AquaTech Swim School - Alameda

I have had experience with Aquatech in all locations and am surprised that they do not have 5 stars across the board. Being someone that has been in the aquatic field for over 10 years, I understand some of the complaints coming from those who may be new to lessons. Let me see if I can explain why some of these complaints really should not be complaints:
-Chlorine in the pools. An indoor pool is the ideal situation for your kids! Protection from sun, classes being held in ALL weather conditions at all times of the year, and comfortably being able to watch your own swimmers. Indoor pools require more chlorine than outside pools because there is a chemical reaction with the sun and another chemical used in pools that does not happen with an indoor pool (no sun). Therefore, if it seems more chlorinated that's because aquatech is CORRECTLY keeping their pools maintained! You will find this situation with ALL indoor pools, and if not I would definitely not be swimming in it.
-Length of lessons. 30 minutes is ideal for kids. They cannot focus much more than that and having a lesson TWICE a week rather than an hour lesson once a week is much more beneficial. The more time off in between lessons, the less improvement you will see.
-Scheduling and make ups - if you cannot make it to a class, you must remember this is a business that employees many instructors, managers, front desk staff etc. They also have a ton of customers. Working around YOUR schedule is impossible. THe age old saying applies here: if they make an exception for one person, the must make it for all. Now imagine if EVERYONE needed make up lessons - there would be no pool space or time left for regular lessons! Also, in other programs if an instructor is sick or has an emergency, your lesson could be canceled. With aquatech they always have back up staff and this never happens. Another plus.
-Signing up online - this make aquatech the most flexible swim lesson program I have ever seen. It may be new to those not tech savvy, but in my experience aquatech employees are ALWAYS willing to help with any questions.
-Making changes - aquatech is a growing business. They make changes based on their customers needs, and always make sure to get the word out. In my opinion, if they are not changing, they are not getting better.
Other good things about aquatech:
-Their program works! the curriculum is one of a kind and applies to ALL swimmers.
-SAFETY - this is huge! There are so many swim lesson businesses who are NOT focused on safety as they should be. I love that they have people on deck AND in the water. I feel like my kids are in great hands with aquatech.

I am surprised about the negative reviews citing customer service. I've been taking my kids here for about 4 months and everyone is so kind! They recognize my kids and greet them by name when we arrive. The swim coach is very supportive. My kids are always excited to waive goodbye to the safety assistants when we are walking out.

There is a cool viewing area for parents. Snack bar with kids snacks + coffee and alcohol for parents.

My only complaint is it took a really long time to get off the waitlist!

AquaTech has been phenomenal. They've put a lot of thought into the entire experience. Here are a few of the things that I've enjoyed:

1. The pool is indoors and its warm (at least 90f)
2. All of the instructors and staff have been friendly and welcoming. Instructors remember the kids name and are super accommodating.
2. They have a ton of changing rooms so you can get your kid in and out quickly and the rooms are heated which makes it pleasant when exiting the heated pool.
3. There is a waiting area for the parents where you can sit and view the kids swim through a glass window, with free wifi, TVs, and adult beverages!
4. Parking is plentiful and free

Now the not so great :
1. It gets to be a bit pricey, lessons are ~$40 each + an annual fee of $50 per child just to have access to the registration portal.
2. Billing is automatic so if you don't remember to cancel before the new session begins you will be billed. I haven't had any issues but based on the reviews here refunds could be a challenge.

Overall its been a great experience, we plan to return.

Pro tip: consider attending AquaRec to check out the facility, its only $15 per swimmer per day and you can swim for hours. I believe you can also avoid paying the annual fee as well.

My kids have been swimming at Aquatech Alameda for a couple years now and we've had a great experience. The building is well-maintained and their classes and process are a well-oiled machine. It's an indoor facility that has a comfortable area for viewing the classes in progress and a separate area to the side where kiddos waiting for their classes or siblings can play or watch a movie. For the adults they have sports on TV and Faction beer on tap or Wine, coffee and snacks. All the staff are friendly and genuinely try to help you.

