In regard to Lap Swimming. Hours are pretty flexible. About twenty lanes with the first part of the pool set for those who water walk and about 16 to 17 lanes to lap swim. Depending on the time of the day, some lanes close, for water classes. Be weary, if you go first thing when they open at 6am, and also when they reopen at 4pm or 5pm. There are groups of people that call themselves "The Regulars". A few of them like to put kickboards on open lanes to save for people in line behind you. Sometimes, if there is a long line on a hot summer day. A "Regular" might show up and just cut to the front of the line outside with another "regular" who is there already. Some of these people can be rude and really like their specific lane. And will throw a fit if you happen to take their lane. Some of these "regulars" will even lie and come up with a sob story for you about their past injuries, just to get a specific lane. The staff have not really monitored/enforced certain rules in the past. Hopefully that changes. You have been warned. The "regulars" are nice, as long as you don't get their lane or get in line ahead of them. Some will even show up 1 to 3 hours before the pool opens in the morning and afternoon in order to get their lane. They mean business and can be cutthroat. The place has a lot of potential. Cosmetic wise, it's what you'd expect of a facility that's almost a 100 years old. read more

For the price you pay for rec swim and toddler swim you can't find a better deal in the East Bay! We come to this pool the most frequently out of the 3 indoor public pools in the area, the others being Dublin Wave and Silliman Aquatic center in Newark. Great hours for toddler swim, 11am to 1pm Monday thru Friday and 5 to 7pm Tues, Thursday, Friday. There is also rec swim kn Saturday from 1:30 to 3:30pm. The toddler pool is great for toddlers to get used to the water and there is a depth gradient that will allow them to explore and eventually try to swim. There are also toys provided by the staff for the little ones to play with in the pool. The staff here have always been very nice to us and you can tell that the lifeguards on shift take their jobs seriously. Yes, the facility is almost 100 years old and does show its age, but for $5 total for a baby and an adult as well as the super flexible hours? You just can't beat that deal. read more

Hayward Plunge - Swimming Pools Near Me - Hayward, California

In need of desperate restoration. Built in 1936 this place is nearly 100years old. I came for a birthday party. It happened to be storming outside. The spectators area was wet bc the widows were leaking rain water from outside. The pool is on the entry level but the restrooms, changing rooms and party room are located downstairs. Hauling the presents and party supplies downstairs is a much easier fete than bringing everything back upstairs once the party is over. One thing i did like is that there is a separate kiddie pool that goes to 2 feet. The main pool starts at 3.5feet. read more

Hayward Plunge - Swimming Pools Near Me - Hayward, California

Love this pool. I go there to water walk because of my knee and back pain. It's never crowded and the staff is amazing. They also have lap swim for those able to do. read more

I was curious after swimming and finding pools to swim in Long Beach so I had success here in Hayward at a very reasonable price. The venue is period correct so the reviews about wanting better facilities wasn't my concern. I want better form and efficiency in the water so I'm really excited coming back! read more

Hayward Plunge - Swimming Pools Near Me - Hayward, California

Their staff needs to be more aware of the job at hand. You should have advised your patrons that there's currently no open lanes before proceeding to steal my five bucks and denying me a refund.. i couldn't even swim! The water was also way dirtier than my previous visit: clumps of hair, bandaids, and hair-ties plagued the pool floor. What a joke. Rude, punk kid lifeguards, too. read more

This place is horrible for swim lessons for 2 weeks my kid was just held going in a circle around the pool every single day. The teaches are so unserious they act worse than the kids telling the kids to splash and throw balls at the other teachers. How will they learn by doing the same thing every day with teachers who don't care.. read more

Good place, friendly swimmers and walkers. Bathrooms are a toss up for hot water and cleanliness. Historic old building could use some shine. read more

The Plunge I hear is almost 100 years old. Despite its need for an upgraded, my family enjoyed our 3 week swim class. I recommend taking the class during the summer because some days it could get cold. Paola was our instructor and she was great! We will be back! read more

Love the baby pool, which only goes up to like 2 ft of water. Babies can practice walking and picking up objects. When it rains, the roof leaks all over the baby pool, though. Seriously needs a renovation. read more

Awesome facility and really kind staff members. The price is extremely reasonable and it was a fifth of what I would have paid for the Silliman Center in Newark. The bathrooms and changing area were really clean and the lifeguards even supplied some pool toys for us to use. I will definitely be back and highly recommend this place. Thank you to everyone who works here! read more

