Manhattan Public Pools: Where to Swim for Free This Summer

Manhattan, NY — The thick of summer in New York — complete with heat pounding off reflective surfaces and the aroma of melting garbage — is coming. But starting June 29, New Yorkers will be able to find some comfort when their local outdoor public pool opens for the summer.

In Manhattan there are 16 outdoors pool that are free and open to the public. But before you get your first taste of chlorine this summer, here are the rules for public pools in New York, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

1. Pool hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily with an hour break from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for cleaning.
2. Wear a swimsuit. This may seem obvious, but you won't be allowed in the pool unless you are wearing a proper bathing suit. Shorts don't count.
3. Want to wear a shirt in the pool? It has to be white. No colored or patterned shirts are allowed in public pools.
4. Bringing a lock to the pool is required. Pool staff won't let you enter without one.
5. Don't bring the following: food, glass bottles, electronics and newspapers.

Here's a list, and map, of all the public pools in Manhattan:

• Abe Lincoln Outdoor Mini Pool: 5th Avenue and East 135th Street
• Asser Levy Recreation Center: Asser Levy Place and East 23rd Street
• Dry Dock Playground: East 10th Street and Avenue D
• Frederick Douglass Mini Pool: Amsterdam Avenue and West 101st Street
• Hamilton Fish Park: East Houston Street and Pitt Street
• Highbridge Recreation Center: Amsterdam Avenue and West 173rd Street
• Jackie Robinson Swimming Pool: Bradhurst Avenue and West 146th Street
• John Jay Swimming Pool: East 77th Street and Cherokee Place
• Lasker Pool: Central Park off East Drive
• Marcus Garvey Swimming Pool: East 124th Street and 5th Avenue
• Sheltering Arms Pool: West 129th Street and Amsterdam Avenue
• Thomas Jefferson Pool: East 112th Street and 1st Avenue
• Tompkins Square Mini Pool: East 10th Street and Avenue A
• Tony Dapolito Recreation Center: Clarkson Street and 7th Avenue
• Thompson Street Pool: Thompson Street and Spring Street
• Mayor Wagner Swimming Pool: East 124th Street and 2nd Avenue

[Photo: Wikimedia commons]