Swim lesson questions, answered
Starting age, class sizes, pool temperatures, how long it takes and how pricing works. If your question is not here, call 281-719-0816 and we will answer it directly.
Starting lessons
What age can my baby start swim lessons?
Infant Aquatics® Basic Training starts at 6 months. Children aged 6 to 18 months learn to jump into the water and roll onto their backs to breathe and float while waiting for help. Students over 18 months who are developmentally ready go on to roll back over and kick to safety.
How does pricing work?
We quote pricing by phone so we can match it to your swimmer’s level and your schedule. Call 281-719-0816 or email swim@podaquatics.com.
Where are you located and what areas do you serve?
The Pod Aquatics is at 26447 Hanna Road, Oak Ridge North, TX 77385. We serve families across The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Oak Ridge North and the wider Montgomery County area. Call 281-719-0816 if you do not see your city listed.
How do I get started?
Complete the registration form on our contact page and we will reach out to place your swimmer at the right level of The Journey. Every swimmer receives a color-coordinated wristband showing their level, so a child always knows what level they are and what comes next. You can also call 281-719-0816 or email swim@podaquatics.com.
How long it takes
How long does it take for my child to become water safe?
It differs for every child, based on development, temperament and comfort in the water. Fearful students, and those with learning differences or separation anxiety, may take longer, while children with positive previous aquatic experience may take less. For most children the program takes weeks, not years.
How many lessons will it take before my child can swim?
Most children reach basic water comfort, getting their face wet, submerging and feeling safe in the water, in about 10 lessons. Independent movement, floating, kicking and swimming short distances unassisted of 5 to 10 meters, typically takes 20 to 30 lessons. True proficiency, meaning solid stroke mechanics in strokes like freestyle and backstroke, takes 50 to 80 or more lessons. Every child is different, so we reassess as your swimmer progresses.
How often does my child need to come?
It depends on the program. Infant Aquatics® Basic Training requires 2 to 4 days a week, because young children build survival skills through frequent repetition. Youth Learn to Swim is two 30-minute one-on-one lessons a week. Swim team swimmers may practice up to five days a week at no additional charge.
How does my swimmer move up to the next level?
Each of the ten levels has a set list of skills. When a swimmer performs all of them consistently, and in the survival levels in street clothes as well as a swimsuit, they move up and receive the wristband for their new level. Because the wristbands are color-coordinated, your child always knows what level they are and what comes next.
Lessons and the water
What are your class sizes and ratios?
Infant Aquatics® and Youth Learn to Swim are 1:1 lessons. Otters, Puffins and Penguins group lessons are 5:1 over 30 minutes. Aquatic Foundations (Sea Lions and Dolphins) is 5:1 over 30 minutes. Pre-Team (Orca and Sport) is 8:1 over one hour.
Do parents get in the water?
No. Lessons are one instructor and one swimmer, or a small group with a single instructor, so you stay dry and watch from the side. Parents are welcome to watch every lesson from the deck.
How warm is the water?
The baby pool and the training pool are both kept above 90 degrees, so young swimmers stay comfortable. The 25-yard competition lap pool runs above 80 degrees. All three pools are indoors and heated year round.
Do you teach swim lessons year round?
Yes. Our pools are indoor and heated, so lessons run all year rather than stopping for winter. We are open Monday to Thursday 9 AM to 7 PM, Friday and Saturday 9 AM to 12 PM, and closed Sunday.
Programs and abilities
Do you offer swim lessons for children with autism or special needs?
Yes. Our Special Needs program is taught by highly trained professionals and tailored to each student’s individual physical and learning needs. Our instructors have been trained by experts who specialize in Adaptive Swim Instruction, so we can communicate effectively with students on the spectrum in a calm, patient and reassuring environment.
Do you teach adults, or only children?
Both. Adult Learn to Swim is 30-minute one-on-one lessons, whether you have never swum before or want to refine your strokes. We also run Masters and triathlon training, water aerobics and water tai chi.
Every schedule is built around your family, so the fastest answer is a phone call. We will place your swimmer at the right level and go over days, times and cost.