Warm days are here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a dip in a cool, refreshing swimming pool? No pool of your own? Luckily, you can easily and affordably join a local community pool. Or you can really get off the beaten path by seeking out a more natural swimming hole. If, however, you prefer more sun but less adventure with your swims, go ahead and get soaked this summer at one of these 50 outdoor municipal pools, one in each state.
City: Jackson
Dubbed the Jewel of Alabama, the Pearce Pool, at 438 feet long and 108 feet wide, is one of the largest in-ground pools in the country. Surrounded by woodland, the pool is constructed to look more like a lake than a pool. Water depths range from 6 inches to 15 feet, making it suitable for the very young to the most advanced swimmer.
City: Tok
While it might be a bit of a drive for most Alaskans, the pool at the Tok Lions Club may be worth the haul, considering it's said to be the state's only heated outdoor swimming pool that's open to the public. And while it may not be nearly as big or offer as many amenities as others on this list, admission is free. The pool is open Monday through Saturday. Keep in mind, however, the pool can only accommodate around 20 people at a time. The club offers swimming lessons, along with other educational opportunities for kids.
City: Mesa
The Skyline Aquatic Center offers swim lessons for all levels, and has zero-depth entry, multiple diving boards, 28 Olympic-size competition swim lanes and a fast-looping waterslide. Entry is $4 and $2 for seniors and youths (17 and younger).
Related: Indoor Pools in All 50 States
City: Fayetteville
Wilson Park Pool is tucked into one of Fayetteville's most popular parks. Public swim instruction and fitness opportunities abound. Adult entry is $4 and youth (15 and younger) is $3.
Related: 22 Magical Waterfalls Perfect for a Refreshing Swim
City: Santa Monica
Situated on the historic former Marion Davies Estate, the Annenberg Community Beach House is a stunning public pool featuring a marble deck, renovated pool house, splash pad, adjacent playground, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. There are no membership fees, and a single entry fee is $10 for adults, $4 for youth 1-17, and $5 for seniors.
City: Broomfield
Situated halfway between Denver and Boulder, Broomfield's The Bay Aquatic Park is part-pool, part-mini water park. In addition to a large, zero-entry pool, the park features two body slides, an inner-tube slide, interactive water play structure, and a recently remodeled tot pool and sprayground. Resident admission is $5; non-resident $7 or $9.
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City: South Windsor
Folks looking to cool off in SouthWindsor have an appealing spot to do so at Veterans Memorial Park. This year's events include noodle nights for those who want to float around on pool noodles, and there's also a cannonball contest to see who can make the biggest splash. Admission is $11 for adult residents 18 and up; $8 for residents 3 to 17. Senior residents pay $3.
Related: Amazing Hotel Pools Across America
City: Newark
The Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA membership provides access to two 25-meter long lap pools (one outdoors), and an activity pool provides the perfect area for families with water slides, fountains, and a fire hydrant spray feature. Monthly rate for two adults and children is $118. Individual adult memberships are $80 a month, while individual memberships for seniors 65 and up are $65.
City: Wellingford
Beat the heat this summer at the Wellington Aquatics Complex. This state-of-the-art Olympic facility features electronic touch pads connected to scoreboards to give swimmers a competitive edge. There are swim classes, lifeguard classes, and also slides and a sprayground for children. Adults $5 and children (3 to 17) $3. Seniors 55 and up $2. Kids 2 and under are free.
City: Atlanta
Piedmont Park Pool, with its serene view of the nearby lake, is a perfect spot for a swim. Adult swim is the last quarter of every hour, and there are lap lanes, an activity area for children, a "lazy river" feature, and a nearby splash pad (which is free). A day's admission is $7.
City: Ewa Beach
The Salvation Army's Kroc Center Hawaii on Oahu is a community center that includes much more than a pool, but its aquatics area is definitely a highlight. It features a lap pool, water slides, large interactive water playground, and "croc" islands. And you don't have to be a member to swim here — day pass rates are $20 for youths up to 17, $22 seniors, and $20 adults.
