NYC public pools are opening for the season on Friday, June 27—the first day of public schools being closed for the summer. Outdoor pools will be open daily from 11am to 7pm, with a break for pool cleaning from 3 to 4pm. Here’s everything you need to know: location of local pools, rules for swimmers, and more ways to stay cool this summer!
Pools in our Brooklyn neighborhoods
- PS 20 Playground Mini Pool | Fort Greene
- Commodore Barry Pool | Navy Yard
- Red Hook Pool* | Red Hook
- Douglass and DeGraw Pool | Gowanus
- McCarren Park Pool | Williamsburg
- Sunset Park Pool | Sunset Park
- Jesse Owens Mini Pool | Bed-Stuy
- Kosciuszko Pool* | Bed-Stuy
- Bushwick Pool | Bushwick
*Free Learn to Swim programs at these locations! Learn and enter the lottery here.
Pool Rules
Before showing up, make sure to review all rules for public pools. Here are some of the do’s and don’t’s for swimmers:
- You must have a swimsuit to enter the pool area. Men’s bathing suits must have mesh linings. Plain white T-shirts may be worn over bathing suits if desired, but colorful shirts are not allowed. Sneakers are also not permitted.
- You must shower in the locker room before entering the pool.
- Padlocks are 100% required to enter. Guests will use locks to secure their belongings in lockers. Note that luggage locks are not accepted.
- Babies and toddlers should wear swim diapers.
- Swimming aids, water toys, and other flotation devices are not allowed.
- Strollers are allowed, but you may not be able to keep an eye on it—bring at your own risk.
- Beach chairs, baby strollers, bags, blankets, or beach balls are not permitted on the pool deck.
- You should also leave at home: food, glass bottles, electronic devices, newspapers, and valuables.
- Eating or drinking is permitted only in designated areas. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Read all rules here.
Looking for more fun in the water this this summer?
- Check out our list of Brooklyn water sprinklers here!
- Want to get out on the water? Read our guide to free kayaking, canoeing, and boating this summer in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan.
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Updated: July 6, 2025. Main Image: McCarren Park Pool.
