Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
NYC Public Pools Are Open And It's About To Get Stinking HOT
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Jun 28, 2018
Modified Jun 29, 2018
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Jun 28, 2018
Modified Jun 29, 2018
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
It may not feel like it right now, but a sizzling heat wave will soon be on our doorstep, and there's a good chance that you'll walk straight out of work on Friday into a 95-degree blast of hot air. You might then remember that you still haven't installed your air conditioner, and as you step into an inexplicably sticky subway car you'll wonder how and when you lost touch with that one college friend who always rented a house in Fire Island house this time of year. (If you're reading this, Jared, it's not too late. I can be there in two hours.)
Still, it's not all bad news for those of us sticking out the summer's first real hot spell in the city. Because as of yesterday—the last day of public school, and thus the real start of summer—the public pools are open for business. Hear that? That's the sound of pool-loving teens everywhere texting each other: [splash emoji] + [cannonball emoji] + [woman dancing emoji].
For the next three months, New Yorkers of all ages have access to 55 outdoor pools scattered throughout the five boroughs (here's the list). They're open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00, with a one hour break for pool cleaning.
If you are the type of person who likes to talk about how the public pools are unclean, or insists on bringing up some of the local basin's darker moments, save it. The last time a biochemist checked, fancy rooftop pools were filled with waste-borne coliform bacteria, while the water in the city's public pools was "pristine."
Beyond the joy of plunging into a tub of cold water alongside other staycationers, some New Yorkers can also look forward to the city's "Cool Pools" program, which will bring eclectic makeovers to one underserved pool in each borough. This year's Cool recipients are: Douglas and DeGraw Pool in Gowanus; Fisher Pool in East Elmhurst;
Mapes Pool in East Tremont; Sheltering Arms Pool in Harlem; and the West Brighton Pool on Staten Island.
Finally, it is our sodden duty to remind you of some pool rules. Namely, bring a padlock and a white T-shirt. Do not bring a different colored T-shirt. Also do not bring beach toys or beach chairs or newspapers. And no running, unless, apparently, you are the boss of the pool.
If you're not making it to the pool this weekend, there are plenty of other great ways to beat the heat this weekend. See? We didn't need Jared after all.
(Jared, call me.)
Tagged
extremely hot
hot
pool
public pool
summer
weather
Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Ever wish you could get paid to walk through a stranger’s house? ‘The Scout’ is for you.
A new film focuses on the strange career of a location scout in New York City.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Sep 26, 2026
There are 100s of places to visit during Open House New York. Here's 5 of our favorites.
See the entire lineup for the weekend when the city opens its doors.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Arts & Entertainment
There are 100s of places to visit during Open House New York. Here's 5 of our favorites.
See the entire lineup for the weekend when the city opens its doors.
By
Hannah Frishberg
A massive MTA archive ended up in a Virginia warehouse. A Brooklyn man brought it home.
By
Hannah Frishberg
How a Harry Styles pop-up in the East Village led to a nearby bookstore owner's arrest
By
Sonia Rao
NYC’s creative workers are increasingly self-employed, report says
By
Hannah Frishberg
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .