Auckland Council's aquatic and recreation facilities manager Michael Groom says getting young people active in the water is a priority, along with reinforcing water safety messages.
"We want to get them enjoying the water, developing their self-awareness and confidence around water," he says.
"Making sure people have the life skill of swimming is a focus for us, so we need to make sure kids have access to the water, and that there are as few barriers to that as possible."
This summer new small-kid-friendly facilities are opening at the Parnell Baths and the Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa complex in Mangere. Parnell's super-fun heated pool play area has been given a revamp and reopens on December 5, and a new "zero-depth interactive water feature" has been added at Mangere, featuring a splashpad, water jets and other cool watery fun for littlies.
Since the introduction of the free-for-under-16s policy for all council-owned pools across the region, Groom says there has been an increase in patronage - "especially for the 'cool pools' with water features, slides and wave pools."
So, what are the coolest pools? Check out these options for some splashy fun this summer.
Celebrating centenaries
Taking the waters for fun and exercise is a longstanding tradition in Auckland, with the Tepid Baths downtown and the waterfront Parnell Baths celebrating 100 years of service this summer. Both anniversaries will be commemorated, with celebrations planned at Parnell for Auckland Anniversary Weekend.
When the sun is shining Aucklanders flock to Parnell Baths.
The Parnell Baths were Auckland's first saltwater baths, and were originally on the sea shore. Facilities were basic until the 1950s, when the complex underwent a revamp to create a "lido" seaside-resort atmosphere - a project that won its designer, immigrant Hungarian Tibor Donner, a gold medal from New Zealand Institute of Architects. One of the most striking features, and an iconic feature of the complex today, is the modernist glass mosaic mural designed by James Turkington, which was carefully restored in 2002.
"The Teps", as the city's Tepid Baths are universally known, were also opened in 1914, and are a registered historic place. Unlike Parnell, they are fully covered.
When first opened, the complex had 12 private slipper baths for people to take a wash in.
Although they are now fresh water, they were originally filled with heated salt water, gravity-fed from the condensers of the Tramway Company's powerhouse on Hobson St.
The complex underwent an extensive renovation in 2012, and now offers a 25m lap pool, a 15m teaching pool and a fitness centre.
Aucklanders sunbathing poolside at Parnell Baths.
Best for a paddle
For little ones, the heated, shallow pool with its play features at Parnell Baths is a winner. The new splashpad at Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa in Mangere is sure to be popular, too. Lagoon Pool at Panmure also has lots of splashy fun for little ones at weekends.
Best for a picnic
Sitting above the approaches to the Harbour Bridge, the Point Erin Pools have large grounds including a big children's playground and a basketball court.
There's also a 33m pool, a 3m deep diving pool with slides, and a family spa.
Further south, the Totara Park Pools are set in idyllic surroundings in the midst of a 216ha park. There's a toddler pool as well as the main pool, picnic and barbecue areas and a large adventure playground nearby.
Best for catching a wave
A major revamp of the Massey Park Pool in Papakura was completed in June. It has indoor and outdoor pools, with the indoor pools having a wave machine, hydroslide and lazy river.
The outdoor pools, which open today, comprise a 50m lap pool, a shallower learners' pool and a toddlers' pool.
Massey Park also runs a Friday night fun programme for 8-14 year olds called Wave Rave, with music, competitions and games.
The Massey Park Aquatic Centre has been refurbished. Photo / Auckland Council
Best for making a splash
The Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa pool complex in Mangere has a special 2.6m "bombing" pool. There are also hydroslides, and plenty of room for a picnic. The Lagoon Pools at Panmure and the Onehunga War Memorial Pool have slides and diving boards for maximum splashing.
Best for a rainy day
Head for one of the indoor pools around town. Especially popular are the West Wave Aquatic Centre in Henderson, with its hydroslide and wave pool - kids can take unlimited screaming slides for just $2 - and the Mt Albert Pool, which has a Caribbean pirates theme, a hydroslide, waves every half an hour and a "lazy river" for kids to cruise. The pool is not owned by Auckland Council, so under-16s pay.
The Mt Albert Aquatic Centre. Photo / Auckland Council
NEED TO KNOW
• Find out what's on at your local pool this summer at aucklandleisure.co.nz/pools
• Under-16-year-olds have free entry to council-owned pools, but under-10s must be actively supervised.
• Fun days will be held at the Otara Pool on December 13; the Papatoetoe Centennial Pools on January 24; and Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa on February 14. More dates and venues will be added over summer.
• Most pools will be running learn-to-swim classes on the weeks beginning January 12, 19 and 26.
• Takapuna Pool open day: today, 1pm-3pm, gold coin donation for entry (funds raised for Movember). Live entertainment, kids' fun zone, free fitness assessments, spot prizes and icecream.
• Massey Park Pool opening day/family fun day: today, noon-4pm; aqua run, screamer slide, bouncy castle, sausage sizzle, Kori the little blue penguin and more.
