After a long, bitter winter, the summer is quickly approaching, and pools in the area are preparing to open for the season. All pools have membership options available for purchase.

PalmertonLarry Arner, on behalf of the Palmerton Memorial Park pool, said the winter was spent completely refurbishing the bathhouse and bathroom. He also said that rates for entry have increased about 5 percent.The pool, which is located at 1255 Third St., opens Saturday.Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for a child. There is a discount of $1 off after 5 p.m.LehightonLehighton's Baer Memorial Park Pool will have new June and July hours, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from noon to 7 p.m. on weekends.August hours will be noon to 7 p.m. weekly.Along with water aerobics, aquatic Zumba, and flume slides, the kiddie pool will have a few new attractions.The pool, which is located at 1101 Bridge St., Lehighton, opens on Saturday.Admission is $7 for adults and $5 children, with $1 off after 5 p.m.TamaquaAs for Tamaqua's HD Buehler Memorial (Bungalow) Pool, the concession stand will be under new management.New items will include pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, fresh fruit and salads.Rates for those who live in the district will not change, but an out-of-district pass is now $100 for the season, $15 for a weekday, or $20 for a Saturday or Sunday."It is always fun to be there and see the people who continue to come year after year," said Adrian Bumbulsky, bungalow manager. "After teaching in the district this year, I am also really excited to see my students over the summer." Bumbulsky is also a fourth-grade teacher in the Tamaqua school district.HD Buehler Memorial Park opens May 31.Admission is $5 for age 6 and up on weekdays, $6 for age 6 and up on weekends and $1 for age 5 and below everyday.LansfordLansford, on the other hand, has not made any major changes.Admission prices remain the same, but the roofs of buildings at the pool are being replaced, a project that will be finished shortly.According to Rosemary Cannon, Lansford pool's manager, "Last summer was a very good season, and we're hoping for the same this year."The Lansford Pool is located at 111 E. Bertsch Street and will open on June 14.Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for those 3 and under.SlatingtonThe Victory Park Pool in Slatington prepares to open on Saturday, but the chance for inclement weather creates concern.According to Larry Arner, Palmerton's pool shares the same concern."The weather looks like it may be too cold, and there's possible rain. I'm hoping to get a good turnout this year," he said.Victory Park Pool is located at Grove and Second streets in Slatington and opens on Saturday.Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for children.