Pool Policies

Aquatic Center Rules

  • No animals in the pool and no animals on the deck except service animals.
  • People with open wounds or infectious diseases are not permitted in the pools.
  • All persons under age 16 must be accompanied and closely supervised by an adult. Children 8 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult in the water and remain within arm's reach at all times.
  • Swim lessons are to be conducted by campus Recreation Staff only.
  • Appropriate swimwear is required.* *See below for more information.
  • No hanging, laying, or sitting on lane lines.
  • Deck changing is strictly prohibited.
  • No alcohol/smoking is allowed on or near the pool deck.
  • No running, pushing, or horseplay is allowed in the Aquatic Center.
  • No vulgar or abusive language.
  • No diving of the starting blocks without prior approval.
  • Gum and adhesive bandages are not allowed in the pool area.
  • All users must shower prior to entering the water.
  • Training equipment must be used in the manner for which it was intended.
  • If you borrow the aquatic center equipment, please return it to the designated area.
  • Flotation devices are not allowed in the competitive pool. Coastguard-approved equipment will only be permitted in the recreation pool.
  • All non-swimmers should use the recreation pool.
  • Diving is not permitted in the recreation pool.
  • Lifeguards have the final say.

If rules are broken, you will be asked to leave and potentially not allowed back.

Pool Access

ADA chair lift is available upon request.

Check the Pool Lane Schedule to see how many lanes are available for patron use.

The Aquatic Center is not responsible for lost, misplaced, or personal items.

Lessons and/or other structured events may be rescheduled or cancelled at the discretion of the recreation center staff.

Pool Access

Only members of the Recreation Center and authorized guests are allowed access to either one of the pools.

Rec Center's Children Policy

Dependents 16 years of age and under must be accompanied and closely supervised by a legal guardian at all times in the Aquatics Center.

Children 8 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult in the water and remain within arm's reach at all times.

Only children 5 (five) and under may accompany their legal guardian into a locker room designated for the opposite gender.

An all gender restroom is located near the men's locker room near the Recreation pool for children 6 (six) and older who are not accompanied by a legal guardian of the same gender.

Encouraged Behavior/Swim Etiquette

  • Shower with soap before entering the water
  • Swim lanes are recommended for circle lap swimming
  • Share lanes with other swimmers when lanes are limited

Inclement Weather Policy

For everyone's safety we close the pool and the pool deck when lightning strikes are within 8 miles of Rice University. The pool will re-open when we receive the all clear that no lightning has been detected within 8 miles for 30 minutes. The Learn to Swim program has additional information for inclement weather during class time. More information.

Appropriate Swimwear


All infants/toddlers that require diapers must wear swim diapers and proper swimwear.


Why do I have to wear proper swimwear?

  • Street clothes (especially cotton) can transport airborne and waterborne contaminants into the pool.
  • Lycra and Nylon are the best non-absorbent materials for swimming and are the best fabrics for proper swim attire.
    • Other absorbent materials (such as cotton) can break down in the water and cause fibers to clog filters.
    • Any colored or dyed material (unless specifically made for swimming) can bleed into the pool, affecting water chemistry and balance.
  • 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.