[SoDu How-To] Find the Right Swim Club for Your Family

By Tricia Smar, Southpoint Access Contributor

As we head into the warmth of summer, you and your family are likely dreaming of days relaxing poolside.

Fortunately, in and around the South Durham area, there are ample family swimming pool facilities, or swim clubs, available for families to join and get their taste of summer sun and cool pool vibes.

While so many options could lead to analysis paralysis, below are the highlights of each swim club side-by-side from Southpoint Access to help you make the best choice for you and your family. They are arranged alphabetically and include information about opening dates, dues, swim lesson and team options, and guest policies. 

💡Pro Tip: Check with your employer and your health insurance to see if either offer discounts on joining fees or memberships.

Croasdaile Country Club

Currently unavailable due to renovations. Pool and pool facility renovations will be completed mid-summer. Check the website for updates to membership at that time.

Durham Parks & Recreation – Forest Hills and Hillside

  • Opening/Closing Dates:
    • Forest Hills:
      • Pool: June 4 to Aug. 8. 
      • Sprayground: End of May to end of September. 
    • Hillside:
      • Pool: June 4 to Sept. 1 (Weekends only in August and September).
      • Sprayground: End of May to end of September. 
  • Joining Requirements:
    • Pay admission fee.
  • Joining Fee:
    • None.
    • Play More Card must be purchased to obtain punch passes, monthly passes, discounts for other DPR programs.
      • Individual Play More Card: $20 (residents)/$25 (non-residents).
      • 2-Party Play More Card: $35 (residents)/$50 (non-residents).
  • Annual Dues:
    • Daily Entrance Fee (see website for more information).
      • Minimum: No cost (Resident Youth 0-18).
      • Maximum: $9 (Non-Resident Adult without Play More Card).
    • Punch Passes and Monthly Wellness Passes available to those with Play More Card.
  • Amenities:
    • Outdoor Pool.
    • Sprayground.
  • Swim Lessons:
    • Not at this facility.
  • Swim Team: 
    • Not at this facility.
  • Guest and Babysitter Policy:
    • Everyone must pay either the daily entrance fee or have their own pass to enter.
  • Other Info for Prospective Members:
    • DPR Spraygrounds, like the ones at Forest Hills and Hillside, are free and open to the public. No registration required.
    • DPR offers swim lessons for ages six months to adult at their Campus Hills and Edison Johnson indoor pool facilities.
      • $46 – $67 per series.
      • No cost swim lessons available through Safe Swim Lessons March 24 to 28.

DPR has a developmental swim team, the DPR Marlins, for ages 6 to 16, that trains at the Campus Hills Indoor Pool.

The Farm – UNC Faculty-Staff Recreation Association

  • Opening/Closing Dates:
    • May 11 to Sept. 15; lap swim on weekdays through Sept. 27.
  • Joining Requirements:
    • Currently has a cap on new memberships. Membership in The Farm is open to all full-time and permanent part-time employees of UNC-Chapel Hill and university hospitals, alumni of the university, and adult children of Farm members. It is also open to personnel of the Consolidated UNC System who live in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro-Durham area.
  • Joining Fee:
    • $500.
  • Annual Dues:
    • $680 (retired) – $12,80 (member plus four family members).
      • $170-320/quarter (requires annual membership with quarterly dues).
  • Amenities: 
    • Tennis: 16 tournament-level courts; lessons offered by tennis pros; adult and junior tennis clinics, camps and tournaments.
    • Pickleball: temporary courts; lessons and clinics for adults and juniors with pros.
    • Summer camps and mini-camps for children ages 5 to 13.
    • Youth, adult, and family programming.
    • Fitness room with group and individualized fitness programs.
  • Swim Lessons:
    • Yes; $30/half-hour for private lessons.
  • Swim Team:
    • Yes, ages 4 to 11+.
    • Pre-swim team available for blossoming swimmers to build up to joining swim team in later summer.
  • Guest and Babysitter Policy:
    • $10 per guest per day.
    • Must be accompanied by member.
  • Other Info for Prospective Members: 
    • None.

