More stressing than enjoyable experience for the kids! You feel like you can't do anything right and always on edge for 1.5 hours of free swim. The main lifeguard lady is ridiculous. I can see how safety is important for the kids, but these rules are not realistic for parents. They won't even allow me to walk over to the deep pool to watch my kid jump off the diving board because I did not have swimwear on. Ridiculous! Arcadia needs to reevaluate the main lifeguard lady! read more

The staff at this aquatic center are rude, overbearing, and completely unfriendly to moms especially those with multiple kids. Instead of helping, they micromanage and harass, making what should be a fun outing stressful and uncomfortable. Kids aren't welcomed here, just policed. Save yourself the headache and go somewhere else. read more

Norman S Johnson Aquatic Center - Swimming Pools Near Me - Arcadia, California

Pretty decent outdoor swimming pool. The main problem with this place is that it's really difficult to get details on the schedule. Often times you can call them and if it's off hours, they won't pick up. The only problem is, there's no reliable way to find out the correct hours! Luckily for you, the reader of this review, I did manage to reach them and find out some details for LAP SWIM (and I took some photos of the signage on the front door) Current Lap Swim schedule is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Hours are 4pm to 6pm. You need to pay online for an entrance fee. (It's on the reservations lacounty gov website) That's right, there is only a 2 hour window for lap swim right now, and only three days of the week. They are currently only known to be open for the summer season, which runs until August 20th. After that, they may close again, or change the schedule or something. Additionally, there is some signage that indicates wider hours and days, but I think it's signage for swimming pools across LA County, and each pool has their own schedules (like the one I just listed) read more

Norman S Johnson Aquatic Center - Summer 2022. Note the highlighted in yellow. - Swimming Pools Near Me - Arcadia, California

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I love this pool. My daughter has been taking daily swim lessons here since end of July, starting with only being comfortable putting her head in water and in a span on 3 months, she has learned all 4 strokes and is able to swim full laps in each style. The lifeguards know what they are doing, and they motivates the kids well and makes sure they are focused in their lessons. The staff was even able to accommodate us when we weren't able to sign up for a class on time, ensuring my daughter didn't have a 2 week gap of lessons. I appreciate that the staff enforces the rules to keep everyone safe and protect everyone's privacy rights, because it means that they do take their jobs seriously, and as a result, are able to maintain this facility to be very clean and have everything running smoothly. We are very sad that the pool will be closed until the following summer. read more

This is one of the most poorly run community centers I've encountered. The volunteers, who seem to be privileged Arcadian kids, don't make the space feel kid-friendly at all. If there's any joy to be found here, they certainly take it out. They lack basic manners and respect for the community. It seems like the only activity allowed is slow walking--no power walking, just a leisurely grandma pace. Also, they ban cameras inside, but I took mine outside, which technically isn't against the rules. In my opinion, this place could use a serious attitude adjustment, starting with learning how to create a more welcoming environment. Not friendly not family friendly sorry for Arcadian who have this is a community center to show for total joke read more

Norman S Johnson Aquatic Center - Shoes lol - Swimming Pools Near Me - Arcadia, California

Attention parents! : save this info SPLASH PAD IS OOEN STARTING ON JUNE 20 SPLASH PAD WILL OPEN MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAYS ONLY. It's frustrating to see ten signs on the door and all Of them Are super confusing. Hope this helps so you don't go on a wrong day like we did. read more

Norman S Johnson Aquatic Center - Swimming Pools Near Me - Arcadia, California

Very nice pool, clean water, and clean facilities. Unfortunately, our experience was ruined by the facility's overly restrictive policies. We brought our daughter to visit the splash pad over the weekend. My wife was not permitted to enter to watch my daughter because she did not have a swing-suit. There were 8 lifeguards on duty, who were constantly yelling in megaphones at the guests. My 4-year old daughter came to me saying "I don't like lifeguards.", which is telling of what the experience was like. There is a super long list of restrictions. Kids must always be within arms-reach of parents (even though mom wasn't allowed inside). Kids are not allowed to climb on the parent's backs, etc. Overall, it ruined our family experience. Whoever is running this facility needs to lighten up a bit and chill out. I appreciate the cleanliness, but I don't want my afternoon swim to feel like swimming in a maximum security prison. It's not the best experience for my child either, who now dislikes lifeguards. read more

