IU Pools prepare for summer crowd

As the weather warms up, there is anticipation for summer activities. \nIU provides three pools on campus for the public, IU students, faculty and staff. The two indoor pools are the six-lane Royer Pool at the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Center and the eight-lane, Counsilman/Billingsley Aquatic Center at the Student Recreational Sports Center. \nBoth are open all year. They offer lap swimming, recreational swimming, instruction for adults and children and water fitness classes. \nFor those staying in Bloomington this summer, the IU Outdoor Pool has become a popular place. Located on the corner of Fee Lane and 17th street, the IU Outdoor Pool is entering its 40th season. The ten-lane, Olympic-size pool is preparing for its pre-season opening on May 14. \nThe pool will be open to the public, IU students, faculty and staff for lap swimming and pool-side lounging from May 14 until Memorial Day weekend. After that day, the regular summer schedule will be put in place. \nWilliam Ramos, director of Aquatics Institute, hopes the pool will attract even more college students this year. Although it is open to the public, it is geared toward the adult and college crowd. This pool is one of the few in the area that allows outdoor lap swimming.\n“The students that do come love it,” Ramos said. “The busiest time is in June and July and then in September when school starts.”\nAlso, the pool area provides wireless Internet access, which is great for those who want to relax by the pool while they work. In addition, Ramos said water volleyball is going to be available this year.\nTo help kick off the summer season, there will be an Open House from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 25. There will be free admission and free food.\n“The pool is an auxiliary facility,” Ramos said. \nThe pool is not a part of Recreational Sports like the HPER and SRSC. Since it does not receive financial support from student fees, there is a charge to get into the pool which can be paid daily or by a season pass. With a student ID, it is $2.25 a day or $55.00 for the 101 days of summer. Also, the stadium lot across the street provides free parking for the swimmers.\nThe IU Outdoor Pool also provides swim instruction for adults and children as well as water fitness classes.