Rules and Guidelines
General
- Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied at all times by a guardian age 16 or older.
- Smoking and electronic cigarettes/e-cigarettes/vapor cigarettes are not permitted on our property.
- Guests must wear shirts and shoes when not on the pool deck or in the water park. This attire is required in the lobby and other common areas of the facility.
- Guests must refrain from littering and should use provided trash receptacles.
- For the safety and convenience of all our guests, adults and children must refrain from swimming when sick.
- Bus parking is available in the lower lot at MeadowView Convention Center.
- Running, horseplay, profane language or loitering is prohibited.
- No inappropriate touching or extreme public displays of affection will be permitted.*Lifeguards are authorized to enforce all safety rules and facility policies posted or otherwise approved by facility management.
Locker Room Use
- Management is not responsible for lost or damaged items from lockers.
- Lockers are for daily use only. Any items left overnight will be discarded.
- All items must be stored in a locker or taken out onto the pool deck or balcony. Items are not permitted to be left on benches or the locker room floors unattended.
- Children ages six and older must use appropriate locker room, or one of the family changing rooms.
- No food, drinks, gum, or glass allowed in locker room.
- Management may, at its discretion, open and search any locker on suspicion of illegal substances or firearms.
- Running, horseplay, profane language or loitering is prohibited.
- Shower before entering pool area.
- Report any inappropriate behavior to manager on duty.
Food and Drink Guidelines
- No outside food or drink is permitted at the Kingsport Aquatic Center.
- Empty, clear refillable water bottles are allowed and may be filled at any of the KAC’s free water stations or fountains. Additionally, the Oasis concession stand will provide free ice and water.
- Guests may leave snacks in the car to take a break from swimming to eat, then re-enter the park.
- The KAC allows baby formula and baby food. Please do not bring glass-packaged food and make sure all formula/food is clearly labeled for babies. Guests may bring nursing water to mix formula, but otherwise water falls under guidelines 1 and 2 above. Please take advantage of our free water stations, water fountains or water available at the Oasis to mix baby formula.
Pool Use Guidelines
- All patrons entering pool facility must pay admission fee. Lifeguards are responsible for all patrons in and out of the water.
- Any person with an infectious disease; nasal or ear discharge; exposed sub-skin tissue; or wearing a bandage may not use this pool.
- APPROPRIATE swimming attire is required. No t-shirts or cut-offs in lieu of bathing suits.
- Children ages 3 and under must be within arms’ reach of a parent or supervising patron of 16 years of age or older while in the pool. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied at all times by a supervising patron 16 years of age or older while using pools.
- Swimmers must shower before entering pool.
- The use of profanity is prohibited.
- Unnecessary roughness; pushing; backward jumping or diving; horseplay; shoulder rides; and running are prohibited. Piggy-backing is permitted by responsible adults with small children.
- The general public is not allowed to teach any swim lessons or coaching sessions in the pools. To rent lane space for lessons or coaching, please contact Madison Gump at (423)343-9767 or madisongump@kingsporttn.gov.
- No outside food or drink is allowed in the facility unless in conjunction with a private rental. A variety of concessions is available on-site.
- No food, drinks, gum, glass or smoking, including e-cigarettes, on pool deck. Food and drink are permitted in designated areas only.
- Personal flotation devices must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved. Wearer must remain in shallow water under direct adult supervision (within arm’s reach).
- Inner tubes are designated for the Lazy River only. USCG approved flotation devices are available for use throughout the park. Any questions concerning these matters should be directed to the Pool Manager on Duty.
- Diving is only permitted in designated areas five feet deep or greater.
- The appropriate use of personal toys and play items during recreational swim periods is determined by the Pool Manager on Duty. Throwing or tossing any objects, including kickboards, is prohibited. Kickboards are for classes or adult lap swim only.
- Use of masks, fins and snorkels are permitted only in lap swim area, provided they are being used appropriately. Self-contained breathing devices are not permitted except under supervision of a scuba instructor.
- Lap swimming is permitted in designated areas only. Please observe lane signage. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injuries.
- Prolonged underwater distance swimming is prohibited.
- Management will not be responsible for lost or stolen articles. Personal undergarments left at the facility will be discarded.
- Obey lifeguard instructions. Repeat violators may be ejected from the premises.
- Physically challenged individuals may request pool staff assistance when using chair lift and the aquatic wheelchairs.
- Street shoes are discouraged on the pool deck.
- Immediately report any injuries or incidents to pool staff.
Lap Swim Guidelines
More than one swimmer can use the lap lanes at any given time. When lanes must be shared, follow these guidelines to ensure safety and courtesy.
- Observe lane signage. When lap swim space is limited, circle swimming is recommended.
- Notify swimmer(s) when entering the lane.
- When circle swimming, swim on the right side of the lane in a counter-clockwise direction, staying near the lane rope.
