Pool Parties & Facility Rentals

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am expecting more than 30 swimmers?

If you did not upgrade to the Scrappy Plus or Blue & Gold Packages, you will not be allowed to have more than 30 swimmers, 20 non-swimmers, for a total of 50 guests.  You must purchase an upgrade 14 business days or more before your rental date if you would like to invite more guests to your rental.

How do I upgrade my rental after I purchased the initial rental?

You are welcome to upgrade your aquatic rental 14 or more business days prior to the rental date. Upgrades may only be completed in person at the Aquatic and Recreation Center's Administrative Office, which is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Requests over the phone, through email, or within 14 business days of the rental date will not be granted. 

Can I pay for a single additional swimmer?

No - You must upgrade to the Scrappy Plus or Blue & Gold Packages.

What are your swim test requirements?

Upon arrival, all guests 12 and younger will be required to take a swim test or must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.  Guests who pass the swim test will be given a green break-a-way necklace, and guests who do not pass will be given a red break-a-way necklace to indicate their swim test results.  All swim necklaces will be collected at the end of the rental.  US Coast Guard life jackets are available for all guests, or guests may bring their own Coast Guard approved life jacket.  Guests are required to take the swimming test, even if they have passed it on a previous visit to our facility.  Our staff conducts the swim test, and the decision is determined at their discretion.  The swim test requirements are as follows:

• Fully submerge, including mouth, nose, and hair
• Swim 18 yards, spin 180 degrees, and swim an additional 18 yards 
• Swimmers must swim front crawl (i.e., freestyle) or breaststroke 
• Swimmers may not touch the pool floor, lane lines, or pool walls throughout the test 
• The quality of the arm stroke, kick, breathing, and how horizontal the guest's body is in the water are all determining factors in the test results 
• Exit from the water without assistance
• Retests are conducted at staff discretion only

Can I arrive early?

You are allowed to enter the building 15 minutes prior to your rental to begin setting up for your event. Guests will not be allowed into the building any earlier!

Can I stay after my rental?

You are allowed to stay after your rental time ends for 15 minutes to shower, change, and clean up your food and rental supplies. It is important all guests be off the deck to allow set up for the next guest's rentals. Late arrival to the rental time will not result in the rental time being extended. 

Do you require a waiver?

All guests, regardless of whether they are swimming or not, are required to complete a waiver.  Guests may complete the waiver ahead of time or on the iPads, located at the East Aquatic Entrance.  

UTC Campus Recreation Waiver and Media Release

What are your food, drink, and catering policies?

Food and drink are allowed during the rental; however, we kindly ask that you keep all food and drink in the designated dining area.  Aquatics staff are happy to assist you with carrying items to and from your vehicle if desired.  You are also welcome to have pizza or other food items delivered.  Alcohol is strictly prohibited at the Aquatic Center.  If you forget common items, please ask your Rental Host for assistance.  Glass items are strictly not allowed on the pool deck. We typically have items such as candles, lighters, cutting knives, or serving utensils, which we are happy to loan you.  

What are your changing room options?

All guests may use our Men's or Women's Locker Rooms or the Universal Changing Rooms on the 3rd floor of the Aquatic and Recreation Center.  Guests may use the locker room that aligns with their gender identity. Youth six and younger may accompany a parent/guardian in either locker room.  Please note that the Universal Changing Rooms on the 3rd floor do not have showers available. 

What are the six main rules?

1. No running on the pool deck
2. Guests must go one person at a time, feet first, on their back down the water slide
3. No guests are allowed on top of the various islands and water walls 
4. An inner tube is required to use our waterfall plunge 
5. Guests 15 and younger are not allowed to use the spa (i.e., hot tub)
6. All guests must follow the Aquatics Staff rules and guidance

Are there other pool and rental rules?

Here are other rules guests like to know:

• Food and drink cannot be taken outside of the dining area
• All guests who are swimming must wear appropriate swim attire
• Glass items are strictly not allowed on the pool deck
• All individuals who are not potty trained or who are incontinent are required to wear a swim diaper while in the water
• Guests are only allowed in the Aquatic Center, Men's and Women's Locker Rooms, and the Universal Changing Rooms 
• Hyperventilation, hypoxic training, and prolonged underwater breath-holding are strictly prohibited 
• If you purchased the Sound System Add-On, all music selections must be free of profanity and explicit content

Please see a staff member for a complete list of all rules and guidelines.

Do you have WiFi Access?

All guests can access WiFi at the UTC Aquatic Center.  To create an account, connect to the "UTC" wireless network.  Upon opening a browser, you will be redirected to the registration portal.  Please click on the "Visiting Guests" link, after which the page will show a link to "Sign Up."

What is the difference between a Pool Party and an Aquatic Facility Rental?

Pool Party Packages are intended for private individuals to book a rental experience with UTC Campus Recreation. These types of events are often for birthday parties or other family events. Pool Parties can only be booked on predetermined dates and times and cannot be altered. 

Aquatic Facility Rentals are designed for various businesses to book a rental with UTC Campus Recreation. This type of rental requires a COI naming the university insured for $1,000,000.00, a rental agreement, and a minors on campus agreement; as such, private individuals can not purchase this type of rental. 

What if I need to cancel my rental?

Guests who request a refund 20 business days (4 weeks) of their initial purchase will be granted a 75% refund. Refund requests 21-40 business days (8 weeks) after the initial purchase date will be granted a 50% refund.  Refund requests up to 3 weeks prior to the rental date (15 business days before the part occurs) will receive a 25% refund.  Pool parties are non-transferrable, the purchaser of the party may not gibe the party to someone else.  Please contact the UTC Campus Recreation Business Office if you would like to initiate a refund request by calling (423) 425-4213 or emailing [email protected].