The summer season can get hot in New York City, with the temperature going as high as twenty-four degrees Celsius.
Taking a relaxing soak in a clean pool sometimes feels just like heaven. If you’re a Summer girl just like me then you know what I’m talking about.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the best pools in Brooklyn from a local expert, including indoor sports pools, private luxury locations, Olympic size public pools that are free, accommodating more than 1000 swimmers at a time, and the largest pool in the entire New York City.
Brooklyn swimming pools
1. Commodore Barry pool
Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
+1 718-243-2593
The Commodore Barry pool provides the luxury of a state-of-the-art, Olympic-size pool for the entire family to enjoy at no cost.
With strict safety guidelines and homely staff, commodore offers one of the best public pool services in the entire city. The pool is open from June through September during the summer.
Just like the sailor, it was named after – Commodore Barry, the staff at the pool make sure the rules are followed ensuring the peace of mind of all visitors.
The beautiful blue scenery and the big smiles on the lifeguard’s faces make the experience even better.
The pool is open to the public from 11 am to 7 pm every day, with a temporary cleaning break between 3 and 4 pm.
Items such as electronics, glass bottles, and newspapers are not allowed by the poolside but you can bring your lock combination or key to keep your items locked and secured.
Towels, Sunscreen, and periodicals such as magazines however are allowed.
The pool is 75ft by 60ft, that’s 3ft deep, and has a 1ft wading pool.
The pool is right by the BQE, in Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn. Entry is free with a quick security check and name registration.
Website: Commodore Barry Park Outdoor Pools: NYC Parks (nycgovparks.org)
2. Williamsburg hotel pool
96 Wythe Ave Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States.
+1 718 362 8100
New York definitely isn’t lacking in the rooftop department, with some of the most amazing rooftop bars and pools spread all across the city.
The Williamsburg rooftop pool is one of them. Sitting five stories above ground, the Williamsburg pool offers a breath-taking view of Brooklyn.
This luxury hotel has one of the best private pools in Brooklyn, open exclusively for guests between 9 am to 6 pm and from 7 pm it opens to the public for al fresco drinks and dining services but sadly not for swimming.
Its bar and poolside dining experience are a great option for a fun, poolside date or a relaxing evening at a luxury scene.
The beautiful water tower bar offers an amazing drinks menu, from sweet martinis to the best champagne in the house.
The beautiful skyline scenery combined with the hip, contemporary décor gives this poolside a fun luxury feel.
The hotel is located in North Brooklyn, in the Williamsburg estate, Wythe Ave Brooklyn.
Website: Brooklyn Hotel with Pool & More – The Williamsburg Hotel
3.McCarren Park pool
776 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11222, United States.
+1 718-218-2380
Another great budget-friendly option is the McCarren Park Pool. Situated in the beautiful McCarren park, one of the Best Parks In Brooklyn.
The pool is a clean, well-regulated public space perfect for a quick summer cool-off.
There are various rules and restrictions but these are to create a safe environment for swimmers, nothing that is too much of an inconvenience.
Like many other public pools, food and electronics are not allowed poolside but this pool uniquely offers free board SPF 50 sunscreen sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology.
The free Olympic-size pool is great for practicing your strokes or lazy soak on a hot day.
Swimsuits are mandatory and men’s swimwear may be checked for the inner lining.
Colored clothes are not allowed over swimsuits but a plain white t-shirt or a white hat is perfectly fine.
The park offers wholesome swimming programs for children and adults all through summer for free.
The park pool is open from June through September between 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays with a quick daily clean between 3 and 4 pm.
The park is located in the Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhood, just off Lorimer street.
Website: McCarren Park Outdoor Pools: NYC Parks (nycgovparks.org)
4. Eastern Athletics pool
17 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States
718-865-2278
The Eastern athletics sports club is a great place to keep fit during and after the summer and with their state of the art, fully supervised 40 ft pool, you can stay fit with various swimming activities.
