Where to find indoor pools and lap swimming around Wilmington
Photo credit: Fitness at The Davis Community
Swimming doesn't have to end when summer does. Around Wilmington, several fitness and recreation facilities offer indoor or seasonally covered pools where swimmers can continue getting in their laps throughout the year.
Options range from traditional lap pools to heated saltwater pools and aquatic fitness facilities. Access varies, too: some require memberships, while others offer different membership or program options.
Whether you're training, looking for a joint-friendly workout or simply prefer swimming indoors, here are several places to check out around Wilmington.
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Wilmington has several options for year-round swimming, including indoor pools at fitness centers and a YWCA pool that is enclosed during the cooler months.
- The details: Facilities offer a mix of lap swimming, open swim, water exercise, swim lessons and other aquatic programs.
- Why it matters: Swimming provides another way to stay active regardless of the weather, with options for both independent exercise and organized classes.
- The more you know: Lap-lane availability can change throughout the day because of classes, swim teams and other programming, so check the current pool schedule before visiting.
Nir Family YMCA
The Nir Family YMCA is one of Wilmington’s main options for year-round indoor swimming, with two indoor pools, including a six-lane pool, available for lap swimming. The YMCA also offers water exercise, swim lessons and other aquatic programming, so lane availability can vary throughout the day.
- Address: 2710 Market St., Wilmington
- Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: (910) 251-8196
- Pool info: Two indoor pools, including a six-lane pool; check the current schedule for lap-lane availability.
Fitness Zone at The Davis Community
Fitness Zone at The Davis Community is open to the public and offers a year-round pool with lap swimming, open swim and aqua fitness classes. Pool-only memberships are available, and swimmers also have access to pool amenities including a sauna and hot tub.
- Address: 980 Roundhouse Circle, Wilmington
- Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Phone: (910) 319-2124
- Pool info: Year-round pool with lap swimming, open swim and aqua fitness classes; pool-only memberships are available.
Cambridge Fitness Wilmington
Cambridge Fitness Wilmington offers an indoor heated saltwater pool as part of its fitness and wellness facility. Members can use the pool for aquatic exercise, and aqua classes are also part of the fitness schedule, along with amenities including a hot tub and steam room.
- Address: 83 Cavalier Drive, Wilmington
- Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Phone: (910) 239-9970
- Pool info: Indoor heated saltwater pool with aqua classes; check with the facility about current lap-swimming availability.
YWCA Lower Cape Fear Aquatics Center
The YWCA Lower Cape Fear operates a six-lane pool year-round, with a heated dome covering the pool from late September through late April before being removed for open-air swimming during warmer months. The pool offers lap swimming and other aquatic programming.
- Address: 2815 College Road, Wilmington
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-7:25 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-3:55 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3:55 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: (910) 799-6820
- Pool info: Six lap lanes with shallow and deep ends; enclosed beneath a heated dome from late September through late April. Scheduled to reopen Oct. 19 after renovations.
UNCW Campus Recreation
UNCW Campus Recreation has an indoor pool at the Pat Leonard Student Recreation Center with swimming and aquatic fitness programming throughout the academic year. Access is primarily for UNCW students, faculty and staff, but members can sponsor up to two guests, with one-day guest passes available for $10 for visitors 18 and older. Pool hours can change during university breaks and special events, so check the current schedule before visiting.
- Address: 5070 Price Drive, Wilmington
- Hours: 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 6-8 a.m. and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: (910) 962-3261
- Pool info: Indoor pool with aquatic programming; hours follow the university calendar and may change during breaks or special events.
