Indoor Swimming Pools in NYC – Introduction
“Where are the best indoor swimming pools in NYC to help me get fit?”
That was about all I thought about when I finally had a sense of urgency to get back into shape!
That happens when your doctor tells you that if you don’t do something, bigger problems are going to happen.
So, I started swimming at the YMCA, first trying to lose a substantial amount of weight.
I saw some progress, but not major, and despite swimming laps, I still hovered in the 270-pound range.
Way too much weight for me to handle.
But, once I started swimming and loved it, I looked around to see if there were other swimming pools in New York City that visitors or New Yorkers like me could enjoy.
This way, you can swim whether on the East River or Fifth Avenue, uptown or downtown.
Here is a collection of the best indoor swimming pools NYC has to offer—including public and rooftop pools that are popular in the summer months.
Swimming is one of the most effective ways to transform your body.
Enjoy your swim!
Note: Membership fees and facility hours are subject to change.
For the most current information, please get in touch with the location directly.
Best Indoor Swimming Pools in NYC by Borough
To make it easy for you to find an indoor swimming pool near you, I’ve included Google Maps links and click-to-call numbers.
Just tap the phone number to call and get more information!
Manhattan
Vanderbilt YMCA Indoor Swimming Pool (East Side)
- Address: 224 East 47th Street, NYC
- Phone: 212-912-2500
- Getting There: Take the 4, 5, 6, 7, or S train to Grand Central, then walk east to 2nd Ave. You can also take the M15 bus along 2nd Avenue and get off at 47th Street.
- Hours: Open daily; call for hours.
- Cost: Day passes available.
- Pool Type: Olympic-sized pool, steam room, locker rooms.
- Overview: This is one of the best indoor pools in NYC, in my opinion, because I started swimming here when I started on my quest to get fit at 55 back in 2011. It is great for lap swimming and is conveniently located near Grand Central on the east side, making it an excellent spot for commuters, residents, or visitors to New York City. This location also offers swim lessons for both kids and adults.
Asphalt Green
- Address: 555 E. 90th St., York Ave
- Phone: 212-369-8890
- Getting There: Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th St., then walk east to York Ave and north to 90th St. Alternatively, take the M86 crosstown bus to York Ave and walk north.
- Hours: Weekdays: 5:30 AM – 10 PM | Weekends: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Cost: Day passes: $35 adults, $10 kids
- Pool Type: Olympic pool, kids’ programs
- Overview: This top-tier fitness facility is home to one of the best Olympic pools in NYC, attracting both competitive swimmers and recreational athletes. It is a great choice for serious swimmers and families with kids. This location also offers swim lessons for both kids and adults.
Asser Levy Recreation Center
- Address: East 23rd Street & FDR Drive
- Phone: 212-447-2020
- Getting There: Take the 6 train to 23rd St. and walk east, or transfer to the M23 crosstown bus to FDR Drive.
- Hours: Mon-Fri: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM | Sat-Sun: 8 AM – 4:45 PM
- Cost: Free outdoor pools; indoor membership starts at $50/year
- Pool Type: Indoor & outdoor pools, basketball courts, playground
- Overview: The indoor pool is beautiful, featuring a fountain and skylights. The outdoor pools, open July through Labor Day, are clean and serviceable. Asser Levy also has basketball courts, a playground, and an Arts and Crafts room. With affordable annual memberships, Asser Levy is one of the best recreation centers in the City. As one of the top-rated city pools, Asser Levy offers excellent value for residents.
Baccarat Hotel Indoor Swimming Pool (Luxury Experience)
- Address: 28 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
- Phone: 212-790-8800
- Getting There: Take the E or M train to 5th Ave/53rd St.
- Hours: Open daily; call for hours.
- Cost: Access limited to hotel guests and spa members.
- Pool Type: Elegant indoor swimming pool with luxurious lounge seating.
- Overview: As one of the best hotels in NYC, the Baccarat Hotel offers a truly luxurious swimming experience, making it an ideal choice for guests looking for a serene and high-end indoor pool. The pool features soothing lighting, plush loungers, and a tranquil ambiance, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation in a five-star setting. Pool access is reserved for hotel guests and spa members, making it one of the most exclusive private pools in NYC.
Chelsea Piers Sports Center
- Address: Pier 60, 23rd St & Hudson River
- Phone: 212-336-6000
- Getting There: E to 23rd St. and walk west, M23 bus to Chelsea Piers.
- Hours: Mon-Fri: 6 AM – 11 PM | Sat-Sun: 8 AM – 9 PM
- Cost: Day passes available for $50.
- Pool Type: 75-foot, 7-lane lap pool with Hudson River views.
