The starter’s pistol of summer is soon to make its noise.

Sure, you know it. Bounce, bounce, thwaap — the wincing sound of a belly buster off the springboard.

“The opening of the pool kicks off summer,” said Roger Steinbrock with Lawrence Parks and Recreation. “That is pretty much the standard in every community.”

Then summer will get its start in Lawrence on Saturday.

The city’s Outdoor Aquatic Center, 727 Ky., will open for the season at 1 p.m. Saturday. The first 100 people through the gates Saturday will get a free Parks and Recreation water bottle, Steinbrock said.

Other than that, much will be the same at the pool this season. Rates are unchanged from last year — $3 for kids under 18 and for adults 60 and over, and $4 for adults. Children four and under aren’t charged admission.

Hours also are unchanged: 1 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. daily from May 28 through August 21. If you are the type of swimmer who likes to plan ahead, there are two exceptions to the normal hours: The pool will close at 6:45 p.m. July 4; and on Aug. 18 the pool will open at 4 p.m.

Other details about the pool’s operations:

• The pool will be open only to lap swimmers from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, beginning June 1.
• Senior citizens swim for free Wednesdays, Steinbrock said.
• Pool passes are available for purchase ranging from a $186 year-long pass to a 30-day pass for $24. Passes can be purchased at the pool.
• The South Park Wading Pool will open for the season June 1. It will be open from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
• The Carl Knox Natatorium, 1901 La., is closed for the summer.