The top aquatic sites are not necessarily within Atlanta's city limits.
Outside the perimeter affords a few cool dipping, diving and dolphin-kicking swimming spots in summer 2018.
The following centers accommodate all ages and have customized classes to teach beginner to advanced swimming lessons or aerobics sessions.
And if you just want a little whirlpool rest and relaxation, a couple of them can meet this water fun wish, too:
COBB
This swimming attraction includes two pools: a 21-lane competition pool and an instructional pool. The center offers swimming lessons to aquarobics for community members wanting to stay in shape and combat medical conditions.
When to take a dip: Deepwater aerobics takes place Mondays through Fridays from 9-9:55 a.m.; shallow water aerobics takes place Mondays through Fridays from 8-8:55 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-10:55 a.m. and Mondays through Fridays from 6-6:55 p.m.; Arthritis classes are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10-10:55 a.m.
Cost for lessons: Adults, $4.50 per class (10-visit pass $45); seniors, $2 per class (10-visit pass $20); non-Cobb resident fees: adult, $6.75 per class (10-visit pass $67.50), seniors, $3 per class (10-visit pass $30).
2650 Gordy Parkway, Marietta. For more information, call 770-509-4925.
The 18,000-square-foot center offers both outdoor and indoor pools for summer swimming. It features eight 25-yard lanes, a shallow pool and a diving well. Open to the community, the center also serves as home to local swim team, the Stingrays.
When to take a dip: The aquatic center's summer hours vary, depending on age group. The center offers swimming lessons from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost for lessons: For residents, the cost can range from $40 to $80, depending on type of swimming class. For non-residents, the cost can range from $60 to $120 for certain classes as well.
3675 Macland Road, Powder Springs. For more information, call 770-222-6700.
GWINNETT
A swimming sanctuary, Bethesda is like the ultimate pool playground to explore water activities and hone techniques and skills. The center is home to an indoor leisure pool, jumbo water slide, water play structures, a ceiling spray, hydrotheraphy benches and an instructional pool.
When to take a dip: The aquatic center's indoor instructional pool hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-6 p.m. and 8-9 p.m. (lap swimming and exercise only); Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-6 p.m. and 8-9 p.m. (lap swimming and exercise only); Fridays from 11 a.m to 6 p.m.; Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. The center's indoor leisure play pool hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 8:20-9 p.m. (lap swimming and exercise only); Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. (lap swimming and exercise only); Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays from 1-6 p.m.
Cost for entry: Daily admission for ages 3 and under and 50 and up for Gwinnett residents is $3.25, non-Gwinnett residents pay $6.25; ages 4 to 10 for Gwinnett residents is $4.25, non-Gwinnett residents pay $8.25; ages 11 to 49 for Gwinnett residents is $5.50, non-Gwinnett residents pay $10.50. Click here for seasonal and annual FUNCARD visits.
225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville. For more information, call 678-277-0880.
NORTH FULTON
This 12,000-square-foot swimming site caters to ages 25 and older. The five-lane warm water therapeutic pool comes with a therapeutic whirlpool and showers to provide a relaxing wellness experience.
When to take a dip: The center opens Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed Sundays.
Cost for entry: Daily swim passes range. Open swimming for residents, $6; non-residents, $9. Daily drop-in classes for residents, $12; non-residents, $18. Ongoing classes (one class per week for 10 weeks) for residents, $48; non-residents, $72.
200 Dobbs Drive, Roswell. For more information, call 770-641-3982.
DEKALB
The club features a two-pool complex designed for recreational, instructional, health and certification programs for all age groups. Its competition pool includes a 10-lane course, which Olympians Michael Phelps, Angel Meyers and Tracy Caulkins have set records in. The second pool provides an additional five lanes for training while a third outdoor pool gives eight lanes more of practice space.
When to take a dip: Lessons are available Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 a.m. and 7:30-9 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-10 a.m., 12:45-2 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m.; Fridays from 5:30-7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:45-6 p.m.; closed Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost for entry: Daily fees range from $5 to $6; 10-visits, $28 to $46; monthly, $45 to $78; 3-month, $118 to $150; and annual, $145 to $495.
450 E. Lake Drive, Decatur. For more information, call 770-457-7946.
Summer Guide OTP edition is a seasonal series from The Atlanta Journal Constitution that highlights some of the best dining and outdoor experiences taking place outside of Atlanta’s perimeter.
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