Councilmember OD Harris spoke with Chandler Aquatics Superintendent Chris Smith on the City of Chandler program Power Conversations about the city’s pool offerings and low-cost summer options for families.

Chandler’s aquatics system matters to families because it provides low-cost recreation and supervised water access during hot months. Smith said the city operates six pools and runs swim lessons and youth programming that aim to serve a wide age range.

Smith said, “We have six great pools here in the city of Chandler. Mesquite Groves is definitely our most popular site but we do have two other larger aquatic centers Hamilton and Nozomi and then we have three neighborhood pools Arrowhead, Desert Oasis and Foley.” He added that lessons run “6 months old all the way to adult” and the swim team serves ages 5 to 18. Smith also described specialty programs such as Splash Ball (an introduction to water polo) and Little Mermaids (an introduction to synchronized swimming).

On cost, Smith said regular admission is $1 for kids and $2.25 for adults. He described special low-cost options: a $1 family swim ("No, it's just $1 for the entire family," Smith said) and a free-swim window at each site — a two-hour period during which attendees may enter for free and then remain for the day. Smith emphasized safety: “We have lifeguards on staff at all times that we're open to the public. Safety is a priority for us and we make sure that our lifeguards are trained to the highest standards.”

Smith noted partnerships with school districts and nonprofits, naming ICAN and a new partnership, Swim Black, to broaden access to lessons. He described the department’s mix of supervised programs and drop-in opportunities as a way to offer affordable, family-oriented recreation.

For schedules, program details and to confirm times for family-swim or free-swim periods, Smith directed residents to the city’s recreation listings.