I just went for lap swimming tonight around 5:30. I haven't been here in several months. There were only about 6 other swimmers, I think because it's raining outside? Front desk staff was friendly, lifeguards were attentive. Chlorine seems to be stronger here than other places I've been. Shower was strong, and they have foam soap. I was feeling kinda lazy before, but SO glad I went! read more

I sent my kids to this facility. The coach is great, the pool is big, and the price is reasonable--everything's good. The only downside is that there are only two showers. Some parents take up spots in the showers before their kids' class even ends. They even pull the shower curtain and turn on the water to pretend someone is using it, just to stop other kids from getting in. My kids told me they were already inside, but a parent forced them out, not letting them use the shower, even though their kid was still in class. I've mentioned it to the staff several times, but nothing has changed. Showers should be for the people who are ready to use them, not for those just holding a spot. read more

I am so disappointed. I have really been enjoying the water exercise classes so much that I'm spending hundreds of dollars on prepaid sessions as well as additional dollars on drop in sessions. I really find the instructors motivating as well as entertaining Peggy and Jordan do a great job. I even signed up for hundreds of dollars more for the fall session in addition to filling my lap pass card and exercise card at the front counter for Droppin sessions. This week has been the starting of the fall sessions and it hasn't gotten off to a very good start session starting late substitute teachers I just hope that it gets back in the groove of the way I really liked it and that's I was willing to pay so much money for it now I'm not sure So glad to add back a few stars. Jordan back at night. His enthusiasm is great he knows the name s and jumps in the pool. Now to get Peggy back in the morning Loce read more

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This review is based on the class that I've been taking since August. The staff have been pretty helpful. When a class has to be canceled because an instructor is ill or the class hasn't met it's minimum, someone calls you to let you know. They don't just wait for you to show up to give you the news. Many different aerobics classes are offered. Jonathan has been my teacher the entire time. His instructions were great and he seemed like a nice guy. Unfortunately, he is no longer an instructor. Now we have Sam and she seems like she will push us to our limits and then some. You can sign up and pay for the class in advance and it will work out to be $6.50 per class. Each session is 6 classes, or $39. But, you can also do the class as a walk in at $10 per class. Please check online at HaywardRec.org for specific classes and the cost of each. There are many lanes at the Plunge. For the classes, they probably rope off 5 or 6 lanes. Even when there are classes in progress, there are still a few lanes for lap swimming. The pool is heated, or so they say. There have been plenty of times when I've walked into a cold pool. No big deal though-once you get moving the water is warm. read more

Hayward Plunge - A Few Of The Lanes - Swimming Pools Near Me - Hayward, California

Get a lap pass, Its probably the best deal if you like to swim as exercise. I took a couple water aerobics classes here over the summer, and the classes were pretty packed, and the instructor did her best to accommodate. Indoor Heated pool (tends to be colder during evening hours), Lifeguards on duty, always a PLUS. I wish they provided year round aerobic classes.... read more

Hayward Plunge - Plunge! - Swimming Pools Near Me - Hayward, California

I don't usually write reviews but I wanted to give a five star for Marco. I have taken several other adult classes with different instructors but he really helped me progress. Adult classes are more independent but with each lesson he checked in and gave feedback, demonstrated when I struggled, and had me try different strategies to find what worked for me. Compared to other instructors you can tell he cares about what he does. We need more swim instructors like him! read more

Most people don't know it's there except the die hard swimmers. I started going Monday through Friday to get in my laps for exercise. I would hope that the upgrade the bathrooms soon read more

The Plunge is such a sad, wasted opportunity for lap swim. It's the closest pool to my house and it's almost unusable. Four main reasons: 1. The 20 yard pool messes up your breathing, stroke count, turns, and distance. Not sure why they didn't just make it the standard 25 when they built it? 2. The lack of lockers/ratchet basement area with showers. My mom would love to come swim here, but you have to climb up and down stairs to get to this... area... while wet. Not great for older swimmers, or anyone really. 3. The chlorine. Jesus. I was at work the day after I went to the Plunge, and I realized my hands reeked of chlorine. This was after two showers and multiple handwashings. In a properly balanced pool, you're not supposed to smell chlorine at all :\ 4. The swimming lessons cut into the available lanes for lap swim, so lap swimmers are gradually pushed over as the lessons start. The staff does place signs by the lanes indicating the start times, but the classes start at random times. I can't comment on the quality of the lessons, but there's a staff member who yells LOUDLY at swimmers for the duration of her lesson. Cringeworthy. I gave them two stars for their hours - they are open year round, and if you absolutely NEED to go swimming, it's there for you. It's just so disappointing. Hayward, we can do better than this :( read more