Related: The Best of Hawaii on a Budget
City: Boise
The public Natatorium Pool is special in that it features a fast and fun water chute that empties into a separate pool. Two diving boards flank the deep end, and plenty of spectator lounge chairs abound. Here seniors get in free, adults pay $5, and kids 17 and under pay $3.
City: Westchester
The 25-meter Westchester Swimming Pool includes a diving board, zero-depth entry, an interactive water play structure, and a water slide. Residents ages 2 and up pay $8 per person, but purchasing season passes cuts the cost. Non-residents pay $11.
City: Franklin
A twisty, curvy 190-foot water slide is the main attraction of the Franklin Family Aquatic Center. This public pool also has a zero-depth kiddie pool with interactive features, including water basketball. They also host free, family-friendly "dive-in" movies throughout the summer. Daily admission rates range from $2 to $7.
City: Altoona
With a leisure pool, a lap pool, and a plunge pool with two winding flume slides, Altoona Aquatics Park is one of Iowa's top summer destinations. It also features a sand play area and diving boards and, in August, it welcomes canine swimmers (and their humans) for the season-ending "Dog Paddle." Daily ($7) and season passes ($90) are available.
City: Lawrence
Kids have a wide array of options for watery fun with the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center's fountains, sprays, buckets, a zero-depth children's area, and an adjacent playground. Serious swimmers can take advantage of the 50-meter swimming lanes. Adult admission is $7 per person; $6 each for kids 3-17 and seniors 60 and up.
City: Berea
Get your splash on this summer at Berea Swimming Pool. Kentucky's favorite pool boasts a 10-foot water slide, a 30-foot curly water slide, competition and recreational diving boards, eight lap lanes, fountains and "dive-in movies" with free swimming after 7:30 p.m. on movie nights. Day rates are $5 for adults (18 and older) and $4 for children (17 and under).
City: Leesville
Fun features at Leesville Leisure Pool include a large water slide and three spray features. Daily rates are $5 per person and children 2 and under are free. Punch cards and season passes are available for purchase.
City: Waterville
With its family swim area, spray pool, water slides, and frog slide for the wee ones, there is fun for all ages at the Alfond Municipal Pool Complex. The town's 68-year-old pool was recently replaced with the modern, new facility. Resident prices are $10 for children (17 and under) and $13 for adults; $5 for seniors 55 and up.
City: Darlington
The Conowingo Swimming Pool has a view overlooking the Susquehanna River. In addition to swim instruction and meets, the pool has a snack bar and arcade room. Admission is $10 per person. Ages 3 and under are free.
City: Belmont
The first public pool in the nation received a renovation in 2015, adding a deeper pool and diving board. The Underwood Pool has two separate pools, one with a water slide and the other with designated lap lanes and a diving board. Resident day rates are $10 for children and $15 for adults; non-resident rates are $20 and $25, respectively. Multipack passes save money, but must be purchased in person at the city's recreation office.
City: Trenton
A 13,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, the Trenton Kennedy Aquatic Center is the place to cool off in the summer. Four distinct areas, connected by a water walkway, keep visitors swimming. The areas include a 25-meter 8-lane competitive pool with two diving boards, a 15-meter lap pool, a water slide with separate splash area, and a 7,000-square-foot leisure pool. Resident admission is $6; non-resident admission is $8. Resident senior admission is $3 and non-resident senior admission is $5. Children ages 3 and under are free.
City: St. Paul
The Como Regional Park Pool is like a water park with public pool prices. In addition to swimming lessons and water aerobics classes, amenities include a 400-foot lazy river, a zip line, an aquatic climbing wall, basketball hoops, and a six-lane lap pool. Admission ranges from $4 to $8. Kids 2 and under are free.
