ARC Water Zone (Indoor)

About the ARC Water Zone

The Water Zone is the ARC’s 12,988 sq. ft. aquatic area that includes a leisure pool maintained at 84-86 degrees with zero depth entry, interactive water play structure, triple-loop water slide, lazy river, vortex, three 25-yard lap lanes, a heated hydro-therapy pool, and concession area. This aquatic area also includes two wet multipurpose rooms that can host birthday parties and are available for other party rentals.

Note: The Pool Schedule and Programs are updated on a regular basis. Please refer to the pool schedule below for the most current information. 

Pool schedule

The Water Zone will be closed May 28 through Sept 1, 2024 to allow for the replacement of the water play structure and the aggregate flooring that surrounds the structure. We plan to reopen the pool Tuesday, Sept 3. Please check the Leisure Timesopens PDF file for outdoor pool schedule.

Facility holiday hours

  • New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2024: Closed
  • Memorial Day, May 27, 2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Juneteenth, June 19, 2024: WATER ZONE CLOSED 
  • Independence Day, July 4, 2024: WATER ZONE CLOSED 
  • Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2024: WATER ZONE CLOSED
  • Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Nov. 27, 2024: 5:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, 2024: Closed
  • Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Christmas Day: Closed 
  • New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Calendar

Fall/Winter Schedule Starts August 28

Printable Water Zone Schedule March 4-31opens PDF file

Sunday  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Lap/Spa/Walk 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.* Lap/Spa/Walk
5:45 – 7:55 a.m.*
Lap/Spa/Walk
5:45 – 6:55 a.m.*

Lap/Spa/Walk
5:45 – 7:55 a.m.*

 

Lap/Spa/Walk
5:45 – 6:55 a.m.*
Lap/Spa/Walk
5:45 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.
Water Aerobics 7:10 – 8 a.m.
    Water Aerobics 7 – 7:50 a.m. Water Aerobics 7 – 7:50 a.m.
  Water Aerobics
8 – 8:50 a.m.
Water Aerobics 8 – 8:50 a.m. Water Aerobics
8 – 8:50 a.m.
Water Aerobics 8 – 8:50 a.m. Water Aerobics 8 – 8:50 a.m. Water Aerobics 8:10 – 9 a.m.
 Rec Swim 12-5:30 p.m.** Water Aerobics
9 – 9:50 a.m.
Water Aerobics 9 – 9:50 a.m. Water Aerobics
9 – 9:50 a.m.
Water Aerobics 9 – 9:50 a.m. Water Aerobics 9 – 9:50 a.m.  
  Moving My Joints
10 – 10:50 a.m.
Lap/Spa/Walk 10 a.m. – noon* Moving My Joints
10 – 10:50 a.m.
Lap/Spa/Walk 10 a.m. – noon.* Moving My Joints
10 – 10:50 a.m.
Swim Lessons 9a-12p**
(Jan 20-Feb 10)
(Feb 24-Mar 16)
  Little Swimmers** 11 a.m. – noon

Little Swimmers** 11 a.m. – noon

Little Swimmers** 11 a.m. – noon Little Swimmers** 11 a.m. – noon

Lap/Spa/Walk
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.*

Rec Swim 12-5:30 p.m.
  Lap/Spa/Walk
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.*
Water Zone Closed 12-4 p.m. Lap/Spa/Walk
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.*
 Water Zone Closed 12-4 p.m. Water Zone Closed 1:30-3 p.m.  
  Water Zone Closed 1:30-3 p.m.  Lap/Spa/Walk
4-5:20 p.m.

Spa will be closed 1:30 – 7:30 p.m. or until temperature and chemical balance is reached, every Wed

 Lap/Spa/Walk
4-5:20 p.m.
 Lap/Spa/Walk
3-5 p.m.
 
   Lap/Spa/Walk
3 – 5 p.m.*
Aqua Zumba 5:30 – 6:20 p.m.   Aqua Zumba 5:30 – 6:20 p.m.

