Plains Pool opens for the summer swimming season Published June 15, 2010 By Jessica Gibson 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Nothing says summer quite like the sound of laughter, squeals and water splashing. The best place to combine all three is at Vance AFB's Plains Pool. The pool opened for the summer over the busy, hot Memorial Day weekend. An estimated 500 people came to the pool those three days to enjoy water, sun, and friends. Marty Balutski was excited about being in the pool every day over the holiday. "It was good to just cool off, and not have to be hot all day," he said. "Everyone was having a good time, but it didn't get really crowded until it got hotter." Marty is the son of Chief Master Sgt. Kenui Balutski, the 71st Flying Training Wing command chief. This year the Plains Pool changed its chemical disinfectant from chlorine based to salt based, said Darcy Selder, the head lifeguard. "It's cheaper in the long run and it's better for our hair and skin." Salt water pools are not completely devoid of chlorine, but the levels of chlorine are decreased and the water doesn't irritate skin as badly. Not only that, it smells and tastes better, and won't fade swimwear as quickly, said Ms. Selder. For more information, contact the Fitness Center, 213-7670. Facts about Plains Pool: The pool is 100 feet long, 50 feet wide, 3 feet deep in the shallow end and 10 feet deep in the deep end. It takes approximately 243,750 gallons to fill the pool. The pool is cleaned every morning and the pH levels are checked every two hours. Rainwater dilutes the chemical disinfectant levels. Lightening has never struck the pool but it has struck nearby. Three lifeguards are on duty at the pool at all times, but four go on duty when the pool is crowded. 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. Water aerobics are from 9 to 10 a.m. beginning Tuesday, June 15. Water aerobics are free of charge. 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, Bldg. 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 21-30 and July 12-21. All classes start at 10 a.m. The sign up deadlines for the sessions are June 16 and July 7 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 25 miles of Vance AFB, or if lightning and thunder are seen or heard. Once the storm is beyond 25 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.