Pool Closure Frequently Asked Questions
It is with a heavy heart that, after 47 years of operation, our pool will be permanently closed on July 26, 2025. We anticipate you may have some questions, and we hope most will be answered below.
Quick links
Why is the pool closing?
This was decided as part of the ongoing campus master plan and space evaluations, where the university determined that the pool area would be repurposed for other needs. The university will announce details on future plans for the space at a later date.
The full campus announcement can be read here and the message to members here.
Didn’t the pool get updated recently?
No, the pool has not been updated or renovated recently. The pool was closed during the summer of 2024; however, this was due to other large-scale repair work in the University Center, not the pool itself. The saunas inside the locker rooms did have woodwork done in summer 2024.
Will the saunas still be available after July 26?
Yes, the pool locker rooms and saunas will remain available for a little while past July 26, but will eventually be closed as well. This will be based on the University’s timeline for repurposing the space, and those plans are still being worked on.
What about the lifeguards?
Lifeguards are being offered other positions within the department, where possible. We’ll also support them with references and connections to other aquatic facilities, should they wish to continue lifeguarding elsewhere.
What will happen to the AquaFit classes?
AquaFit classes will continue to be offered through July 26.
Our fitness professional is working with our class instructors to offer land-based classes that still fit your needs on the same times & days. We intend to start those new classes the week of July 27.
Will membership rates be changing?
Since March 2020, we have only raised membership rates once—in September 2024. We also simplified our rate structure in 2021 and 2024, and some folks actually saw rate reductions. With that information in mind, we will not change membership rates this year.
We look forward to introducing $80,000 in facility improvements and new equipment to add to your membership value in the upcoming year. Please stay tuned for additional details on these plans.
I need to make changes to my membership and/or locker rental
We will offer penalty-free membership cancellations for month-to-month and annual membership holders.
If you’d like to cancel or edit your membership, please fill out the Membership & Locker Service Change Request Form by July 15, for a July 26 cancellation, or June 15 for a June 26 cancellation.
Requests received after July 15 will follow standard cancellation policies.
Can I get a refund if I’ve already paid for my membership?
You must complete the Membership & Locker Service Change Request Form to request a refund. Refund requests must be submitted by October 31, 2025.
Annual members: we’ll issue a pro-rated refund from July 26 until your membership expiration date. The refund will cancel your membership moving forward.
Lifetime members: The terms of this previously available membership state that there must be remaining membership value to issue a refund. Upon review of lifetime membership records, no one has refundable value available.
Please refer to our Refund Information page for further information.
Are there other pools in the area?
Yes, Insight Health & Fitness is one of the pools closest to campus. The recently opened downtown YMCA will also have a pool, but it is not yet open.
Additional pools open to the public:
Silver Sneakers members: Other participating facilities offer pools, and per the Silver Sneakers website, you can utilize more than one location. Please review our Silver Sneaker Help Guide for additional details.
I have another question and need to speak with someone.
Please note that rec center staff, including our lifeguards and student staff at the front counter (who also answer our phone), cannot change this decision or issue refunds. We can best assist via the following methods:
- Request a membership or locker rental cancellation, refund or other change here.
- Submit your questions, comments and concerns here
This will make sure we collect all necessary info to assist you best.
Media inquiries: All media inquiries should be directed to the Office of Marketing & Communications at mac-flint@umich.edu