It is not great, but acceptable. Water is warm, parking is easy, staff is friendly, not too crowd... BUT I ran into someone in the shower room who JUST went there to shower. So I decide just to swim here.... The end of the story...... read more

Not gonna lie, this place is like a giant toilet. I think the name has something to do with my thoughts of it as a toilet. Old. Dirty. Its been the same since when I was 5 years old. Its probably the worst on a hot day because then it really feels like a public restroom. I recently started swim class here in the evenings. Staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. Swim classes range from beginners to very experienced swimmers. There is so much chlorine in the water that you feel super sterile when climbing out and the effects is almost like acid to your hair. But hey, this nostalgic public swim hole will always have a place in my heart. read more

Don't let the low ratings fool you. Most were from a few years ago. I think over time, Hayward Plunge has improved. Check their website! There are lap swims and free swims, but the times change between seasons. Also, classes sometimes clash into lap times, causing them to close lanes. On weekdays, there is a morning and afternoon lap swim. I usually go on the weekends from 6:00-10:00 am. There are regulars that go right at 6:00, and all the lanes are usually full by 8:00 on the weekends. So, get there early if you don't want to wait. Also, they recently changed the price from $4 to $5. The pool is indoors and it is always heated to the right temperature, or at least for when I visit. There are two separate pools. One is around 2.5 feet for the kids. The bigger pool ranges from 3.5 to 8 feet. There is no diving allowed and the lanes are 20 meters compared to your average 25. I've read reviews where people complain about the chlorine smell, but it was perfectly fine for me. It was barely noticeable and I've been to pools with a stronger chlorine stench. The pool is clean. There are always two lifeguards present when I'm there. Sometimes, they talk to each other, but they are focused and seem to know how to do their jobs. The person at the front desk is nice and very sociable. The regulars mind their own business. Sometimes, I would get feedback on my form by other swimmers there which is pretty cool. One negative is the changing room/ shower. You have to take a narrow staircase down. The first time I went, I tripped as there is a curb after taking the stairs down. There are three showers that are close together. The room goes three different directions and there are signs guiding you to the toilets, locker, shower, etc, but it can still get confusing. Overall, besides the bathroom, it is actually a really comfortable pool. The people are nice, although I can not say much about the classes they hold. If you are looking for a pool to do a few laps, this is the place. Just make sure you check to see when the pool fills up quickly. read more

I was less than impressed with the classes my 1 year old attended here. He learned more at home in our pool than he did attending classes here. A few other students seemed to be enjoying themselves but it wasn't fast paced enough for me. read more

Took my daughter here this summer for swimming lessons. I signed up for her class on line which was very user friendly. Teachers were all high school kids, but they did a great job. Classes start and end promptly. Good sized spectator area (two long rows of benches) to sit and watch classes in session. The womens area downstairs only have a couple showers, which makes for a bit of a wait, large changing room with a few benches. One wall has a spot with hanging bags to use for your 'stuff' but those are unattended. Daughter throughly enjoyed her class while making new friends in the process. Went ahead and signed her up for three more sessions in the fall. read more

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I mostly swim at the Oakland public pools because that's where I live. Occasionally, it's a little too cold outside for me or I don't want to share a lane and I head to the Hayward Plunge. Great staff, clean facility and a popular place. It's a large indoor pool. They have the lanes width wise which measure 29 yards. I do like the longer lanes at the Oakland pools (33). You get your own lane and may have to wait a little while for a lane to open up if they are busy. Also, some lanes may be closed to lane swimming in lieu of training or classes. Huge changing shower room downstairs and another ADA bathroom/shower next to the pool. read more

The most dirty pool i have been to. They seeiously need to do some upgrades. Surpised it is allowed to be open hygenic wise for kids. The bathroom has piss stains everywhere u be standing in piss. I went once had my son run to the car while being wet since the dressing room if u can call it that is read more

