There’s nothing more magical than summer in New York City. And just like anywhere else, locals love to beat the heat with lazy days by the pool. Luckily, there are a slew of NYC public pools that are free and open to the public. “After last year’s unprecedented challenges, we are so excited to announce that our outdoor pools and beaches will be opening on time this season,” NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver tells StreetEasy. Starting on June 26, 48 public pools will open across the five boroughs for visitors to enjoy.
But why just commute to one of these sites when you can live in one of the many great neighborhoods with its own public pool? “It’s a bonus to live near a pool,” says Warburg Realty’s Gerard Splendore, citing his own affection for Brooklyn’s Sunset Park Pool. And, he points out, even if you’re not a swimmer yourself, it’s always a nice feature to share with future renters or buyers. To make your summer poolside dreams a reality, we’ve rounded up some of the best NYC pool neighborhoods. Here they are, along with what makes them great, and what you can expect at each spot.
What Are the Rules at NYC Public Pools?
First things first. All NYC public pools have pretty strict guidelines on what you can, and can’t, bring and wear. Make sure to bring a combination lock for the lockers, as most items aren’t permitted in the swimming area. It’s best to leave valuables like jewelry and wallets at home. Phones and other electronics, glass bottles, and even newspapers are prohibited.
Pretty much the only thing you should bring into the swimming area with you is a towel. The pools should all have free SPF 50 on hand, but it’s best to lather up at home beforehand, just in case. If you want a little extra sun protection, throw a white shirt over your bathing suit. (No shirts with colors are allowed.)
Top Large NYC Pools
Jefferson Pool, East Harlem
Originally built in the 1930s as part of New Deal-era public works projects, this East Harlem pool still keeps the community cool nearly a century later. With one Olympic pool and one wading pool, there’s more than enough space to relax in the water for hours on end. This NYC public pool is part of a larger complex that includes playgrounds, a dog run, and BBQ areas. That means you can certainly make a day out of the center’s offerings.
Wheelchair Accessible Pool? Yes
About East Harlem: A delicious melting pot of Caribbean, Puerto Rican, and Latin American restaurants grace the streets of East Harlem’s vivacious community. Home to El Museo del Barrio and iconic street art, this neighborhood offers up nonstop excitement.
Median Rent: $2,195
East Harlem Rentals Under $2,300 on StreetEasyArticle continues below
East Harlem
127 East 102nd Street
$2,100No Fee
1 |
1
East Harlem
422 East 117th Street
$2,095No Fee
1 |
1
East Harlem
328 East 106th Street
$2,300No Fee
1 |
1
East Harlem
307 East 110th Street
$1,865No Fee
1 |
1
East Harlem
311 East 105th Street
$1,950No Fee
1 |
1
East Harlem
2024 Third Avenue
$1,910No Fee
1 |
1
East Harlem
416 East 120th Street
$2,200No Fee
1 |
1
East Harlem
228 East 116th Street
$2,225No Fee
1 |
1
East Harlem
102 East 116th Street
$2,225No Fee
1 |
1
East Harlem
1912 Third Avenue
$1,995No Fee
Studio |
1
East Harlem
375 Pleasant Avenue
$2,246No Fee
2 |
1
East Harlem
2148 Second Avenue
$2,100No Fee
1 |
1
Lasker Pool, South Harlem
This massive space at the northern end of Central Park is an ice skating rink during the winter months. But come summer, it transforms into an enormous public pool! Check out the Olympic-size pool and kiddie pool for a day of splashing around. “It’s fantastic — refreshing and so important,” says Warburg Realty’s Svetlana Choi, describing the enormous facility. “It’s the ideal of what life can be like in the city.” To top things off, the pool overlooks Central Park’s idyllic Harlem Meer lake.
*Note: During summer 2021, Lasker Pool will be closed due to construction.
Wheelchair Accessible Pool? Yes
About South Harlem: This neighborhood, often referred to as Central Park North, is a bustling area with terrific access to the sprawling park. After a day of pool lounging, Choi recommends exploring Frederick Douglass Boulevard. If you’re hungry, grab some delicious southern fare at Melba’s or fantastic chicken and waffles at Amy Ruth’s. You’ll also see plenty of historic buildings throughout the neighborhood.
