The doors at the Warrenton Aquatic Center are open again, but only for limited services.

The city of Warrenton announced this week that the indoor pool at the Aquatic Center is once again open six days per week from 6 a.m. to noon. However, only people with membership passes are currently allowed in the pool.

The Aquatic Center was closed for about a month during the COVID-19 shutdowns.

Aquatics Director Lisa Kramer said the facility is limiting the number of swimmers and types of activities to minimize any health risks.

“We are taking all precautions to keep our staff and guests safe,” Kramer said. “We have taken into consideration how we can have social distancing and keep everyone separate, and make sure all equipment is being disinfected.”

Only about 10 members at a time are being allowed into the Aquatic Center, Kramer said. Members are asked to wear a mask while entering the facility, and to come dressed in their swimsuits. Showers and changing rooms are not open. A staff member takes the temperature of each swimmer as they come into the pool area.

Kramer explained that the pool is being opened for exercise only, not for play. None of the kids features are active, for example.

Kramer said it was important to open the pool so people could once again exercise to preserve their physical health and burn off some stress.

“We know that this has been a high-stress and anxiety-ridden time,” she commented. “We wanted to make sure we could get people to the pool, both for mental and physical good health.”

To make sure that members can get their time at the pool, each swimmer is being limited to one hour in the water. Non-members who would like to swim are welcome to purchase a membership, and punch cards for admittance purchased before the shutdown will be honored, according to the city website.

In fact, Kramer said the Aquatic Center now participates in the United Healthcare Renew Active program, allowing customers of that program can get a pool membership for free.

The limited operations are probably going to be the new normal for the Aquatic Center until further guidance is released by Gov. Mike Parson and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Kramer said. In the meantime, she said lifeguards and staff at the pool have been trained with new health guidelines and are regularly disinfecting the facility.

The Record reached out to the Warren County Health Department to ask if there are any other guidelines that a pool facility should be observing. Administrator Ruth Walters replied that facilities should be adhering to all guidance provided by the state.

“All local businesses and entities bear the responsibility of following the Missouri state order set forth by the governor as it pertains to their unique situation,” Walters advised. She added that any other facilities or residents can call the county health department if they have any questions.