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2019 Guide to Pittsburgh’s 18 City Swimming Pools

Swim into summer with our reference guide // where the pools are, some amenities and what’s nearby to help make the most of your trip.

by Stephanie Brea | June 12, 2019

Update 8/12/2019: According to the Citiparks website, the Magee Pool in Greenfield is closed for the rest of 2019. 

Last summer, I met a lovely couple who had accomplished the very ambitious goal of visiting each of Pittsburgh’s 18 city pools (plus Oliver Bath House) in a single season. I was envious and curious, since I typically frequent the same three. They described how each of them had distinctly different vibes, and we discussed what they considered to be the benefits and drawbacks of each pool. If you, too, want to attempt to check all the city pools off your summer bucket list, we have compiled this handy guide. We unofficially polled and crowdsourced some of this information. If there’s something we missed, or you’ve got a hot tip for taking a dip, let us know!

Ammon Pool (Hill District)

2217 Bedford Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-255-2627

According to their very vibrant social media presence, the Ammon pool seems like a party, with head lifeguard “Uncle Charlie” Bonner at the helm. This Olympic-size pool has the somewhat elusive tables with umbrellas, and is home to Pittsburgh’s water polo team, the Renegades.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10216602286802809&set=br.AboGJeHDUr7YUWg-6aJSPADN47GqAAeteuL0htCNQYlDC-UNy3oss1i06eiMWrjrWx-c4LQ1qrammTvQp6tCe-bzNlxLmFanx4Ic2-laayhgII2lT8CCG_PQ0k_q-4txqqk&type=1&theater

Bloomfield Pool

408 Ella St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15224

412-622-6956

Sometimes known as Bloomfield Beach, the Bloomfield Pool is a favorite of people with and without children. Parents I crowdsourced like the playground nearby, and the shallow end with the mushroom water feature. Do you like refreshing cold Thai noodles after a swim? Hit up Thai Gourmet. Do you like tacos and burritos? Stop at Baby Loves Tacos. Do you want an ice cold PBR? Howlers is mere blocks away. Plus, ice cream from Scoops or soft serve from Twisters (now in its 20th season), depending on which direction you want to walk. “Bloomfield Beach” is in close proximity to Liberty Avenue, giving it an almost boardwalk-esque number of options.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlYJ9H9gsNC/

Highland Park Pool

151 Lake Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15206

412-665-3637

Can be kid-heavy during the week with day camps, but the deep end is your BFF. There’s a really great tree for shade, but you will never get there early enough to stake your claim with your towel. With a kiddie pool and a mushroom spray fountain, plus handicap accessible features, this pool is great for families. There are sand volleyball courts. Head to Food Glorious Food to snag a pre-swim snack, or Couch Brewery on your way home.

Homewood Pool

540 N. Lang Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15208

412-244-4186

This pool offers plenty of parking nearby and a great shallow area for small children. Do you need ice cream, or would you rather have a beer?

Magee Pool (Greenfield) – CLOSED FOR 2019

745 Greenfield Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

412-422-4265

Pro tip for this pool: You can easily drive by and check to see how crowded it is. You are mere blocks from Staghorn Home & Garden Cafe, where you can eat and drink and shop for plants and unique gifts all at the same time. Rialto Pizza is right around the corner, offering soft serve ice cream, pizza and beer.

Schenley Park Pool

1 Overlook Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412-422-4266

One of the busier pools, folks in our unofficial pool poll simultaneously said it had too many kids and that it was pretty good for avoiding kids. It is homebase for some day camps and is close to Oakland (i.e., college kids. Are they still classified as kids?). Folks recommend it for swimming laps. It is a walk-in pool, which is great for apprehensive swimmers. If you have kids, remember it’s close to the Anderson Playground, aka the Dinosaur Playground. Summer is a perfect time to hit up Dave and Andy’s for some ice cream. Oakland is a little less hectic with colleges on summer break.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYb7odYnglG/

West Penn Pool (Polish Hill)

450 30th St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-622-6908

No one I know calls this West Penn, although some folks call it the Polish Hill Beach Club. On the smaller side, this pool is typically one of the least crowded with kids. The undeveloped hillside surrounding it gives it an air of seclusion and some shady spots if you aren’t into tanning. There’s a skatepark and a playground right next door.