Median Rent: $2,230
South Harlem Rentals Under $2,500 on StreetEasyArticle continues below
South Harlem
235 Lenox Avenue
$1,950No Fee
1 |
1
South Harlem
386 Manhattan Avenue
$2,350No Fee
1 |
1
South Harlem
200 West 113rd Street
$2,000No Fee
Studio |
1
South Harlem
272 West 117th Street
$2,250No Fee
1 |
1
South Harlem
220 West 122nd Street
$2,350No Fee
1 |
1
South Harlem
272 West 115th Street
$2,400No Fee
1 |
1
South Harlem
128 West 120th Street
$1,900No Fee
Studio |
1
South Harlem
1638 Park Avenue
$2,337No Fee
Studio |
1
South Harlem
75 West 118th Street
$2,400No Fee
1 |
1
South Harlem
132 West 117th Street
$2,400No Fee
1 |
1
South Harlem
3 East 115th Street
$2,495No Fee
1 |
1
South Harlem
113 West 117th Street
$2,400No Fee
Studio |
1
Hamilton Fish Park, Lower East Side
Featuring both an Olympic-size pool and a wading pool, this Lower East Side haunt has some impressive history. Built in the summer of 1936, this swimming pool was another New Deal project executed by the Works Progress Administration. That very summer, 11 pools opened up across NYC (many of which are covered in this article!). The park includes a gorgeous Beaux-Arts recreation center, which actually preceded the pool. It was labeled a NYC landmark in the 1980s, and was restored in the ’90s.
Wheelchair Accessible Pool? Yes
About the Lower East Side: Filled with historic tenements, raucous nightlife, and an unparalleled foodie scene, Manhattan’s Lower East Side checks all the boxes. Neighborhood staples like Katz’s Deli and Russ and Daughters have been serving locals and visitors for over 100 years. And much of the neighborhood is part of the Open Streets program, where pedestrians can enjoy local businesses without the rush of traffic.
Median Rent: $2,995
Lower East Side Rentals Under $2,800 on StreetEasyArticle continues below
Lower East Side
144 Orchard Street
$2,695No Fee
1 |
1
Lower East Side
161 Attorney Street
$2,495No Fee
Studio |
1
Two Bridges
109 Madison Street
$2,600No Fee
2 |
1
Lower East Side
123 Ludlow Street
$2,595No Fee
Studio |
1
Lower East Side
150 Orchard Street
$2,795No Fee
1 |
1
Lower East Side
174 Rivington Street
$2,750No Fee
Studio |
1
Lower East Side
157 Rivington Street
$2,750No Fee
1 |
1
Lower East Side
170 Delancey Street
$2,650No Fee
1 |
1
Lower East Side
29 Clinton Street
$2,675No Fee
Studio |
1
Lower East Side
70 Forsythe Street
$2,795No Fee
2 |
1
Lower East Side
101 Clinton Street
$2,750No Fee
1 |
1
Lower East Side
126 Ludlow Street
$2,795No Fee
1 |
1
Highbridge Park, Washington Heights
In Upper Manhattan’s Washington Heights area, the Highbridge Pool is another of the 11 pools created under FDR’s administration. Famed former Parks Commissioner Robert Moses — one of the city’s most influential urban planners — even attended the grand opening. At the time, admission was 10 cents for kids and 20 cents for adults. Here’s a rare example of reverse inflation: These days, anyone can take advantage of the Olympic pool and wading pool for free.
Wheelchair Accessible Pool? Yes
About Washington Heights:This diverse neighborhood is affordable and down-to-earth. Residents and visitors alike love the area for tree-lined Fort Tryon Park, bustling Broadway, and The Cloisters.