This pool definitely isn’t for lounging around, but if you’re more of a sporty swimmer this pool is perfect for you.
From as low as $25 with their many wholesome membership packages, you could run laps, learn new swimming techniques and even learn to swim from scratch with their amazing programs, that are inclusive of all age groups.
Swimming is a great way to improve stamina and with their various swim classes, some of which are; family open swim, senior swim, and baby & me, Eastern Athletics provides this experience for everyone.
The sports club also has a fully equipped gym and various other sports facilities alongside their indoor pool.
If you are in Brooklyn and looking for a great place to break a sweat or stay fit all year round, I highly suggest getting a membership for a little over $20.
The Brooklyn height location is just off 43 Clark street. The club hours are Monday through
Thursday between 7 am till 10 pm, 7 am till 9 pm on Fridays and 8 am till 7:30 pm on weekends.
The aquatic center closes 30 minutes before the rest of the club
Website: Swimming (easternathleticshealthclub.com)
5. Kosciusko pool
670 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216, United States
1 718- 622-5271
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With its many awesome reviews on google and personally from me, Kosciusko pool is a great place to make a splash this summer if you’re in Brooklyn.
The warm sky-blue colors of this pool park make it a beautiful place to be during the summer, perfect for a family pool day or just a relaxing swim date with your girlfriends.
Entry to this pool is free with a quick security check. Food and electronics are not allowed but be sure to bring your key and lock to have your things safely put away.
There are two pools, an Olympic size pool, perfect for laps, and a wading pool, great for the kids or just lounging in the water. The pool also offers learn-to-swim programs and exercise programs for seniors.
The pool is open June through September like other public pools and has service hours between 11 am to 7 pm with a short cleaning period between 3 and 4 pm.
I highly recommend going earlier in the afternoon between 12 and 1 pm to avoid the crazy lines and for an even more enjoyable experience.
The pool is just along the street at Marcy Avenue, Brooklyn.
Website: Kosciuszko Pool: NYC Parks (nycgovparks.org)
6. Red Hook pool
115 Bay Street Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States
(718) 722-3211
Another exciting place to be this summer is the red hook pool right at the heart of the red hook creational center.
This pool was one of the eleven pools built by the Work Progress Administration (WPA) for the New York City parks department in 1936.
With its great history behind it, it also has great swimming programs for the whole family all through summer. The pool is free like other New York City Public pools and has a 330′ by 130′ Olympic size pool and a 50′ by 25′ wading pool.
Items such as glass bottles, newspapers, and electronics are not allowed poolside but towels, sunscreen, and periodicals are perfectly fine.
If you’re looking for a free, safe place to cool off in Brooklyn then the red hook pool is just for you.
The outdoor pool is only open during the summer but be sure to stop by the recreational center that runs many amazing programs all year round.
Red Hook pool is located at the recreational center, across Henry street and Clinton street, Brooklyn.
Website: Red Hook Recreation Center: NYC Parks (nycgovparks.org)
7. McCarren Hotel & Pool
160 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States
718-218-1060
If you’re looking for a more Sharpay’s Fabulous summer vibe then McCarren hotel luxury pool is the place for you. Have everything fabulous with the largest outdoor heated pool in the city.
With a beautiful blend of monochrome and color patterns, the McCarren hotel pool is quite the scene.
The McCarren hotel pool offers a full-service bar with a great drinks menu, providing one of the most luxurious poolside experiences in Brooklyn.
This experience comes at a cost but you will be getting your money’s worth. A double day bed costs $220 on weekdays and goes up to $260 on weekends, a single bed costs $ 160 and a general sitting costs $100.
The hotel is right off 12th street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Website: McCarren Hotel & Pool – Brooklyn Hotels | Luxury NYC Hotels
8. Sunset pool
7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232, United States.
+1 718-972-2180
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I don’t know about you guys, but a free soak at sunset pools has been my most effective stress reliever for many summers.
Cool off from the exhausting summer heat at the sunset pool located at the sunset park in Brooklyn.
