NYC Lap Swimming Options Amidst a Challenging Pool Landscape

“The true New Yorker secretly believes that people living anywhere else have to be, in some sense, kidding.” - John Updike

However, there’s an irony in Updike’s statement, especially considering his own love of swimming—a pastime that’s not as easily enjoyed in a city where pool access can be as elusive as a quiet moment in Times Square. While Updike appreciated the vibrancy and unique energy of New York, his fondness for swimming highlights a challenge many New Yorkers face: finding a place to swim in a city that’s more famous for its skyscrapers than its swimming pools. The true New Yorker may embrace the city’s hustle and bustle, but the true New York swimmer knows that navigating the city’s limited and often crowded pool options requires patience, creativity, and sometimes, a bit of luck.

New York City, a sprawling urban environment known for its vibrant lifestyle and dense population, poses unique challenges for fitness enthusiasts, particularly swimmers. Despite being surrounded by water, the city offers limited public lap swimming opportunities, forcing many to navigate a patchwork of options that include public pools, private clubs and residences, and college facilities. As private construction continues to outpace public recreational investments, New Yorkers are increasingly turning to alternative solutions to meet their swimming needs. This article delves into the challenges of lap swimming in NYC, the rise of private facilities, and the best options available for swimmers, including some lesser-known gems and future developments that might offer hope.

The Public Pool Conundrum

The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation manages numerous public pools, but only a few are suitable for lap swimming, and even these come with significant restrictions.

Astoria Park Pool in Queens, the largest public pool in the city, offers a vast space for recreational swimming but has limited lap swimming hours. This iconic pool, known for its stunning views of the RFK Bridge, is not only a place for summer fun but also a site of historical significance, having hosted the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for swimming in 1936. Despite its grandeur, the pool can become crowded, especially during peak hours, making it challenging for serious swimmers to find uninterrupted time for laps.

Riverbank State Park

Riverbank State Park is a standout option in Manhattan, offering a year round 50-meter shallow pool with eight lanes and moveable bulkhead for short and long-course lap swimming, along with a 25-meter outdoor pool available in the summer. Lap swim hours are available year-round, from 6:30 AM to 8:15 AM for adult lap swim, though a Lap Swim Card is required during these hours. Despite the challenges of obtaining a card during the summer, Riverbank remains a favorite among dedicated swimmers, thanks to its expansive facilities and scenic views.

These public options, while valuable, often leave swimmers wanting more—especially during peak times when the pools are overwhelmed with visitors. During the warm summer months, priority is given to keeping young kids cool during the day, and a on-going shortage of lifeguards curtails available lap swimming hours.

For a comprehensive search of swimming pools worldwide, including those in New York City, swimmers can explore Swimmers Guide, a resource that lists pools by location and provides details about amenities and availability.

Private Facilities: A Pricey but Reliable Option

Private Facilities 

As public pools remain limited and overcrowded, many New Yorkers have turned to private facilities to meet their swimming needs. **Equinox**, one of the city’s premier fitness clubs, has four locations with lap pools, such as **Equinox Hudson Yards**, which boasts an indoor salt water lap pool and a seasonal outdoor rooftop lounging pool. Memberships can range from $200 to $405 per month, making it a steep investment but one that guarantees access to high-quality amenities. Day and guest passes may be available. Swimmers can also take advantage of their public spa treatments, which also include access to the other facilities. American Express Platinum holders, benefit from a $300 annual credit.

John Jay College Pool: A Solid Alternative

John Jay College Pool: A Solid Alternative

For those looking for a more affordable and flexible option, the John Jay College Pool offers a great alternative. Located in Midtown Manhattan, this recently renovated facility features 5 wide 25-yard lanes with diving blocks and both shallow and deep ends. The pool is well-equipped with pull buoys, kick boards, paddles, and fins available for swimmers to use.

John Jay College offers both $15 drop-in rate, and annual memberships, making it accessible for those who prefer not to commit to a long-term membership. The pool is open for lap swimming 2-4 hours a day, seven days a week, though hours change seasonally. Full locker rooms and showers are available, but swimmers need to bring their own lock, towel, and sandals.

Personalized Coaching and Advanced Analysis

Personalized Coaching

For swimmers looking to improve their technique, personalized coaching is also available at John Jay College. I offer one-on-one sessions, including underwater video analysis, EO SwimBetter sensor data, and tailored technique and conditioning programs. You can book sessions directly through my website at Train Daly Swim Coaching, or contact me for additional details via this contact form.

Additional hours there, and other city college may only be available through local Masters swim teams, many of which require a U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) annual membership. To explore more about Masters swimming and find practice drop-in options, swimmers can visit USMS.org.

The Hopeful Future: Plus Pool in the East River

Amidst the scarcity of public lap swimming options, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon with the **Plus Pool** project. This innovative floating pool, proposed for the East River, aims to provide a clean and accessible swimming option for New Yorkers right in the heart of the city. The pool is designed to filter river water, offering a safe and sustainable swimming environment. While the project has faced numerous challenges, including fundraising and regulatory approvals, it represents a bold vision for the future of public swimming in New York City. If successful, Plus Pool could set a new standard for public recreational facilities in urban environments.

Additional Resources and Mapping Your Swim

For visitors and residents alike, navigating the various swimming options in New York City can be daunting. To make the process easier, I’ve created a New York City Lap Swimming Google Maps guide for non-membership lap swimming options in NYC . This map highlights accessible pools across the city, providing a valuable resource for those looking to find a place to swim without the commitment of a private club membership.

Lap swimming in New York City

Lap swimming in New York City is a challenging pursuit, especially for those relying on public facilities. As private construction continues to outpace public pool access, residents are increasingly turning to high-cost private clubs or limited public options. While facilities like Astoria Park Pool, and Riverbank State Park offer some relief, the reality is that many New Yorkers are left without affordable and accessible swimming options. The development of Plus Pool in the East River offers a hopeful glimpse into the future, but until then, swimmers must navigate a complex landscape of limited public facilities and expensive private options. By utilizing resources like Swimmers Guide, USMS, and my Google Maps guide, swimmers can better plan their workouts and make the most of the available options in this vibrant city.

For those looking to take their swimming to the next level, personalized coaching sessions are available to help you achieve your goals, whether in public or private pools.