Ocala Public Swimming Pools
City aquatic fun centers, year-round competitive and recreational swimming at FAST, and free splash pads across Marion County.
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 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): $2 daily
Adults: $3.50 daily
Youth Pool Pass: $30 (15 visits)
Adult Pool Pass: $50 (15 visits)
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
Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center
Located within the Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex on Ocala's south side. Adjacent playground and picnic pavilions available.
Hampton Aquatic Fun Center
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.
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, making it one of the most complete swimming venues in the region. The facility also includes a 2,475-square-foot fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, plus a spray ground for younger visitors.
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 facility offers structured swim lessons for children and adults at all skill levels, from beginning water safety to advanced stroke refinement. Competitive swimmers can join the FAST Falcons, the facility's club swim team, which trains year-round and competes in regional and state-level meets. A Masters swimming program provides structured training for adult swimmers, whether they are former competitors staying active or newcomers to the sport.
Memberships at FAST are offered on daily, monthly, and annual basis, with rates varying by age and membership type. Because FAST is a membership-based facility rather than a municipal pool, pricing is higher than the city aquatic centers, but the year-round availability and expanded amenities justify the difference for regular swimmers. 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, fitness center access, spray ground
Swimming Options at a Glance
From budget-friendly city pools to year-round competitive facilities and free splash pads for the little ones.
Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center
Seasonal aquatic center with zero-depth entry, waterslides, and water spray features. Maximum depth of 5.5 feet. ADA compliant with lifeguards on duty.
Hampton Aquatic Fun Center
Seasonal aquatic facility with zero-depth entry, water features, and family-friendly swimming areas. Staffed with lifeguards and maintained to public health standards.
Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST)
Full-service aquatic and fitness center open year-round. Features indoor and outdoor Olympic-size pools, a fitness center, and spray ground.
Splash Pads at Local Parks
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the City of Ocala public pools open year-round?
How much does it cost to swim at the Ocala public pools?
Where can I swim year-round in Ocala?
Does Ocala offer swim lessons for children?
Are there free water play areas for young children in Ocala?
Does FAST have a competitive swim team?
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Pool information curated by the Only In Ocala team. All facilities verified through our editorial process. Updated March 2026.