Swimming Guide

Ocala Public Swimming Pools

City aquatic fun centers, year-round competitive and recreational swimming at FAST, and free splash pads across Marion County.

Updated Today
2 City Aquatic Centers
1 Year-Round Facility
2+ Free Splash Pads
Ocala has two seasonal City Aquatic Fun Centers — Jervey Gantt at 2390 SE 36th Avenue and Hampton at 255 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd — plus Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST), a year-round facility at 4635 SW 67th Ave Road. Per-session admission to city pools is $3 for children and $5 for adults. FAST has indoor and outdoor 50-meter pools and a fitness center. Free splash pads are located at Lillian Bryant Park and Citizens' Circle.

Public Swimming in Ocala & Marion County

Ocala offers several options for public swimming, from the City of Ocala's two seasonal Aquatic Fun Centers to the year-round facilities at Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST). Whether you're looking for a casual afternoon at the pool with the kids, structured swim lessons, competitive club training, or lap swimming for fitness, there is a facility in Ocala that fits the need. For younger children who just want to splash around, free splash pads at city parks provide a no-cost alternative during warmer months.

City of Ocala

City of Ocala Aquatic Fun Centers

Two seasonal public pool locations operated by the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department.

The City of Ocala operates two Aquatic Fun Centers that serve as the community's primary public swimming pools: the Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center at 2390 SE 36th Avenue and the Hampton Aquatic Fun Center at 255 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Both facilities are seasonal, typically opening for the summer and closing during the cooler months. The exact opening and closing dates vary each year, so residents should contact the Recreation and Parks Department at (352) 368-5517 for the current schedule.

When open, both aquatic centers operate Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with Sunday and Monday hours from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The midday break between sessions allows staff to clean and prepare the facilities. Both pools feature zero-depth entry, meaning the pool gradually slopes from dry ground into the water, making them accessible and comfortable for very young children who are just learning to enjoy the water. The maximum depth at both facilities is 5.5 feet. Both centers are ADA compliant and staffed with lifeguards at all times.

Beyond recreational swimming, the City of Ocala Aquatic Fun Centers offer swim lessons for children ages 3 to 17 at $55 per session. The lessons are taught by trained instructors and cover water safety fundamentals along with stroke technique at various skill levels. The centers also provide water safety classes, junior lifeguard training for older youth, and senior wellness swimming programs. Concession stands at both locations sell snacks and drinks, so families can make a half-day of it.

City Aquatic Fun Center Pricing & Info

Children (17 & under): $3 per session

Adults (18 & up): $5 per session

Season & multi-visit passes: available — call (352) 368-5517

Swim Lessons: $55/session (ages 3-17)

Season: Summer (seasonal)

Hours (Tue-Sat): 10 AM - 1 PM & 2 PM - 5 PM

Hours (Sun-Mon): 2 PM - 5 PM

Phone: (352) 368-5517

Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center

2390 SE 36th Ave, Ocala, FL
Zero-Depth EntryWaterslidesADA CompliantConcessionsSwim Lessons

Located within the Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex on Ocala's south side. Adjacent playground and picnic pavilions available.

Hampton Aquatic Fun Center

255 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Ocala, FL
Zero-Depth EntryWater FeaturesADA CompliantConcessionsSwim Lessons

Located on Ocala's northwest side. Serves as the second City of Ocala public swimming facility with the same programs and pricing as Jervey Gantt.

Year-Round Swimming

Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST)

Ocala's premier year-round aquatic and fitness facility with competition-grade pools and comprehensive programs.

For swimmers who need access beyond the summer season, Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) at 4635 SW 67th Avenue Road is Ocala's year-round aquatic facility. FAST operates an indoor 10-lane, 50-meter competition pool and an outdoor 8-lane, 50-meter pool, with seating for up to 2,000 spectators. The facility also includes a 2,475-square-foot dryland gym, FAST FIT, with free weights and strength machines for members, plus a spray ground.

FAST serves a wide range of swimmers. Open swim sessions are available for families and recreational swimmers, while dedicated lap swim times are set aside for fitness-oriented adults. The FAST Falcons Swim School offers lessons from Parent-Tot classes for ages 2 and under through Stroke Academy, plus adult and homeschool groups. Competitive swimmers can join the FAST Falcons, the facility's club swim team. A Masters swimming program provides structured training for adult swimmers, whether they are former competitors staying active or newcomers to the sport.

