per class. Cash only accepted at pool. No class will be held the first week of January as the pool will be closed for scheduled maintenance. Check online for a complete list of sessions and dates! Register here!

Instructors: Nancy Tengan & Terri Wedeking

Location: James Stone Pool

Shallow Water

M 1:15–2:15 p.m.

T 10:15–11:15 a.m.

Th 10:15–11:15 a.m.

Sa 10:15–11:15 a.m.

Su 10:15–11:15 a.m.

*Deep Water

T 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Th 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

*Flotation/Ski Belt Needed


Jr. Lifeguard

Ages 12-15

Calling all lifesavers! The City of Escondido is recruiting Jr. Lifeguards to promote greater aquatic safety in our community. These hour long sessions, held for four consecutive days, are designed to actively engage teenagers and help foster positive team building experiences through learning basic safety and rescues skills. Register Here!
Instructor: Escondido Aquatics Staff

Site: James Stone Pool 

M-Th   12:45 –1:45 p.m.   6/23-6/26   $50 

M-Th   12:45 –1:45 p.m.   7/14-7/17   $50 

M-Th   12:45 –1:45 p.m.   8/4-8/7   $50