Swimming Pools

Pool Rules & Regulations

The standard pool rules are as follows:

1. Obey the lifeguards and follow pool rules. They are there for your safety.
2. All persons are required to shower before entering the pool area.
3. Food and drink are not permitted in the pool area.
4. No smoking allowed in the pool area.
5. Clean swimwear is required.
6. No running allowed on pool deck.
7. Only clean footwear, baby strollers, or wheelchairs are allowed in the pool area. Persons in street clothes and street shoes are not allowed on the pool deck.
8. Persons with open wounds, excessive sunburn, abrasions that have not healed, or bandages of any kind cannot be allowed in the water.
9. Except during Park District classes, SCUBA gear is not allowed in the pool.
10. No flotation devices may be used in the pool.
11. Parent & Child Swim- Parents/Guardians must accompany children in the water.
12. Children 8 and under, who are not at least 8" taller than the shallow end must be accompanied by an adult.
13. Only Chicago Park District Aquatics Unit employees are permitted to teach aquatic classes or coach aquatic programs in pools or at beaches staffed by Chicago Park District Lifeguards. Private instruction or lessons from patrons are not permitted. Patrons attempting to coach or provide instruction during lap swim, open swims and parent & child swims will be asked to stop. If they continue to violate this policy, they will be required to leave the premises.

The Chicago Park District’s mission is to give people of all ages, identities, and abilities access to quality recreation, wellness opportunities, and sustainable green spaces in every neighborhood. These pool swim attire rules and guidelines are intended to:

• Promote patron safety,
• Maintain safe pool operations, and
• Create a welcoming environment by cultivating belonging and inclusivity for all pool users.

Swim Attire Rules 

• All persons in the pool must wear proper swim attire.
• All infants/toddlers who require a diaper must wear swim diapers and proper swim attire. 

Proper Swim Attire Guidelines 

What is proper swim attire? 

Proper swim attire includes:

• Commercially produced bathing suits made of polyester or nylon, such as:
  • Swimsuits (one piece / two piece)
  • Board shorts
  • Rash guards
  • Burkinis
  • Jammers (tight-fitting swim shorts)
  • Swim skirts, swim dresses
  • Wetsuits
• Aqua socks or water shoes
• Swim diapers and diaper covers
• Body tape / Transtape
• Athletic shorts that are:
  • Polyester, nylon, or spandex.
  • Above the knee
  • Not frayed (frayed material can release fibers, which clog pool filters)
• Tank tops or t-shirts that are polyester, nylon, or spandex. 

What types of attire are not allowed in the pool? 

• Jeans/Denim
• Cut-off shorts
• Torn/Frayed clothing
• Baggy/Loose-fitting clothing
• Excessively revealing or see-through swimwear
• Exposed underwear Boxer briefs Bras, including bra and underwear sets worn as swimsuits
• Visibly dirty or soiled clothing
• Street clothes/shoes
• Clothing that restricts movement (this includes jeans, hooded sweatshirts, shorts that are longer than knee-length)
• Regular diapers
• Long, dangly jewelry that may be a safety hazard 

These examples may be updated at any time by the Chicago Park District. 

Cotton Clothing’s Impact on Pools 

• Excessive cotton fibers in a pool can result in a pool closure.
  • Cotton fibers make the water cloudy, which prevents lifeguards from being able to see all swimmers across the pool.
  • Fibers from cotton clothing clog pool filters, resulting in pools having to close temporarily.
  • Cotton disrupts water chemicalsC. Cotton absorbs water along with pool chemicals, which requires the pool to use more disinfectant.
• Cotton materials can be unsafe for the swimmer. When cotton materials absorb water, they become heavy, which can make swimming difficult. 

If you have any questions regarding what is considered proper swim attire, please consult the Park Supervisor.