First time coming here with my 7 and 9 year old daughters. Facility, pool and showers are clean but staff and lifeguards are rude, unfriendly and harassing. They yell at every kid who runs and yell at every person who makes the wrong move in the pool. At the end of swim session, my daughter started crying because she said one of the lifeguards yelled at her when she was in the water because she was too close to one of the rope dividers. This is totally unacceptable and I will be speaking to management about this. My only concern is that if this attitude from the staff and lifeguards have been the same for years as I've read, then management has a problem. Management is the one who needs to be replaced. read more

To make it short and simple, the facility overall is well kept up from the pool to the locker rooms. The staff and lifeguards are very respectful and friendly. I love how the rules are enforced before and during free swim and lessons to make sure adults and children are kept safe. read more

Nice clean pool in the summer for swim lessons and other water activities. Clean locker rooms. read more

Norman S Johnson Aquatic Center - Gated pool. - Swimming Pools Near Me - Arcadia, California

Great place to cool off for free during recreation swimming Monday to Friday 12pm to 2:30pm and Sat. 12:30pm-2:30pm and 3pm-4:45pm. read more

Norman S Johnson Aquatic Center - Swimming Pools Near Me - Arcadia, California

where did they find all these rude lifeguards here? It seems each one of them has their own rules. I was wearing a tank top and swim short with my kid at splash pad, one lifeguard told me its not allowed, tank top ? then she didn't even bother another guy who's wearing the same thing next to me. Odd. and no phones not even in the waiting area? is that even necessary? read more

I came on a Friday afternoon for lap swim from out of town. They were open for lap swim from 3 - 6:30pm. You can't bring a gym bag to the pool deck but there are free lockers available to use with posted instructions on how to operate. They have plenty of gear available to borrow if you don't bring your own - fins, kick boards, pull buoys. I think they had hand paddles too. Unfortunately, you can't pay for an individual visit. I had to buy a 5-visit pass for $15, and had to that online, not in-person. You have to first sign up for an account and then make your purchase. Call (626) 821-5894 and they can direct you. read more

The pool and pool facilities including the locker rooms at this location are so well kept and managed. The staff are all very courteous and professional. Under the leadership and guidance of the pool manager, Adriana Dinas, this place has gone above and beyond. As I watch my daughter grow in her swimming abilities, she is also smiling and laughing the entire lesson. This place is the highlight of her summer. I really appreciate the leadership of Adriana, keeping the pool and facilities in tip top shape and also, motivating the entire staff and teachers to really enjoy their jobs and be passionate about teaching these young kids how to swim! read more

Why put money into this pool and make it so nice to only have such restrictions?! You can only go for like an hour and a half to the pool 3 days a week and the life guards here act a little extreme too! They make you wait in line under the heat to get in and that cuts into the swim time which is only 1.5 hours! This place is not what a used to be growing up. What a waste of money! read more

We absolutely love this pool. The splash pad is perfect for out toddler and out 8 and 6 year love the deeper side (4) They have a lot of restrictions but it's ok because the facility is clean. read more

1 star for free entry and another for cleanliness. Nothing for the prison yard vibe. From the moment you walk in, someone is yelling at you about some rule that isn't posted visibly and isn't clear. And then you have to swim while listening to everyone else get yelled at, never knowing when you'll be next as the prison/life guards eyeball every move you make. I've never felt so dehumanized at a public swiming pool before. Even the lady at the front desk was unprofessional as she yanked my 5 year olds hand to put a wrist band on her, without telling either of us that a wrist band was needed or why they're needed or that she was about to put one on her. We literally walked up to the front window, she didn't even look at me, just immediately told me 5 year old to give her her hand. Then she tells me to go to another window to check in my bag. So we walk around to another window and the same lady we were just talking to comes around and opens it and demands all of our stuff. "What about our towels?" I ask. "No towels allowed outside! And go rinse off! And no phones!" "No phones?" "No! and go rinse off!" So I put my keys and wallet and phone in my bag, go rinse off, come back and ask for my bag again to get some sunscreen, then recheck my bag. She says sandals arent allowed by the pool and I have to leave them by the door. All this is fine I guess, but it's being asked of us in such a demanding and demeaning way. Which just sets you up for the pool area where the mood continues. Seriously, It's like I'm being punished for something and repaying my debt to society here. Whoever is in charge either doesn't know how to handle this place or they are deliberately trying to kill attendance. I'm never bringing my kid here again. read more

Life lifeguard here are absolutely CRAZY. They make you feel like you are in a prison. SO MANY unnecessary rules, and when I say the staff are rude that is an understatement. Do not waste your time in going here. It was honestly one of the most odd experiences I have ever had. read more