This place is still kind of a handful. I arrived early for lap swim and good thing I did because the staff member (older woman, Hispanic, possibly named Leticia?) is still not great. She asked if it was my first time here and it wasn't. Mentioned I want to lap swim, she said, "I'm in the middle of a transaction," told her I can wait. She really wanted me to go sit outside on the bench and wait (because I guess that is where people wait when they come early to lap swim?) I hand her my credit card, and she says, "Oh, I thought you were paying in cash," although I said nothing to make it seem like this. In the middle of all of this, the phone rings so she is on the phone for like 5 minutes telling someone how their lap swim works. I am finally able to pay and go downstairs to get settled because I was going to need to shower after my swim. Shower area is still super creepy but the water was hot. I wait till about 4:55 to go upstairs and wait by the pool. I walk over to borrow a pair of goggles at 5:00 and the same woman says that I'm not supposed to be in there yet, I say yeah, I know, I'm gonna wait to get into the pool and add, "I'm sure there is enough space for everyone," so I wait for the 4 mid 60's men to walk in. I guess she wanted to avoid people getting mad, but it left me pretty annoyed. Sorry not sorry but I'll wait by the pool. The way things are run here is just so dated and inconvenient and I don't like to follow dumb rules. It's a swimming pool with large lanes. It'd be one thing if it was a serious 5 people to a lane type of pool but it isn't. It is an outdated public pay to swim pool. I swam for almost an hour to be sure to get my $5 worth. I'll probably just go out of my way and drive to the gym next time and use their pool. read more

Starting taking the "Move it and lost it" water aerobics class at the start of April and I am really enjoying it. Originally, I looked into it for my retired parents. Hoped to get them to take the morning MWF class, getting them out of the house and doing some exercise. Both have joint problems so I figured water would be the best bet. Neither was interested...until...I mentioned the evening class I was considering for myself. Then they wanted to join, but only with me. So now we meet every Tu and Th evening and have a great (but tiring) time together. It's not an easy work out but you can modify it to what works for you. My Dad has artificial knees, hip, plus some compressed vertebrae, so he has to do a really modified workout. The instructor takes his time to give Dad alternate exercises when needed. I do go home each night feeling worked out and sleep very well. There are anywhere from 18-25 people in the class and all are friendly. There are only two men in our class, my Dad and another 70+ year old. I'd like to think I'm the youngest (at 42) but I think there are a few younger. The body image ranges from pretty fit to plus-sized. Being at the plus-sized end I was worried I'd feel ridiculous, but everyone is very nice and encouraging. Seniors get a discount and they have handicap changing/bathrooms close to the office so you don't have to go to the basement to change. The only con I have is there are no lockers, so you have to take your bag pool side. Not a big deal, really, and at least you can watch your stuff. read more

One of the best rates in town for swimming if you need a place to swim and have been looking around. Go in the early morning if you are not a strong swimmer, the more shallow lanes are always clear enough for you to practice laps. I wouldn't bet on the lanes being open during 5-7pm (the other set of open pool hours) because the mornings get packed enough already. Be prepared to see a lot of seniors and elderly in the mornings, I am usually the only young guy swimming here. I like the older folks though so it doesn't bother me, and seeing the regulars here during the mornings makes me respect the the elderly who invest in the upkeep of their health and I find them admirable. The pool is always warm too after submerging yourself and taking one or two laps. The downside of this place is that everything seems old, even the Hayward plunge sign lights only spell out Hay---d ---unge, but I don't mind it, I hear it takes a lot of money to fix those lighted signs (on the public's dollar) so leaving it as is is something I appreciate as an age old novelty. Been swimming with my friend here lately and he says nothings changed in nearly a decade, just one of those places you know. read more

I have 2 memories of the plunge. High chlorine levels and the infamous high dive. My eyes would get soo red after swimming here and my skin/hair would reek of chlorine even after a shower. It gets incredibly hot inside and it's hard to breathe when you're swimming laps. Best part about the plunge, the high dive! The memory of walking up the ladder, walking to the edge and looking down is engraved in my brain. The high dive is worth a trip to the plunge. read more

I took swim lessons here 25 years ago... and I used to go swimming here as a child and I was a frightened child jumping off the high jump diving board. But nonetheless had great childhood memories of the Hayward Plunge. I recently was looking into a workout program that was affordable and worked around my work schedule. I was told about the water fitness classes they had there. I went on-line and I looked at what they had to offer. I registered myself for the Move it and Lose it class... and let me tell you... I LOVE this class... I go two nights a week, and for $39 for 6 classes this is the BEST investment out there... I strongly recommend this to anyone looking to get into shape and not wanting to spend hella money... Yea they put a lot of chlorine in the water... But who wants to share a city wide community pool without it being cleaned??? NOT ME... The rest of the facility is great... its clean, the staff is friendly... and its a great cost efficient way to get in shape!!! Stop reading my review and go register!!! :) read more

