pelham YMCa swimming pools
Pelham features an outdoor recreational pool with a zero entry beach area, an outdoor baby pool, an indoor lap pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room and an indoor therapy pool for class use.
Our indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and whirlpool are open Monday - Friday 5am - 8:45pm, Saturdays 8am - 5:45pm and Sundays 1pm - 5:45pm.
The outdoor pool is closed for the season.

BIRMINGHAM YMCA SWIM TEST
It is the goal of the Birmingham YMCA to make sure that everyone who participates in our aquatics programing is safe. These Swim test guidelines are one way to help ensure our goal is met. All swim tests are conducted by the certified lifeguard on duty.
The participant must jump into the deep end of the pool, tread water for 30 seconds and swim on top of the water approximately 25 yards without stopping or touching bottom/sides of pool.
If the participant passes the test, he or she will receive a green wristband and may swim free in the pool.
If the participant does not pass the test or does not want to take the test, he or she will receive a red wristband and will need to do one of the following: the participant must wear a life jacket; or if no life jacket is worn, an adult 18 or older must be in the pool with the participant no more than an arm's length away.
All participants under 14 must follow these guidelines.
***Please note- it is the Birmingham YMCA Association's policy to only allow coastguard approved flotation devices in the pool. No inflatables of any kind allowed.
email aquatics director austin coyle at acoyle@ymcabham.org for more information.
Swim Lessons for all - 2019
Lessons are offered year round, so while summer is over, lessons are not.
Pelham YMCA offers swim lessons for all ages and abilities. Whether your child is just learning the basics, is an expert swimmer looking for a competivie edge, or you just want them to maintain the skills they aquired over the summer, we have the lessons for them! And lessons aren't just for the kids anymore. Swimming provides an excellcent low impact workout for adults, so let us get you where you want to be!
Group Swim Lessons
Group Lessons are for ages 3-11 years. Group consist of 3-5 persons depending on skill level and you recieve 8/ 30 minute classes. Each month begins a new session, so hurry and sign up today!
Unsure which level your child is best suited for? Not a problem! Check out the tab above labeled "Group Lesson Level Descriptions" for details, or email our Aquatics Director.
Afternoon SESSION DATES:
Cost $60 YMCA Members | $100 Program Participants
Jan 8th - 31st
Feb 5th - 28th
Mar 5th - 28th
Weekday Classes (Tuesday / Thursday Only)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: The last Thursday before any session starts.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (AGES 3-5):
1-Water Acclimation 5:00pm - 5:30pm (offered May - August) or 6:00pm - 6:30pm (offered May - July)
2-Water Movement 5:30pm - 6:00pm (offered May- August) or 6:00pm - 6:30pm (offered May - July)
3-Water Stamina 6:30pm - 7:00pm (offered May - July)
YOUTH PROGRAM (AGES 6 - 11):
1-Water Acclimation 5:00pm-5:30pm (offered May - August)
2-Water Movement 5:30pm - 6:00pm (offered May - August)
3-Water Stamina 6:30pm - 7:00pm (offered May - July)
morning SESSION DATES:
Group Lessons are for ages 3-11 years. Group consist of 3-5 persons depending on skill level and you recieve 8/ 30 minute classes and run in two week sessions on Mondays-Thursdays.
Cost $60 YMCA Members | $100 Program Participants
These sessions are offered in June and July - 2019 dates TBA
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (AGES 3-5) & YOUTH PROGRAM (AGES 6 - 11):
1-Water Acclimation 9:00am - 9:30am
2-Water Movement 9:30am - 10:00am
Saturday SESSION DATES:
Group Lessons are for ages 3-11 years. Group consist of 3-5 persons depending on skill level and you recieve 4/ 30 minute classes.
Cost $34 YMCA Members | $67 Program Participants
2019 classes for Saturday sessions TBA
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (AGES 3-5) & YOUTH PROGRAM (AGES 6 - 11):
1-Water Acclimation 9:00am - 9:30am
2-Water Movement 9:30am - 10:00am
**Makeup Lessons**
Makeup lessons for group will be done on Fridays of the week that they are canceled. The YMCA reserves the right to cancel a class due to weather or pool issues. Makeup lessons will not be rescheduled due to participant absence.
Parent/Child Lessons
Parent/Child swim lessons are for children age 6 months - 2 years. This is the perfect introduction to the water for your child and it teaches parents valuable skills on how to make the water a safe and fun place for your little one. You receive 4/ 30 minute classes. This class is offered seasonally.
Cost $34 YMCA Members | $67 Program Participants
session dates:
Offered May, June, and July
Weekday Classes (Wednesdays) 5:00pm-5:30pm
Saturday Classes 10:00am - 10:30am
Private Lessons
You will receive an individualized lesson plan to help you achieve your goals by pairing you with a certified swim lesson instructor, and great news- we now offer more options to choose from. You can purchase individual lessons that are 30 minutes each, perfect for those who just want a few pointers or grandparents who have their grandkids in town for a limited amount of time. We also offer a package of 6 lessons to help you save on cost.
