By Emily Wangen

The Albert Lea city pool on Saturday opened its doors for the first time this summer.

With diving boards, a waterslide and a kiddie pool, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the facility at 321 James Ave.

Val Fox brings her 9-year-old son, Tyson, to the pool approximately three times per week. Fox enjoys spending time with her son, while Tyson likes doing cannonballs off the diving board and speeding down the water slide.

First time patron Heather Cameron said she has found the pool to be a fun activity close to her home, and she said she plans on purchasing a season pass.

For those planning on swimming at the pool, there are some rules to abide by. The pool does not allow flotation devices of any kind.

“They create a false sense of security for the child and can create more issues,” manager Luke Sunblad said.

Along with swimming, the pool offers other water activities: There are water aerobics; pool crashers — an event where teens can come to the pool from 7:30 to 9 p.m. for $1 on Saturday and July 9; as well as swimming lessons.

There are three sessions of swimming lessons this summer. To register, visit the Albert Lea City Arena or sign up online at ci.albertlea.mn.us.

The Albert Lea city pool is open from 1 to 5 p.m from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for night swim on weekdays, and from 1 to 7 p.m. during the weekend. Lap swim is from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. weekdays for a cost of $2. Water aerobics is from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 8 to 9 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays through Aug. 14. The cost for water aerobics is $45.

Admission to the pool for children 2 and under is $1.25, for non-swimmers $2.50 and for everyone else $3.50 during the day. During night swim, the price lowers to $1 for children 2 and under and $2 for everyone else. Pool passes for the season can be purchased from the Park and Rec office.