The Arc Pool in Fort Walton Beach
The Arc Pool in Fort Walton Beach opened in April 2025! This covered and heated pool comes with an indoor climate-controlled event center that can be rented year-round. The pool closes during the coldest months of the year, but reopens in March 2026 for youth and adult swim lessons, homeschool programs, adaptive swim lessons, private lessons, and aquacise.
About the Arc Aquatic Center
In March 2025, the Arc of the Emerald Coast approached the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation to ask if we would consider taking over their pool and educational facility at 341 Holmes Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach. The pool, which is fenced, covered, and heated, is attached to a spacious education center and meeting room facility.
It originally opened in 2017 with funding from Impact 100 Northwest Florida and the Destin Wine and Charity Auction, but has never been fully opened for the use for which it was intended. ECFF agreed that to take over the operation of the pool, in part to expand aquatic offerings to the special needs community. The facility is completely ADA-accessible, including a walk-in pool entry.
It became the foundation’s newest pool on April 1, 2025.
Programs at the ARC
Aquacize
Add a little exercise to your weekend by taking an aquacise class. Instructor Karen Butler will be leading the class at 10 a.m. every Saturday morning from March through October.
Swim Lessons
Classes are offered for children and adults of all ages in our shallow pool, which is 3 feet at one end and 4 feet at the other. Classes are small and the pool is sensory-friendly for those who prefer a quieter environment.
Adaptive Swim Lessons
Every child learns differently and some need specialized help to be safer in and around the water. Join us for our adaptive swim lessons for all ages and abilities. These small group lessons include parents and caregivers as appropriate and are taught by trained instructors.
Special Needs Swim
Private Lessons
Private lessons are offered weekday afternoons and evenings at the Arc Pool for children and adults of all skill levels. The cost is $50 for 30 minutes. The Arc Pool is a direct provider for Step Up for Students.
Homeschool Lessons
Swim lessons are offered for all ages for homeschooled students on weekdays at the Arc Pool. Our noon lessons include instruction for babies and toddlers with their parents and children 3 and up in small group instruction.
Intro to Competitive Swim for Homeschoolers
In Spring 2026, the Arc Pool launched a new class to prepare homeschool children for the world of competitive swimming. The class is broken into two age groups – 6-9 and 10-17.
Water Safety Presentations
Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of death for older children. We want to make sure all children have access to life saving information about rip currents, beach flags, and other key water safety information. We will even bring our portable rip current simulator to give students a hands-on lesson.
Family Swim
The Arc Pool is a busy place, especially on weekends when we fill up with pool parties. But when we have a free weekend or holiday, we open the pool up for family swim. Watch our Facebook page for announcements of family swim times!
Adult Lessons
Children aren’t the only locals who need to learn to swim. Many adults are not comfortable in the water and our shallow pool (3 feet at one and 4 feet at the other) is the perfect place to overcome your fears. Work at your own pace with instructors trained to introduce you to the water or refine your strokes.
Pool Parties
Pool Party rentals are available at our heated, covered pool from March through October and include use of our climate-controlled spacious party room. Book early. These Saturday afternoon spots fill early. Parties must be paid for in advance to reserve.
Event Room Rentals
Looking for a quiet clean place to host meetings, baby showers, classes or small family gatherings? Rent our indoor meeting space year-round. Non-profit rentals get discounted rates.
ARC Pool Photo Gallery
The ARC AQUATIC CENTER Sponsors
Karen Butler, Realtor
Tracy and Amelia Strom
Eglin Federal Credit Union