Best Public Pools in San Francisco
1. Hamilton Pool — Lower Pacific Heights, San Francisco
With two water slides, Hamilton Pool is one of the most popular pools in the city. The indoor pool isheatedand can be a nice escape from the San Francisco summer fog. Note: Children must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the water slides, which areonly open on Saturdays.
Check out the tiles at the Sava Pool, where sunshine makes the "waves" come to life! Photo by author Nicole Findlay
2. Sava Pool — Sunset, San Francisco
This neighborhood favorite reopened in 2009 after a $17 million renovation.Families will love this 25-yard, eight-lane indoor pool. The unique designoffers plenty of natural light.Check out the wall of ceramic tile artwork by Catherine Wagner titled “Swimmer’s Waves.” When the sun hits the tiles, the waves come to life. The shallowest spot is 4 feet deep.
- Cost: $8 per adult, $2 per child.
- Hours:Varies. Check here for the current pool schedule.
3. Rossi Pool — Inner Richmond, San Francisco
Another neighborhood favorite, this pool is only one part of a300,000-square-foot park. This means that aftera dip in the water, families can enjoy the playground or play a family game of baseball.
- Cost: $8 per adult, $2 per child.
- Hours:Varies. Check here for the current pool schedule.
4. Balboa Aquatics Center — Mission Terrace, San Francisco
After a $9 million renovation project, this state-of-the-art swimming pool is ready to jump right in. Whilehere, check out thefacility'snew mural by local artistJasonJägel, which features people and animals making a splash.
- Cost: $8 per adult, $2 per child.
- Hours:Varies. Check here for the current pool schedule.
The North Beach Pool is one where you can ride a cable car there and see gorgeous city views. Photo by Ronaldo Farelli
5. North Beach Pool — North Beach, San Francisco
This pool in the popular North Beach neighborhood has a glass wall offeringcoolcity views from the water. They also have a dry sauna. Why not take acable car rideto the pool? The kids will likely love it, and the Powell/Mason line will take you right there!
While here, let little ones run wild at theJoe DiMaggio playgroundor enjoysomequiet time at theNorth Beach Library.
- Cost: $8 per adult, $2 per child.
- Hours:Varies. Check here for the current pool schedule.
Best Public Pools in North Bay/Marin
6. McNears Beach Park Pool —San Rafael
McNear’s Beach is a 55-acre county park near San Pablo Bay.It’sagreatplaceto swim in open water, picnic, fish, and soak up gorgeous waterside views.The highlight is actually the fenced-in swimming pool, which includes a main pool and a toddler pool. There’s also a snack bar nearby, so no need to pack food, if you don't want to.
- Cost: Parking and pool are free, butcapacity is 100 people. Get there early!
- Hours: Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check here for the upcoming pool schedule.
7. Homestead Valley Community Pool — Mill Valley
This cute outdoor pool is near the Homestead Valley Community Center, a meadow, and over 80 acres of open space. Enjoy a dip and then explore the grounds.
- Cost: Non-resident daily pass rate is $12 per adult and $10 per child.
- Hours: Varies. View the current pool schedule online.
8. Mill Valley Recreation Center Swimming Pool —Mill Valley
This indoor/outdoor pool in Mill Valley has plenty of windows and a retractable roof. It’s 25 yards long with3lanes, a shallow cove pool for little ones, and a water slide. Kids need to be 48 inches tall to ride.
- Cost: A single pass is $11 per adult and $8 per child.
- Hours: Varies. Check website for the current pool schedule.
9. Hamilton Community Pool —Novato
The Hamilton Community Pool opens May 25!Every Friday this summer,guests can participate in an Inflatable Water Obstacle Course.Participation is free with a daily pass. In order to participate, little ones will need to pass a swim test. There’s a water play structure for the littlest swimmers, complete with a slide and water spray sites. Check out special events, like Inflatable Fun Friday!
- Cost:Non-resident adult drop-in is$11 per adult and $9 per child.
- Hours: Opens Memorial Day weekend, check hours online.
10. Marinwood Community Center Pool —San Rafael
Located near Marinwood Park and a fun playground, the Marinwood Community Center Pool is 25 yards long, has a double flume water slide, and a tot pool for kiddos under age seven.
- Cost:Non-resident adult drop-in is$10 per adult and $9 per child.
