Swim Center
Dive into the U of I Swim Center
The Swim Center is a premier aquatics facility in the Inland Northwest, serving students, faculty, staff and the community in a safe and welcoming environment.
This 33,839-square-foot facility features two 25-yard pools — an eight-lane competition pool with two diving boards and a four-lane warm-up and teaching pool. It supports academic classes, swim competitions, fitness and recreation, U of I’s Movement Sciences and ROTC programs, and is home to Vandal women’s swimming and diving.
Main Swim Center activities include:
- Academic and recreational classes
- Competitive swim and dive meets
- U of I women’s swimming and diving practices
- Community and school swim programs
- Swim lessons and Red Cross certification
- Year-round recreational swimming
Swim Center hours
Morning | Midday | Evening | |
Monday | 6-8:30 a.m. | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 6-7 p.m. |
Tuesday | 6-8:30 a.m. | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 6-7 p.m. |
Wednesday | 6-8:30 a.m. | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 6-7 p.m. |
Thursday | 6-8:30 a.m. | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 6-7 p.m. |
Friday | 6-8:30 a.m. | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 6-7 p.m. |
Saturday - Sunday | No lap swim | No lap swim | No lap swim |
Swim Center is closed for lap swim on the following days*:
- Weekends beginning May 10
- Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day
- Thursday, June 19 for Juneteenth
- Friday, July 4 for Independence Day
- July 19-Aug. 24 for Annual Maintenance
*Subject to change
Take swim lessons at the Swim Center
Our American Red Cross-based swim lessons focus on water safety and skills for all levels, from infants to pre-competitive swimmers.
Swim Center passes
All swim passes (except daily passes) can be purchased online through the U of I Swim Center page at or in person at the check-in desk with exact change or a check payable to the ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ Swim Center. Full-time U of I students receive free access to UIdaho's Swim Center.
How to get your pass online:
- Complete your .
- Print your receipt and sign the .
- Bring both documents to the Swim Center for activation.
Additional information:
- Pass sales for the 2025-26 academic year start Monday, Aug. 17, 2025.
- Daily passes are ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ in person (exact change or check).
- 30-day passes activate on the purchase date.
- Semester and season passes are prorated, with final pricing at checkout.
Swim pass rates
Daily: $6
30-Day: $33
10-Punch: $45
Fall or Spring Semester: $110
'24-'25 Season: $264
Activating your Swim Pass
- 30-Day, Semester, and Season Lap Swim Passes will be linked to your VandalCard. If you don’t have a VandalCard, assistance is ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ at the Swim Center check-in desk.
- Ten Punch Passes will be issued as a physical punch card at the check-in desk.
- 30-Day Passes also have the option of a temporary paper card, ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ upon request at check-in.
Purchase a Swim Center pass
All swim passes (except daily passes) can be purchased online through the U of I Swim Center page at Active.com.Â
Swim waiver requirement
All Swim Center users must have a current Waiver of Liability on file at the Swim Center. Waivers are valid only for active pass holders and must be renewed each term.
Swim Center program scholarships
The Swim Center maintains scholarships for its programs for individuals with financial need. Qualifications are reviewed case by case.
Some of the qualifications the ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ Swim Center uses to determine financial need are:
- The family receives federal food stamps
- The student receives free or reduced school lunch
- The family meets federal poverty guidelines
These qualifications may be subject to verification. Scholarships are limited and we want to do the best we can to identify and assist those in need. ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ students are encouraged to apply.
Swim Center scholarships
Submit a Swim Center scholarship application
Swim Center policies
Center rules
- A lifeguard must be present and on duty to use the facility.
- Failure to comply with a lifeguard will result in expulsion from the facility.
- No running in the Swim Center facility.
- Do not sit or hang on lane lines or hang feet from gutters.
- No one may jump or dive off of the diving blocks without permission.
- Fighting, intimidation, roughness, running or horseplay in or out of the water is prohibited.
- Please show courtesy and consideration for other users of the Swim Center.
- Language which is profane or obscene is not condoned nor is it permitted.
- No inappropriate affectionate behavior will be permitted.
- No alcohol or tobacco products are permitted.
- Balls, toys, games, etc. are only allowed during open swim.
- At no time will a patron be allowed to swim or use diving boards in the deep pool unless they are capable of swimming at least one length of the pool to the satisfaction of the lifeguard.
- Individuals with a contagious disease or infectious conditions are asked not to use the Swim Center.
- Appropriate swim attire required.
- Only PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) that are Coast Guard Approved are allowed in the pool.
- Absolutely no glass is allowed in the facility.
- No food, beverages (other than water) or gum are allowed on the deck or pool.
- Children under 9 years of age will not be allowed in the pool unless accompanied by an adult, 18 years of age or older.
- Patrons are responsible for the security of their own personal belongings. Lockers are ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ for day use, but patrons must provide their own locks, which are to be removed at the end of the day.
- Children who are not yet toilet trained are required to wear swim diapers.
- Patrons are encouraged to shower before and after using the pool.
- Pollution of the pool is prohibited. Persons blowing their nose, expectorating, urinating or depositing any foreign material in the pool will be asked to leave.
- U of I Swim Center Management reserves the right to modify rules as necessary.
Circle swim policy for lap swimming
- Circle swimming means you keep the center line on your left in both directions
- ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ Athletics and the Movement Science Department have simultaneous access to the Swim Center during lap and open swim.
- Swim Center Swim Lessons and other programming will ALWAYS be shared during lap and open swim.
- No coaching or teaching of non-familial children or adults allowed (please see pool management for more information)
- Coaching of family members allowed from the water only (please see pool management for more information)
- U of I Swim Center Management reserves the right to modify this policy as necessary.
Building history
Opened in 1970 alongside the Physical Education Building, the Swim Center has long been a hub for both the university and the wider community. Over the years, multiple renovations have kept the facility modern and functional. The most recent update in 2017 included a $1 million tile and gutter restoration. Previous upgrades featured new diving boards in 2008, a locker room renovation in 2009, and ongoing improvements to filtration systems, starting blocks, wall tiles and windows to enhance the experience for all users.