I know some people get annoyed with the lack of classes, but I don't feel they should be faulted for the high demand for their services. And I feel that their policies are very clear about their wait list, reporting absences, etc.

My absolutely favorite person who works at Aquatech is Manager (and occasional Coach) Victor. He is a ray of sunshine and my son likes him so much he asked me to invite him to his birthday party (he's 5 and didn't ask me to invite any of his other teachers/coaches)

My daughter had started with aquatech since the pandemic 2021 and it's been a great swim class for her..they are very accommodating with the schedule. Clean environment and Any question I have Emmanuel is always helpful with any assistance that I need,My daughter just finish all her course and we were actually happy with the outcome.

The teachers and staff here are good. But be careful where you park because they don't have cameras to inform you on when people hit your car and run. Everyone's always in a rush. My kid had a 30 min swim lesson and by the time I came out, saw someone backed into my back bumper (likely when getting out themselves). I was perfectly parked as I try to be thoughtful of others parking next to me -- but this person just didn't care. Didn't even leave a note. If you see anyone that typically attends Saturday mornings with a messed up back left side, pls let me know. They backed into my back bumper and didn't even leave a note. Take a look at pic.

My 7 year old has been taking lessons at AquaTech for 1.5 years. She started out as a "Seahorse" (Comfortable Beginner) who was comfortable dunking her head, but did not know how to swim at all to now a "Puffer" and about to begin working on her freestyle and backstroke. In this time my daughter has gained confidence in the water, learned how to swim, and had fun.

Two instructors that have stood out to us are Cleeford and Catherine. I credit Cleeford with teaching my daughter to back float. My daughter had multiple instructors while she was a Seahorse and Cleeford was by far the best teacher. He gave my daughter both the confidence and the skill to trust herself and float on her back. He was very patient with her while also pushing her to go out of her comfort zone.

Catherine was my daughter's most recent teacher while she was a Silverfish/Goldfish. Catherine is charismatic and ensures the kids have fun while they learn. My daughter recently completed all of her skills for this level and moved on to Puffer. She will miss having Catherine as her teacher.

I am very pleased with my daughter's progress so far and plan on continuing at AquaTech for the foreseeable future.

I cannot believe that this place charged me for 3 consecutive months and my son never attended once-not one time!

Unconscionable business practices! They needed my credit card information to "hold" a spot for lessons for my son.

Don't give them your credit card information-they will never stop charging you. They explained that they charge continually until you send them a written 30-day notice of discontinuation.

They never reached-out to explain this. They just kept charging me and now I am out $300!! AND, my son has not gone to their facility ONCE!

Ridiculous!

My kids have been coming here for the last few years and I appreciate their professionalism and patience. It's very convenient: they are indoors, the pool is more than 90 degrees, plenty of parking, very clean and very straightforward. It's easy to report absence (by 8AM of the day of the lesson) and get a makeup token. It's also very easy to use makeup tokens. Sometimes they have to close the pool and notify people as soon as possible via text and email. The best way to contact them is via their contact form but most of the information is online. Take note that these are group lessons so it's not a rushed process. I prefer for my kids to get comfortable and willingly submerge their heads underwater. If you're looking for quick results, look elsewhere for private lessons.

My daughter took lessons here from age 3 to age 7. When she started, she was very nervous, hated putting her head under water, etc. The teacher was kind and sympathetic, and didn't push her too much. Progress was slow at first, but I think because of the gentle approach, my daughter suddenly turned a corner at some point and became an absolute fish! Swimming became her favorite activity, and she began to move fast through the levels until she was doing most strokes better than me. All the staff are great, the facilities are kept very clean, and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Great place to help your family learn how to swim. My kids were taught here for about a year or so. Instructors here are very patient with beginners. The only downside is when kids are being taught in groups, they'll have to wait awhile before it's their turn. One tip would be if your child needs special attention, just pay extra and get them a private session instead of a group session. They'll learn so much quicker.