Your Questions, Answered
Aquatics Center
Temporary Closure
Closure Dates: August 3, 2026 – October 2026
The YWCA Aquatics Center will temporarily close for facility renovations and upgrades beginning August 3. These improvements are designed to enhance the swimmer experience, address routine maintenance needs, and support long-term operations of the Aquatics Center for our valued members and future generations to come.
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Pool shell resurfacing and retiling
Full replacement of seasonal bubble
Refurbish pool deck and new deck coating
New flooring and paint throughout the Aquatics Center
Upgraded lockers, changing stalls, benches, and showers
Expanded accessibility features, including ADA entry improvements
Exterior walkway and trail connectivity improvements
Creation of a universal locker room space for families and individuals with additional needs
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Yes. Recent improvements included infrastructure and equipment upgrades completed in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, including a new pool water heater, emergency backup systems, entry doors, and a rebuilt pool pump.
The upcoming closure focuses on larger structural repairs and long-term facility enhancements.
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The pool liner replacement process requires:
Removal of the existing concrete liner and tile
Structural repairs as needed
Installation of new tile and concrete liner
Significant curing time before refilling and reopening the pool
This timeline ensures all work is completed properly and safely.
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The YWCA has partnered with New Hanover County Parks & Gardens to provide access to the Echo Farms Pool during the renovation period.
Location:
4112 Echo Farms Blvd
Wilmington, NC 28412Click here for a flier with detailed information.
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Please visit the pool front desk or send us an email to let us know how you’d like to manage your account during this closure.
YWCA Annual Memberships
Membership renewals scheduled for August and September will be extended to October 1.
Automatic payments will be paused during the closure.
Renewals will resume in person once the facility reopens.
Monthly Pool Pass Holders – Draft Billing
Cancel your pool pass
Switch your account to a pay-per-visit option, allowing you to pay a daily entry fee only when you use the pool.
Place your pool pass on hold
Pool passes may be paused for August and September and automatically resume October 1.
Convert to a tax-deductible donation
Pool pass payments may be converted into a donation supporting Aquatics Center operations.
Monthly Pool Pass Holders – Prepaid Plans
Transfer prepaid months
Apply the value of August and September to future months on your account.
Support ongoing Aquatics Center operations through a converted prepaid balance donation.
Receive a refund or system credit for prepaid August and September months.
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Community support is essential to maintaining and enhancing the Aquatics Center. Your donation directly supports these improvements and helps ensure we can continue serving the Lower Cape Fear community for years to come.
We invite you to be part of this effort—give today and help sustain and strengthen this resource for future generations.
Click HERE to donate.
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For additional questions regarding memberships, programming, or closure logistics, contact:
General FAQs
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Lap Swim - by reservations
Water Fitness Classes - shallow & deep
Access to deep water and shallow water for self-directed exercise.
Click here for a flier with detailed information.
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Yes! Lap swim reservations will continue during YWCA-managed hours online HERE.
Reservations are for space in a lap lane. Capacity is set for there to be 2 people in each lane.
Outside of those hours, three lap lanes are available during Echo Farms for public swim on a first-come, first-served basis. These lanes are not managed by reservation or by staff.
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Restrooms with changing stalls are available.
There are no indoor showers in the locker rooms; an outdoor shower is available on the pool deck.
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No. The pool is not heated or temperature controlled.
Water temperature will depend on the weather. It will typically be warm during August and gradually cool as temperatures decrease into September
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Most YWCA equipment will be in storage during the renovation.
We are working on implementing a loaner equipment check-out system. Until then, members are encouraged to bring any equipment they would like to use during their workout or swim.
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Monthly Pool Pass holders will have access to Echo Farms during Echo Farms public swim hours - at no additional cost.
Echo Farms staff will have a current list of YWCA pool pass holders.
To help make check-in as smooth as possible, please bring your YWCA scan card each time you visit.
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During this temporary arrangement, YWCA members using the pool on a drop-in basis will pay the Echo Farms drop-in fee of $4 per swim.
When attending during YWCA managed times, you will pay the YWCA staff. When attending during Echo Farms public swim hours, payment will be made to Echo Farms Pool staff.
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If you have any additional questions, please contact us!
Phone: 910-799-6820 ×109
Email: poolco@ywca-lowercapefear.org
We appreciate your patience and support as we continue providing aquatics programming during the renovation
Echo Farms FAQs
The YWCA Lower Cape Fear Aquatics Center has been a place where generations have learned to swim, built confidence, and found community. As we invest in a transformative $2.3 million renovation, we're ensuring this vital community resource remains safe, welcoming, and accessible for years to come. From critical facility improvements and enhanced accessibility to upgraded amenities and expanded opportunities for youth and families, every dollar brings us closer to creating a stronger future. Join us in helping to Fill the Pool - because every gift creates lasting impact, one wave at a time.
Ready to make an impact? Click the graphic to donate or click here: bit.ly/4eD7qpq.
