Without making too many waves, swimmers dipped into the new White Building pool for the first time Saturday.

In the MBNA Student Recreation Center, which was supposed to be completed in time to greet students returning from winter break, at least now the sections that are open outnumber the ones that remain dark.

The filtration and heating problems that delayed the opening of the aquatic facilities have been fixed, said Dale Roth, director of recreation services and club sports.

The five-lane pool is currently roped to allow for both lap swimming and recreation. The sauna is also available for use, and the spa will be turned on as soon as a control mechanism arrives, Roth said.

The bathroom fixtures in the men's and women's locker rooms that access the pool area are fully functional, but the actual lockers will not be installed until after spring break. Temporary signs encourage swimmers to bring their belongings onto the pool deck to prevent theft.

Students also started exercising this weekend in the cardiovascular equipment area. The room, No. 2 White Building, features treadmills, stationary bikes, recumbent bikes and steppers.

The strength training equipment, which is starting to accumulate in the center part of the new MBNA center, does not yet comprise a "full-circuit workout," Roth said. The White Building staff is awaiting the final shipment of machines before bringing the whole area into use.

A staircase from the first floor of the north-south connector, where most visitors enter, leads down to the lobby of the recreation center, where there will eventually be televisions and lounge furniture similar to the type found in the HUB-Robeson Center.

Hours for the pool are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The cardio room will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.

Students need to present their $15 student semester fitness passes to use the new facilities. A grand opening for the center is planned for late March, Roth said.