The 8 Best Pools in Brooklyn
As much as we hate to concede to the likes of Queens, or God forbid, Jersey, we know it’s true: Brooklyn is not known for its beaches. At least, not the type with pristine layers of perfect sand, clear blue ocean water, or picturesque Californian piers. If you’re looking for that kind of beach, not only are you in the wrong city, but more likely, on the wrong coast. With that said, Brooklynites still have plenty of good options if they’re committed to escaping the scorching climes that we all know New York can throw our way, and best of all, most of these options come at no cost at all (except maybe in taxpayer dollars)!
So if you find yourself sluggish and melting alongside that ice cream cone in the coming weeks, maybe it’s time for a more critical intervention. Below you’ll find our round up of our favorite pools in Brooklyn, so you don’t have to sweat it. Cowabunga!
McCarren Park Pool
As one of the eleven pools opened by Robert Moses in 1936, McCarren Pool has quite a bit of history. It sat unused between the years of 1984 and 2005, when the vacant bowl became a popular venue for concerts and other events. Now, the revamped facility is a busy neighborhood favorite for cooling off during the balmy summer months, and has maintained its historic bathouse building and entry arch! 776 Lorimer Street, Greenpoint
Kosciuszko Pool
This cavernous sinkhole boasts two pools: one Olympic sized for laps and a second wading pool. Despite being a popular community resource for families, the facility usually stays fairly empty, giving you plenty of space for that aquatic workout! Or, you know—floating session.670 Marcy Avenue, Bed-Stuy
Double D Pool
Douglass and Degraw Pool, known by frequenters as Double D Pool, has long served as an oasis from its once primarily industrial surroundings. These days, the pool attracts families not only from Gowanus, but from a slew of Brooklyn neighborhoods who make use of the shallow water to beat the heat and bop about on hot days. Just a heads up: the rules of typical NYC public pool fair are enforced here, so read up before you head out! 230 Douglass Street, Gowanus
Commodore Barry Pool
Located adjacent to the Navy Yard, Commodore Barry Pool is a lot like Double D—especially in the way that pool etiquette is enforced (white shirts only, required combination locks, etc.)! The facility consists of a larger adult pool as well as a kiddie pool. Enter on Flushing Avenue and N. Elliot Place, Fort Greene
Pop-Up Pool at Brooklyn Bridge Park
This waterfront swim spot has a view of the Bridge and downtown Manhattan that’ll put all other public pools to shame. At 30 by 50 feet and a maximum depth of 3.5 feet, this pool is perfect for families with smaller kids. Wristbands for each swim session are distributed on a first-come first-serve basis, as pool capacity is 60.
Red Hook
Ah, Red Hook Pool. Spacious, beloved, and as top rated as any of the NYC public pools can really be. If you’re coming here for fitness, check out the Early Bird and Night Owl Lap Swims. Conversely, if you’re more the type to crave a snack after your dip, never fear, there are food trucks near! 155 Bay Street, Red Hook
Eastern Athletic Club
If you’re looking for a swim experience that will guarantee you the pool space you need, consider investing your cash in joining a private pool. Eastern Athletic Club has two locations that offer swim classes for both children and adults who want to learn how to swim or improve their strokes. Choose from laid-back open swim sessions to the continuous lap swim for all you overachievers. 43 Clark St., Brooklyn Heights & 17 Eastern Parkway, Park Slope
McCarren Hotel Pool
Looking to cool down on a day off or long weekend? Bring your party to the McCaren Hotel’s open-air pool. Adorned with white lounge chairs and storybook umbrellas, this is the place to go to make a staycation feel a little more like an island getaway. Pool passes vary in coverage and price; frequent swimmers should consider McCarren’s package offers. 160 N 12th St, Williamsburg
