15 Best Public Pools in NYC You Can Swim In for Free

In the borough of Queens, Astoria Park Pool offers a sunny start to the season with a beautiful location along the waterfront. Its wide deck and generous space let guests spread out, while clear rules and lifeguards keep the experience safe and welcoming.

All 15 pools profiled here are outdoor, open to guests free of charge, and rely on a season schedule that spans late spring through early fall. Check the location page for hours, specific rules, and safety measures before you go, so you know what to expect when you arrive.

When planning your visit, consider choosing a point with easy transit access and nearby amenities. Many pools display depth measuring marks at the deep end. If you have kids, seek wading sections and shallow lanes to stay within sight of your party, or invite friends for a game on nearby courts after a swim; many pools also offer shaded seating.

Whether you visit for a quick lap, a long, beautiful sun session, or a splashy afternoon with friends, each location adds its own character. Some pools sit in classic city spaces with a calm vibe, others lie along the waterfront where a dock or pier creates a nice post-swim stroll. The key is to pick a space that fits your location and needs, then plan a few visits across the season.

To maximize your NYC pool experience, look for season notes, check whether you’ll encounter crowds, and consider packing a towel, sunscreen, and a light snack. Start with Astoria Park, then explore pools across the five boroughs to enjoy a varied sunny itinerary that also keeps travel simple and helps you beat the heat with a refreshing dip all season long.

NYC Public Pools: A Practical Guide to Free Swimming

Arrive at opening time to secure a free spot and the best water access. nycs outdoor pools, formerly indoor facilities, switch to open-air operation in spring, with lifeguards on duty and posted rules at each gate.

Crotona Park Pool in the Bronx stands out for families: it offers a large shallow end, nearby sprinklers, and a wide promenade ideal for toddlers and caregivers. For cardio enthusiasts, there are lanes for lap swimming, and you can mix in short floating breaks to cool off.

Writer david shares a practical approach: map routes on the computer, arrive early, and keep a short list of pools to visit them. He notes that spring schedules tend to be the most generous, with much sun and longer hours.

Much of the planning revolves around safety and pace. Toddlers need close supervision and age-appropriate water play areas, while swimmers of all ages should follow posted lane rules and lifeguard directions.

Before you go, read the posted rules and current hours. For the latest hours and guidelines, visit httpswwwnycgovparksorg. The site also highlights lessons for beginners and tips for busy days.

Choose pools by proximity to your house or by easy access from a main blvd, which helps cut travel time and reduces crowds. Most pools maintain designated zones for different activities, so you can plan around them and involve them in your day.

Free Swim Hours and Seasonal Schedule

Plan your day around Lasker Pool: free swim runs 11:00 am–7:00 pm daily from late June through Labor Day. Arrive by 11:00 am to snag a spot near the playgrounds and keep kids within a few feet of the water. The built-in bath facilities simplify transitions between sun and shade, and you’ll find quick changes right there.

Seasonal schedule varies by pool, but a sure pattern helps you plan: open for the core summer months, with Saturdays and Sundays often offering longer hours. Degraw, Dekalb, Owens, Marcy, and Lasker pools generally follow 11:00 am–7:00 pm during peak days, with weekday mornings sometimes reserved for lap or adult swim. Check the citys official page for a precise timetable before you go.

In Williamsburg and nearby island-adjacent areas, a dip pairs nicely with playgrounds and a stroll along the water. If you need a backup, start at Dekalb or Degraw, then slide over to Owens or Marcy to extend your time in the sun without a long walk.

Tips to maximize your day: pack sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes; bring water for hydration; and forget nothing essential. For the most accurate hours, use the official citys pool finder and look for weather-related closures. These pools offer free swim across the network and help you enjoy a perfect summer day, thats the practical approach to planning a go-to schedule.

Location, Transit Access, and Nearby Facilities

Hook into a straightforward day at crotona Park Pool in the Bronx: this massive main pool, built beside crotona Park East, opens in June and is yours to enjoy with guests in a safe, family-friendly setting.

Located in the Crotona neighborhood on the east edge of the borough, the pool sits inside a park that serves several neighborhoods and offers convenient green space just a short walk from busy city streets.

Transit Access is easy: you’ll find multiple local options nearby, with a short walk from the park entrance to reach the pool. Plan your route in advance to keep transfer times minimal, and consider a morning visit to avoid crowds that build as the day warms up.

Nearby facilities include clean restrooms, drinking fountains, shaded seating, and a playground for kids. Snack carts and small vendors are often available on weekends, hosted by community groups to keep snacks and drinks within reach for families.

