Public Pools in Ocala
Ocala has two city pools with water slides, Jervey Gantt and Hampton, open in summer for $3 per child and $5 per adult, plus the FAST swim center's indoor 50-meter pool for year-round swimming.
Swimming in Ocala & Marion County
The City of Ocala runs two public pools, the Jervey Gantt and Hampton Aquatic Fun Centers. Both are outdoor pools with water slides that open in summer only, and admission is $3 per child and $5 per adult per session. For an indoor pool, Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST), a separate organization on the southwest side, has a temperature-controlled 50-meter pool with day passes and memberships.
In addition to traditional pools, Ocala residents are fortunate to live near some of Florida's best natural springs — offering crystal-clear swimming in a natural setting. Between public pools, community aquatic centers, and natural springs, there's no shortage of places to swim in the Ocala area.
Public & Community Pools
Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center
One of the City of Ocala's two public pools, in the Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex in southeast Ocala. It has spray features, a waterfall, and water slides, with a zero-depth entry and a maximum depth of five and a half feet. Lifeguards are on duty, concessions are sold, and outside food, drinks, and coolers are not allowed. The city's Learn to Swim and Mommy and Me lessons start here in May.
Hampton Aquatic Fun Center
The City of Ocala's other public pool, in the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex next to the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center in northwest Ocala. It has the same setup as Jervey Gantt (spray features, a waterfall, water slides, and a zero-depth entry) and the same prices. In 2026 its season ended about five weeks before Jervey Gantt's.
Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST)
Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training is a separate organization from the city, a swim and training center on Ocala's southwest side. It has an indoor, temperature-controlled 10-lane 50-meter pool, an outdoor 8-lane 50-meter pool, a spray ground, and the FAST FIT fitness center. Day passes cover open swim, lap swim, the spray ground, and locker rooms; open-swim times are limited during parts of the year.
Private Community Pools (HOA)
Many of Marion County's planned communities include private pools available exclusively to residents. These are not open to the public but are worth noting for those considering a move to the area:
On Top of the World
Multiple pools and aquatic facilities for 55+ community residents
Del Webb Stone Creek
Resort-style pool with lap lanes and spa for community members
Oak Run
Community pool and fitness center for Oak Run residents
Ocala Preserve
Amenity center with pool access for community homeowners
Seasonal Schedules & Tips
Pool Season Calendar
- Early May: City Learn to Swim lessons begin at Jervey Gantt
- Summer: Both city pools run 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. sessions
- Late summer: Hampton closes first (Aug. 2 in 2026); Jervey Gantt goes to weekends, then closes (Sept. 7 in 2026)
- Year-Round: FAST's indoor pool (check its schedule)
Swimming Tips for Visitors
- Lap Swim: FAST's day pass includes lap swim; check its pool schedule for lane times
- Lesson Registration: Summer lessons fill fast — register in April/May
- Best Value: The city's 15-visit passes ($30 youth, $50 adult) for regular swimmers
- Natural Alternative: Springs stay about 72 degrees year-round (state park entry fees apply)
Water Parks Near Ocala
Ocala does not have a commercial water park. Wild Waters, the water park at Silver Springs, is closed. The City of Ocala's Jervey Gantt and Hampton Aquatic Fun Centers, with water slides, a waterfall, and spray features, are the closest local thing, and the city's free splash pads are open March to November.
For full-scale water parks, the nearest options are in the Orlando and Tampa areas. Many Ocala families swim in the springs instead: Rainbow Springs State Park and Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forest have swimming areas. Swimming is not allowed at the Silver Springs headspring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What public pools are there in Ocala?
The City of Ocala runs two public pools, its Aquatic Fun Centers: Jervey Gantt at 2390 SE 36th Ave and Hampton at 255 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Both open in summer only. Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST), a separate swim and training center at 4635 SW 67th Ave Rd, has an indoor, temperature-controlled 50-meter pool and an outdoor 50-meter pool and sells day passes and memberships.
How much does it cost to swim at public pools in Ocala?
At the City of Ocala's Jervey Gantt and Hampton Aquatic Fun Centers, one swim session costs $3 per child and $5 per adult, with no re-entry. Passes good for 15 visits are $30 for youth and $50 for adults and expire at the end of the season. At FAST, a day pass is $5 for ages 13 and under, $7 for ages 14-17, $10 for adults, and $5 for seniors 55+, with monthly and annual memberships available; FAST says its rates can change, so call 352-820-4222.
Where can I take swim lessons in Ocala?
The City of Ocala runs Learn to Swim sessions (eight lessons over two weeks) and Mommy and Me lessons for children under 4 at the Jervey Gantt and Hampton Aquatic Fun Centers in late spring and summer. FAST runs the FAST Falcons Swim School for all ages and offers free lessons to Marion County 3rd graders through its Cannonball Kidz program.
Is there an indoor pool in Ocala open year-round?
Yes. FAST (Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training) at 4635 SW 67th Ave Rd has an indoor, temperature-controlled 10-lane 50-meter pool. Its day passes cover open swim, lap swim, and the spray ground, though open-swim times are limited during parts of the year. The City of Ocala's two pools are outdoor and open in summer only.
Are there any water parks near Ocala, Florida?
Ocala does not have a commercial water park. Wild Waters, the water park at Silver Springs, is closed. The closest thing is the City of Ocala's Jervey Gantt and Hampton Aquatic Fun Centers, which have water slides, a waterfall, and spray features. For spring swimming, Rainbow Springs State Park has a swimming area at its headsprings (day-use reservation required); swimming is not allowed at the Silver Springs headspring.
When do the city pools open in Ocala for the summer?
The City of Ocala's Aquatic Fun Centers open in late spring (swim lessons at Jervey Gantt start in early May) and close in late summer, with Hampton closing earlier than Jervey Gantt; in 2026 Hampton's last day was Aug. 2 and Jervey Gantt went to weekends only on Aug. 9 with a last day of Sept. 7. Each day has a morning session (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and an afternoon session (2 to 5 p.m.), and the days each session runs vary by pool.