Where to go when you’re done swimming: If you’re me, it’s Gooskis for wings and pierogies. Or if eating surrounded by a cloud of cigarette smoke isn’t your thing, you are REALLY close to the Strip via the 28th St. Bridge. It’s all downhill to DiAnoias or Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor. I’ve also seen folks have pizza delivered right to this pool.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkOAQc0ghhP/

Jack Stack Pool (Brighton Heights)

600 Brighton Woods Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-766-4577

This pool has a separate kiddie pool for young children. It can be busy due to softball and baseball games at the park’s ball fields. Pittsburgh Fish & Chicken offers multiple fish dinner options; you’ll feel like you’re at the beach.

Riverview Pool

400 Riverview Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15214

412-323-7223

Part of Riverview Park, this pool is close to a ton of hiking trails and the Allegheny Observatory (which was integral to the establishment of standard time).

Sue Murray Pool (Northside)

301 Cedar Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-323-7914

Also lots of kids during the day, and there is a water slide. The evening hours are typically good for some peace and quiet. Once you’re done swimming, you can walk over to Federal Galley or the Park House for a drink. Don’t forget that the other side of Allegheny Commons is home to Gus and Yia Yia’s ice balls, a Northside tradition since 1934.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm1RUaXHmVt/

Banksville Pool

1461 Crane Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15220

412-571-3231

This facility has a kiddie pool and fountain, baseball fields, playgrounds, and an attached pavilion available for rent. It’s perfect for swimming laps. You’re really close to love-it-or-hate-it Beto’s Pizza, known for applying cold cheese and toppings to a heated, sauced crust. Only sold by the slice.

McBride Pool (Lincoln Place)

1785 McBride St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15207

412-476-1311

This no frills neighborhood pool is adjacent to a playground, pavilion, and a tennis court.

Moore Pool (Brookline)

1801 Pioneer Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15226

412-571-3223

There’s a three-chute water slide, but no real grassy area around this pool for sunbathing. When you’re in Brookline, you’re close to Fiori’s Pizza and another Scoops location.

Ormsby Pool (South Side)

79 S. 22nd St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

412-488-8377

This neighborhood pool is one of the smaller city pools and can feel crowded. There’s a playground. You’re literally blocks away from Rugger’s Pub (where the everyday special includes a PBR pounder and a shot of Old Grandad for $5). A short drive or bus ride will get you to Page Dairy Mart (which is probably just as crowded as the pool).

Phillips Pool (Carrick)

201 Parkfield St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15210

412-885-7498

This quiet, mostly neighborhood pool has a spray pad for kids not quite ready for the actual pools, making it great for families with young kids. Hungry? Sam’s Sun boasts Middle Eastern food. Carrick is home to a large Nepalese population. Take advantage of your close proximity to Nepali Asian Restaurant (or even combine a stop at this pool with the opportunity to complete the Post Gazette’s full dumpling tour).