- When passing, notify swimmers with a tap on the foot and pass in the middle of the lane. If you are continually passing or being passed, move to the next appropriate lane.
- Refer to the lap lane schedule regarding lap swim availability.
- Recommended maximum swimmers pare lane for lap swim is four (4) for short course (25 yards) or eight (8) for long course (50 meters). Please refer any inquiries to the head lifeguard or pool manager on duty.
Diving Board Rules
- Only one person at a time on the board.
- Only one bounce allowed on the board.
- After water entry please swim to the ladder to exit the water.
- No flotation devices or goggles allowed on the diving board.
- Entry into water from end of board only.
- No swimming in the deep end while diving is occurring.
Water Slide Rules
- All riders must be at least 48 inches tall. (For safety reasons, riders must be at least six inches taller than the water depth in the pool at the end of the slides, which is 42 inches. Those shorter than 48 inches may enjoy the smaller slides in the pool’s play structure.)
- Maximum rider weight is 300 pounds.
- WARNING: Water depth is 3 feet 6 inches.
- Non-swimmers are not permitted.
- All riders must ride feet-first while lying on their back with arms crossed across their chest. Do not go down the slide head-first. Do not sit up while riding the slide.
- Riders must enter the slide in a sitting position and wait for instructions from the lifeguard stationed at the slide starter tub.
- Do not propel yourself into the ride.
- Only one rider at a time. Absolutely no trains or chains of riders are permitted.
- No running, standing, kneeling, rotating, tumbling or stopping in the flume. Arms and hands must remain inside the flume at all times. Riders should remain in proper riding position until forward movement is terminated. At no time should the rider attempt to stand up while on the slide prior to coming to a complete stop in the splash-out area.
- No tubes, mats or life jackets are permitted on the water slide.
- No combs or foreign objects are allowed in pockets and no jewelry can be worn while riding the slide. No cut-off jeans or swimwear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets or metal ornamentation; only approved swimsuits are allowed.
- The line should form on the deck with one rider on each landing and one rider in the starter tub. Wait until landing area is clear before entering.
- Riders must be in good health. Elderly persons, those suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure epilepsy or persons using prescription medication should consult their physician before using the slides. Individuals with medical conditions including, but not limited to, pregnancy, heart or back problems should not ride.
- Do not use slide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- No diving from the slide.
- Leave the plunge pool promptly after entering.
- Rider assumes all risk of injury due to misuse of the slide or failure to follow these rules.
- WARNING: Failure to follow rules can result in serious injury.
Commando Aqua Run Inflatable Attraction Rules
- A swim test required for use of structure. Participants must be able to swim 20 yards unassisted without stopping or touching the bottom. Lifeguards will administer swim test and provide a wristband to successful swimmers.
- Please follow lifeguard instructions at all times.
- No running onto the structure.
- No swimming underneath the structure.
- No pushing others off the structure.
- Feet-first entry into the water from the slide exit is required.
- Swim directly to the nearest pool ladder after exiting the structure.
- A maximum of six (6) users are allowed to progress through the aqua run at any given time.
- Please refrain from wearing any sharp objects such as rings, other jewelry or locker keys to avoid damage to the structure.
AquaClimb Rules
- A swim test required for use of structure. Participants must be able to swim 20 yards unassisted without stopping or touching the bottom. Lifeguards will administer swim test and provide a wristband to successful swimmers.
- Please follow lifeguard instructions at all times.
- Only one climber at a time on each wall.
- Only one swimmer at a time in the Drop Zone.
- No Diving. Feet first entries only.
- Flotation devices are not permitted.
- Swim directly to the nearest pool ladder after exiting the structure.
Inclement Weather Policy
- All pool patrons in outdoor pools will be cleared from the pools for 30 minutes if thunder is heard. The pools will remain closed for 30 minutes following the last sound of thunder.
- All pool patrons in outdoor pools will be cleared from the decks for 30 minutes if lightning is seen in the vicinity. The decks will remain cleared for 30 minutes for any lightning seen thereafter. For pool patrons in indoor pools, pools will be cleared if the storm is directly overhead and will remain cleared until direct storm is ½ mile away for 30 minutes.
- In the event of a severe storm, guests may be asked to move to the interior of the main building or their vehicles.
- The outdoor pools may close for the day if the following conditions exist:
- If heavy steady rain precludes lifeguard visibility
- If conditions 1 & 2 persist for more than 2 hours
- If conditions 1 & 2 exist within 1 hour of closing time
- If the air temperature is less than 67o
- The indoor pools may close if the following conditions exist:
- If conditions 1 & 2 exist within 1 hour of closing time
- The Kingsport Aquatic Center may temporarily close if a tornado warning has been issued for the immediate Kingsport area.
- No rain checks will be given if our indoor pools are open for use. If indoor pools are not available for use (for example: swim meet, special events, or scheduled programming) where there is no area for swimming available, the KAC will issue a rain check if the water park closes before 2 p.m. or if a patron has been here less than 2 hours (must have receipt).
