Big Blue Swim School, founded in 2009 by U.S National Champion swimmer Chris DeJong, is moving into the Germantown Commons shopping center, occupying the location that was home to Monkey Joe’s from 2016-2019 and Hard Times Cafe before that. This will be Big Blue Swim School’s first Maryland location, but the company made its way to the Metro area in 2021 when it acquired Tom Dolan Swim School in the spring of 2021 to expand the swim lessons brand to Northern Virginia with schools in Dulles and Falls Church. Gold’s Gym will also be coming to the shopping center when it opens a new location at 12922 Middlebrook Road in Germantown, in the location of the DSW store that closed on April 10th next to Bed Bath & Beyond. Additional information per Big Blue Swim School available below:
What is Big Blue? How is it different from other swim lesson choices in my community?
Big Blue Swim School teaches kids ages three months to 12 years how to be safe, happy, and confident swimmers. We offer an unparalleled weekly swim lesson experience made easier and more effective by our professional swim instructors, proprietary technology and curriculum, and our comfortable and convenient facilities. Ultra-clean, 90-degree pools; comfortable, Wi-Fi enabled viewing areas; ample changing rooms; and convenient parking are just some of the amenities that set us apart. And don’t forget, you can schedule multiple kids and different levels at the same time.
These conveniences didn’t appear overnight. Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by U.S National Champion swimmer Chris DeJong and has since successfully opened eleven locations across the US, with many more to come! Stay up to date with all our new pool openings by visiting our locations page.
When will the new Big Blue open to the public?
We are so excited to open our doors and welcome you to our new facility! But there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to open a new pool. Most of our pools are built in pre-existing retail space and each pool is custom fit to that space. We renovate the space from top to bottom to create a top-of-the-line facility for our families.
This process takes time, and we will share more details about opening day as it approaches. First, we set our sights on the season we’ll open, then we narrow it down to a specific month, and typically within four to six weeks of opening we’ll notify you of our anticipated opening date. Trust us, we are just as excited as you are!
What days and times will swim lessons take place?
We understand life is busy. Every Big Blue offers convenient night and weekend hours to match the schedules of even the busiest of families. Plus, a generous makeup policy of 15 makeups per year and the ability to schedule makeup lessons online.
Hours of operation will vary by pool, and our schedules are finalized and released about a month prior to opening. Here is an example of what the schedule might look like at your Big Blue Swim School:
Sunday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Monday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday – Friday 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
By purchasing a pre-opening deal you’ll get access to priority registration where you’ll get first dibs on our best available times!
Are there any specials to celebrate the newest Big Blue Swim School?
Yes! Before a pool opens, we offer our best deal ever – but only for a limited time. The deals expire once we open our doors (and in some cases, even sooner). The best way to stay informed and take advantage of the deal when it becomes available is to subscribe to our emails and text messages.
To sign up for emails, visit our locations page and fill out the form for the location nearest you.
To sign up for text messages, send “JOIN” to 244258.
By purchasing lessons before the pool opens, you’ll also get access to priority registration – meaning you’ll get to choose your lesson day and time before the schedule opens to the public – plus free friends & family lessons before our grand opening.
Please note that when purchasing a deal, you are signing up for perpetual weekly lessons. This is like a membership or subscription and normally bills on the first of each month. And while we offer 10% off for an additional six months with all pre-opening deals, you are not locked in to a six-month subscription. Anyone is welcome to pause their membership at any time with 30 day’s notice.
How do I sign my kid up for lessons at the new Big Blue?
If you purchase a pre-opening deal (be sure to stay opted-in to our emails and text messages) you’ll be notified when priority registration goes live, about one month prior to opening. If you’re not ready to register at that time, don’t worry. You can pick the day and time for your discounted swim lessons up to one month after we open.
Please note that when purchasing a deal, you are signing up for perpetual weekly lessons. This is like a membership or subscription and normally bills on the first of each month. Anyone is welcome to pause their membership at any time with 30 days notice.
What if I’m interested, but not ready to purchase? Can I see the pool before I buy?
We understand that some families may want to check out the facility before you buy. There are a limited number of tours and free trials available before we open to the public. To learn more about the days and times of these tours and trials, be sure to subscribe to our emails and text messages and we’ll notify you when time slots are available.
To sign up for emails, visit our locations page and fill out the form for the location nearest you.
To sign up for text messages, send “JOIN” to 244258.
Additional tours and free trials may be offered after we open to the public. Check with your local Big Blue to schedule one of these offerings.
I’m so excited that Big Blue is joining my community! What else can I do to celebrate?
Swimming is even better with a friend! Help us spread the word about our new pool by telling your friends about Big Blue, sharing on social media, or forwarding an email.
Join us for Big Blue Family Fun Day, typically a few days before opening day, where we’ll celebrate our new pool with tours, live entertainment, kids’ activities, giveaways, and treats! As always, sign up for emails and text messages to stay informed about the festivities.
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