All About Swimming at the CBU Pool in Riverside
last updated: July 2026
For years I’ve been wanting to visit the pool at California Baptist University (CBU) here in Riverside, and this summer we finally made it happen!
CBU has a huge pool - officially called Lancer Aquatics Center - for their university swimming and water polo programs, and it’s also open to the public sometimes (love thisl!) We’ve been twice so far this summer - here’s all the info on the cost, hours, and what to expect at the CBU public swimming pool in Riverside.
My Family’s Visit to the CBU Pool
Around Memorial Day, we made our first visit to the CBU Pool, and we loved it so much we went back today! (in early July)
We’ve especially enjoyed:
the pretty, clean pool atmosphere
huge pool with both a big shallow end (with plenty of stairs for a gradual entry!) and even bigger deep end
chill, relatively uncrowded setting (at least on the days we went)
Here’s all the info on our day today!
They’re open on a very limited schedule: some weekdays from 11am-1pm. Since their schedule changes regularly, I made sure to check that they were open today on their Open Swim Calendar… thankfully they were!
We had a meeting till about 10:45am for one of my daughter’s activities, so we stopped by the house, threw on swimsuits, slathered on some sunscreen, and got to the CBU pool around 11:30am.
To reach the pool, you can enter through either of the main gates and CBU and then follow the signs to the “Aquatic Center.” (See below for more specific instructions). Just like last time, there was tons of parking near the Aquatic Center since school isn’t in session right now… I imagine it would be much harder during the school year.
We signed in at the pool gate and paid our pool fee - they’re cash only, and they do have some change available. Adults are $3 each and kids are $1 each, so it was $10 for our family of six (two adults + four kids).
If you are on the CBU Staff or CBU Alumni, you and your family are free. (My husband used to work at CBU and now I’m wishing we would have taken advantage of that great perk back then!)
We threw our towels and snacks onto the bleachers and hopped in the pool! As usual, my kids and husband got right in, while I took 20 minutes to gingerly enter one inch at a time - I’m such a wimp with cold water! (As far as I can tell, the pool is not heated… perhaps they just had it turned off on warmer summer days, but it’s been cool, but not unbearably cold, both times we’ve gone).
The pool at CBU is large and beautiful! It’s very sparkly blue and lovely to hang out there.
There is a large shallow end that’s around 3-3.5 feet (it deepens to 4.5 feet on one side) with stairs that extend the entire length of the shallow end of the pool. They’re great for sitting on, for little ones, or for cold water wimps like me. ;)
The first time we went, on a weekday during the school year (homeschool benefits!) we were the only people in the shallow end. This time, in the peak of summer vacation, there were probably 25 people in the shallow end… busy, but not uncomfortably crowded.
Here’s a peek at how crowded it was the day we visited - I covered up everyone outside of my family up with an emoji to respect their privacy!
We had brought a snorkel and flippers, plus some water squirters and those were a hit. (My son doesn’t know it yet, but he’s getting a diving toy treasure chest and reusable water balloons for his birthday, so those will be even more fun next time!)
My kids are turning into terrific swimmers thanks to swim lessons, so after awhile, we headed to the deep end for some races and practice with treading water. It’s completely separated from the shallow end (by the white-ish barrier you see in the photo below), and is quite deep - something like 7 feet to 12-13 feet.
Around that time, the lifeguards also opened the high dive boards - it was fun to watch kids do flips and jumps from those! That cleared out the shallow end, so we headed back to the shallow area for a game of Marco Polo, plus “Swim School” (my kids love to take turns pretending to be the swim instructor while we’re all students).
After about an hour of swimming, one of my kids was pretty tired, so he sat on a towel and ate some snacks. You’re welcome to bring food (just clean up after yourself!) The only seats are bleachers, though you could bring your own camping chair if you won’t be swimming.
Soon enough, 1pm was approaching so we hopped out and headed home. It was a fun day in the sun!
This white barrier divides the shallow end (3-4.5 feet) from the deep end (7-13 feet).
Hours, Prices, and What to Know Before You Go
CBU Pool Schedule:
From what I can tell, the CBU Pool (“Lancer Aquatics Center”) is usually open only on some weekdays from 11am - 1pm.