- Overview: The facility features a seven-lane pool, perfect for swimmers who want dedicated lanes for lap swims in a professional setting. With a 75-foot pool and panoramic views of the city’s rivers, it’s a perfect spot for year-round swimming. If you’re looking for a luxury swim experience, this is one of NYC’s top spots with breathtaking river views.
Chelsea Recreation Center Pool
- Address: 430 West 25th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues
- Phone: 212-255-3705
- Getting There: E to 23rd St. and walk west, M11 bus to West 25th Street and 9th Avenue
- Hours: Recreation center hours are Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
- Cost: Membership for the indoor pool (and other recreation center benefits) is $75/year for adults, $10/year for seniors, and free for kids and teens under 18.
- Pool Type: Indoor public pool
- Overview: Check the center schedule for swimming hours.
Stuyvesant High School
- Address: 345 Chambers St. between the West Side Highway and the Hudson River, New York, NY
- Phone: 646-210-4292
- Getting There: 1, 2, 3 to Chambers St.
- Hours: Open to the public on evenings and weekends
- Cost: Annual membership is $300 for the pool only and $425 for all facilities
- Pool Type: Indoor lap pool
- Overview: Nice indoor pool with a view. No crowds on most weekdays.
Rooftop Pools in NYC
For a breathtaking swim with skyline views, check out this rooftop pool in NYC:
Manhattan Plaza Health Club
- Address: 482 West 43rd Street
- Phone: 212-563-7001
- Getting There: A, C, E to 42nd St.
- Hours: Weekdays: 6 AM – 11 PM | Weekends: 8 AM – 9 PM
- Cost: $25 day pass.
- Pool Type: Rooftop pool with retractable glass roof.
- Overview: Four-lane lap pool has a separate alcove for kids. A day pass is half the price of the rooftop pool at the Parker Meridien. The MPHC website offers a coupon for a $10-day pass (workout and pool). A unique rooftop indoor pool that’s perfect for swimming and open year-round.
Brooklyn
Red Hook Pool
- Address: 155 Bay St, Brooklyn
- Phone: 718-722-3211
- Getting There: F, G to Smith-9th Sts, then walk or take the B61 bus.
- Hours: Outdoor pool hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Cost: Free entry.
- Pool Type: Large outdoor pool with a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Overview: A spacious public pool serving as a community favorite for lap and recreational swimming. This friendly pool is a great choice for families and swimmers looking for a welcoming atmosphere.
Queens
Astoria Pool
- Address: 19th St & 23rd Dr, Queens
- Phone: 718-626-8622
- Getting There: N, W to Astoria Blvd, then walk west.
- Hours: Outdoor pool hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Cost: Free entry.
- Pool Type: Olympic-sized outdoor pool with stunning views of the Triborough Bridge.
- Overview: One of NYC’s largest and most famous public pools, perfect for serious swimmers and families alike.
Staten Island
Barretto Point Park Floating Pool
- Address: 1 Tiffany St, Bronx
- Phone: 718-430-4601
- Getting There: 6 to Hunts Point Ave, then take the Bx6 bus to Tiffany St.
- Hours: Outdoor pool hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Cost: Free entry.
- Pool Type: A floating pool on the East River, offering a unique swimming experience.
- Overview: A seasonal, barge-based swimming pool that provides a one-of-a-kind experience in NYC.
Bonus: Outdoor Pools in NYC
While indoor pools are great year-round, NYC also has some fantastic outdoor pools open during the summer months.
John Jay Pool and Recreation
- Address: 77th St & Cherokee Pl
- Phone: 212-794-6566
- Getting There: 6 to 77th Street or 4,5 to 86th Street.
- Hours: Outdoor pool hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Cost: Free entry.
- Pool Type: Outdoor pool with diving board and East River views.
- Overview: A great spot for lap swims and recreational swimming. The pool’s East River location provides a scenic experience.
Hamilton Fish Pool
- Address: 128 Pitt Street, NYC
- Phone: 212-242-5228
- Getting There: F to Delancey St.
- Hours: Outdoor pool hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Cost: Free entry.
- Pool Type: Two large outdoor pools, including a dedicated lap swim area.
- Overview: One of NYC’s largest outdoor public pools, Hamilton Fish Pool is a great spot for summer swimming. Located in the Lower East Side, it offers a large pool for serious swimmers and a separate area for families and kids. The pool is well-maintained, and the lifeguards enforce strict safety rules.
What’s Next
Enjoying your swim workouts at any one of the above fantastic indoor pools in the Big Apple?
Great!
But, what if you want to improve your swimming strength?
Are there dry-land training exercises for swimmers besides your water workouts?
I’ve got you covered!
See The Best Strength Exercises for Swimmers: Dryland Workout. Practice this dry land conditioning program to level up your swimming powers in the pool!