Five Oaks Club

  • Opening/Closing Dates:
    • Mid-May through mid-September.
  • Joining Requirements: 
    • Membership; residency not required.
  • Joining Fee:
    • $600 initiation fee.
    • Inquire with the management group about potential membership specials.
  • Annual Dues:
    • $80.32/month (2-year commitment) 
    • $963.83/year (1 year paid up front) 
  • Amenities:
    • 25-meter professionally maintained pool with a 2-3 foot shallow area, 8-foot diving well, six swimming lanes, and six diving blocks (for swim team use).
    • Pickleball: Six new dedicated courts.
    • 24 hour fitness center with group exercise room available for private use or private classes.
    • 10,000-square-foot, 3-story clubhouse with spaces available to rent for events.
    • 36-acre property includes the following grounds amenities:
      • Fishing lake with walking path and miles of trail through serene woods.
      • Toddler playground and full-sized playground.
      • Full court outdoor basketball, overlooking the lake (BYO bball!).
      • Dog park.
  • Swim Lessons:
    • No.
  • Swim Team:
    • Yes, Five Oaks Stingrays; ages 4 to 18.
  • Guest and Babysitter Policy:
    • Guests must be attended by members; members may bring up to 10 guests/day with four guests/day at no charge.
  • Other Info for Prospective Members:
    • No lifeguard; members must not swim alone. The pool, surrounded by forest and with a view of the lake, is quiet and serene, and shaded at times. It is very peaceful and rarely crowded! 

Hollow Rock Racquet & Swim Club

  • Opening/Closing Dates:
    • May 10 (Mother’s Day Weekend) to Sept. 1 (Labor Day Weekend).
  • Joining Requirements:
    • Pay waitlist fee and once spot opens, pay initiation fee and dues.
  • Joining Fee:
  • Annual Dues:
  • Amenities:
    • Hollow Rock members gain access to:
      • Family pool and splash pad.
      • Year-round heated fitness and lap pool.
      • 22 tennis courts.
      • 6 pickleball courts.
      • Gym with cardio and strength equipment.
      • Aqua Aerobics classes.
      • Summer camp discounts (ages 4-13).
      • Family social events throughout the year.
      • Event rental spaces.
  • Swim Lessons:
    • Yes, run by lifeguards.
    • Must be at least 4 years old.
  • Swim Team:
  • Guest and Babysitter Policy:
    • No unaccompanied guests.
    • Childcare providers allowed with completed form.
    • See guest policy here.
  • Other Info for Prospective Members:
    • 2.5-year waitlist.
    • $100 fee to join waitlist.
    • Summer-only memberships are available.

Jewish for Good

  • Opening/Closing Dates:
    • March 2 (lap swim and group exercise); May 10 (weekend open swim).
      • The pool at Jewish for Good opens for lap swimming and group exercise on March 2. Weekend open swim begins May 10, and becomes seven-days-a-week on June 9.
  • Joining Requirements: 
    • Membership at Jewish for Good is required to access the aquatics facilities and programs. Learn more at jewishforgood.org/join.
  • Joining Fee:
    • $0 (Summer 2025 Membership).
    • $50 to 150 (Year-Round Membership).
    • Visit jewishforgood.org/join to learn more about joining fees and monthly dues.
  • Annual Dues:
    • $550 to $900 (Summer 2025 Membership).
    • $600 to $1,500 ($50-125/month; Year-Round Membership).
    • Dues vary based on membership type.
  • Amenities:
    • State-of-the art fitness facilities.
    • Heated recreational pool.
    • Family pool with spray features and water slide.
    • 45+ group exercise classes per week.
    • Arts and Culture content like film screenings, movie nights, and lectures.
  • Swim Lessons:  
    • Yes, lesson options for all ages from infant to adult; membership not required.
    • Group lessons: Four 30-minute sessions = $65 (members) and $90 (guests).
    • Private lessons:
      • One 30-minute lesson = $55/members, $65/guests.
      • Four 30-minute lessons = $200/members, $245/guests.
    • Visit jewishforgood.org/aquatics for more info and to sign up.
  • Swim Team:
    • Jewish for Good’s swim team, the Water Dragons, opened up registration for members on March 3 and for the general public on March 10. 
  • Guest and Babysitter Policy:
    • Members receive five guest passes annually, with more available for purchase.
  • Other Info for Prospective Members: 
    • None.

Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center

  • Opening/Closing Dates: 
    • Open year-round (enclosed facility).
  • Joining Requirements: 
    • Membership not required, though it provides the best value if your family is planning to visit regularly.
  • Joining Fee: 
    • None.
  • Annual Dues: 
    • $180 (child, Morrisville resident) – $429 (adult, non-Morrisville resident).
      • Can purchase single-use visits, punch pass (10 visits), monthly, or annual membership.
      • Many insurance-based memberships honored.
  • Amenities: 
    • Available to all members with dues; non-members may attend classes on walk-in basis if space permits with single-visit fee.
      • Three swimming areas:
        • Lap pool: For exercise use by individuals 12+.
        • Program pool: 3.5-feet deep, 84-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
        • Spray ground: zero-depth entry play pool. 
      • Fitness facilities with:
        • Cardio equipment.
        • Weight room.
        • Workout classes.
        • Experienced trainers.
      • Racquet sports:
        • Two outdoor, lighted tennis courts.
        • Two indoor racquetball courts.
        • Two pickleball court setups.
  • Swim Lessons:
    • Yes, ages 6-months to adult.
    • $85/series (Morrisville residents) or $110/series (non-Morrisville residents).
  • Swim Team:
    • No
  • Guest and Babysitter Policy: 
    • Single-use visit passes available for $6 (resident)/$8 (non-resident).
  • Other Info for Prospective Members:
    • None.

Parkwood Swim Club

  • Opening/Closing Dates:
    • May 24 to Sept. 1 (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend). 
  • Joining Requirements:
    • Live in the general surrounding area. 
  • Joining Fee:
    • $75 registration for first time members.
  • Annual Dues:
    • $595 for families.
    • $475 for couples. 
    • $250 for single memberships. 
    • 10% off through April 30.
  • Amenities:
    • Wi-Fi.
    • Baby pool.
    • Life guarded hours.
    • Concessions.
    • Big 4th of July bash.
  • Swim Lessons:
    • TBA – subcontractor not yet hired for 2025.
  • Swim Team:
    • Yes, swimming somewhat independently. 
    • Ages 4 to 18.
  • Guest and Babysitter Policy:
    • Memberships come with a set amount of guest passes.
      • Family memberships get 10 guest passes.
      • Couple and single memberships get five.
    • Additional guest passes can be purchased for $5 or a pack of 10 for $30.  
    • All family memberships come with a free babysitter pass. The babysitter pass is for anyone over the age of 18 that brings the kids on the membership without the parents.  It doesn’t have to be the same person, just not to be used as a guest pass when the family is there. 
  • Other Info for Prospective Members:
    • Hidden away in the trees. Very peaceful area. 

Stoneridge Sedgefield Swim & Racquet

  • Opening/Closing Dates:
    • May 24 to Sept. 7. 
  • Joining Requirements:
    • Pay membership fee.
  • Joining Fee:
    • No initiation fee in 2025.
  • Annual Dues:
    • $442 (resident, single membership) to $872 (non-resident, family membership).
    • Find more info about memberships here.
  • Amenities:
    • Pool plus pool-related activities, parties, guarded swim, changing room and showers.
    • Two lighted tennis and six lighted pickleball courts.
    • Lighted basketball court.
    • Playgrounds.
    • Discounted rental rates of clubhouse and grounds.
    • Invitations to social gatherings:
      • Open house, egg hunt, pool parties, tennis/pickleball events, Halloween fun, wine Wednesday, cultural events.
  • Swim Lessons:
  • Swim Team:
    • Yes, Chapel Hill Summer Swim League through partnership with Hollow Rock Piranhas.
  • Guest and Babysitter Policy:
    • Guests are $5, babysitters are free, grandchildren are included with any family membership.
  • Other Info for Prospective Members: 
    • Lap swimming in the morning, lane reservation, court reservation, snack bar, ample parking beautiful grounds, guarded swimming.

