> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Pools allow residents to wet their appetites
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/pools-allow-residents-to-wet-their-appetites/
- Published: 2004-09-04T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T05:00:55.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Community, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*Residents keeping cool in pools*

*By GENEVA WHITMARSH Daily Press Staff Writer*

SMC — While the Pacific Ocean is just a short jaunt away, many are coming to consider the Santa Monica Swim Center to be an oasis all its own.

Dubbed “the best pool to swim in” last month by Los Angeles Magazine’s “Best of L.A.” edition, the center is a $7 million facility comprised of two pools, diving boards and a raised sundeck. Since its much ballyhooed opening in the summer of 2002, the pool has consistently drawn people from across the Los Angeles region. Today, an estimated 1,000 people use the facility each day, according to officials.

“There’s nothing quite like this,” said patron Leah Crowe, a Santa Monica resident. “It’s like they thought of pretty much everything.”

Crowe is not alone. Many of the people who use the pool are long-time guests, but a recent advertising push — coupled with the write-up in Los Angeles Magazine — have increased attendance recently.

“We’re operating at our maximum,” said Barbara Stinchfield, director of community and cultural services for City Hall. “The best gauge of whether a facility was designed to meet the needs of the community is whether people use it. And in this case, its been a huge success.”

The pool, built as part of a joint agreement with Santa Monica College and situated on the school’s campus, doesn’t resemble most community swimming pools. From the outside, the blue-green building’s pothole windows give passers-by a unique glimpse inside. The pools are ringed with palm trees, while a glazed brick wall serves as a sound barrier.

The two pools collectively hold almost one million gallons of water. The splash pool is a 25-yard, 10-lane pool that ranges in depth from two to four feet. The fitness pool is a 25-yard, 50-meter pool with depths of 6 1/2 to 13 feet, and one-and three-meter diving boards.

A community room and sundeck overlook both pools, and organizers threw in a few amenities not always common at public pools, such as spin dryers for swimsuits.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve,” Stinchfield said.

The pool was originally situated in the center of campus, but after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake caused a parking structure to collapse, officials decided to swap the two in order to make the pool visible to the community.

The final design evolved from a series of workshops with residents, as well as some of the principal users of the pool — children, experienced swimmers and senior citizens.

But there were problems during its construction. The original contractor hired to complete the project went bankrupt halfway through the project, causing a delay as the city solicited additional bids. City officials then hired San Francisco-based Swinerton Builders to complete the job. The project’s price tag swelled from $5.3 million to $6.85 million, but the builder’s insurance company absorbed the added expense.

Designed to last approximately 75 years, the center is constructed of glazed concrete masonry to withstand both weather and graffiti, while steel elements are used to support sound-mitigating panels, sunscreens and trellises.

There are different entry fees for Santa Monica residents and non-residents. Residents of Santa Monica pay $2.50, or $1.25 if they are a student. The fee for non-residents is $5 ($2.50 for students). There are separate fees for children. The fees cover 25 percent of the pools’ operating expenses, according to city officials.

Patrons must plan their visit to concede with the college’s swim classes, practices and meets. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the pool is closed to the public from 9: 30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s closed to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

There are several swimming and water workout classes available at the facility for an additional fee.

“We have swim classes, diving, water polo,” said Amy Cramer, principal supervisor for the pool. “There’s really a wide variety of classes.”

Patrons can park in campus parking structures A and C with a valid permit. The permit can only be obtained if they are registered in class or purchase a swim pass. Parking also is available at street parking meters near the center.

For additional information regarding entry fees, class information and schedules, log onto www.santa-monica.org/aquatics/.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/090404-03_01.jpg)

Adult swimmers get their kicks in, and exercise, in the Santa Monica Swim Center’s lap pool. (Photo: Carolyn Sackariason/Daily Press)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 4, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/090404.pdf?ref=smdp.com)