Rec Swim 5-9 p.m.**

 
  Rec Swim
5 – 7:30 p.m.**
Water Aerobics 6:30 – 7:20 p.m. Lap/Spa/Walk
3 – 9 p.m.*
Water Aerobics 6:30 – 7:20 p.m.    
  Lap/Spa/Walk 7:30 – 9 p.m.* Lap/Spa/Walk 7:30 – 9 p.m.*   Lap/Spa/Walk 7:30 – 9 p.m.*    
         

*New Silver Sneakers classes, Water in Motion is moderate intensity and Splash is low intensity.
**Class requires an additional fee for non-ARC members
Lap/Walk is not available when swim lessons are in session.
Spa is not available at this time. 
Lap Swim is available during all Rec Swim times.

 ALL WATER FITNESS CLASSES, EXCEPT SPECIALTY CLASSES (indicated by shaded boxes), ARE INCLUDED WITH ARC ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS. WATER FITNESS CLASSES ARE GEARED FOR AGES 15 YEARS AND OLDER. 

Notes

$200 refundable key/damage deposit for all rentals

This facility is owned by the City of Columbia.
All rentals are subject to inspection by any City employee during the paid reservation time.  

Pool features

  • Heated Indoor Facility
  • Lazy River
  • Water Play Structure
  • Hydro Therapy Pool
  • Three 25-Yard Lap Lanes
  • Triple Loop Water Slide
  • Zero Depth Entry
  • Vortex
  • Concession Area
  • Party Rooms Available for Rental

Pool programs

Rec swim

Rec swim is open swim time. Try the three-story water slide, take a trip around the lazy river, or go for a spin in the vortex. Children 10 years and under can enjoy the zero-depth entry and water play feature. In addition, there are three 25-yard lap lanes available during scheduled rec swim hours for your workout. See the pool schedule for rec swim hours.

ARC Water Zone

Lap/Spa/Walk

Water provides the opportunity to exercise in numerous ways that are not available in typical land based activities. Water lends itself to a well-balanced workout that improves all major components of physical fitness, aerobic training, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition. Patrons 16 years of age and older can enjoy the Hydro Therapy Pool. (Lap/water walking is not available during swim lessons.) Check the pool schedule for lap/spa/walk hours.

Water aerobics class

This low impact activity uses water as resistance to improve your strength, posture, flexibility and coordination while getting a great cardiovascular workout. Work at your own pace, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level participant. Pass holders pay no additional fee for this class. See the pool schedule for class days/times.

girl in the ARC Water Zone

Moving My Joints

For those who are challenged by arthritis or have special conditions that make the other group fitness classes difficult. This class is beneficial for participants who need a slower paced workout.

Little Swimmers at the ARC

Ages: 8 years and under (w/adult supervision)

Price: $1 for all participants. Check free day schedule for ARC members.

Come enjoy the water play structure, zero-depth area and the lazy river of the ARC Water Zone during a time specifically reserved for the little ones and an adult playmate. Day care providers, please see our special day care swim times. Daily admission fee is required for all participants, which includes the little ones (8 years and under) and their adult playmates. Children 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult (16 years and older).

Note: No Little Swimmers on holidays (See ARC Hours)

DAYS TIME PRICE
Tue/Wed/Thu 11 a.m. –  noon $1

Day care swim

Ages: 10 years and under (w/adult supervision – 16 yrs. & older)
Price:
$1 for all pass holder participants.
Reservations and two weeks  notice required.

Home day cares and day care centers are welcome to bring their children to enjoy the water play structure and zero-depth area of the ARC Water Zone in a time specifically reserved for you. Reservations and two weeks notice are required. Call 573.874.7700opens phone dialer to make a reservation. This activity is for ages 10 years and under with adult supervision (16 years and older).

Required adult to child ratios:

  • 2 years of age – 1:4
  • 3-5 years of age – 1:6
  • 6 years of age and older – 1:10
DAYS TIME PRICE
Tue/Thurs 10 – 11 a.m. $1

Private rental

Two-hour minimum, Available on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m., 6-8 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. 

CAPACITY PRICE
001-100 people $140 per hour
101-150 people  $185 per hour 
151-200 people $235 per hour
201-250 people $345 per hour
251-300 people $445 per hour

* Capacities of 151 and more are not available in summer 2020

Birthday party packages

Party packages are available at the ARC (indoor). Available packages are currently limited, please see below.