Median Rent: $2,100
Washington Heights Rentals Under $2,300 on StreetEasyArticle continues below
Fort George
618 West 182nd Street
$1,995No Fee
2 |
1
Hudson Heights
12 Pinehurst Avenue
$2,200No Fee
1 |
1
Hudson Heights
95 Cabrini Boulevard
$2,295No Fee
Studio |
1
Fort George
617 West 190th Street
$1,950No Fee
1 |
1
Washington Heights
1988 Amsterdam Avenue
$1,850No Fee
1 |
1
Fort George
20 Broadway Terrace
$2,300No Fee
2 |
1
Washington Heights
465 West 163rd Street
$1,950No Fee
Studio |
1
Washington Heights
541 West 156th Street
$2,300No Fee
1 |
1
Washington Heights
2228 Amsterdam Avenue
$2,250No Fee
2 |
2
Washington Heights
507 West 171st Street
$2,206No Fee
1 |
1
Washington Heights
508 West 172nd Street
$2,250No Fee
2 |
1
Washington Heights
500 West 171st Street
$2,295No Fee
2 |
1
McCarren Park Pool, Greenpoint/Williamsburg
McCarren Park Pool, on the border between Greenpoint and Williamsburg, is a powerhouse for fun in the sun. The swimming area is enormous at 37,571 square feet — nearly three times the size of an Olympic pool! (It’s pictured above.) There are also plenty of lounge chairs and space to hang out horizontally for a few hours. Locals love this NYC public pool for its cleanliness, abundant space, and proximity to the rest of McCarren Park.
Wheelchair Accessible Pool? Yes
About Williamsburg and Greenpoint: These are perhaps two of the trendiest neighborhoods in all of NYC. The adjacent areas of Greenpoint and Williamsburg are home to hip coffee shops and thrift shops galore. But that’s not to say that either neighborhood lacks history. In fact, Peter Pan Donuts has been around for over 60 years. And the Domino Sugar Refinery, now a mixed-use development and park, dates back to the 1800s.
Median Rent: $2,850
Williamsburg and Greenpoint Rentals Under $2,900 on StreetEasyArticle continues below
Williamsburg
3 Maspeth Avenue
$2,700No Fee
1 |
1
Williamsburg
142 South 9th Street
$2,700No Fee
2 |
1
East Williamsburg
71 Beadel Street
$2,500No Fee
Studio |
1
Greenpoint
186 Franklin Street
$2,411No Fee
1 |
1
Greenpoint
126 Eagle Street
$2,500No Fee
1 |
1
Williamsburg
381 Hooper Street
$2,794No Fee
2 |
1
Greenpoint
215 India Street
$2,700No Fee
1 |
1
Williamsburg
57 Graham Avenue
$2,775No Fee
1 |
1
Greenpoint
135 Dupont Street
$2,500No Fee
1 |
1
Williamsburg
53 Graham Avenue
$2,600No Fee
1 |
1
Williamsburg
381 South Third Street
$2,850No Fee
1 |
1
Williamsburg
77 Division Avenue
$2,800No Fee
1 |
1
Kosciuszko Pool, Bedford-Stuyvesant
Named after a Polish general, this Olympic-size Bed-Stuy pool is a great Brooklyn spot to enjoy the water. A “Stay Cool” sign outside welcomes visitors, and multicolored bleachers decorate the swimming area. And if you’re looking for a cozier NYC public pool experience, there’s also a mini pool for kids at the Jesse Owens Playground a mile away.
Wheelchair Accessible Pool? Yes
About Bed-Stuy: Gorgeous brownstones and trees grace the streets of Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant. Residents are proud of the area’s historic roots, and the neighborhood has an abundance of new storefronts and restaurants constantly popping. Check out L’Antagoniste, an upscale bistro, for classic French fare.
Median Rent: $2,375
Bed-Stuy Rentals Under $2,500 on StreetEasyArticle continues below
Bedford-Stuyvesant
555 Gates Avenue
$2,400No Fee
1 |
1
Bedford-Stuyvesant
121 Pulaski Street
$2,400No Fee
1 |
1
Bedford-Stuyvesant
276 Throop Avenue
$2,450No Fee
2 |
1
Bedford-Stuyvesant
524 Lafayette Avenue
$2,500No Fee
1 |
1
Stuyvesant Heights
1875 Atlantic Avenue
$2,400No Fee
Studio |
1
Bedford-Stuyvesant
276 Throop Avenue
$2,475No Fee
2 |
1
Bedford-Stuyvesant
78 Herkimer Street
$2,350No Fee
Studio |
1
Bedford-Stuyvesant
119 Hart Street
$2,200No Fee
Studio |
1
Bedford-Stuyvesant
204 Ellery Street
$2,300No Fee
2 |
1
Stuyvesant Heights
407 Chauncey Street
$2,500No Fee
1 |
1
Bedford-Stuyvesant
2 Pulaski Street
$2,399No Fee
1 |
1
Ocean Hill
2164A Fulton Street
$2,500No Fee
1 |
1
Sunset Park Pool, Sunset Park
Located in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood, this massive pool is a perennially popular summer hangout. Originally created in a neoclassical/Art Deco style in — you guessed it — 1936, the pool got a $5 million makeover in the ‘80s. Sunset Park has stellar views overlooking the Manhattan skyline. And as the name suggests, it becomes downright magical around sunset, with fiery hues illuminating the cityscape to the west.
Wheelchair Accessible Pool? Yes
About Sunset Park: This affordable Brooklyn neighborhood offers up more than just stunning sunsets. Sunset Park has lots of old-school charm. But it also has Industry City, a newer development that’s a hub for hot restaurants and pop-up markets. “It’s really brought a whole new vibrancy to the area,” says Splendore. “It brings a lot of jobs, plus music, art, and food.”
Median Rent: $2,000
Sunset Park Rentals Under $2,200 on StreetEasyArticle continues below
Sunset Park
230 54th Street
$1,995No Fee
1 |
1
Sunset Park
355 63rd Street
$1,999No Fee
1 |
1
Sunset Park
505 62nd Street
$1,972No Fee
1 |
1
Sunset Park
667 61st Street
$1,725No Fee
1 |
1
Sunset Park
552 56th Street
$2,200No Fee
2 |
1
Sunset Park
874 43rd Street
$2,100No Fee
1 |
1
NYC’s Top Midsize Pools
Tony Dapolito Recreation Center, West Village
NYC public pools are not usually known for their groundbreaking artwork. But the West Village’s Tony Dapolito Pool is certainly an exception. In 1987, famed pop artist and activist Keith Haring created a long, horizontal mural that still runs alongside the pool. The pool and attached rec center was renamed in 2004 for Tony Dapolito, an active local resident, community board member, and owner of nearby Vesuvio Bakery. Featuring an intermediate pool and a diving pool, this community space is a longstanding neighborhood staple.
Wheelchair Accessible Pool? Yes
About the West Village: Manhattan’s picturesque West Village feels like a neighborhood straight out of a fairytale. Low-slung buildings, cute boutiques, and an array of cozy cafes make this an irresistible — and pricey —area.
Median Rent: $3,395
West Village Rentals Under $3,200 on StreetEasyArticle continues below
West Village
5 Morton Street
$2,500No Fee
Studio |
1
West Village
55 Morton Street
$3,000No Fee
Studio |
1
West Village
96 Perry Street
$3,000No Fee
Studio |
1
West Village
1 Bank Street
$2,995No Fee
Studio |
1
West Village
21 Bank Street
$3,200No Fee
Studio |
1
West Village
316 West 14th Street
$3,200No Fee
Studio |
1
West Village
316 West 14th Street
$2,650No Fee
Studio |
1
Bushwick Playground Pool, Bushwick
Bushwick Playground’s pool is an intermediate-sized option for splashing around. The pool area itself is tree-lined for some privacy (and shade). It’s a popular space to relax during the summer months. There’s also a tiny wading pool on the grounds.
Wheelchair Accessible Pool? Yes
About Bushwick:This artsy, industrial Brooklyn neighborhood is filled with converted lofts, street art, and a gritty, avant-garde attitude. Blink and you might miss a new restaurant or rave in this ever-changing area.
