Review of Warrenton Aquatics Facility
September 17, 2009
by Margo Osborne

800 Waterloo Road
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-349-2520
Google Map

Are your kids singing the back-to-school blues? Don’t break out the B.B. King just yet! If they are still adjusting to a new school year and are missing the pool, then Our Kids (OK) has the perfect prescription: a trip to the Warrenton Aquatics Facility.

The Warrenton Aquatics Facility is not another Splash Down Waterpark, but it certainly offers low-key fun for all ages with its newer and well-maintained leisure pool, competition pool and therapeutic spa. The highlight of the leisure pool for the older and/or more-skilled swimmers is the open tube spiral slide.

The facility’s website does not indicate the height of the slide, but our seven-year-old OK reviewer could not get enough of it. There are plenty of twists and turns, which cause children to pick up considerable speed before landing in the 3’6” pool. Patrons who are 48 inches tall may ride the slide, and those that do not meet this requirement may take a swim test. The test, which is administered during adult swim at 50 minutes after the hour, includes treading water for 30 seconds and swimming an entire lap of front crawl without stopping.

Another highlight of the leisure pool is the inner tube-less lazy river, which does not have any height requirements posted. However, one of the posted leisure pool rules reads, “Children under the age of 6 and all children less than 48 inches tall who are not proficient swimmers must be accompanied by a supervising adult within arm’s reach in the pool.” The lazy river’s current is not overly powerful, and is a short trip compared to other local area lazy rivers. The flip side is it’s an activity the whole family can do together regardless of age and skill level. The water depth in the lazy river is also 3’6”. Our tall four-year-old OK reviewer could stand at this depth, but the slight current creates instability.

The vortex is a second feature that requires patrons to be 48 inches tall. However, the rule was not being enforced as our four-year-old was “vortexing” around in there several times without a whistle being blown. In his and the lifeguards’ defense, it is easy to end up in the circular current of water as its location is right in between the lazy river entry and exit. Unlike the lazy river, its current is a bit more powerful. Its intensity did not appear to alarm any children, and the kids seem to welcome the challenge of being thrust around in the circular fashion. As much as our four-year-old reviewer enjoyed it, he could not exit the vortex unassisted. The water depth in the vortex is also 3’6”.

For the toddlers and those not quite comfortable in the water yet, there is a water playground in a zero depth entry pool, which is one foot as its deepest. The playground has four spray features off of a platform, which is reached after climbing six stairs. OK recommends swim shoes in the playground area as the playground steps are extremely slippery. There are also two easy slides, three rope pulls and five water fountains in the playground area. Overall, the leisure pool is relatively small in that if a parent is in the playground area, they can still keep an eye on a child coming down the spiral slide.

As previously stated, break time/adult swim takes place at 50 minutes after the hour for ten minutes. Adults seem to instantly relax in the adults-only therapeutic spa with 104 degree water. The spa is located in the leisure pool area and too easily accessible for children. There is also direct access to it from the lazy river exit.

The competition pool is a nice break from the hurried activity and crowds of the leisure pool. The facility houses a 25 yard by 25 meter pool with eight lanes. In addition to the lanes, there is a generous sized five-foot deep area where children can hone their swimming skills without interrupting the swimmers doing laps.

In both pool areas, there were more than enough lifeguards on duty keeping a watchful eye. Lifeguards instructed children to stop horseplay and rope-swinging. There are plenty of white plastic chairs in both the leisure and competition pool areas. There are also open storage shelves in the leisure pool area in addition to lockers in the bathrooms/family dressing rooms. The lockers are not coin-operated, and patrons should bring their own locks. The four family dressing rooms are a superb feature. They are large, clean, contain their own showers and changing tables, and all open directly to the lockers.

No food is allowed in the pool areas, but there are three vending machines near the family dressing rooms. Down the hall from the vending machines are the aquatic level party room and studio. The party room accommodates up to 30 people, and features a refrigerator, private bathroom, tables and chairs. The studio accommodates up to 20 people ages 10 and older due to its proximity to the competition pool. Party packages start from $90.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the leisure pool and water slide are open from 12:00 – 5:45 pm. The fees vary for non-residents, Fauquier County and Town of Warrenton residents, but range anywhere from $2.50 - $7.00 per person.

For those not familiar with Warrenton, it is less than 18 miles southwest from the Manassas Exit off of I-66. Once you are on US-29 South, portions of the drive are scenic with plentiful trees and undeveloped land. It might also be fun to add a visit to Old Town Warrenton to your trip. It was recently named one of the Prettiest Painted Places in America, according to the town’s website. Directional signs are located on US-211 East, heading away from the aquatic facility.

OK recommends a visit to the Warrenton Aquatic Facility despite the fact there are height requirements for two of the main features. Don’t forget: if taking the swim test is a requirement for your children, plan to arrive just prior to break time. This whole experience might have them singing Hannah Montana or the Jonas Brothers rather than the blues!

Have you been to Warrenton Aquatic Facility? What's your opinion? Just drop us a note and Our Kids will add your comments to this review.