Private lessons can be scheduled year round and any day of the week. Our flexible scheduling allows you to do lessons with your busy schedule. These lessons are ideal for participants who are not ready for a group setting, participants with special needs, advanced swimmers, and adults.
The Aquatics Department will contact you to set up a start date and time. It takes approximately 7-10 days to begin lessons once registered.
Cost for Package of 6 lessons: $130 YMCA Members | $175 Program Participants
Cost of Individual lessons: $30 YMCA Members | $40 Program Participants
Semi-Private Lessons
Semi-Private lessons give you the same great flexibility as our private lessons, but allows you to save on cost per participant. These lessons must have a minimum of 2 swimmers (The YMCA does not pair you with another person, you must register with them). The Aquatic Department will contact you to confirm start time and date, once all parties in lesson are registered. These lessons are ideal for siblings. We do suggest that swimmers in a semi-private lesson are similar in age and swimming ability to maximize the amount of hands on instructor per swimmer. However, we can accommodate special requests.
These lessons are also available in individual lessons or in a package of 6 lessons. They are offered year round and any day of the week. *Please note that the cost is per swimmer.
Cost for Package of 6 lessons: $100 YMCA Members | $140 Program Participants
Cost of Individual lessons: $20 YMCA Members | $30 Program Participants
please click here to register for swim lessons.
questions? contact our aquatics director austin coyle at acoyle@ymcabham.org
Group lesson updates
level descriptions:
In an effort to streamline swim lessons association wide, our group lessons are getting new names. Below you will find descriptions for our classes to help determine the appropriate level for your child to best suit their needs and ability. Still have questions? Not a problem. Contact our Aquatics Director HERE.
Parent/Child
(9-36 MONTHS) offered seasonally June-August
In class: Introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment. We will introduce basic water safety to parents and provide a positive family aquatic experience. This class focuses on exploring body positions in the water, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills. We will encourage children to move purposefully in the water.
PRESCHOOL (3-5 YRS) & YOUTH (6-11 YRS)
LEVEL 1 (Beginners with no experience)
Skills Required: None
In class: Work on increased comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. In class: will learn to blow bubbles, put face in water, proper kicking, paddling, front and back floats with use of flotation devices.
LEVEL 2 (Beginner - Beginner Intermediate)
Skills required: This class is for swimmers who can jump in on their own and swim 10 feet assisted.
In class: encourages forward movement in the water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently. During class will work on unassisted front and back glides and floats, treading water, rolling from front to back and back to front in the water.
LEVEL 3 (Intermediate)
Skills required: This is for swimmers who can jump in on their own and swim 5-10 yards unassisted.
In class: Develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than in previous levels. During class will work on swimming on front and back, and treading water.
LEVEL 4 (Advanced - Introduction to Swim Team) available upon request
Skills required: For swimmers who can already swim on front and back for 15-25 yards unassisted.
In class: Introduces basic stroke technique in freestyle and backstroke and reinforces water safety through treading water and elementary backstroke. In class will work on all competitive stroke and rescue strokes.
Please click HERE to register for swim lessons online.
For information regarding our group lessons, please contact our Aquatics Director, Austin Coyle at acoyle@ymcabham.org
growing stronger as a team: Alabaster and Pelham YMCA Swim Team
winter 2019: January 7th - May 10th
Registration begins: january 1st
Swim Birmingham YMCA is a year-round swim team offering training for beginners through national level competitive swimmers. SBY’s certified coaches will dramatically improve your child’s swimming ability while maintaining the YMCA’s focus on positive character values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. SBY competes in both USA Swimming
Practices on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays will be held at the Alabaster location and practices on Tuesdays/Thursdays will be held at the Pelham location.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Level I: In this level, we focus on proper stroke techniques and developing stamina. We introduce small amounts of competition.
Practice: Tuesdays/Thursdays 4p-5p
Cost: $220 members l $275 non-members
Level II: In this level, swimmers are ready for small amounts of competition. Swimmers are still working on the four competitive strokes. Competition is encouraged along with good sportsmanship, team work, self-esteem and respect.
Practice: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 4p-5p
Cost: $250 members l $310 non-members
Level III: This is a more advanced level with emphasis on training principles. This group will enable the swimmers to meet new challenges and set new goals. They group will incorporate limited dry-land exercises.
Practice: Mondays/Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays 5p-6p
Cost: $285 members l $355 non-members
Junior I: This level is an environment for committed and motivated young swimmers who desire to set goals and work toward the highest High School State level, Southeastern Level and National Age Group Level standards. The training in this level is advanced.
