Aquatics
Indoor Swimming Pool & Aquatics Programs at the CRA
Our swimming pool offers an essential space for the community, providing everything from lap pool swimming, family swim, recreational swim, youth and adult swim lessons, adult aquatics, and youth aquatics.
Showcasing one of the oldest indoor swimming pools in Massachusetts and the only public pool in the town of Dalton, we are proud to offer a range of aquatics programs to our members and guests. Whether you’re searching for a swimming pool nearby or looking for a local indoor pool, CRA provides a great option for the residents of Berkshire County and beyond.
You can become a member today or purchase a day pass for access to our entire facility. Your first visit is on us, so don’t wait. We have something for everyone!
Pool & Aquatics Programs
Pool Schedule
- All Days
- Mondays
- Tuesdays
- Wednesdays
- Thursdays
- Fridays
- Weekends
- All Programs
- Swimming Lessons
- Water Aerobics Classes
- Open Swim
Adult Lap
Monday: 6am – 9am, 12pm – 1:30pm, 5pm – 6pm
Tuesday: 6am – 9am, 12pm – 1:30pm
Wednesday: 6am – 9am, 12pm – 1pm, 5pm – 6pm
Thursday: 6am – 9am, 12pm – 2pm
Friday: 6am – 9am, 12pm – 1:30pm, 5pm – 6pm
Saturday: 6am – 9am, 12:15pm – 1:15pm
Sunday: 9am – 11am
The CRA offers ADULTS a dedicated time for uninterrupted lap swimming. During these sessions, swimmers can enjoy a calm, focused environment perfect for exercise and relaxation. Open to all skill levels, “Adult Lap” provides a peaceful way to stay active and improve swimming endurance.
Free for Members / Day Pass required for Non-members.
More info: Open Swim
Advanced Beginner
Tuesday: 4:10pm – 5:00pm
For YOUTH ages 5+. In this class, children will focus on improving their front crawl, back crawl, and fully submerging their heads. They will also be introduced to kneeling dives, rotary breathing, and elementary backstroke kick.
Class fee plus membership.
More info: Swimming Lessons
Advanced Beginner & Intermediate
Monday-Friday: 11:30am – 12:15pm
For YOUTH ages 5+. Children will be divided into 2 classes.
The Advanced Beginner swimmers will focus on improving their front crawl, back crawl, and fully submerging their heads. They will also be introduced to kneeling dives, rotary breathing, and elementary backstroke kick.
The Intermediate swimmers will continue to work on the basic strokes.
Class fee plus membership.
More info: Swimming Lessons
Beginner
Monday-Friday: 10:45am – 11:30am
For YOUTH ages 5+ years. This class is for beginners who have little or no experience in the water. Children will work on getting their faces wet, practicing front and back floats, learning rhythmic breathing, and swimming on their fronts and backs using flotation devices like noodles or kickboards.
Class fee plus membership.
More info: Swimming Lessons
Family Swim
Sunday: 11am – 12pm
Saturday: 10am – 11am
Family Swim at the CRA pool is a dedicated time for families to enjoy the water together. OPEN TO ALL AGES, it’s a relaxed and fun environment where kids and adults can play, splash, and swim. Family Swim offers a great way for everyone to connect and stay active.
Free for Members / $8 for Non-members / $20 for family
More info: Open Swim
Homeschool Beginners
Wednesday: 10:15am – 11am
For YOUTH ages 5+ years that are homeschooled. This class will be divided into shallow- and deep-end instruction based on child’s expertise.
Class fee plus membership.
More info: Swimming Lessons
Intermediate & Advanced
Monday-Friday: 11:30am – 12:15pm
For YOUTH ages 5+. Children will be divided into 2 classes.
The Intermediate swimmers will continue to work on the basic strokes. They will strengthen their skills in rotary breathing, front crawl, and back crawl.
The Advanced swimmers class is for serious swimmers. Children will work towards increasing swim distance with various strokes and learning proper turns.
Class fee plus membership.
More info: Swimming Lessons
Learn to Swim-Adult
Tuesday: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
This class is for ADULT beginners who have little or no experience in the water.
Class fee only. A membership is not required.
More info: Swimming Lessons
Parent-Toddler
Friday: 10am – 10:45am
Ages 6 months – 3 years. This class offers a relaxed, unstructured, and welcoming environment that encourages interaction among parents, children, and swim instructors. In this class, children learn essential safety skills, practice bubble blowing, and develop basic arm and leg movements. Requires adult to be in pool with toddler.
