Cove Pool
The Cove Pool at the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center is home to an 8-lane, 25-yard pool. This pool is equipped with an aquatic lift, a chair lift, and stairs for increased accessibility.
See below for daily open rec pool hours and our adjusted schedule. Cove Pool’s open rec lap swim availability is subject to change. For the most up to date lane availability, please check our daily schedules.
| Pool | |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 82°F 27°C |
| Depth | 3.5 – 4.5 feet (1.07 – 1.22 meters) |
Daily Schedules
Cove Pool
1976 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Open Rec Swimming
August 31 – December 17
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday & Wednesday | 6:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday & Thursday | 11:30am - 8:30pm |
| Friday | 6:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 7:30pm |
| Saturday & Sunday | 9am - 4:30pm |
Adjusted Hours
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| September 4 | 6:30am - 1:30pm |
| September 25 | 6:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 6:30pm |
| October 10 | Noon - 4:30pm |
Thanksgiving Weekend
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| November 25 | 8:30am - 1:30pm |
| November 26 - November 27 | CLOSED |
| November 28 - November 29 | 11:30am - 3:30pm |
Finals Week
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| December 11 | 8:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 6:30pm |
| December 12 | 9am - 3:30pm |
| December 13 | 9am - 3:30pm |
| December 14 | 8:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 7:30pm |
| December 15 | 6:30 - 8:30am, 11:30am - 7:30pm |
| December 16 | 8:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 7:30pm |
| December 17 | 6:30 - 8:30am, 11:30am - 7:30pm |
December 18 – January 17, 2027
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| December 18 | 8:30am - 1:30pm |
| December 19 - December 25 | CLOSED |
| December 26 - 30 | 11am - 2pm |
| December 31 & January 1 | CLOSED |
| January 2 - 6 | 11am - 2pm |
| January 7 | 6:30 - 8:30am, 4:30 - 6:30pm |
| January 8 | 4:30pm - 6:30pm |
| January 9 | CLOSED |
| January 10 | 10am - 2pm |
| January 11 | 4:30pm - 6:30pm |
| January 12 | 6:30 - 8:30am, 4:30 - 6:30pm |
| January 13 | 4:30pm - 6:30pm |
| January 14 | 6:30 - 8:30am, 4:30 - 6:30pm |
| January 15 | 4:30pm - 6:30pm |
| January 16 | CLOSED |
| January 17 | 10am - 2pm |
January 18 – May 9
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday & Wednesday | 8:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday & Thursday | 6:30 - 8:30am, 11:30am - 8:30pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 7:30pm |
| Saturday & Sunday | 9am - 4:30pm |
Adjusted Hours
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| March 19 | 6:30am - 1:30pm |
| March 20 & 21 | 10:30am - 2:30pm |
| March 22 | 8:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 6:30pm |
| March 23 | 11:30am - 6:30pm |
| March 24 | 8:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 6:30pm |
| March 25 | 11:30am - 6:30pm |
| March 26 | 8:30am - 1:30pm |
| March 27 | 10:30am - 2:30pm |
| March 28 | 12:30 - 2:30pm |
Final Exam Week
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| May 2 | 10:30am - 2:30pm |
| May 3 | 8:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 7:30pm |
| May 4 | 6:30 - 8:30am, 11:30am - 7:30pm |
| May 5 | 8:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 7:30pm |
| May 6 | 6:30 - 8:30am, 11:30am - 7:30pm |
| May 7 | 8:30am - 1:30pm |
Commencement Weekend
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| May 9 & May 10 | CLOSED |
Check back later for summer 2027 hours.
Open Rec Log Rolling
Want to try something new in the pool? Swing by the Cove Pool for log rolling. There’s more to the pool than just swimming, log rolling is fun for all experience levels! Put your log rolling skills to the test (or learn how to do it).
It happens every other Friday from 5:30 – 7:30pm.
- Friday, August 28
- Friday, September 4
- Friday, September 18
- Friday, October 2
- Friday, October 16
- Friday, October 30
- Friday, November 13
- Wednesday, December 2 (9:45 – 11pm)
- Friday, December 4
Late Night Aqua Zumba
Calling all night owls! Join us at the Cove Pool for Late Night Aqua Zumba (sponsored by Ian’s Pizza). Come make a splash, feel the music, and join the fun as we integrate dance and exercise, and move to international beats in shallow water! No dance experience is required. Participants must be comfortable in shallow water (approximately four feet).
Arrive 10 minutes early to claim your spot. No late entry is permitted. Bring your Wiscard, water bottle, and a towel. Participants will receive a free Ian’s slice card while supplies last.
Cost: Free to UW–Madison students and Rec Well members.
Time: 9 – 9:45pm
- Wednesday, September 2
- Wednesday, October 7
- Wednesday, November 4
- Wednesday, December 2 (followed by late night log rolling from 9:45 – 11pm)
- Friday, December 11