Plains Pool opens for the 2011 swimming season Published June 8, 2011 By Jessica Gibson 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Over Memorial Day weekend, the Vance community celebrated the real first day of summer when the Plains Pool on base opened for business. Eager swimmers of all ages swarmed to cool off and enjoy some time with friends and family. Visitors have been coming to the pool consistently since then. Whitney Day, a lifeguard at the pool, said the best part of working at the pool is the chance to teach kids and to help the people who come to the pool. "You can tell they're having a good time because of all the laughing and playing and splashing," she said. Last year, CSC Civil Engineering switched the pool's chemical disinfectant system from a chlorine-based system to a salt-based system. The change received positive feedback from the Vance community. However, Dennis Burnett, with CSC/CE Operations, said that the controller used to maintain the chemical levels often did not function properly, and the pool was frequently closed on short-notice to fix the controller. As a result, this year, the pool has returned to a chlorine-based system. Because of the benefits a salt-based disinfectant system offers, such as being gentler on skin, hair, and clothes, Mr. Burnett said CSC/CE may try a salt-based system again in the future. Frequently asked questions: When is the pool open? The pool is open seven days a week from 9 a.m to 9 p.m. Lap-swim times are from 11 a.m. to noon and from 5 to 6 p.m. What are the rules for the wading pool? The wading pool is for children 6 years old and younger. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times while in the wading pool. How much do pool passes cost? A season pass for a family is $45 and a single season pass is $25. Daily passes are $1.50. Families with family members deployed in the last 12 months swim for free. Swim lessons are $40 per session. All passes can be purchased at the Fitness Center, Building 316. Pick up a flier from the Fitness Center for full range of passes and prices. What are the dates for swim lessons? The first session of swim lessons is currently underway, but two more sessions will be held June 20-30 and July 11-21. All classes start at 10 a.m. The sign up deadlines for the sessions are June 15 and July 6 respectively. Pick up a flier at the Fitness Center for a complete list of swim lessons, dates and policies. Where do I pay for swim lessons, passes, etc.? All fees must be paid at the Fitness Center. The pool itself does not accept fees. How old do children and teens have to be before they can use the pool alone? Teens, 13 and older, are allowed to swim unaccompanied. Tweens, 11-12, may swim in the pool alone as long as they have passed the swim test. Children, 10 and younger, must have a responsible adult in the pool with them at all times. Are there concessions at the pool? Can I bring my own food? There is no concession stand at the pool but there is a small vending machine. You can bring your own food and drink as long as it is kept within the designated eating areas. No glass bottles are allowed and trash must be disposed of properly. Can the Plains Pool be reserved for private parties? The pool can be reserved during the day. Reservations and payment are made at the Fitness Center, 213-7670. What is the pool's weather policy? The pool closes if there is lightning and thunder within 10 miles of Vance AFB, or if lightning and thunder are seen or heard. Once the storm is beyond 10 miles of the base the pool opens again. When will the pool close for the summer? The pool usually closes the third weekend after Labor Day but is subject to change.