Top Swimming instructors in Columbia, United States

There is a public pool maybe 8 blocks from this pool, and that pool and this one are extremely similar in size and amenities. In fact, there are 23 public pools in this town, some of which are far larger and have many more features. Given that, a private swim club only has a few ways to distinguish itself, and unfortunately as far as I can tell, the way ASC distinguishes itself is with a lax attitude toward member behavior.

That became my theory, anyway, when I was clocked in the head with a basketball while accompanying my young children at an open house at ASC. A bunch of young dudes were chucking around a basketball at velocities that would've gotten then thrown out of a public pool, but at ASC, the lifeguard seemed to be in on the joke. I am only glad that the injury happened to me and not one of my kids.

Treating the pool like a half-court practice session was far from the only questionable behavior I saw there: I also saw parents fail to swim alongside extremely young children who were obviously struggling; I saw a good deal of roughhousing; and there was a ton of random paraphernalia floating in the pool obstructing the lifeguards from being able to actually effectively scan the water.

I'm fairly certain alcohol was involved in at least some of the behavior I saw at ASC. Their official policy is that alcohol is allowed inside for "responsible consumption," a policy I simply cannot agree with.

I should at least mention that the draw of ASC to some parents is their apparently attractive kids' swim team offerings, but I can't speak to that at all.

This is not just a pool. This is summer, in all it's glory. This is a nod back to the days where families got together to grill and enjoy a family style meal together on the pavilion. This is wiffle ball in the field where everyone is included. This is diving in the deep end for the first time and having the other kids cheer for you. This is kids lighting up with the biggest smiles and cheers when they see a friend come through the door. This is sharks and minnows in the deep end then racing off for another game of gaga ball, or tennis, or air hockey... it doesn't really matter as long as we do it together. This is lifeguards that the younger kids look up to as role models that become babysitters because they start to feel like family and you can't quite let them go when the summer ends. And when it ends, you take with you the memories, the swim lessons, and a countdown to the days of summer when you can finally get back to the pool.

ASC is my family's favorite place to be in the summer! We joined shortly after moving into the neighborhood and quickly made some great new friends. Our two young children started with swim lessons, then recently joined the swim team, and thanks to the great group of instructors and coaches have really become excellent swimmers. It's so nice to have a fun place to come every day in the summer where the kids can play together with their friends and the adults can hang out and relax, too. Go 'Cudas!

Also happy to say they've recently resurfaced their pool and it's beautiful!

Atholton Swim Club is the anchor of my family's summer. From swim team to social events to relaxing afternoons - we're always there. This volunteer-led community pool is truly special. We can't wait for Memorial Day!

Our home away from home every summer, ASC is full of welcoming people and community based fun. My husband grew up swimming here and it is truly magical to continue that tradition with my boys. With a wonderful mix of tradition and innovation, ASC is a great place to spend your summer! We also love the swim team and the amazing camaraderie that brings our kids and family.

ASC is an absolute gem. The pool is laid back, welcoming, and fun. By taking swim lessons and joining swim team, my four-year-old worked up to swimming the length of the pool and passed her swim test. The lifeguards are a special mix of fun and authoritative to keep everyone safe. This is more than a pool--it is a community. Highly recommend and cannot wait to go back in May!

It's a quaint little pool, close, local and handicap accessible, although very dated. I'm only giving it two stars for the following reasons. Lots of unnecessary drama. Also, has a problem with mice, getting into the snack bar regularly, pretty gross actually. And cliquish. Parking can also be very chaotic most days. It used to be a really nice family place, but that changed sadly.

My kids only ever want to go to Atholton swim club, they prefer it to the Columbia Association pools. In addition to the pool, they can play games and ping pong, tennis and basketball. It's hust a more casual atmosphere and they entertain themselves for hours. I recommend joining the swim team. I originally thought you had to be a goid swimmer to be on the team. Thats not true. Anyone can join and my kids all learned to swim on the team. So we still have our CA membership, but we have more fun at the Atholton pool plus there's a large mature tree for me to sit in the shade.