I come to this pool regularly for lap swim, but never look forward to it. Now that it's summer, there's often a wait before you can get a lane. Sometimes the staff won't charge if there's a wait. That's the unusual thing about this pool: most swimmers get their own individual lane, except a few people walking back and forth. Today I waited 40 minutes after arriving at 11am... sigh. The staff range from cheerful to grumpy. So does the clientele. Some are kind and accommodating, but there's also toxic old ladies who grumble that they were waiting for you to finish your shower and then they don't even use the shower themselves! Makes no sense. Bastards. There's only two showers in each restroom, which often has broken showerheads or other items. $4/swim ($2 Saturdays but I bet those are packed) and $54/15 swim pass. If this pool weren't so close to my house, I would be on the hunt for a better pool with better hours and friendlier vibe. read more

I liked the concept of having two pools for small kids and big. I have been here for few times, they have dirty water with lots of chlorine which irritates the eyes like crazy after the swimming. Almost every time we get red eyes after swimming here even when using swimming glasses. They need to improve water quality and use less chlorine. Maybe it's very challenging as it also depends upon people who swim here. People need to stop spitting and peeing in the pool!! read more

The Plunge has been a Hayward main stay since well... what seems like forever. It allows those of us who have lived there and were too poor for our own pool a place to swim without fear of the cops chasing us, or the probability of getting sick swimming in random sinkholes filled with water. Sure the pool is almost always yellow and urine filled or way to overfilled with Chlorine to compensate for this fact, but like I said it's a pool none the less. I don't think I like swimming enough to go here now, but when I was younger I was here all the time. I wish there were more to it after the long ass renovation, but all and all it is an important community fixture and probably one of the only one's left that's not being torn down to make way for more ugly Condos. I do hope that now that the evil reign of the former Mayor and City council members is over that the city of Hayward can move forward from it's dark past of screwing over their citizens and bankrupting local businesses. I hope that with such upstanding new citizens at the helm such as super guapo city council member Francisco Zermeno, that the city can help keep places like this one open and help start new community projects. CHAD read more

Every MWF I take the 9AM water aerobics class with a group of wonderful people of all ages and at all level of fitness. We enjoy the music, company and exercise, if you can believe that I would ever say enjoy and exercise in the same sentence. I have become much more flexible and fit as the result of this last year of fun. The Support of the other participants is an integral part of the experience. I started the classes to become more physically fit and continue for the physical as well as the emotional support. The building is very old but very well maintained. I remember swimming here as a small girl, I remember an overwhelming smell of chlorine as a child and today I am grateful for the cleanliness it offers. The staff is exceptional. They are efficient and friendly and go out of their way to help. read more

I am engaged in swimming there on a regular basis. Very large and clean pool, low prices. Upset only the non-standard swim lane length - 20 yards. read more

I came here for lessons when I was younger and the counsellors were always super nice. They really improved my swimming. Now I come here for awesome morning swims. The water is always the perfect temperature (Not too hot, not too cold) and it's pretty clean. The showers/ changing rooms are nice and warm. The only complaint I have is that during the week, every session of lap-swimming (for the day) costs $4. I think that's a bit much just to swim back and forth for a couple hours. Regardless, the Hayward Plunge is a great place for lessons or just a casual swim! read more

This place is great. I took the Guts & Butts water exercise class, which is $10 to drop in (and it never fills up) or $49 to register for all six weeks at once, if you don't live in Hayward or Castro Valley. It's $39 if you live in either of those cities, I think. I mean, I know for sure it's $39 for Hayward, I'm just not sure about the Castro Valley part. My friend technically lives in Castro Valley and that's what she paid, though. The main locker room is sparse but functional. There's a smaller locker room on the same floor as the pool which is fine for changing in. I might take the class when it starts up again in January. Good workout! :) read more

Haven't been here since i was a kid. I am recovering from an injury so came here for some pool time. The staff was very friendly. Big thank you to the ones that helped me. I wish i remembered all your names. They showed me around since i didn't know where anything was. I plan on returning. read more

The only reason they are getting 2 stars is because Tom and Sandra are GREAT!!! Everyone and everything else about the plunge SUCKS!!! The staff is neither friendly or helpful in anyway shape or form. read more