- Hours:Varies. Check the website for the currentpool schedule.
11. Terra Linda Community Center Pool —San Rafael
Kids ages 6-14 will love thelargeinflatable at the Terra Linda Community Center Pool. Here all summer, weather and staff dependent, children under twelve must complete a swim test to partake. This consists of comfortable swimming the length of the pool without stopping. There’s also a toddler pool for those under six.
This pool is adjacent to a park with a fun children’s playground, a basketball court, and a picnic area with grills. It’s conveniently located across the street from Scotty’s Market for snacks.
- Cost: Non-resident adult drop-in is $10 per adult and $8 for kids.
- Hours: Check out the summer schedule on the website.
Best Public Pools in the East Bay
12. Silliman Aquatic Center — Newark
After major renovations, the Silliman pool is open and ready for summer! Expect two water slides. One has a tower rising 20 feet above the pool deck. Children must be 48 inches to ride. The Silliman Aquatic Centeralsohas a lazy river and a children’s activity pool.
- Cost: General admission for daily drop-in is $13 per adult and $4 per infant/toddler.
- Hours:Varies. Check online for the currentschedule.
13. King Pool—Berkeley
This heated outdoor pool in North Berkeley is a great spot to swim on a hot day. Book tickets before arriving. No paymentis acceptedat the pool.Also, children under seven andunder42 inches mustbe accompaniedby an adult and stay within arm’s reachat all times.
- Cost: A daily swim pass for all ages is $6.
- Hours: Varies. Visit the website to check the currentschedule.
14. Richmond Swim Center —Richmond
Anindoor pool with plenty of natural light, the Richmond Swim Center has a retractable roof, the perfect feature for sunny days. Plus, theshallow end is ideal for tiny tykes and has an entertaining water feature for added splashing.
- Cost: Drop-infor non-residentsis$8.75 per adult and $5 per kid.
- Hours:Varies. Check website for the currentschedule.
15. Richmond Plunge —Richmond
Formerly known as The Richmond Municipal Natatorium, the Richmond Plungewas builtin 1926. Swimmers can step back in time here. The Richmond Plunge still has original hand-painted signs, retro tile work, and a beautiful old-fashioned mural.
- Cost:Non-resident adultdrop-in is $8.75 adults and $5 for kids.
- Hours:Varies. Check website for the currentschedule.
16. Clarke Memorial Pool—Walnut Creek
Located in Heather Farm Park, this 50-meter heated pool is open year-round. There's also a 25-meter pool with a diving board. In the summer, kids will love theInflatable Obstacle Courses.Kids need to be comfortable trading water, swimming 25 yards, andbe able to recoverfrom a deep water entry andswimto the side.After a dip, share snacks at a covered picnic area.
- Cost: Drop-in rates are $7 per adult, $6 per youth (ages 7-17), and $5 per child (ages 0-6).Additionally, a $2 Splash Pass is required for Inflatables and in-and-out privileges.
- Hours: Saturday & Sunday afternoons
17. Castle Rock Swimming Pool—Walnut Creek
Situated in the Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area, the Castle Rock Swimming Pool is 30 feet by 70 feet and is open for drop-in only. Surrounded by rolling hills and tall trees, this picturesque pool is a treat if you’re in the East Bay on a hot day.
- Cost: Drop-in rate is $4 for 16 & up and $2 for ages 1-15. No fee for babies under the age of one.
- Hours: Open weekends and holidays from approximately Memorial Day through Labor Day and Thursdays & Fridays mid-June through mid-August. See current schedule online.
Best Public Pools on the Peninsula
18. Jean E. Brink Swimming Pool —Pacifica
This pool is big with ten lanes, each 25 yards long. It’s indoors and has a diving board for those looking to dive into the deep end. The pool is 3 feet at the shallowendand 12 feet at the deep end.
- Cost: Drop-in rate is $6 per adult and $5 per child.
- Hours: Monday and Friday evening and Saturday afternoon; check website for current schedule.
19. Giammona Westmoor High Swimming Pool —Daly City
The highlight of theGiammona Westmoor High Swimming Pool is the water slide. It’s open year-round andheated.
- Cost: Non-resident drop-in rate is $7.50 per adult and $6.25 per child.
- Hours. Weekends through the end of July.Alsoopen Monday through Thursday most days in June and July. Check website for hours.
