Rakhat Fitness Club

Just swam at this pool today, 30 November 2013. The facility has two adjacent pools, both under an inflatable dome. The entry fee is good for the whole day and includes access to the pool, weights, and sauna. The staff was friendly but not a word of English is spoken. Pay at the window and get a receipt, take the receipt to the main desk and get a towel coin and electronic locker key. The locker room and entire facility is very clean and well staffed. I swam in the 50 meter pool, but could have used either. The water was very clean, clear and cool, 29ºC. The pool is well lit with one wall clock but no flags. On a Saturday afternoon the place was curiously empty. I had a lane to myself for over an hour. There was a water aerobics class and a kids lesson going on but no trouble getting a lane. It was a great pool to swim in and is used by the Kazhak national team when they are in Almaty. Not sure I'll pay the 7,000 Tenge (~USD 45) again though.

This place has become a costly private members club and, while nice enough in the summer, aims to achieve exclusivity by means of its entrance pricing. It is spotless, has a gym and a decent 25m indoor pool. But it was only a flying visit and, at the price, the main pool will have to be open before I'd go back.

I am an avid lap swimmer and rank the pool as one of the best. It's hard to believe such a pool exists in a place like Almaty, KZ.