Class fee plus membership.
More info: Swimming Lessons
Preschool
Monday and Wednesday (Group A) 10am – 10:45am
Tuesday and Thursday (Group B) 10am – 10:45am
For YOUTH ages 3-5 years (not in kindergarten). This class is for beginners with little or no experience in the water. Children will work on water adjustment and basic skills including blowing bubbles, front and back floats, putting their faces in the water, jumping in, turtle dives, and swimming the length of the pool.
Class fee plus membership.
More info: Swimming Lessons
Splash and Swim
Sunday: 12pm – 1 pm, Dec-Feb
Splash and Swim at the CRA pool is a dedicated time for typical and non-typical youth to enjoy the water together. This Free Program is OPEN TO ALL AGES through the winter. It’s a relaxed and fun environment where kids and adults can play, splash, and swim.
Registration is required.
More info: Open Swim
Splash-er-cise
Monday: 9am – 10am
Wednesday: 9am – 10am
Friday: 9am – 10am
Drop-in Class
Splash-er-cise at the Dalton CRA is a dynamic ADULT water aerobics class held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This fun hour includes 30 minutes of invigorating aerobics followed by 30 minutes of water volleyball. Designed for intermediate to advanced levels, Splash-er-cise is perfect for fitness and social connection!
Free for Members / Day Pass required for Non-members.
More info: Swimming Classes
Stroke Techniques-Adult
Thursday: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
This class is for ADULTS who are looking to really master their stroke technique and become a more advanced swimmer.
Class fee only. A membership is not required.
More info: Swimming Lessons
Water Aerobics
Monday: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Drop-in Class
Water aerobics classes are a splash of fun and fitness! This high-energy class uses both the shallow and deep ends of the pool. We will challenge your endurance with water circuits, deep-water drills, and lap swimming. You’ll burn calories while increasing your strength, endurance, and range of motion. It’s a refreshing way to get fit, meet new friends, and have a blast!
This ADULT class is designed for intermediate to advanced participants.
Free for Pool Members / Day Pass required for Non-members
More info: Swimming Classes
Water Works
Tuesday: 9:00am – 10:00am
Thursday: 9:00am – 10:00am
Drop-in Class
Join us on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for a half-hour of water aerobics, followed by a half-hour of strength training. This ADULT class is suitable for beginners and intermediate participants.
Free for Pool Members / Day Pass required for Non-members
More info: Swimming Classes
Join The CRA
As a member of the CRA, you will quickly become part of our community (but only if you want to!) and gain access to an incredible range of benefits, including exercise classes, fitness center, pool and discounts on specialty classes.
Join us today and become part of a supportive, active community focused on achieving your fitness goals and creating a healthier future for all.
Memberships vary in length and cost based on the amenities included. Some specialty classes and programs will require an additional cost.
What's Included in a Full Membership?
The CRA Full membership includes a wide range of amenities and services designed to support your health and wellness journey.
Pool Access
Enjoy access to our spacious, climate-controlled pool. We offer dedicated times for Adult Lap Swim, Water Aerobics classes, Open Swim, and Family Swim.
Access to the Fitness Center
Enjoy full access to our newly renovated facility including updated fitness equipment, cardio machines, weightlifting stations, and strength-training equipment.
Group Fitness Classes
Participate in a variety of group fitness classes at no additional cost, ranging from yoga to high-energy cardio and strength workouts.
Open Gym Access
Take advantage of open gym hours for activities like basketball, volleyball, or other recreational sports.
Pickleball
Participate in Pickleball training and games held in the CRA gym.
Discounts on Specialty Programs
As a member, you’ll receive exclusive discounts on specialty fitness classes, and wellness workshops.
Locker Room & Sauna Facilities
Enjoy the convenience of clean and well-maintained locker rooms, complete with saunas, showers, and changing areas.
Community Events
Stay connected with members through special events and challenges that foster a sense of camaraderie and motivation.
With a CRA membership, you get more than just access to our facilities—you become part of a vibrant, supportive community!
