Aquatics About

about aquatic services

Abilities United Aquatic Services offers you:

The only full-service, public warm water therapy center in the San Francisco Bay Area
Skilled and educated staff
Excellent track-record on safety prevention and education
Crystal clear water, superior sanitation and fully renovated pool facility
40 years of service to the public
Friendly, supportive and welcoming environment

Facilities

Indoor 85,000 gallon crystal clear pool
93 degree Simens 95z balanced water
Wheelchair ramp
ADA approved railings throughout locker-rooms and pool entry points
Wide pool stairs
Water walking and gait training space
Water accessible wheelchairs
Heated radiant floors throughout
Eco-efficient low-flickering lights throughout
Solar window film
High-texture fiberglass interior pool shell
Sound barriers and baffles
Humidity control systems
Stereo system and speakers in pool room

Getting Started

You may begin by reviewing our Aquatic Services Activities Schedule to see what services and times are best for you.

Our adult self-exercise (Oasis), family open swim recreation (Community Connect), and fitness sessions are drop-in so you may join us at any time. Just come to the Betty Wright Swim Center located at 3864 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, CA.

Hydrotherapy, physical therapy, and swim lessons require appointments or pre-registration.

Call 650-494-1480 or email to schedule an appointment or register for the swim lesson session.

On your first visit we recommend that you:

Bring your towel
Arrive 15 minutes early
Check with your physician before starting a warm-water exercise program, if you have had surgery within the last six months or recently experienced a health complication.
Gradually increase your submerge time if you are new to warm water therapy or swim. Begin with 30 minutes to an hour session.
Drink plenty of water and rest upon returning home.

Pool Rules

Sign in at the front desk before entering the pool or dressing rooms
Shower with soap and water in the dressing room before entering the pool
Participants requiring transfer support must be accompanied by a caregiver
Caregivers must remain on premises during the entire duration of the water-session
Children 4 years or older must change in same-sex bathrooms or the unisex changing area
Anyone with incontinence or recently potty-trained must abide by our triple up policy (swim diaper, plastic cover pant plus swim suit/bike jammer)

Staff

Our staff undergoes monthly, quarterly and annual trainings to stay current on the latest in aquatic fitness, recreation, and rehabilitation.

Interested in joining us? See our open positions and apply today!

Are you looking for a way to help? We also welcome passionate and committed volunteers to work in the water, in the office, on special projects, or distribute marketing materials in the community. We provide 8 hours of training to our volunteers

To apply, please contact Abilities United at 650-494-0550 or complete and return our volunteer application.

Certifications

As a leader in aquatic recreation, fitness and rehabilitation, we offer workshops, conferences, trainings and certifications to meet new and current aquatic professionals’ needs:

Aquatic Hydrotherapy Practitioner Training
Workshop: Introduction to adapted aquatics
- Offered semi-annually. January and September.
Conference: One week of briefings and lectures exploring the latest results and findings in adapted aquatics. Offered every August.
Training: We host in-water trainings led by national and international experts in aquatic therapy. Offered every December.
Certification: American Red Cross lifeguard training, CPR for the professional rescuer, first aid and coaches safety training highlighting the breath of the aquatic world. Offered quarterly and by special request.