While many outdoor aquatics offerings at community rec centers shutdown once winter and colder weather hits, Bender JCC of Greater Washington has found success by keeping an outdoor pool open for members.
Joshua Bender, the CEO of Bender JCC Of Greater Washington, said the J adopted a comprehensive well-being framework in 2025 to guide decision-making and shape the experiences staff curates for the community. One of the most valued resources within this framework is the J’s outdoor pool, which remains open year-round. He said it plays a vital role in promoting physical, social and mental wellness for countless members.
“The outdoor pool has become a driver of membership,” said Bender. “Even in the middle of winter, it’s common for swimmers to wait for a lane. More than anything, our members are thrilled about the unique experience of swimming under the open sky, with steam rising from the water’s surface. Many members join us exclusively for the outdoor pool experience. We initially thought that the outdoor pool might lose popularity after the pandemic, but the opposite has happened and the usage has continued to grow.”
How Bender JCC Keeps the Outdoor Pool Open
Operating an outdoor pool in Maryland during the winter is no small feat. Bender said heating thousands of gallons of frigid water and ensuring the pool remains open reliably and safely takes a strong, well-coordinated team and clear standard operating procedures.
“The pool can only be open if conditions allow,” said Bender. “Otherwise, we risk pushing the mechanical limits of the equipment and potentially putting staff and members at risk. Factors such as air temperature, water temperature, wind velocity and visibility all play a role in determining whether the pool can operate safely.”
Staff at Bender JCC of Greater Washington opens the pool when the air temperature is above freezing and ideally at least 35 degrees. The right team also must be in place to operate the pool successfully. Bender said the facilities team must be highly skilled in operating, monitoring and troubleshooting heating equipment to ensure everything runs smoothly.
“Each evening when the pool closes, covers are placed on the pool to retain and preserve the heat generated by the natural gas heaters,” said Bender. “We open the pool later in the morning allowing temperatures to rise and for the covers to do their job. We’ve worked diligently to build a strong relationship with our lifeguard company, ensuring we have the best lifeguards who not only keep our members safe, but also understand the unique challenges of operating an outdoor pool during the winter. We’ve constructed a heated booth for the lifeguards to keep warm and safe.”
Programming and Industry Tips
In addition to providing members with year-round access to the outdoor pool for their health and wellness, operating both outdoor and indoor pools enables Bender JCC of Greater Washington to meet the full range of aquatics demands.
“This includes swim instruction for all ages, water therapy, water exercise classes, scuba training and rental space for three different swim teams throughout the week,” said Bender. “Without the outdoor pool, we’d lose membership and revenue due to overcrowding in the indoor pool. Another important benefit is maintaining a robust, year-round lifeguard team ensures we’re fully staffed and prepared for the summer camp season when 500 campers use the pool daily.”
Bender added his team is also exploring creative ways to leverage the unique experience of winter outdoor swimming to foster friendships and connection. Invite a friend to join you for a swim in the outdoor pool, a space that often sparks conversation and connection.
For other industry leaders who might consider opening outdoor pools for the winter, Bender said to first make sure you have the right infrastructure and talent in place to ensure success. Currently, the JCC is seeking a major gift to help support the operations of the outdoor pool.
“The financial model must be carefully considered, and any rec center thinking about keeping their pool open year-round should view it as an essential part of their wellness mission,” said Bender. “I often joke with our COO that operating an outdoor pool is not for the faint of heart. It’s a complex undertaking that draws resources from multiple teams, including aquatics, facilities, membership and marketing.”