[For Free Swim Only] If you're scared off by all the negative reviews, great! Move along to some other facilities, and that means more swimming space for the rest of us. Free Swim hours are: M-F 12:00 - 1:30 Sa-Su 12:00 - 5:00 Last day of Summer Free Swim is Labor Day. As you enter the building, you can get changed in the shower rooms on either side, men on one side, and women on the other, of course. You can then check in all your belongings with the staff, and only enter the pool with what you're wearing. No shoes, no flipflops, no towels, and you must rinse off before entering the pool area. Pool is exceptionally clean, and there are lifeguards everywhere to monitor the swimmers. There is a splash zone for toddlers/kids, a youth pool, and a regular sized pool for diving and lap swimmers. Adjacent to the splash zone, there IS a modest seating area with tents, so parents can watch their kids play. To enter the bigger pool, you must find a lifeguard, usually wearing red shorts and a white T-shirt, and ask to take a "swim test." This requires you to swim from one end of the youth pool to the other and back, unassisted. Freestyle swim is preferred. The second part of the swim test requires you to enter the big pool and tread/kick water unassisted for 10 seconds. Basically, you must demonstrate your ability to stay afloat. Once you passed these two "tests," you will be given a disposable wristband on the spot, which acts as your pass to access the big pool. The wristband is for THAT DAY only. Test must be taken every time you come to the facility and wish to access the big pool. Other than that, great swimming facility and professional staff all around. Just follow the rules of common courtesy, and nobody would have the time to single you out and yell at you. One star off for causing me to see a middle-aged dude prancing around the pool with his super tight speedo bikini on. Two sizes too small, and that is just something I can not unseen. read more

Norman S Johnson Aquatic Center - New in 2016 Free Swim: Wristband to enter the big pool. - Swimming Pools Near Me - Arcadia, California

Pool is open for free swimming from 12:30-2:30 Monday-Saturday. Sunday is closed. Very clean and not crowded. There are at least 4 lifeguards watching your every move which is kind of uncomfortable but other than that very nice pool. read more

Luckily I read most of the reviews so I knew what I was in for. Is staff strict? Yes. Are some of the rules a little over the top? I think so but once you consider that they're all put in place to keep everyone safe, the place is free and the staff is just doing their job, you'll have a much better experience. read more

Swimming here is cheap. Just $10 for 5 sessions. Unlike many public pools, this is open year round and the water is heated. At night, steam rises from the water like a hot spring. I love that the place is never crowded and I always get an entire lane to myself. There are a few problems. 1. No single use option. You must buy at least 5 sessions each time. 2. Very limited hours. They are only open 6-8PM daily. 3. RUDE STAFF. I have never felt so unwelcome in my life. Does everyone here hate their job? I cannot believe the tone these people use when speaking to swimmers. read more

Norman S Johnson Aquatic Center - Swimming Pools Near Me - Arcadia, California

Current 2018 rec swim hours in photo attached. Free and great for all ages, you just have to put up with the rules. read more

Norman S Johnson Aquatic Center - Swimming Pools Near Me - Arcadia, California

Hey if the business owner can really get to this comment. That means this place is worth to try again. They have crazy rules, I understand that they have 126 for maximum capacity. Then no one can come inside, you have to wait 10 out then 10 in. So when 2 come out 3 come out , you can't come in. And when you want to talk to manager. Don't because she is a Mexican rude lady! Stay away from this business! read more

A bit pathetic that the hours of operation is only from 12:30pm to 2pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays only. That's literally just 1.5 hours on 3 days (so 4.5 hours total). read more

we came here with my 2 year old for the first time,. waited 20 mins and stayed for 5. one prison guard said to my mom who waited in the waiting area to check in the phone, we did that then five mins later, another guard said she is not wearing bathing suit in the waiting area,. she needs to go, so we left. why? what kind of rule is that? my mom is in her early 70s. she just wanted to sit on the bench quietly and watch her granddaughter to play for a while. why does she need a bathing suit when she's not even near the water?! These pool cops taking their summer jobs way too seriously! read more

Very nice place for lap swimming and you can't beat the price. Restrooms/showers are very clean and well maintained. Pool area is clean as well. They have kickboards and other items you are welcome to use during your swim. I was a little confused when I first went in the front desk guy was not very clear with how everything works. As a new patron I would think he would provide more clear instructions. Thankfully I looked lost enough one of the lifeguards came out and gave me the rundown on the joint and all was clear after that. Only reason for 4 stars is they only take cash and he front desk guy although he was friendly was not super helpful. read more

