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.
| Pool | |
| Temperature | 82°F 27°C |
| Depth | 3.5 – 4.5 feet (1.07 – 1.22 meters) |
Cool off at Cove
Cove Pool
1976 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Open Rec Swimming
January 19 – May 10
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday & Wednesday | 6:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday & Thursday | 3:30 - 8:30pm |
| Friday | 6:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 7:30pm |
| Saturday & Sunday | 9am - 4:30pm |
Adjusted Hours
Spring Break
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| March 27 | 6:30am - 1:30pm |
| March 28 - April 5 | CLOSED |
Final Exam Week
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| May 3 | 10:30am - 2:30pm |
| May 4 | 6:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 7:30pm |
| May 5 | 11:30am - 7:30pm |
| May 6 | 6:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30 - 7:30pm |
| May 7 | 11:30am - 7:30pm |
| May 8 | 6:30am - 1:30pm |
| May 9 - 10 | CLOSED |
Events & Maintenance
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| April 12 | 12:30 - 4:30pm |
| April 13 | CLOSED |
May 12 – August 24
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 6:30 - 8:30am, 4 - 7pm |
| Tuesday, Thursday | 4 - 7pm |
| Saturday | 10:30am - 2:30pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Adjusted Hours
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| May 11 - 18 | CLOSED |
| May 23 | 6:30 - 8:30am |
| May 24 - 26 | CLOSED |
| July 3 | 4 - 6pm |
| July 4 - 6 | CLOSED |
| August 21 - 23 | CLOSED |
Check back later for fall 2026 hours.
Check back later for winter break 2026 hours.
Open Rec Log Rolling
Want to try something new in the pool? Join us at 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 – 7pm. See the upcoming dates below!
-
Friday, January 23
- Friday, February 6
- Friday, February 20
- Friday, March 6
- Friday, March 20
- Friday, April 3
- Friday, April 17
- Friday, May 1
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
Upcoming Dates:
- January 21
- February 4
- March 4
- April 8
- May 6