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Pasco Pools Open for Summer

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By SHERRI LONON

In The Loop

Published: June 16, 2008

LAND O' LAKES -- Pasco County residents on the hunt for places to cool down will find several community pools are officially open for the season.

The Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex's pool, 3032 Collier Parkway, splashed in the season during Memorial Day weekend. According to head lifeguard Alex Ledford, the pool became a major area hotspot once schools closed.

The 150-person-capacity pool offers a deep end, complete with diving board, swim lanes and plenty of room for splashing around, he said. With seven lifeguards and an aquatic supervisor on staff, there are always watchful eyes on swimmers, he said.

A day at the Land O' Lakes pool costs $2 for children ages 2 to 17 and $3 for adults. Family passes and other discounts are available for those who plan on making the pool a big part of their summer. The facility is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for an adults-only swim and from 12:30 to 7 p.m. for all ages. Adults get the pool solo on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until noon. All-swim runs from noon until 7 p.m. The pool is closed on Mondays for maintenance.

Ledford said the pool is at its busiest during the weekdays, but it's a fun venue any time. "Come out for the family atmosphere," he said. "It's a great place to come with the family."

Visitors are allowed to bring in small coolers, but no glass containers or alcohol, he said.

The Land O' Lakes pool isn't the only facility ready for the summer season. Workers at the Hercules Aquatic Center in Zephyrhills and at Hillsborough River State Park also say their facilities are ideal for cooling down and having fun.

Hercules, 38110 County Road 54 in Zephyrhills, is open Tuesday through Sunday. Pool hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for adult swims and from 12:30 to 6:30 for all ages. On Saturdays and Sundays, adults get the pool from 11 a.m. until noon. All ages are welcome from noon until 6:30 p.m. The price of admission is $2 a day for children and $3 a day for adults, said Cheryl Huffaker, aquatics supervisor. Also a Pasco County-owned facility, Hercules does offer discount passes.

The Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pool at Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 N. U.S. 301, Thonotosassa, provides swim seekers an alternative. The half-acre pool technically never closes for a season, said Amie Schreier, cashier. Summer-break hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The pool has a capacity of 216 people and costs $2 a day for swimmers ages 5 and older. The facility has been designed to accommodate those who need a ramp and it offers two shallow ends for children, Schreier said.

"It's a great pool," she said, adding that the facility does get busy on the weekends. "We suggest you get here a little bit early — especially if you're traveling."

For information on the Land O' Lakes pool or Hercules Aquatic Center, go to pascocountyfl.net. To learn more about Hillsborough River State Park, go online to floridastateparks.org.

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