Be sure you check their calendar before you go, because sometimes they’re closed on random days, and their summer/school year schedules are a little different: you can find it here.
They’re closing this summer (2026) on July 23 and looks like they’re closed for all of August. Last year they reopened in September, so I assume it will be the same this year - they are generally open during the school year, but only midday on weekdays, so it’s probably best for homeschoolers or little ones who aren’t in school yet.
Pricing at the CBU Pool:
CBU Staff and Alumni families = free.
General Public = $3 per adult and $1 per youth age 17 and under, cash only.
These diving boards are only open when a lifeguard opens it and is there to monitor it. The water is 13 feet deep in this section!
Tips for Visiting the CBU Pool with Kids
Before you go:
Check the calendar to confirm they’re open! The schedule is subject to change.
What to Bring to the CBU Pool:
You can find a few of our favorite swim items in my Amazon shop here.
cash to pay the fee ($3 adults, $1 kids, unless you’re a CBU alum/staff)
swimsuits (there is no dressing room - just a bathroom - so easiest to put on your suit at home)
towels
sandals/flip flops (the pool deck was pretty hot)
water-resistant sunscreen - there is zero shade!
goggles (for my kids, these are a must while swimming!)
water bottle (there is a drinking fountain if you forget)
swim diapers if you have little ones
optional: pool toys
optional: snacks
optional: camping chair if you won’t be swimming and prefer something comfier than the bleachers
Tips When You Visit:
How to Get to the CBU Pool:
The address for CBU’s campus is 8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, California, 92504. (It’s off the 91 at Adams).
Either CBU entrance works (off Magnolia or Adams) but if you go through the Adams and Lancer/Briarwood Dr entrance (by Bakers), I took exact notes when we visited - here’s what you’ll want to do:
Enter through the gate off Adams and Lancer/Briarwood.
Go straight past the the big Event Center (it will be on the left)
There are small signs along the road showing different locations around campus. Follow the signs for “Aquatics Center.”
Turn left at the roundabout onto Campus View Drive
Now Smith Hall will be on your right. Drive straight (towards the 91)
Turn right at the gate. It looks like it’s just an empty parking lot (at least during the summer) but if you drive to the end and turn right, you will then see the pool. Park in the lot - parking is free.
Their swim diaper policy is that “All diaper age children must wear “Swimmies” diapers, with elastic at the waist and legs, at all times while in the pool.”
Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Remember the lifeguards as a second line of defense, not as watchers of your kids - that’s your job! Be sure you are actively supervising your children - not on your phone or distracted by other things. The CBU Aquatic Center rules state that “Parent or guardian must be in the water and in physical contact with any child that is not “pool safe!”
There are nice bathrooms! They also have outdoor showers if you want to rinse off.
The diving boards were available today for part of the swim session but were closed when we visited in May (perhaps they would’ve opened if we asked?)
Accessibility - they did seem to have a chair to lower into the water in the shallow end, but it was covered so not sure the specifics.
Be aware that they do sometimes host field trips or camps, so there could be a crowd!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pool at CBU in Riverside:
Is the CBU pool open to the public?
Yes! California Baptist University's pool is open to the public at very affordable prices - $1 for kids and $3 for adults.
What are the hours for the CBU pool?
The days/hours vary, but it’s some weekdays from 11am-1pm. Be sure to check their calendar for specifics.
Do I need to bring my own towel and equipment?
Yes - they don’t provide towels.
Is there parking at the CBU pool?
Yes - parking is free. During the summer, we haven’t had any issues parking right next to the pool. During the school year, it might be more crowded with student parking.
How does the CBU pool compare to Riverside community pools?
Both are very affordable options for summer swimming in Riverside. City pools are $2-4 per person with more flexible hours including summer evenings and weekends, while the CBU pool is a beautiful facility at a great price ($1-3)… just with more limited hours.
Of the Riverside community pools, the shallow end at CBU reminds me of Villegas Park Pool (stairs and big shallow area) while the deep end at CBU reminds me of Sippy Woodhead at Bobby Bonds Park (lots of lap swimming plus diving boards).
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