Make your child’s birthday extra-special by holding a poolside birthday party! Columbia Parks and Recreation offers several affordable birthday party packages at various locations. The following is a list of the birthday packages offered. Click on the party package description for a quick link to more information.

Reservations

Contact 573.874.7700opens phone dialer for reservations.

ARC Water Zone party packages

All packages include:

  • Entire fee for a birthday party is due at the time of reservation. Every one who enters is counted and included in the party fee, regardless if they are swimming.
  • Two hours in selected party room
  • Daily admission for the number of guests specified in the package. This includes all youth and adult participants. Children 10 years of age or younger, must be supervised by an adult (16 or older).
  • Souvenir party t-shirt for the birthday child
  • Wristbands to enter the facility
  • Free birthday party invitations to all party participants with free guest pass for future ARC visit
  • Guests may stay and enjoy the ARC after your party room time is over.
  • A staff member will have tables and chairs set up for your party and will sweep up after the party.

Meet in the ARC Lobby prior to the party and a person from your birthday party will distribute admission wristbands to all the guests. Any guests without a wristband will need to pay the day fee. Stay and enjoy the ARC after your party room time is over during Rec Swim hours.

Room Times (only available during Rec Swim)

Monday 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m.

Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Friday 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.*, 4 to 6 p.m., 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Receive $25 off your package cost when you have your party on a Monday…applies to package cost only!

*Available when school is not in session or on early release days 

Package Room Attendees Member Cost Non-Member Cost
Basic Raindrop 15 max* $79.00 $91.00
Deluxe Typhoon up to 25 max* $110.00 $126.00
Extreme   Typhoon  up to 35* $141.00 $162.00
Ultimate Typhoon up to 45* $175.00 $201.00

Note: $25 refundable damage/cleanup deposit is required for all rentals

Other Information and Guidelines:

  • All public rules and policies for the ARC apply to birthday parties.
  • If you have a party of young children with limited swimming abilities, an adult must accompany them in the water at all times.
  • $10 fee will be charged for every 15 minutes that a past their ending rental time.
  • If the pool or facility closes due to inclement weather or an emergency, affected parties may be rescheduled by the purchaser or a refund may be issued.
  • If a party is cancelled seven or more days prior to the party date, the ARC staff must receive a written request, then a refund will be given less a $5 administrative fee. All admission wristbands and party invitations must be returned before any refund can be processed. If paid with a credit card, the amount will be credited to the card. If paid with cash or check, a check will be issued from the city in approximately two weeks. If a party is cancelled one week or less prior to the party date, no refund will be given.

What You Can Provide:

  • Cake, cup cakes, cookies, goody bags or other party treats.
  • Matches, candles and something to serve the cake.
  • Decorations are allowed in the rental room however; confetti, glitter and silly string is not allowed. The ARC does not allow anything to be affixed to the walls. Helium balloons are to be transported to the party room by an ARC employee. 
  • Table covers, table decorations, party gifts or games
  • Refrigerator or freezer is not available. Coolers are welcome to be brought in to keep items cold.

What the Host is Responsible For:

  • Host is required to provide a guest list of all attendees prior to start of party. All guests must have a birthday party wristband. Any guests not included on guest list will need to pay the day fee to enter the facility.
  • Wristbands are provided at the time the reservation is made, these bands allow your party to enter the facility at no charge. If you forget your wristbands new ones must be purchased.
  • One party participant will be required to meet party participants at the front desk to ensure all guests have a wristband to enter.
  • You are responsible for placing trash in receptacles and removal of all decorations.
  • If the above items are not complete the $25 damage deposit will be retained.
  • Party host must complete a cleaning check list with the Pool Manager before leaving the facility.

* All adults and children attending the party will be counted.

ARC Pool Room Rentals – You Plan the Party If you are looking for a room to rent where you plan the party, bring the food, and have easy access to the pool, we have rooms just for you. This package includes a two-hour room rental. Paid admission to the ARC is REQUIRED with these room rentals. If your party does not want to swim, see other ARC room rental options. ROOMS TYPHOON Maximum Capacity 25 persons 2-Hour Room Rental $50 (+ ARC admission fees) Fri. Times: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations 573.874.7700opens phone dialer *Available when school is not in session or on early release days See ARC admission fees