Really like coming here. It's clean and the staff and lifeguards are nice and attentive.read more

Since I wrote my last review a few years ago I've stopped going to the El Cerrito Pool at all. It…read morehas been taken over by aggressive (mostly male) swimmers whose behavior is not at all controlled or reined in by lifeguards or anyone else. Sharing a lane is like a contact sport, and I just got fed up with it. Also, the water fitness program has basically dissolved - very few classes with poor instruction.

We have been coming here since 2023 and I learned how to swim here in the late 80s and 90s…read more Pros: * Outdoor pool is heated and El Sobrante is rarely above 85 degrees in the summer. * No snobby, cliquey vibes. People are here to learn to swim only, not swim team competition. * This place does swim lessons only. They don't have to share the pool with recreational swimmers or club members. * Deep end training and intro to diving. * Offer makeups. We had to use them when we had Covid. * As of 2026, rates have not risen since 2024. They continue to be among the more affordable group lessons. Small discount for siblings. Cons: * Not open year-round. Open only during weekdays in the summer. * Small, cramped parking lot and San Pablo Dam Road traffic makes it not particularly safe to park a few blocks away and walk. * Hard to get into time slots that fit your schedule, especially if you have more than one child. * Private lessons not offered.

My wife did all the internetz. When I watched the first session, I was skeptical. After a few…read moresessions, I started see the method to their madness. It's like a well-oiled machine. It goes smooth and by the numbers. Kids advance in skill and comfort in the water. Before lessons here, our daughter... searching for the words... dreaded water in her face. A single drop of water from the bathtub--clean bath water--prompted shrieks of pain, fear, anger, and betrayal. Now she's underwater so much during lessons that they occasionally sit her up on the side of the pool to ensure that she hears instruction. It's very goals oriented. And they aren't afraid to not pass a kid. My daughter didn't pass the level one test: float motionless, face down on the surface of the water for 10 seconds. She was disappointed, yet determined and asked me to help her practice before the next lesson. She re-tested and passed. Then she didn't pass the level 2 test: swim on her own halfway across the pool. I think she would have passed if she has spent more time listening and less time sitting on the bottom of the pool waving at the other students. The instructors are attentive and encouraging. They remember the kids names and make it fun for them. Clean bathroom. Outdoor changing booths. Chairs, bleachers, shade. Orderly and organized. Don't be late. Parking is limited. If you choose to give a thumbs-up or not, I hope you found my review helpful!

Great place to swim. perfect temperature. People were very kind at the front desk…read more It's a basic locker room. It has a few showers that are on sensors, but the temperature is good once it warms up. They let you take everything up by the pool and supply a chair to put your items on

i am hoping to become a regular. I have not been swimming in a long time…read more and i have a present hip pain , and had trouble swimming so i did not spend long. the Water was warm reasonably , the air was cold,, i pulled myself out of the pool and next time i will look for steps or a ladder. The people were pleasant. there were lanes to swim in but it was April so ? not sure why it opens at 330pm but seems okay , i will try and swim now that i have been there once it was easy to d

What I Love 1. Top-Notch Amenities…read moreFrom the well-maintained free-weight section and cardio machines to the heated pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms -- everything feels clean, modern, and thoughtfully laid out. The variety of court sports (tennis, racquetball, pickleball) is a big bonus, especially when you want a break from monotonous workouts. 2. Friendly & Professional Staff The front desk team, trainers, and maintenance staff are all approachable, helpful, and responsive. Whenever I've had a question or requested assistance (be it with equipment, scheduling, or classes), it's been addressed promptly and with a smile. 3. Community Feel This is more than just a gym -- there's a sense of belonging. Members say hello, staff recognize faces, and there's a positive energy in the place. It feels like more than a place to lift or swim; it's a place where people want to spend time.

If I could give zero stars, I would. This club is outdated and poorly managed. Some facilities are…read moreokay but not worth what they charge, and the jacuzzi often has a very strong chlorine smell that even irritates your eyes. I was there with four children and felt disrespected during an interaction with the owner Bruce. The way I was spoken to felt rude and condescending, yelling and threatening to call the police over moving chairs its crazy. Our membership was canceled right after his meltdown. Paying members deserve to be treated with courtesy and respect. I also observed the summer camp area while there. Children who were not in the pool didn't seem to have any alternative activities and were mostly left sitting around, with staff often raising their voices and telling them if they don't get in the pool is their problem. Overall, I left with the impression that this club prioritizes collecting fees over providing quality service and a positive experience for families. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this club.