Pool Location
Community Recreation Association (CRA)
400 Main St, Dalton, MA:
Get Directions
The CRA indoor pool is a top community facility, offering a variety of programs in a clean, welcoming space. Located centrally in Dalton, MA, the pool is easy to access for residents of Dalton, Pittsfield, and surrounding towns in Central Berkshire. Amenities include dedicated times for lap swim, family swim, swim lessons for all ages, water aerobics, and fitness classes. With friendly staff, plenty of parking and well-maintained facilities, the CRA pool provides a refreshing, enjoyable experience for all ages and skill levels.
Pool Policies
- Lifeguards have full authority to enforce safety rules.
- All swimmers must rinse off before entering the pool.
- Everyone in the pool must wear a bathing cap. Infants and toddlers must wear swim diapers in the pool.
- Bubbles, noodles, kickboards, and pool toys may be used in a respectful manner. Rough activities like dunking or splashing are prohibited.
- Jump into pool well past the gutter to avoid injuries.
- Diving is only allowed in designated deep-water areas.
- To prevent accidents, running on the pool deck is prohibited.
- Only water bottles are permitted on the pool deck.
Pool Upgrades
Maintaining and upgrading the CRA pool, built in 1923, is essential not only for preserving its historic charm but also for creating the best possible experience for our visitors. Thanks to recent improvements, the pool is more comfortable and reliable than ever. In 2023, we installed a new hot water heater, ensuring warm, consistent water temperatures for a more enjoyable swim. And in April 2025, we upgraded the Dectron unit, which now provides better air quality and climate control—so whether you’re swimming laps or watching from the sidelines, the environment is always fresh and comfortable. These upgrades reflect our commitment to keeping the CRA pool a welcoming, modern, and safe space for the whole community to enjoy, while still honoring its long-standing legacy.
Pool Amenities
The indoor pool is spacious and climate-controlled, offering year-round comfort. A well-maintained chlorine system ensures crystal-clear water.
Onsite changing rooms and showers add convenience, while comfortable spectator seating areas allow guests to relax and enjoy the swimming experience.
About Our Swimmers
Our comprehensive programs, from youth lessons to adult lap swim, meet all needs. Our indoor pool offers year-round comfort, making it the premier choice for indoor swimming here in the Berkshires. Just a short drive from Pittsfield.
Celebrate with a pool party!
A pool party can celebrate a variety of occasions, from birthdays and graduations to holidays and seasonal milestones. It’s a fun way to mark achievements, and bond with friends and family. A pool party brings people together to celebrate in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
- The CRA Pool Party Package is available on Sundays.
- 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. the renter will have access to the Party Room (across from the pool).
- 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. all guests will have access to use the CRA Pool and a certified lifeguard to monitor the pool. All swimmers must rinse off before entering the pool.
- All pool policies must be followed by all guests and renters.
To confirm availability and cost, contact the CRA today!
FAQ
The CRA offers swim lessons for all ages, starting with our Parent Toddler Lessons at 6 months old and extending to Adult Lessons. Each age group has tailored programs designed to build water confidence and skills progressively.
Youth aged 6 months to 16 require Youth General Membership for swim lessons.
Young adults and adults do not require membership for the adult swim lessons or to be in the pool for Parent-Toddler lessons.
Aquatic classes may be attended with a Full Membership or as a non-member purchasing a Daily Use Pass.
Bathing caps, appropriate swimwear, and towels are required for all swimmers.
Optional: Goggles, personal flotation devices (PFDs) for children
There are lockers available for use in the adult changing room. You may bring your own lock for the duration of the day’s visit but your belongings must be removed once you leave the building.
There is an option to rent a locker so you can leave your belongings in the locker room all the time.
Anyone can join our community!
Community Recreation Association (CRA)
400 Main St, Dalton, MA:
Get Directions
The Community Recreation Association (CRA) of Western Massachusetts is located in Central Berkshire County, ideal for residents of Pittsfield and nearby towns.
Whether you’re looking for swimming near me or searching for a public pool in the Berkshires, our indoor swimming pool and aquatics center provide the perfect setting for swimming laps, enjoying family swim time, or taking a swim exercise class. We are a valuable community resource, offering a safe, supportive environment for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. If you’re looking to join a community pool or take lessons, the CRA’s swimming pool in Berkshire County is the place to be!
As a Berkshire County staple, the CRA’s amenities, including a pool, gym, and fitness center, encourage an active lifestyle right in the heart of the community. By fostering a strong sense of connection, the CRA has become a valuable resource, not only for Pittsfield and Dalton but for surrounding towns as well.