Public swimming pools begin opening this weekend for the summer season, and the weather looks perfect for getting in the water.
Arlington's two aquatic centers opened at noon Saturday, and four other city pools will open next Saturday.
People lined up outside the Bad Königshofen Family Aquatic Center before the park even opened. Workers made some last-minute repairs to the splash pad for folks eager to get wet under the summer sun.
Features like the side-by-side water slides draw nearly 120,000 people each year to B.K. and Randol Mill Family Aquatic Center. Kids and adults spend the summer flipping off the diving board, doing laps in the pool, or just lounging under the shade.
This year visitors will find a new safety feature. A UV light filters the water to kill most deadly bacteria like E. Coli and Cryptosporidium.
"Really enjoying it. This is my first time really here at the park. And the girls are really enjoying themselves, so we'll be back," said Karen Palmer, who brought her daughter and her friend.
Jose Amaya's family rented out the poolside pavilion for his son's birthday party.
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"We like the atmosphere. It's very family oriented, lots of kids, and there's lots of lifeguards everywhere. It's always good," he said. "You can't help but have a lot of fun with your family and your friends."
And many people here plan to do that over and over again all summer long.
The city of Dallas will operate 17 public pools starting next Saturday. Fort Worth public pools will be closed this summer season because the city doesn't have enough money to maintain them.
Thus the city is partnering with YMCA to open four Y pools to the public during certain hours. Visitors don't have to have a membership to swim.