Wow. I only wish I read the reviews on this place before I came to visit. It is true. The most harassing staff I have ever witnessed at any pool in my entire life. They spent more time yelling at little toddlers (who are still just learning how to talk and comprehend adults) and their parents than they spent actually being watchful on the pool of swimmers. For goodness sake, it was really sad to watch. It's one thing to have rules, it's another thing on how the staff delivers them. Every 30 seconds you will hear them screaming out at kids and parents. Can't see how this would be an enjoyable experience for any family. You can't relax at all! Do yourself a favor, and go spend a little money and swim somewhere else. Not worth any free swim. 1 star for the awesome cones they yell through. Sorry. read more

This could be a fun pool, but unfortunately it leaves a lot to be desired. The pool area itself is awesome, with one side a mini water park-looking area, and the other side for regular swimming. The downside is that the staff is made up of a bunch of rude teenagers. Who knows, maybe I'm just getting old, but the majority of these kids seem like they hate their jobs and quite possibly people in general. For example, I spent yesterday watching lifeguards yell at guests through a giant megaphone while pointing in a hostile manner. And for stupidly absurd reasons, too. While mildly entertaining, it was unnecessary. Having to check in everything at the front counter beside your swimsuit is a bad, bad rule mostly because the concrete in this July heat is scorching! No worries, you will only get 2nd-degree burns on the soles of your feet. They claim to hose off the concrete but it was absolutely NOT hosed off at any point during our visit. And having to check in your towels is pretty dumb, too. So not only do you burn your feet, but you freeze while waiting in line to get your towel. (ETA: Apparently they now have an EZ-Up for you to leave your sandals under- but still no towels.) Thankfully I've not had anyone yell at me or my kids. However, I will continue to come back but only because my kids enjoy it and it's free and clean, so that's what the one star is for. read more

I tried to register for a swimming lesson for my son today. I called a day before for some information. The guy on the phone told me the registration would start at 10am but it would be better to show up early. I showed up at 9:20am and there was a short line. I got in the line and filled out the registration form. It wasn't bad at all! Then I waited... and waited till 10:20am, nothing happened, except the line became a mile longer. I was actually happy for showing up early because I was close. Finally at 10:30am, a lady came out with a box of little pieces of paper. She asked us to randomly draw these papers out of the box that had numbers on them. I happened to get a very large number, which meant it was almost IMPOSSIBLE for me to even get registered! I asked around whether showing up early was meaningless since the chances were totally random. They said I was right. There was no point to be there early. I could have showed up at 11am but drawn a number 1 and get in front of everybody. This was the most stupid experience I've ever had... read more

Easy parking, lots of free spots after 6:30pm when all the baby swimmers leave. Parents feel very safe dropping off kids for their swimming lessons coz there is a gate and you always see the same people, instructors at the location. Trust me, if you are the new face, everybody can spot you out! Kids are trained to keep an eye on you and not hesitate to point you out to their instructors. There is a great partially shaded spectators stand for parents to observe their kids. Yes, you do not need to be next to your kids when they practice, after all, kids can learn to be independent, socializing appropriately, following instruction ON THEIR OWN. Stop complaining about the pool rules. Just be a monster parent OUTSIDE the pool and it's your own business. One minor inconvenience is that there is a delay in turning on the lights in the changing room at dusk. Another thing.... There is scuba diving class every Tuesday and Thursday nights. Kind of cool, so go check it out. You may see them gliding across the pool floor . Wave and say hi. The scuba diver who almost made contact with you was me, sorry I couldn't sink to the bottom of the pool. But now I can handle it. Lol read more

I really like this place, not just because it's free swim (bonus) but because it has such a variety of swim options. From a splash zone where non swimmers can play and have fun to a deep end with diving boards and even a place for lap swim. As an ex lifeguard myself I understand the need for them to be strict. It is for our safety after all. I have used this pool for the past couple of years to help my grandkids all under 5 learn to have fun and be safe in and around bodies of water. read more

Place was awesome for my toddlers. They have a kiddie pool for the little ones plus when we got there it was free. Can't get any better than that. I also enrolled my daughter for swim class and only for $20? That's unheard of. The people that work there are not very friendly but not rude either so for the price I can't complain. read more

Norman S Johnson Aquatic Center - Great place for toddlers and water not too cold - Swimming Pools Near Me - Arcadia, California

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Lap swim hours totally suck. What happened to the morning lap swim hours on the weekdays?