Tips for a smooth visit: wear sunscreen and lightweight clothing, bring water, and keep your belongings secure. This setup keeps the day feeling safe and relaxed, with second-access options nearby if you need a quick break or a quieter corner to cool off along the edge of the park.

Water Quality, Lifeguards, and Safety Rules

Check the pool’s website for the latest water quality readings before you swim; if the pH sits around 7.2–7.8 and chlorine is within the safe range, enter with confidence. City facilities publish results daily and post them at the gate or in shade near the entrance, so you can verify what you’ll swim in.

Lifeguards are on duty during posted hours at all indooroutdoor pools, and staff monitor water quality, deck safety, and equipment. If a pool shows a closed sign, it is not available; ask staff for the nearest alternative. Whether you swim with kids or on your own, follow lifeguard directions and stay within designated roped areas.

Safety rules apply to intermediate swimmers too: select lanes labeled for entry-level or intermediate depth and follow posted lane markers. Shower before entering, avoid glass and food on the deck, and keep voices calm to reduce distraction. Use shade to cool down between dips, and hydrate; if you feel unwell, exit and seek help from staff right away. Note that events may affect capacity on weekends, so plan accordingly and arrive early.

june outdoor openings mean longer hours and more shade options; pools in williamsburg boast a riverside setting and easy access from sidenearest transit. writer david notes a point near williamsburg where the facility has a calm, well-staffed area and events that draw families after a hike. If a pool is closed for maintenance, use the website to find another indooroutdoor option with similar safety standards and a brisk patrol by the staff.

Amenities, Restrooms, Showers, and Seating

This outdoor, olympic-size pool on 44th Street is a strong pick for a day out, offering a massive seating area, clean restrooms, and reliable showers. It has a beach-like edge for post-swim lounging and sits within a network of parks that connect Tottenville, Claremont, Bradhurst, Fulton, Battery, Douglas, and Robinson areas, giving you options this city-wide system usually lacks elsewhere.

• Restrooms: Clean, well-lit facilities near the pool entrance with accessible stalls and ample paper supplies. Signs are clear, helping you move from changing area to changing room without a hitch. This setup lets you plan a longer visit without scouting for facilities.
• Showers: Outdoor showers are located steps from the deck, with hot water available during daylight hours and benches nearby to dry off. Keep flip-flops handy to avoid splashes on the pool deck and to move smoothly to seating or the beach edge.
• Seating: A mix of shaded benches, picnic tables, and lawn spaces provides spots for groups and solo swimmers. In the heart of the park, you’ll find both sunlit and shaded options, so you can switch from splash to relax without leaving the area.
• Nearby facilities: The pool sits inside a broader parks cluster, so you have quick access to fountains, drinking water, and snack options along the walkways. More seating choices pop up near entry plazas and along the waterfront paths, inviting you to linger after a swim.

Tips for Visiting: Crowds, Weather, and Accessibility

Visit at opening hours or just before to beat crowds and reserve a space. Youll save time and stay cooler by entering the area early. Check NYC Parks for each pool’s hours, because they vary by location. Central pools offer easy access from several neighborhoods, and many brooklyn facilities boast longer windows throughout the season. Shaded loungers are offered at several pools, including dapolito and fulton, which guests frequently favor for central-area comforts.

heres a quick tip: arrive on weekdays to avoid peak crowds, and target early morning or late afternoon slots to enjoy the water with more space. When planning, know the pools area layout; NYC Parks posts details for each site throughout the city, and theyre easy to pull up on your phone. This makes it much easier to map your route and choose a backup pool if crowds spike. They update hours frequently, so a quick check before you go helps.

Spring weather in NYC can swing fast, so check the forecast and pack sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and a light cover-up. If you swim outside, bring a white towel to reflect sun and stay cooler, and seek shade during peak sun hours. Hydrate and snack, since heat makes you tire faster; many sites have water fountains and shaded benches available throughout the pool area. You may also notice aves overhead on outdoor days–enjoy the view but stay aware of crowds and gusts near trees.

Accessibility matters: most pools provide accessible entrances, ramps, and a pool lift; check if the main gate is wheelchair-friendly and if the restrooms are accessible. Some facilities were upgraded in recent seasons to improve accessibility. For changing spaces, some pools designate womens facilities or gender-neutral options; call ahead to confirm that spaces are available and avoid delays.

To plan a practical route, consider starting in central Manhattan or venturing to Brooklyn’s options–dapolito, fulton, and other nearby places often offer reliable hours and straightforward transit. Know where your nearby pool is, a simple place to start, and keep a backup plan in case of rain or crowds. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a relaxed day with guests without sacrificing access or safety.