City: Vicksburg
Constructed in 1996, the Vicksburg City Pool is an Olympic-size recreational and competitive facility catering to water sports lovers. There's a baby pool for younger swimmers, and summer passes are available for $60 (for residents and visitors). Day rates are $2 for 12 and under and $4 for adults.
City: Maplewood
This amazing complex has a separate 50-meter competition lap pool and a large, zero-depth entry leisure pool with two water slides and a lazy river feature. The Maplewood Family Aquatic Center provides residents with a fun way to cool off during the summer. Adult admission is $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents; admission for kids 3-15 is $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents; admission is $5 for residents 60 and up; non-resident seniors pay $10.
City: Great Falls
Take a dip in the 50-meter Electric City Water Park, the largest heated pool in the state, or bring the kids to the Little Squirt Soak Zone. Entry to the pool is $6 for kids and $9 for adults 17 and older.
City: Papillion
The relatively new, 5-acre Papio Bay Aquatic Center has amenities like heated water throughout the park, a children's butterfly slide, two water slides, diving boards, wading pools and designated lap lanes. Admission is $6 for adults, and $5 for children 16 and younger and seniors 55 and older (prices drop $1 Monday through Friday after 5:30 p.m.). Punch Cards can be purchased offering 10 visits for one low price per age group.
City: Henderson
For a town smack in the middle of the desert, Henderson Pool offers a multitude of aquatic activities. Learn aquatic skills, stroke development, water safety, and how to incorporate swimming into a life fitness plan. The pool is a minimum depth of 7 feet and accommodates water polo and synchronized swimming. There's even a diving tank for competitive diving. There's also a nearby activity pool with features that will please younger swimmers. Resident day rates are $3 for youths and seniors and $5 for adults.
City: Portsmouth
Peirce Island Pool provides a view across the Piscataqua River to the neighboring state of Maine. This oblong pool is 300 feet long and 100 feet wide, and its depth gently slopes from 14 inches to 6 feet. Swim lessons range from basic to advanced. Admission is $3 for adults residents and $5 for non-resident adults and $3 for non-resident youngsters 17 and under.
City: Tinton Falls
Most municipal pools in New Jersey require a membership application with pricey fees, but the Fort Monmouth Recreational Pool offers reasonable day rates of $8 per adult or $21 for a family of four. Day, monthly, and season passes are available.
City: Albuquerque
The Los Padillas Aquatic Center was built in 2005. It features a zero-depth entry and spray-play features for children. A large water slide will satisfy older kids and adults as well. There's also a 25-meter lap pool for competitive swimmers. Prices range from $2 to $4.25.
City: Manhattan
Situated on the East River, the John Jay Pool in New York's Upper East Side normally has senior splash, water aerobics, and more. The John Jay Pool features both an intermediate and diving pool.
City: Charlotte
There are free summer swim leagues and lessons at the Cordelia Pool along with a variety of aquatic opportunities, including water slides for the kids (and adults who are kids at heart). Best of all, admission is only $2.
City: West Fargo
The Veterans Memorial Pool is a kid's dream come true with large tunnel slides and splash pad. Grownups will love the low price of admission: $3.25.
City: Wadsworth
The Grizzly Outdoor Pool is the collaboration between the City of Wadsworth and the YMCA. Amenities include a plunge tube, diving board, a kiddie pool with zero depth entry, and plenty of lounge chairs. Season passes are available as well as daily rates: $10 for adults and $8 for children (17 and under).
City: Oklahoma City
Several twisty funnel slides and many aquatic activities make Earlywine Park Aquatic Center the place to cool off during the summer months. A large splash pad keeps toddlers busy, and chairs fill up fast, so it's advisable to get there early. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for youth and seniors.
City: Portland
Beat the heat at Ida B. Wells-Barnett Outdoor Pool, formerly Wilson Outdoor Pool. With up to five designated lap lanes, swim lessons for all ages, a leisure pool with a 170-foot current channel, water play structures for tots, and a 114-foot water slide, there's an activity for everyone. Adults pay $4.75; youths pay $3.75, and seniors pay $4.50.