What a nice facility for a cool swim on a hot summer day! We went on a Saturday afternoon for a couple hours. It's free and they have clean facilities including showers, toilets, and changing rooms. Don't forget to rinse off before getting in, please. I'm not here to make soup with you. Ew. You nasty... Lifeguards are fine; they'll yell at you not to run and to swim away after you dive in (as they should). You'll have to pass a swim test before you can go into the deeper pool and diving boards. That consists of swimming the length of the shallower pool back and forth and then treading for 10 seconds in the 7 foot deep end. No complaints here! What more can you ask for when it's free!? read more

Rude Staff and Harassing "Rules" The pool facility is very nice and well maintained. But the staff are on major power trips. I brought my 6 year old daughter (she swims competitively) and we both passed the swim test. We could hardly move in the pool without getting yelled at. They basically want you in the pool not moving. When we finally went to the rec pool, which my daughter could stand in, we were harassed. We actually had a lifeguard standing over us in the pool watching our every move. Horrible and disturbing. She couldn't be past arms length away from me. Know how hard that is for a kid who just wants to swim around and have fun in the pool on a summer day? These same lifeguards saw her swimming lap after lap in the competitive pool and diving off the diving boards too. I brought my friend and her daughter and none of us will be back. No wonder the pool is practically empty all summer long. read more

Heated water. Outdoor so that you enjoy the fresh air in peaceful park. Love it and have been there for many years. Staff are very nice. Very kid friendly coz there is a pool specifically for little kids. BTW, it is free in weekend and only cost 2 bucks on weekdays. read more

What is offered to the public year-round: Lap Swim (ages 14+) Monday thru Friday 6:00am-8:00am and 6:00pm-8:00pm $7/week or $25/month Aqua Aerobics (ages 17+) Monday thru Friday 8:30am-9:30am $7/week or $25/month *They are working on daily passes, but unfortunately they are not offered yet. They still offer FREE weekend public swim thru the end of October, 2014! That is Saturday and Sunday from 12:30-5:00pm. *proper swim attire is required. *children six years and younger are required to be accompanied into the water by an adult. Make sure to inquire about their adult swim lessons, which are offered Monday thru Friday from 5:00pm-6:00pm. All experience levels are welcomed and the instructors amazing. The prices are minimal and the facility is safe, yet still beautiful. Staff is great, too. *this info is current as of 10/08/2014 read more

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Current pool hours as of August 2014: Mon-Fri 12:00-1:30. Sat 12:30-5:00. Sunday closed. Open until Sept 1, 2014 for free swim. It can get crowded so you're not guaranteed to get in. You may have to wait outside until pool visitors leave (max occupancy at free pool) If you obey these rules nobody will correct you. 1. shower before entering pool area (sunscreen already on OUTSIDE the pool building). 2. if you bring ANY items to the pool, use the free locker (mesh bag) to put your items prohibited at the pool: (shoes sippycups toiletries water sunscreen towels phone) you can not take any items with you to the pool (sunglasses ok goggles ok sandals and watershoes ok). 3. First lifeguard at center pool instructs you to do first (of 2) swim test: front crawl (freestyle) across and back in the 4 foot deep lap area. 4. Second swim test at deep end (7 foot-13 foot deep) where you tread water for 10 seconds. 5. Diving board rules:--no back dives--do not step on diving board until the previous diver has reached the wall. Diving is ONLY from the 2 diving boards. You may bounce only once on the diving board--no waiting on the diving board allowed. Take off your goggles when diving. 6. Pool in general: no running, no diving EXCEPT from diving board, no jumping into pool from the side (even if you are not "diving") YOU WILL BE YELLED AT IF YOU DO NOT OBEY--this is for your safety. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not ONE OF YOU would obey the weak request: "please walk by the pool" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- new phone number: (626) 821-5894 North Pool 1: kids, water spraying, 1 foot deep. Middle pool: Laps, wading, 4 feet South pool: Laps, 2 Diving boards, 7 foot at shallowest, 13 foot under diving boards. Admission is free read more

So where do I even begin! I will not be coming back to this pool. Duarte Aquatic center is sooo much better! As someone else mentioned in their review, the lifeguards are on some sort of power trip there. They jump and yell at the very second you break a rule. Although they're no rules posted. Rules are great, but honestly they make up rules as they just pop up in their head! My daughter under 6 years old needs to be with me at all times, but if she can prove that she can swim across the pool then she wont have to be stuck on your hip. We did that, and passed the test. 5 min. after that they're yelling at me about her being 2 feet away from me!!!! Oh and dont use a hair scrunchie to play catch, you will be yelled at. Another rule of theirs! Plan on enjoying this pool while being stationary in it, because that's all you can do. read more