- Kingsport Aquatic Center Director or designee reserves the right to close the pool based on pool attendance and/or weather conditions.
- Kingsport Aquatic Center staff reserves the right to postpone admissions sales when storms are thought to be in the vicinity.
General Information
Where is the Kingsport Aquatic Center located?
The Kingsport Aquatic Center is located at 1820 Meadowview Parkway in Kingsport, Tennessee.
What is the Kingsport Aquatic Center’s phone number?
Our front desk number is 423-343-9758. Someone will take your call during our normal operating hours.
What are the Kingsport Aquatic Center’s hours?
For hours of operation, click here. Operating hours may change on holidays.
Can I reserve the pool for a private party?
Yes. The Kingsport Aquatic Center’s pools are available for swim meets, lane rentals and private parties. For more information, click the “Rentals” tab at the top of our website.
What forms of payment are accepted?
The Kingsport Aquatic Center accepts cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and debit cards for day passes, programming fees and other on-site purchases. Memberships are payable by automatic draft from bank account, Visa, MasterCard, Discover or debit card.
When is the Outdoor Water Park open?
The Outdoor Water Park is open early May through Labor Day. For information about outdoor park operating hours, click here.
What are the pools’ temperatures?
The HMG Competition Pool is 79-82° F.
The Palmer Foundation Center Warm Pool is 87-89° F.
The indoor recreation pool is 84.5-85° F.
Day Passes
What are admission prices?
For information about day pass rates, click here.
I’m not going to swim. Do I still need to pay?
Yes. Everyone who enters must pay because they contribute to the capacity of the facility and are still under supervision of lifeguards and staff in the event of emergency.
If I purchase a day pass, may I leave and come back?
Yes. Anyone who purchases a day pass may leave and reenter the facility on the day of the day pass purchase but will be required to have the proper wristband for reentry.
Do I get a refund if the facility closes for lightning?
No. If it appears that lightning storms are developing, staff will advise patrons as they enter so that customers may decide whether to stay or come back another time. If lightning begins after paying and entering the facility, staff will usher patrons into the indoor facility. Patrons outside are removed from the water for 30 minutes every time thunder is heard in the area. They are removed from the outdoor deck if lightning is seen. No refunds will be awarded because the indoor facility will still be open. The indoor facility will only close if the storm is heard right over the indoor facility pools.
Who is eligible for a senior discount?
Anyone age 55 or older is eligible for discounted senior rates.
Membership
Who is included in my family membership?
A “family” for membership purposes is defined as two adults residing in the same dwelling and their dependents living at the same address. Photo ID may be required to verify a common address. A family is limited to 4 people with an additional fee for additional guests/members.
Are there any special benefits or discounts related to membership?
For the different membership levels and benefits, click here.
How do I cancel my monthly membership?
To cancel your membership, click here.
Amenities and Programming
Are family changing rooms available?
Yes. There are four family changing rooms just outside the entrance to the Palmer Foundation Center Warm Pool.
Are lockers available?
Yes. Lockers are available at no charge. Keys are available at the front desk. To use a locker, patrons must present a photo ID in exchange for the key.
Are swim diapers available for sale?
Yes. Swim diapers are available for $2.00 at the Kingsport Aquatic Center reception desk. All children who are not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper or a cloth diaper with a tight-fitting rubber pant.
How do I register for private swim lessons?
Register for private swim lessons online or at the Kingsport Aquatic Center reception desk.
Safety Rules and Regulations
Are lifejackets or inflatable toys allowed and does the facility provide any?
All personal flotation devices must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved. Wearers must remain in shallow water under direct adult supervision (within arm’s reach). Inner tubes are designated for the lazy river only. USCG-approved flotation devices are available for use throughout the facility. Any questions concerning pool toys should be directed to the pool manager on duty.
At what age can I leave my children alone?
Children must be 13 years or older to visit the Kingsport Aquatic Center without supervision. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied at all times by a guardian age 16 or older.
What is the height requirement to use the water slides?
Yes. For safety reasons, patrons must be a minimum height of 48 inches to use the water slides.
Aquatic Exercise
What is the length of the HMG Competition Pool?
50 meters one way when setup for long course – 25 yards one way if split for short course.
When does the HMG Competition Pool offer the short course vs. the long course for lap swimmers?
The 25-yard short course is available from mid-August through mid-April; the 50-meter long course is available from mid-April through mid-August.
How many laps make a mile?
In the HMG Competition Pool, 33 laps in the 25-yard short course or 15 laps in 50-meter long course make one mile.
One Mile in short course (25 yard) = 33 laps (down and back)
One mile in short course (25 yard) = 66 lengths (one end of the pool to another)
One mile in long course (50 meters) = 15 laps (down and back)
One mile in long course (50 meters) = 30 lengths (one end of the pool to another)