Woodcroft Swim and Tennis Club

  • Opening/Closing Dates:
    • April 4 to October.
  • Joining Requirements:
    • Membership is open to all.
      • Residency in the Woodcroft neighborhood is not required.
    • Application must be completed.
  • Joining Fee: 
    • $450 (single). 
    • $850 (family). 
    • The initiation fee varies based on household size. Initiation specials/discounts are typically offered in December, January, February, and March. See website for details.
  • Annual Dues:
    • $1,164 (single). 
    • $1,872 (family).
    • Annual dues can be paid monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually. 
    • No summer-only memberships. See the website for dues information.
  • Amenities:
    • 280,000-gallon seasonal pool.
      • Shallow end (3-4 feet deep).
      • 98-foot water slide.
      • Eight 25-yard lap lanes.
      • 10-foot AquaClimb rock climbing wall.
      • Diving board over 12-foot deep diving well.
    • American Red Cross-certified lifeguards.
    • Fitness room.
    • Tennis courts.
    • Playground.
  • Swim Lessons:
    • Yes, private and group swim lessons for ages 3 and up.
    • Private lessons also are available for adults. 
    • Members receive a discount on all swim lessons.
  • Swim Team:
    • Yes, both a competitive swim team and a developmental swim team. 
    • The developmental swim team is for children who are not yet able to swim 25 yards without stopping. 
    • No age restrictions to join the swim team, a swimmer only needs to complete the swimming prerequisites for the team they wish to join.
  • Guest and Babysitter Policy:
    • Members may bring guests up to 10 times per season, with a guest fee of $11 per visit. 
    • Babysitters accompanying a minor member (in place of a guardian) may visit at no charge.
  • Other Info for Prospective Members:
    • Offers a variety of summer camps for children ages 4 to 12, including tennis camp, pre-kindergarten camp, kindergarten camp, and a traditional summer camp for rising first graders and up. During the school year, the club also runs camps on teacher workdays and holidays. Members receive discounts on camps, swim team, and swim lessons. 
    • Throughout the year, hosts a range of member events, such as wine tastings, Breakfast with Santa, Trivia Night, a Valentine’s family gathering, and Trunk or Treat.

YMCA of the Triangle – Hope Valley Farms YMCA, Northwest Cary YMCA, and YMCA at Meadowmont

  • Opening/Closing Dates:
    • Hope Valley Farms YMCA:
      • Weekends beginning May 10. 
      • Weekdays added after Memorial Day. 
    • Northwest Cary YMCA:
      • May 10: family swim in recreational pool.
      • Year-round outdoor heated lap pool.
    • YMCA at Meadowmont:
      • May 2025.
  • Joining Requirements: 
    • A valid YMCA membership. 
  • Joining Fee:
    • Minimum: $110 (Individual). 
    • Maximum: $360 (3 Adults + Dependents). 
  • Annual Dues: 
    • Minimum: $591.12 ($49.26/month) One Young Adult membership annual total.
    • Maximum: $2,272.44 ($189.37/month) 3 Adults + Dependents membership.
    • No contracts when joining.
  • Amenities:
    • Hope Valley YMCA:
      • Fitness facilities:
        • Cardio and strength equipment.
        • Free weights. 
        • Group exercise classes. 
        • Personal trainers.
      • Drop-in child care. 
      • Locker rooms.
      • Playground.
      • Toddler pool.
      • Tennis courts – six clay courts. 
    • Northwest Cary YMCA:
      • Two outdoor pools with lap swim and a recreational pool with spray features and a basketball goal.
      • Life jackets for those without a “yellow band,” which shows you passed the swim test.
      • Fitness facilities:
        • Strength and cardio equipment.
        • Free weights.
        • Group exercise classes.
        • Gymnasium.
        • Steam room.
        • Sauna.
        • Indoor track.
      • Drop-in childcare.
    • YMCA at Meadowmont:
      • Locker rooms.
      • Toddler pool.
      • Waterslide. 
  • Swim Lessons:
    • Yes: Parent-Child, Preschool, Youth and private lessons. 
  • Swim Team:
    • Yes: Ages 5 to 18 (based on swim ability). 
  • Guest and Babysitter Policy:
    • Adult guest fee: $25, Youth guest fee: $15. Must be accompanied by a member.
    • No guests permitted on weekends or holidays.
    • Babysitters may be added to family membership – additional fees may apply.
  • Other Info for Prospective Members:
    • Access to all 20 YMCA of the Triangle facilities as well as YMCAs statewide and nationwide.
    • Summer day camps.
    • Youth sports.
    • Tennis lessons/clinics. 
    • Personal and small group training. 
    • No contracts when joining. Members may cancel with a 14-day written notice prior to their monthly draft. 

Spread the word by sharing this Southpoint Access newsletter with friends and neighbors. Got a tip for your neighborhood news guy? Send email to wes.platt@southpointaccess.news. Call 919-695-9813, ext. 800.

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