Boise State University - www.boisestate.eduCampus Recreation - rec.boisestate.edu

Aquatic Complex: FAQs

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What are the hours of operation going to be?
The intent is to have the Aquatic Complex open for most of the hours the Student Recreation Center is open. We may have some programming going on during some of the time, but we are trying to design the space such that you will always be able to lap swim.

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How many different pools are going to be in the Aquatic Complex?
The plan is to have three (3) distinct bodies of water:
  • LAP POOL: This will be a 6-8 lane standard rectangular pool.
  • REC POOL: This will be more of a casual play space. There will be volleyball, basketball, and other fun features.
  • HOT TUB: This spa will be approximately 120 sq. ft. and be a great hang out.

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Will there be a hot tub?
Yes, we will have a hot tub that is approximately 120 sq. ft.

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Will there be a wave pool?
Unfortunately, no. Early on we did look into a Flow Rider (a surfing wave) but it turns out that wave pools take up A LOT of space and are pretty noisy. We are working on placing some jets in the pool to have an area where we can create a current. This should be good for certain types of exercise and kayaking.

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How deep will the pools be?
We have not totally worked that out yet, but currently we are looking for up to 10 ft. in the lap pool and up to 6 ft. in the rec pool.

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Will the pools be heated?
They sure will - otherwise everybody would be wearing wetsuits. The following temperature guidelines will be used:
  • LAP POOL: 80-82 degrees
  • REC POOL: 84-86 degrees
  • HOT TUB: 102-104 degrees

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Will there be locker/shower facilities?
The Student Recreation Center was originally constructed with an aquatics addition in mind. The plan is that we will expand the existing locker/shower facilities and you will be able to walk from the locker rooms straight out onto the pool deck.

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Will Campus Recreation hold SCUBA classes?
We hope to offer SCUBA. Since we have never done it before there are obviously some logistics we need to work out. We are definitely looking into it.

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Will Campus Recreation hold kayak classes?
Absolutely. Having an Aquatic Complex adjacent to the Outdoor Program office is going to make things much easier. Not only will we be offering kayak classes and kayak roll sessions, but there will be other boating opportunities such as canoeing, rafting, and river rescue.

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Will the varsity swim and dive teams workout in the Aquatic Complex?
While we are pretty limited in terms of space there is the possibility that these teams could hold practices in the new facilities.

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Will there be Intramural Sports in the Aquatic Complex?
We will definitely expand our offerings in that direction. Intertube Water Polo is fairly popular on many college campuses and we think would be a blast to offer. We will also look into IM swim meets, triathlons, underwater hockey, and welcome any suggestions.

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Will there be lifeguard and pool staff positions open for students?
Absolutely! We are budgeting approximately $125,000 in student salaries just for lifeguards. This will work out to about 30 new positions. In addition, with the increased programming opportunities we will be hiring more instructors for water fitness, instructional classes, safety training, and much more.

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Will construction of the Aquatic Complex increase student fees?
The actual construction of the facility is being funded by accumulated revenue on the original bond fund for the Student Recreation Center. That is a $7.5m facility with no additional cost to the students. Unfortunately, the current operational budget for Campus Recreation is not sufficient to cover the operational costs of the facility. Campus Recreation will be asking for a fee increase to cover this added expense. Membership rates for faculty, staff, and alumni will increase proportionally.

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Will there be a dress code?
The attire policy for all of the Student Recreation Center will also apply to the pool area. That is, "modest, non-revealing attire while using Campus Recreation facilities is required."

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How hygienic will the Aquatic Complex be?
The complex will be kept as clean as the rest of our facility and comply with all state codes. In all reality, our pools will not be considered "public" according to Idaho Code; however we will, adhere to all state regulations for public pools.

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Will the Aquatic Complex be crowded?
Honestly, we just don't know. If we build it, will they come? We hope that the space will get a lot of use and people will just have so much fun they keep on coming back. If the opening of the Student Recreation Center is any indication, we will not be crowded at first, but usage will steadily climb.

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Will people be allowed to bring their children to the Aquatic Complex?
We have a couple of plans for children once the pool area is done. First, the Student Recreation Center has family hours (Sa/Su 1:00-5:00) and we expect those will be fully utilized in the new pools. Second, we do intend on providing some instructional opportunities that may serve families: youth swim lessons, lifeguard training, water safety instructor classes, etc.

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Will I be able to use the Aquatic Complex in the summer?
Absolutely. The area will be treated just like the Student Recreation Center. If students are not taking classes over the summer there will be a small fee to use the Rec Center including the pools.

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Will non-BSU students be allowed to use the Aquatic Complex?
Any Rec Member (student, faculty, staff, alumni) will have access to the pool. As with the rest of our facilities, a Rec Member is allowed to purchase up to 2 day passes for guests.

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