https://www.facebook.com/CarrickCommunityCouncil/photos/basw.Abo0GMNflRkcSKgoEUBBd5qHWjMSm8CYvZVkX5XuOtuGm2e72mRL_SI9J-BiFTC4nJo_z8vCz89qJyjNnuSd17OCjbttUqza6i7kJghjjAaGnRwBpWRBEgaw2_byM7_yNppk55YroC9pYljR2Oy_Ar0pvmDx5WeNdUOLoMaNYrTH4g.10154451999839448.10154594304349448.10152588909724448.988791024521848.1234583869929495.10154786672090754.2300068043347010.1165262276948604.2138582323076684/10154451999839448/?type=1&opaqueCursor=AbqN1StBuLW476WH8fb6CROrVHsytrb4ELuureN1EYGrf_EHZsauo9pp9N4LmOckmpjWO-1KzGNdPKOHlelq63EOF9BCmah2dCVO6uSzjsJIa6QMzGC_SBzEETiARCL76U8pNeFIN5XXsqj6G6zhTqYky__4SGVady2_hY_YngsYYY0CLV-aKrKUYWeS5wHzCQcQlcdO9kZx5yVBNol_VXxWJxxbUJ4SmcgLQ07CXwZiipiGN7lmCvHWfpjSQeewdFy87T20HYTK3QGjcDwCtk8grseqEwicY5Lz0VTzyHr-mdf-nPXwbUyWop9fn-0KJrZkBOW2C3QYPIGRUfKmY-2_k3cs9djuYs0khCanzbxEbpeIduaXu1xieamqwey5RvIaXH0ePVRT3Xq4zYECs1-I7yKo9cS50QaQZBSj089iSGyXSBDay3DRgnIDEQpMCRAGg0Am-eKn9zD3U-Gco_4r1N0BzEszY9la-rSEpH6-_MLw9-sKQp-2t7pZYnUIoRH0wftXXdm-tk4ZCQZE7LKqxvyPqYQBOyiULEDiRZ78toYxzs2C9vLbVlzGg2ya_AUqLseAbjmWZFl36nv3ocgn9m9JhlpkE4kCizJ_-WH3st2RdCqpFziBzZ3l0Bldv_wGHa-45Grk94s3bk2YGtcoBpNz2mrbgYcK7cxJsIs7zYmUYSg1fiMWQJhqGXSJRio2Fs-0VQHrcn68TJ6Sa5fbhYSy_L5X8z9Hd9ovJ026Mw&theater

Ream Pool (Mt. Washington)

321 Merrimac Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15211

412-488-8312

This neighborhood pool is handicap accessible and right on the number 40 bus line. There’s a concession stand (well, at least there was last year) and a playground. At Coughlin’s Law you can get unique cocktails, AND Millie’s ice cream.

Sheraden Pool

1071 Adon St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15204

412-777-5011

This pool boasts a new liner and lots of grassy area to lay down your towel. Lots of trees surrounding it, and some folks recommend bringing bug spray.

Remember When Ice Cream, which boasts Pittsburgh’s largest ice cream cone, is currently moving. Keep an eye on their socials and hopefully later this summer you can have a cone so big it has to be served through a separate door.

Westwood Pool

100 Guyland St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15205

412-937-3061

This neighborhood pool is less crowded, and offers lots of grassy area and a kiddie pool. Important to note: At the time of publishing, Antney’s Ice Cream was temporarily closed, but check their socials if you plan on being in the area. Alternative plan: HOT DOGS!

What’s the deal with Oliver Bath House?

Located in the South Side, Oliver Bath House is an indoor facility open during the fall, winter and spring. Built in 1915 as a spot for steelworkers to bathe and swim, it’s the only continuously functioning bathhouse in Pittsburgh (and in Pennsylvania). Pro tip: When the summer ends, don’t take your pool pass off of your key ring. Season passes purchased during the summer for admission to Citiparks outdoor pools are honored at Oliver Bath House. This facility is scheduled to reopen on September 3, 2019.

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Stephanie Brea

Stephanie Brea

Stephanie has been organizing events since 1998, starting with a series of motorcycle rides through the Arizona desert to support her father’s business. She’s probably crossed your name off a presale ticket list or served you a beer somewhere around town.

An undergrad degree in poetry means she has lots of unpractical knowledge about iambic pentameter, while a brief stint as a copy editor for Alternative Press taught her that twenty one pilots is stylized in all lowercase letters.

Wanna throw a party in a vacant parking lot? She’s interested.

At the onset of COVID-19, Stephanie took on the role of podcast producer for The Slaw. She’s pretty familiar with a microphone, thanks to that aforementioned poetry degree, and she’s got the wherewithal to ask Epicast Studios for help. She listens to too many true crime podcasts, and currently records from her bedroom.

If you know of someone who would be the perfect podcast guest, send her an email.

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