Median Rent: $2,450
Bushwick Rentals Under $2,700 on StreetEasyArticle continues below
Bushwick
668 Bushwick Avenue
$2,152No Fee
1 |
1
Bushwick
380 Grove Street
$2,630No Fee
Studio |
1
Bushwick
38 Cooper Street
$2,690No Fee
2 |
1
Bushwick
38 Cooper Avenue
$2,390No Fee
1 |
1
Bushwick
201 Central Avenue
$2,500No Fee
1 |
1
Bushwick
18 Irving Avenue
$2,500No Fee
2 |
1
Bushwick
1150 De Kalb Avenue
$2,300No Fee
1 |
1
Bushwick
1334 Bushwick Avenue
$2,287No Fee
Studio |
1
Bushwick
15 Lawton Street
$2,500No Fee
2 |
1
Bushwick
1154 Gates Avenue
$2,499No Fee
1 |
1
Bushwick
650 Kosciuszko Street
$2,700No Fee
1 |
1
Bushwick
274 Jefferson Street
$2,600No Fee
Studio |
1
Dry Dock, East Village
One of NYC Parks’ “Cool Pools,” this East Village pool recently got a makeover. Updates include bright wall art, lounge chairs, and shade structures, making it a welcoming and fun place to spend time. The space includes an intermediate pool as well as a small wading pool. The area is also peppered with colorful orange umbrellas to protect you from the summer sun.
Wheelchair Accessible Pool? Yes
About the East Village: Perhaps the culinary epicenter of Manhattan, this vibrant neighborhood is a melting pot of smells and sounds. St. Mark’s Place is an anchor of activity. This bustling stretch includes three avenues filled with bars, dumpling spots, and cheap eats galore. (For more insider tips, check out our East Village neighborhood guide.)
Median Rent: $2,800
East Village Rentals Under $2,800 on StreetEasyArticle continues below
East Village
221 East Fifth Street
$2,690No Fee
1 |
1
East Village
515 East 6th Street
$2,690No Fee
Studio |
1
East Village
214 East 10th Street
$2,745No Fee
1 |
1
East Village
638 East 14th Street
$2,695No Fee
1 |
1
East Village
140 East 7th Street
$2,550No Fee
Studio |
1
East Village
121 Saint Marks Place
$2,750No Fee
1 |
1
East Village
214 East 10th Street
$2,695No Fee
1 |
1
East Village
526 East 6th Street
$2,595No Fee
Studio |
1
East Village
60 East Third Street
$2,800No Fee
1 |
1
East Village
314 East 6th Street
$2,350No Fee
Studio |
1
East Village
233 East 12th Street
$2,800No Fee
Studio |
1
East Village
431 East 9th Street
$2,600No Fee
Studio |
1
New York City’s Top Small Pools
Tompkins Square Pool, East Village
This minuscule three-foot pool is a lovely refuge in Alphabet City. Locals love Tompkins Square Park for its lively lawns and ever-changing (free!) lineup of music performances. Don’t miss the sizable dog run, where adorable pups are always having fun in the sun.
Wheelchair Accessible Pool? No
About the East Village: We’ve already waxed poetic about this cosmopolitan Manhattan neighborhood (also home to Dry Docks, listed above). But the area around Tompkins Square Pool and Park deserves its own accolades. By day, dip your feet into this small pool. By night, join the throngs of revelers at the corner of Avenue A and 7th street. Patrons from Miss Lily’s Jamaican restaurant and nearby Niagra bar often spill into the streets.
Median Rent: $2,800
Vesuvio Playground, SoHo
We end with one more small wonder downtown. This mini NYC public pool might be tiny, but it’s the perfect place to cool off after a long day of window-shopping in Soho. It’s technically for kids and teens (up to 16) only, but adults can sneak in if accompanying a young child. Regardless of age, everyone can take advantage of the complex’s basketball courts and — most important for a hot day — the spray showers.
*Note: This pool is currently closed, but is slated to reopen this summer. Check the park’s website for updated information.
Wheelchair Accessible Pool? Yes
About SoHo: Fashionistas flock from around the world to SoHo, Manhattan’s sartorial center. Filled with high-end brands, boutique shops, and upscale cafes, this is a place to see and be seen. To refuel on caffeine (and pastries), stop by French bakery Maman for a quick coffee and pain au chocolat.
Median Rent: $4,120
SoHo Rentals Under $3,800 on StreetEasyArticle continues below