Cione Public Pool. Photo: Rocco Avalllone @roccoavallone
Updated June 2023
If you’ve been outside today you know it’s hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. Before you go jump in the Schuylkill to cool off (not advisable), here’s the low-down on where to get your swim on in Philly.
Philly PUBLIC POOLS
If you are a pool lover, you have probably heard the news, Philadelphia city pools are struggling to hire and train lifeguards to keep us safe. The good news is for the summer of 2023 they are opening all of Parks & Rec’s available pools, that’s 61 pools. All public pools offer free swim lessons. Our favorites include Kelly Pool, Mander Playground Pool (both in Fairmount Park), and Marian Anderson Rec Center Pool, which has a beautiful grassy area. Here is an updated list of the city pools that are open for the 2023 season (including the famed SWIMMO!). You can also use the Pool Finder map to find out which is closest to you.
Rainy day? Give one of the city’s indoor pools a try. Our advice is to call ahead to make sure they’re open before trecking over.
Private Pools
Philadelphia Sports Club | $49 per month and also features babysitting services, a sauna, a steam room, and tennis courts!
University City Swim Club | Membership is full, but you can get on the waitlist here! You can also look to rent unused memberships. Rates depend on the size of your family.
Lombard Swim Club | A family-friendly pool with a large lap pool and separate wading pool for tots. There is also a full restaurant and bar on site. As you can imagine, there is a hefty cost and a waitlist for memberships- so get on it now, and cross those fingers.
Manorlu Swim Club | Heading to nearby Dresher, PA for the day is easier than heading down the shore. There is a snack shack, swim teams, volleyball courts, family and adult activities. Think of it as a condensed Dirty Dancing paradise.
Ashbourne Swim Club at Lynnewood Gardens | New renovations are ready to be unveiled for the 2022 season.
Upper Dublin public pool | Entry is a small fee ($1-$6) for both residents and non-residents.
Water Features
Got a little one who’s not so sure about swimming yet? Or maybe you’d just like to cool off without jumping in? Why not check out one of the city’s 90 sprinklers, splash pads, and spraygrounds! These 7 were recently updated and are sure to bring extra smiles:
Carmella Playground, Capitolo Playground, Granahan Playground, Hayes Playground, McCreesh Playground, Roosevelt Playground, Tomlinson & Gifford Playground.
The bright interactive playgrounds will be active 7 days a week from late June/mid July through Labor Day (weather permitting!). Use this tool to find a geyser, mister, or water tunnel near you.
In Nature
More interested in a natural dip? Check out our blog about Swimming Lakes around Philly. If tubing is more your style, we’ve mapped out a few routes to help you cool off.
Whichever way you splash, stay cool and refreshed out there!