Good: pool exists Bad: Adult swim hours are inconsistent,…read morepool hours are inconsistent. The place seems to be run by teenagers, so maybe that is why. Last year they closed the pool two months too early because of sanitation issues. Shower and bathroom areas not consistently cleaned. They do not keep their website up to date and you can't call them to get correct info. BOOOO!

Wow, what a GREAT community pool. The swimming pool is a good size, with a shallow area blocked off…read morefor smaller swimmers, and the deep area blocked off for the diving board. The splash zone is in a separate gated area, and has a shallow area as well as the water structure with some slides, sprays, and the bucket that splashes every few minutes. There are at least 3 life guards for each pool. There are a few shaded areas with picnic tables (not sure if they need to be reserved in advance or are first-come), as well as a good amount of grassy areas for people to sit out there belongings. Would suggest to bring your own chairs or blankets to lay down. Also people brought pop-up canopies as well. Women's bathroom was decently clean. We spent almost five whole hours here and I would HAPPILY come again. Great, epic family day.

My son has become more confident ever since he is training with Bear swimming. Coach Malaga is…read moregreat with the kids and always has good encouraging words. They swim at contra costa college pool it is a safe environment and parents are welcome to participate.

Bear Swimming is a USA Swim Team,operating at Contra Costa College in San Pablo . Certified…read moreCoaching Staff and a fun Team environment are what keep Bear going strong for over 30 years ! Swimmers ages 4 to 18 years old welcome. Practice times are 5:30 to 7:00 pm Mondays,Wednesdays and Thursdays. We are a Year round Swim Team featuring Team activities,competition, and lots of instruction. Your kids will be professionally coached in a safe and intelligent manner.

Newly remodeled parts of Refugio Valley Park make it more welcoming especially on hotter days. The…read morenewly constructed shade ports offer shaded seating near fire pits. The parking lot has been remodeled with a designated crosswalk and two handicap parking spots closer to the middle of the park. The play structures remain the same with three benches nearest the bigger kids play area and one bench in the vicinity of the little kids play area. The duck pond remains a delight to experience, watching the ducks splash, chase and swim. When ducklings are present it is a treat to see. Today, we saw far more ducks than usual, sunbathing and enjoying cooler weather with constant wind gusts.

A great place to get some steps in…read more Stopped by for my daily walk and was reminded why this is one of my favorite places to be active. Features: Walking paths Benches Restrooms ( Dog friendly Playground Water views with ducks Shade Parking The park was clean, felt safe, and had plenty of space for walkers, runners, families, and people simply looking to enjoy the outdoors. Still under construction tho Definitely a place I'll continue returning to.

The Larkey Swim Center is a community pool in Walnut Creek that's great for kids and adult beginner…read moreswimmers. We came here a few times on a Saturday near the end of summer. It's adjacent to Larkey Park, so if the shared parking lots get full, you'll find plenty of free street parking. The pool itself is divided into several section - beginners (3.5 to 4.5 feet max depth), diving, and for lap swimming. They have lifeguards everywhere and they do a fine job of maintaining order. The water temperature was perfect. Our 5yo son seems to have a natural inkling for water but he enjoyed the pool far more than the splash pad, which is also popular with young kids. I tried carrying him up on the water slide but he refused. Note: for taller folks, they have a pretty intense water spray on top of the slide that can blind you. Imagine max shower pressure right on your face, LOL! Other amenities are large locker and changing rooms with clean showers, small picnic areas for sun tanning or relaxing, and plenty of benches and tables to store your bags or snacks. They also have a vending machine for cold drinks. Definitely plan on returning when the pool opens up again (9/27/25 was the last day for the summer). A definite bargain at just over $20 for a family of three.

Great splash park but very little shaded seating makes it difficult for older grandmas to watch the…read moregrandkids without wilting during the many hot days of summer!