Practice: Mondays-Fridays 5p-6:30p
Cost: $320 members l $415 non-members
Not sure which group to sign your swimmer up for?
Swimmers new to the team will need to be evaluated for proper placement. All current swimmers will be notified the last week of practice if they are moving up a level. Contact acoyle@ymcabham.org for questions or to set up a time for evaluations.
Registration Fees
$120 Annual USA Registration Fee (Includes USA Swimming Registration, T-Shirt, and Team swim cap). This is usually paid in the Fall session, or when the swimmer joins the team at a later date. USA Registration period is Fall 2018– Fall 2019.
You can elect to pay swim fees either by the session (1 payment) or divide it into 4 monthly payments. Be sure to mark on the registration form which one you are selecting.
Team Suits
SBY team suits are encouraged, but not mandatory. They can be purchased from the All American Swim Supply online at www.allamericanswim.com. Go to the team store portal, and enter the SBY team code: SBY23
Swim Meet Calendar
Here is the 2019 Short Course Swim Schedule. More meets TBA
- January 18th-20th AUB Meet @ Auburn, AL (Prelim/Final meet)
- January 25th-27th HSA Meet @ Huntsville, AL
- February 2nd-3rd PNY Meet, @ Gulf Shores, AL
- February 22-24th Short Course Southeastern Championship @ Huntsville, AL (Qaulifiers ONLY)
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP! OUR HEALTHY LIVING DEPARTMENT OFFERS MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP YOU BECOME SUCCESSFUL WITH YOUR FITNESS GOALS.
LISTED BELOW ARE PROGRAMS THAT WE OFFER TO OUR MEMBERS:
Quickstart: A basic equipment orientation with one of our Health Coaches. Member needs to plan on wearing active wear and should bring a water bottle. This appointment is free to members and typically last an hour.
The Next Step: A more detailed appointment with a Personal Trainer.
Personal Training: One-on-one or Buddy sessions that are created to meet your specific health and fitness needs, while reaching your exercise goals. All YMCA Personal Trainers are certified and qualified to train clients at any fitness level. Anyone can benefit from the support, motivation, and expertise of a personal trainer at the YMCA.
Group Exercise: The YMCA offers group exercise classes throughout the week to help members meet their fitness goals while bringing the members together to build a healthier community.
RATES AND SESSION INFORMATION
ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS
Personal Training will benefit members of all fitness levels. Whether you need to get your program started, or take your fitness to the next level, our experienced certified personal trainers will assist you in developing a fitness program to match your goals and help you to remain motivated and accountable while achieving them. One-on-One Sessions come in 30 or 60 minute options.
60 MINUTE ONE-ON-ONE
$46 | 1-9 Sessions (price per session)
$433 | 10 Sessions (price for all 10 Sessions)
$611 | 15 Sessions (price for all 15 Sessions)
30-MINUTE ONE-ON-ONE
$29 | 1-9 Sessions (price per session)
$270 | 10 Sessions (price for all 10 Sessions)
$382 | 15 Sessions (price for all 15 Sessions)
BUDDY SESSIONS
Buddy Training combines the benefits of providing a workout partner who has the same goals and/or training experience, with the expertise and program design of a certified personal trainer. These sessions are offered at a reduced rate per session, and at your request, we can match you with a compatible client with whom to share your session time.
Buddy Session Pricing: cost is split between all participants
$60 | 1-5 Ssessions (price per session, to be split between all participants)
$565 | 10 Sessions (price for all 10 Sessions)
$810 | 15 Sessions (price for all 15 Sessions)
At the YMCA of Greater Birmingham we want you to get the most value possible for your membership. We also want you to be successful in meeting your health and wellness goals. Therefore, we provide FREE for you a YMCA Healthy Living Coach. The job of our Coaches is to help you succeed. Whether it's helping you to become acclimated with our fitness centers, figure out what classes will work best for you or working through a significant behavior change. We are here to help you create your own vision of healthy living through a partnership based on caring, listening and seeking to understand. You can meet with a Coach as you get started as a new member, or at any time that you need help getting the most from your YMCA membership. Our Coaches are trained to help with SMART goal setting, evaluating readiness, and supporting members toward their goals using experience and our MobileFit sytem.
HEALTH COACHING
SCHEDULE YOUR HEALTH COACHING SESSION AT THE FRONT DESK
FREE with your YMCA Membership
Step 1. FREE Health Coaching Session consists of an Initial Assessment, Goal Setting, and an Orientation to what the YMCA has to offer by a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Step 2. Follow up #2 Appointment assesses the progress you are making and helps you overcome obstacles or questions you have in reaching your goals.
Step 3. Follow up #3 Appointment evaluates your progress and sends you on your path of Healthy Living, Community and Success.