The Olympic size pool is great for running laps or a lazy soak on a hot day, perfect for all ages.
The poolside offers a lovely view of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty from its highest points.
All you have to do at the sunset pool is sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful views and the clean, safely regulated pool.
Like the other public pools, newspapers, devices, food items, and drinks aren’t allowed but be sure to bring your lock combination and keys to keep your things safe, Entry is free and the pool stays open all summer long.
It’s open between 11 am to 7 pm, but I recommend going later in the evening for an amazing sunset view of the city.
The park is located on the seventh avenue between 41st and 44th street.
Website: Sunset Park Outdoor Pools: NYC Parks (nycgovparks.org)
9. Double D pool
250, Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, united states
+1 718-625-3268
Now, this might not be my favorite pool but the city of New York is running a pretty decent public pool over at the Douglass and Degraw pool.
The Double D pool is an excellent public pool in Brooklyn, especially convenient if you’ve got a kid or two.
There is a fun kid pool with a safe distance from the larger intermediate pool, for parents with toddlers or younger kids.
The pool has strict rules to keep everyone safe and a homely staff, with big smiles on their faces. Because of its location, it tends to be less crowded than other public pools.
If you’re looking for a great place to take the kids to this summer, that is clean, well maintained, and less rowdy, then the double D is your pool.
Don’t forget to leave your gadgets and food items at home, unless you bring your key and lock. Clothing items such as sweatshirts and colored t-shirts aren’t allowed poolside.
It is located at 250 Douglas Street and is open all summer long between 11 am to 7 pm
Website: DOUBLE D POOL – 22 Reviews – Swimming Pools – 250 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY – Phone Number – Yelp
10. The Seagate beach club
3700 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, United States
718-372-4477 info@seagatebeachclub.com
The Seagate beach club, other than being the only private beach in Brooklyn, is also a luxurious, fun, secure spot for the whole family.
The club has an Olympic size outdoor pool, a wonderful tiki bar, an amazing roman style steam bath, and many more attractions.
The club also runs various fun, well-supervised activities for the kids like volleyball and arts and crafts.
Poolside cabanas are provided, for relaxing, enjoying a delicious cocktail, or maybe just reading a book.
The club is located south of Brooklyn and runs all week long between 11 am to 8 pm from Mondays through Thursdays and between 10 am to 9 pm on Fridays, weekends, and holidays.
The beach club stays open but the pool resumes in summer, ready for you to make a splash.
Website: Sea Gate – Beach Club (seagatebeachclub.com)
11. Betsy head pool
694 Thomas S Boyland St, Brooklyn, NY 11212, United States
+1 718-257-1635
Named after the amazing Betsy head, the park runs a well-maintained 330′ by 165′ feet pool just a short walk away from the park.
This state-of-the-art pool can accommodate more than 200 swimmers at a time and is perfect for a family pool day or big gatherings during the summer.
With its unique rooftop observatory, the pool has a wonderful appearance and loads of friendly staff and lifeguards at your service. Like other public pools, entry is free with the same public pool rules fully applied here as well.
Betsy pool is just a bit further from the park at 694 Thomas S Boyland Street. The pool is open all summer long between the hours of 11 am till 7 pm.
Website: Betsy Head Park Outdoor Pools: NYC Parks (nycgovparks.org)
Conclusion
That would be all for today folks!
Did you enjoy reading this? I know I enjoyed creating this list for you. Writing about my passion which is lounging over a big body of water and doing absolutely nothing all day, is always super fun.
Pools are a great way to cool off in the summer and with my list, you shouldn’t have any problem finding the best pool for your family, budget, and taste in Brooklyn, New York.
Don’t forget about the guidelines and the rules so that your visit wouldn’t be too much of a hassle.
What are your favorite pools in New York? Let me know in the comment section, and also tell me your wonderful summer stories.
I’m eager to know if you guys enjoy the summer as much as I do. Don’t forget to like, share, and comment.
