Dover Indoor Pool begins phased reopening on June 15

posted on: 6/11/2020

The Dover Indoor Pool will begin a phased reopening on Monday June 15, 2020. To slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the Indoor Pool has been closed since March, in accordance with the governor’s emergency order.

During the first phase, the Indoor Pool will be open only to Dover residents 17 years and older. Only adult lap swim will be allowed at this time. Lap swimming will be broken down into one-hour swim blocks, followed by a 30-minute block for staff to clean the facility. Patrons will exit the facility no more than 15 minutes after their swim block has ended.

All swimming is arranged by reservation only. To make a reservation, visit https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/recreation/aquatics/index.html and follow the instructions to sign up.

Patrons visiting the pool will asked the following questions before entering: 

• Is your current temperature in excess of 100 degrees?
• Have you had a fever in the last 72 hours?
• Have you had close contact with anyone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19?
• Do you have respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath?
• Do you have flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches, chills, severe fatigue?
• Have you experienced changes in your sense of taste or smell (loss of either)?

Anyone answering yes to one or more of these questions will be asked to return another time.

While open during the first phase, new pool rules will be in effect, including:

• Swimming must be continuous upon entrance to departure
• No congregating at any time
• Patrons must maintain 6 feet distance from others at all times
• The pool is to be used for lap swimming and vertical exercise only
• Masks or cloth face coverings must be worn when entering and exiting the facility, in the lobby, locker rooms, and the pool deck until ready enter the pool
• Only swimmers will be allowed into the facility
• The diving boards will remain closed and there will be no observers
• Patrons will only be allowed to enter the facility at the exact time of their reservation and must leave no later than 15 minutes after their swim block has ended
• All lap swim times must be made by reservation

Patrons that cannot follow these guidelines will not be allowed to use the facility.

Because the risk of exposure to COVID-19 remains present, Dover Recreation is taking these steps for the safety of its patrons and staff. Anyone feeling ill or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, severe fatigue) are asked to wait to use the facility until feeling better. Patrons entering the facility are asked to take responsibility for their own protection, including the use of masks and hand washing, and to maintain social distancing practices by remaining 6 feet away from patrons not in your household.

There will be other noticeable changes to pool operations during the first phase. 

• When residents arrive at the Indoor Pool, they are asked to wait outside until their reservation time. A staff member will open the door when the reserved slot is available. Patrons are encouraged to arrive in their bathing suits to maximize pool time.
• Patrons are asked to wear a mask or cloth face covering in the lobby, locker rooms, and the pool deck until ready enter the pool.
• Hand sanitizer will be placed outside of the locker rooms for all patrons to use.
• All locker doors and shower curtains will be closed upon arrival. Patrons should leave locker doors and shower curtains open when leaving to allow for thorough cleaning.
• Only one person will be allowed per lane, even if in the same household. If the stairs or ladder are needed, please keep 6 feet of distance from other patrons when crossing lanes.
• Lifeguard stands will have a 6-foot area blocked off to allow lifeguards to remove their masks. Please do not approach the lifeguard or step inside 6-foot area except for emergencies.
• For thorough cleaning of the facility to take place, please exit the building no more than 15 minutes after a reserved swim block has ended.

For more information, contact the Indoor Pool at 516-6441.