City: Downingtown
The Marsh Creek Pool looks like an oasis in the midst of a meadow. Surrounded by a lush park, this pool charges everyone $11 per person. Seasonal memberships start at $110. For kids there's an intricate splash zone. There is also a bathhouse and changing areas.
City: Providence
The city of Providence operates a string of public pools and water parks, including Zuccolo Pool at the Zuccolo Recreation Center. Visitors can relax on a poolside deck. There is also an adjacent splash pad for kids. The best part: Admission is free.
City: Columbia
The 50-meter, recently renovated Maxcy Gregg Pool is perfect for competitive swimming. Run by the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, day rates are $3 and $4. Season passes are also available.
City: Sioux Falls
The Drake Springs Family Aquatic Center features a zero-depth entry recreation pool with a slide and two diving boards, plus a lazy river with available inner tubes for visitors. Swimming programs include fitness classes and special events. Day passes are $5 and $6.
City: Oak Ridge
The Oak Ridge Outdoor Swimming Pool is fed by spring water and said to be one of the largest spring water pools in the nation. The pool also has a diving platform. Children 3 and under are free, youths (up to 18 years) are $3.50, adults $4.25 and seniors 65 and older $2.50.
City: Plano
Everything's big in Texas, including the Jack Carter Pool. The pool features a dual-rider tube slide, a body slide, lazy river, deep water pool with platform diving and climbing wall, a surf simulator, tot pool, and a leisure pool with lap lanes, wet deck areas, and spray features. The pool was also the location for the 2018 Guinness World Record for the World's Largest Swimming Lesson. Monthly and annual passes are available. Day rates are $5 for kids 15 and younger ($8 non-resident) and $9 for those 16 and older ($13 non-residents).
City: Murray
Inside Murray Park, The Murray Aquatic Center features a four-story water slide, 3-meter diving boards, zero-depth entry beach area, water toy features, and lots of deck and grass space. Admission is $1 for tots 1-2 years, $4 for those aged 3-17; $3 for seniors, and $5 for adults. Punch cards are available for $25 and $35.
City: Waterbury
This 25-yard city pool is a great place to learn how to swim since it's got a zero-depth entry and a 4-foot ledge surrounding its 10-foot deep end. The Waterbury Swimming Pool offers community events such as noodle water polo and noodle aqua aerobics, which involve using a pool noodle for support.
City: Harrisonburg
Three separate pools provide aquatic fun at Westover Pool. The facility has a diving area, a splash pad, climbing wall, and an Olympic-size pool. Admission for children 2 and under is free, ages 2 to 17 is $2, and adults are $3, and $4 and $6 for non-residents.
City: Seattle
Colman Pool is a Seattle landmark not to be missed. The 50-meter, eight-lane Olympic-size pool is a balmy 85 degrees. It's situated on the beach and filled with restorative salt water. There are swim classes and special events, plus the pool has a giant tube slide. Admission is $4.50 for youths and seniors and $6.50 for adults.
City: Cameron
The historic Cameron Swimming Pool is a semicircular pool with a dedicated diving area and an underground lifeguard station. The deep section is fenced off from the shallow section, allowing children to swim safely. A gazebo, picnic tables, chairs and swings provide shady areas for spectators. Children admitted free Wednesdays. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for seniors 55 and older and for children ages 5 to 17. Children 4 and under enter free.
City: Monona
The Monona Pool sports a water slide, diving boards, a wading pool, and eight 25-meter lap lanes. It also offers affordable swim lessons with levels for toddlers, junior "squirts," and adults. Resident passes are $4 and $5, or check out the "night swim" for $2.
City: Buffalo
At over 1 million gallons and 393 feet by 262 feet, the Washington Park Pool was for years the world's largest free outdoor pool. In recent years, however, the price has been set at $3 per person. The massive swimming place traces its origins to the 1930s, being built as a project of the New Deal.