Therapeutic Pool
Western Wisconsin Health’s warm water pool offers a unique exercise opportunity for area residents.
Water’s healing properties improve muscle strength, endurance and flexibility with minimal impact on joints. Exercising in the pool improves balance, coordination and cardio respiratory fitness while decreasing pain and stiffness.
Therapeutic Pool
A Healthier You Is Just A Quick Dip Away
The Western Wisconsin Health Therapeutic Pool has exciting news— the pool will be re-opening to community members on Monday, June 5th.
We will continue to require appointments to ensure adequate space for all exercising members. For appointments, please call the fitness center front desk during staffed hours at (715) 684-1642.
Read our FAQ to learn more:
Pool Specifications:
- 90 Degree water temperature
- 3’6″ to 5’6″ pool depth
- Staff operated chair lift available
- Assisted changing room
- Two propulsion jets for resisted swimming and water running
- Cushioned pool floor
- Supervised by certified, experienced staff
The health and safety of pool members is our top priority. Please consider the following.
- If you are experiencing any upper respiratory symptoms, please refrain from using the pool and get tested as soon as possible. We will continue to practice a minimum of 6 feet of physical distancing in the pool.
- State law requires all swimmers to shower before entering the pool. Parasites like Cryptosporidium are found in traces of human stool and are resistant to chlorine treatments and water filtration systems. For this reason, please refrain from using the pool for two weeks after experiencing diarrhea.
- Street shoes can track in dirt and germs and are prohibited in the pool area. Swimming shoes are allowed.
- Pool use is prohibited if you have open wounds or are experiencing a rash or weeping skin.
- If you have other questions or concerns about your ability to safely use the pool, please ask a member of our aquatics staff.
- We may arrange for you to have a screening with a member of our rehabilitation services staff to determine how to best use the pool in a safe manner. Screenings are offered free of charge.
Memberships will be $20 a month for anyone under the age of 65. Age 65 and above is free.
New members will need to purchase an access card for $20. Existing members will be able to use their current card (cards must be reactivated before use).
In order to best utilize the therapeutic pool, we will be limiting the number of swimmers using the facility at one time.
Western Wisconsin Health offers swimming lessons for toddler and preschool beginners. Lessons are available Saturday mornings. Individual lessons available every other Saturday afternoon upon request.
Course Offerings:
Parent and Child:
- Goals are to learn to ask permission when entering/exiting the water and how to perform safely as well as increasing comfort level in the water.
- Introducing movements that are a precursor for stroke development while having fun and being comfortable in the water.
- Minimum age is 6 months.
Schedule:
- Saturday, May 20th – July 15th (8 Saturday Sessions)
- 8:00 – 8:30 am
- 12:00 – 12:30 pm
Preschool Level 1 Exit skills:
- Enter independently, travel 5 yds, submerge mouth and blow bubbles for 3 seconds, and safely exit the water.
- All skills can be performed with support.
- Minimum age of 3
Schedule:
- Saturday, May 20th – July 15th (8 Saturday Sessions)
- 9:00 – 9:30 am
- 11:00 – 11:30 am
Preschool Level 2 Exit skills:
- Front glide 2 body lengths, roll to back, float 5 sec, recover to standing.
- Back glide 2 body lengths, roll to front, float 5 sec, recover to standing.
- Swim using arms and legs on front 3 body lengths, roll to back, float 5 sec, roll to front and continue swimming on front 3 body lengths.
- All skills can be performed with support.
- Minimum age of 3
Schedule:
- Saturday, May 20th – July 15th (8 Saturday Sessions)
- 10:00 – 10:30 am
Cost:
$60.00 (8 sessions) Cash, check, or credit cards are accepted. Checks should be payable to Western Wisconsin Health. Payment is due upon registration.
For more information or to register, please call 715-684-1642 from 7:00 – 11:00 am or 3:00 – 7:00 pm. Individual swimming lessons are available upon request.
Prenatal aquatics may allow women to exercise throughout pregnancy while enjoying the added benefits of a warm water, therapeutic pool environment. We will work with you to develop an exercise routine that combines gentle stretching, range of motion, aerobic exercise and strength training tailored to the needs of expectant mothers. Aquatic exercise may be useful to mothers in any stage of pregnancy and can be equally beneficial for postpartum mothers.
The therapeutic pool at Western Wisconsin Health is heated to 90 degrees with the surrounding air temperature around 88 degrees for optimal levels of comfort. The depth of the pool is 3’6″, increasing to 5’6″. Showers and towels are available.
Benefits of prenatal aquatic exercise
Continuing to exercise throughout pregnancy will help maintain cardiovascular fitness, combat fatigue and aid in adapting to the continual changes that occur during the months of pregnancy and beyond. It can also assist with relaxation/stress management.
An aquatic environment is an excellent place for expectant mothers to exercise for a variety of reasons:
• The pressure of the water can help decrease edema.
• The buoyancy of water decreases the effects of gravity.
• This provides relief from the pressure/ pain experienced throughout pregnancy, particularly in the lower back.
• It allows the opportunity for exercise without the higher impact which needs to be avoided, especially towards the end of pregnancy.
• Certain positions such as lying on your back should be avoided or can cause discomfort, but being in the water allows the mom-to-be a little more freedom in her exercise routine. Relieving this discomfort on a regular basis can help to keep pain under control and prevent muscles from becoming progressively tighter.
Prenatal Aquatics Participation Waiver must be completed by your medical provider prior to participation.
These classes are currently on HOLD. Please stay tuned for more details on class offering dates and times.
The therapeutic pool has many features to make working out easy.
- A private assisted changing room is available for those in need of dressing assistance with a caregiver such as those with special needs and families with young children.
- The staff operated chair lift assists those who are unable to use the stairs to get in and out of the water.
- A depth of 5’6″ allows more participants to achieve full non-weight bearing status.
- Two propulsion jets can be used for resisted swimming and water running.
- The pool floor is cushioned, decreasing impact on joints.
Other Amenities
(Provided at no extra charge)
Lockers
We provide lockers for all our members. Because the number of lockers are limited, they are available on a per visit basis only.
Showers
Showers are provided to all members.
Towel Services
You don’t have to carry that wet towel around in your gym bag. Towels are available to members of the pool and fitness center.
These classes are currently on HOLD. Please stay tuned for more details on class offering dates and times.
