Swim Attire Requirements

Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events works hard to ensure the health and safety of our pool patrons by following industry best practices and CDC health guidelines.  Please note the swim attire requirements for the Doris E. Buffett Pool.  

• All persons on the pool deck and/or swimming in the pool must have on proper swim attire.
• All infants/toddlers that require a diaper must wear swimmer diapers and proper swimwear overtop of the swim diaper.
• Clean cotton t-shirts and sarongs are allowed on the pool deck, however patrons must have on proper swim attire underneath.
• Showers are required before entering pool.
• IT IS THE PATRON’S RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE PROPER SWIM ATTIRE. The front gate staff will work hard to ask/remind every patron/group prior to entering the pool. Signs are posted at the front gate and throughout the pool as a reminder. All pool staff will enforce swim attire requirements. Patrons who enter the pool without proper swim attire will be asked to exit the pool immediately. REFUNDS WILL NOT BE ISSUED FOR IMPROPER SWIM ATTIRE.
• The following attire is not allowed at the Doris E. Buffett pool:
  • "Street clothes," Brazil/French-cut, thong style and/or revealing swim wear, cut-off jeans, jeans, skirts, shorts, sport bras, leotards, leggings, dri-fit wear, compression shorts and compression shirts are prohibited. Underwear and undergarments are not allowed to be worn under swimsuits.
• Pool patrons often ask, "Why do I have to wear proper swimwear?" Here are just a few reasons why it is important to wear proper pool attire in the pool.
  • Street clothes (especially cotton) can transport airborne and ultimately water borne contaminants into the pool.
  • Lycra and Nylon are the best non-absorbent material for swimming and are the best fabrics for proper swim attire.
  • Other absorbent materials (such as cotton) can break down in the water and cause fibers to clog filters.
  • Any “colored” material (unless specifically made for swimming) can bleed into the pool, affecting water chemistry and balance. This is also a reason for turbidity (cloudiness) in pools.
  • Cotton and similar materials can absorb the chemicals in the water, causing the water to become less effective at maintaining the proper chemical balance or may cloud the water.
• If you are unsure of the requirement, please ask the front gate staff prior to paying and entering the pool area.
• Questions about proper bathing attire may be addressed with the pool manager on duty.