FAST sells daily passes ($5 youth 13 and under, $7 students 14-17, $10 adults, $5 seniors 55+, $30 for a family of four) that cover open swim, lap swim, the spray ground and locker rooms, along with monthly and annual memberships that add FAST FIT. FAST says rates are subject to change and that daily and member access is limited at certain times of year. Contact FAST directly at (352) 820-4222 for current rates and schedules.

FAST Facility Details

Address: 4635 SW 67th Ave Rd, Ocala, FL 34474

Phone: (352) 820-4222

Season: Open year-round

Indoor Pool: 10-lane, 50-meter

Outdoor Pool: 8-lane, 50-meter

Fitness Center: 2,475 sq ft

Programs: Open swim, lap swim, swim lessons, FAST Falcons competitive team, Masters swimming, FAST FIT gym (members), spray ground

View Full FAST Guide
All Options

Swimming Options at a Glance

From budget-friendly city pools to year-round competitive facilities and free splash pads for the little ones.

City Pool (Seasonal)

Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center

2390 SE 36th Ave, Ocala, FL

Seasonal aquatic center with zero-depth entry, waterslides, and water spray features. Maximum depth of 5.5 feet. ADA compliant with lifeguards on duty.

Zero-Depth EntryWaterslidesMax 5.5 ft DepthADA CompliantConcessionsLifeguards
City Pool (Seasonal)

Hampton Aquatic Fun Center

255 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Ocala, FL

Seasonal aquatic facility with zero-depth entry, water features, and family-friendly swimming areas. Staffed with lifeguards and maintained to public health standards.

Zero-Depth EntryWater FeaturesMax 5.5 ft DepthADA CompliantConcessionsLifeguards
Year-Round Facility

Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST)

4635 SW 67th Ave Rd, Ocala, FL 34474

Full-service aquatic and fitness center open year-round. Features indoor and outdoor Olympic-size pools, a fitness center, and spray ground.

Indoor 50m PoolOutdoor 50m Pool2,475 sq ft Fitness CenterSpray GroundYear-RoundMemberships Available
Free Water Play (Seasonal)

Splash Pads at Local Parks

Multiple locations across Ocala

Free splash pads with water jets and spray features designed for young children. No admission fee. Available at Lillian F. Bryant Park and Citizens' Circle downtown.

Free AdmissionNo Supervision RequiredWater Jets & SpraysGreat for ToddlersSeasonal Hours

Splash Pads & Alternatives for Young Children

Lily's Splash Pad

Free splash pad at Lillian F. Bryant Park with water jets and spray features. Seasonal hours, no admission fee.

Citizens' Circle

Downtown splash pad on SE Osceola Avenue with open green space. Free to use during seasonal operating hours.

Swim Lessons

City pools offer lessons at $55/session for ages 3-17. FAST provides year-round lessons for all ages and skill levels.

Zero-Depth Entry

Both city aquatic centers feature zero-depth entry pools that gradually slope into the water, ideal for toddlers and beginners.

Which Ocala Public Pool Is Best For…

Quick picks based on who you're bringing and what you came to do.

Toddlers & little kids

Jervey Gantt or Hampton Aquatic Fun Center — both have zero-depth entry that slopes into the water like a beach. For a free option, Lily's Splash Pad at Lillian F. Bryant Park.

Lap swimming & fitness

FAST (Florida Aquatics) — indoor and outdoor 50-meter competition pools, with lap swim included in the daily rate.

Year-round & indoor

FAST has a temperature-controlled 10-lane indoor 50-meter pool and is open to the public seven days a week.

Free / lowest cost

Lily's Splash Pad and Citizens' Circle splash pad — both free, seasonal. Next cheapest: City Aquatic Fun Centers at $3 youth / $5 adult per session.

Swim lessons

City pools offer summer-only lessons at $55/session (ages 3–17). FAST runs the FAST Falcons Swim School for all ages and the FAST Falcons competitive team.

Family afternoon out

Jervey Gantt — within the Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex, so you can pair the pool with the adjacent playground and picnic pavilions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the City of Ocala public pools open year-round?

No. The Jervey Gantt and Hampton Aquatic Fun Centers are seasonal facilities that typically open for the summer months and close during winter. Check with the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at (352) 368-5517 for exact opening and closing dates each year.

How much does it cost to swim at the Ocala public pools?

Per-session admission at the Jervey Gantt and Hampton Aquatic Fun Centers is $3 for children ages 17 and under and $5 for adults ages 18 and up. Discounted season and multi-visit pool passes are typically available — call the City of Ocala Recreation & Parks Department at (352) 368-5517 for current pass pricing.

Where can I swim year-round in Ocala?

Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) at 4635 SW 67th Ave Rd is the primary year-round swimming facility in Ocala. FAST operates an indoor 10-lane 50-meter pool and an outdoor 8-lane 50-meter pool. Daily passes ($5 youth 13 and under, $7 students 14-17, $10 adults, $5 seniors 55+) cover open swim, lap swim, the spray ground and locker rooms; monthly and annual memberships add the FAST FIT gym. Rates are subject to change, per FAST.

Does Ocala offer swim lessons for children?

Yes. The City of Ocala Aquatic Fun Centers offer swim lessons for children ages 3 to 17 at $55 per session during their open season. FAST also runs the FAST Falcons Swim School, with levels from Parent-Tot (ages 2 and under) through Stroke Academy plus adult and homeschool groups, and its Cannonball Kidz program gives free lessons to Marion County 3rd graders.

Are there free water play areas for young children in Ocala?

Yes. Several Ocala parks have free splash pads that operate seasonally. Lily's Splash Pad at Lillian F. Bryant Park on NW 17th Place has water jets and spray features for young children. Citizens' Circle downtown on SE Osceola Avenue also has a free splash pad. Neither charges admission.

Does FAST have a competitive swim team?

Yes. FAST is home to the FAST Falcons, a competitive club swim team that trains year-round at the facility. FAST also offers a Masters swimming program for adult swimmers looking for structured workouts and competitive opportunities.

Which Ocala public pool is best for lap swimming?

For lap swimming in Ocala, Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) has an indoor 10-lane, 50-meter pool and an outdoor 8-lane, 50-meter pool, and its daily rate includes lap swim. FAST posts lap-swim times on its pool schedule, and access is limited at certain times of year. The City of Ocala Aquatic Fun Centers at Jervey Gantt and Hampton are designed for recreational family swimming rather than fitness lap swim, so they have limited or no dedicated lap lanes.

Are there indoor pools in Ocala?

Yes. Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) at 4635 SW 67th Ave Rd has an indoor, temperature-controlled 10-lane, 50-meter competition pool, and FAST says it is open to the public seven days a week. The City of Ocala's two Aquatic Fun Centers (Jervey Gantt and Hampton) are both outdoor seasonal pools, so for winter or rainy-day swimming, FAST is the option.

Where can I take my toddler to swim in Ocala?

For toddlers, the City of Ocala's Jervey Gantt and Hampton Aquatic Fun Centers are the best public-pool options because both have zero-depth-entry pools that gradually slope from dry ground into the water — much safer and more comfortable for very young children than a traditional pool wall. For a no-cost option, Lily's Splash Pad at Lillian F. Bryant Park and the Citizens' Circle splash pad downtown have water jets and spray features specifically designed for toddlers, with no admission fee.

When do the City of Ocala public pools open for the summer?

The City of Ocala's two Aquatic Fun Centers (Jervey Gantt and Hampton) typically open in late May or early June and close in early August when school starts back. Exact opening and closing dates change each year based on staffing, weather, and the school calendar. The most reliable way to confirm the current season's dates is to call the Recreation and Parks Department at (352) 368-5517 or check the City of Ocala recreation page just before Memorial Day weekend.

Can adults swim laps at Jervey Gantt or Hampton?

The City of Ocala Aquatic Fun Centers at Jervey Gantt and Hampton are primarily designed for recreational family swimming with zero-depth entry, water features, and a maximum depth of 5.5 feet — not ideal for serious lap swimmers. Adults are welcome and admission is $5, but for structured lap swimming or fitness workouts, Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) with its 50-meter pools is a much better fit.

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Pool information curated by the Only In Ocala team. All facilities verified through our editorial process. Updated March 2026.