DMV pool guide: Where to swim around D.C. this summer
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Surfs up, pool rats: D.C. public pools and splash parks are in full swing for the summer season.
Why it matters: Pools > pools of sweat.
State of play: All of the Department of Parks and Recreation's 21 outdoor pools are now running on individual summer schedules, six days per week.
- All pools will be open Friday, July 4 (10am-6pm).
- The pools are free for D.C. residents, but those outside the District can purchase day and summer passes (prices vary by age).
Meanwhile, 34 spray parks are open daily (10am-6pm) with some service exceptions.
Inside scoop: Having trouble picking a pool? Park staff tell us their favorites for:
🤸 Busy but cool: Hearst in Upper Northwest is fully accessible, with great summer vibes and lap lanes for exercise.
🕶️ Under-the-radar: Theodore Hagans for a low-key hang in Fort Lincoln, Northeast.
👪 Good for kids: Langdon is the only pool-splash park combo, plus a kiddie pool and deeper sections.
👙 On the river: Anacostia Pool in Southeast is surrounded by more water, plus a park for walking and boating.
More ways to stay cool: NoVa Parks' five huge water parks offer fun for all ages (entry prices vary).
- Residents and non-residents can get day or summer passes to use Alexandria's three outdoor pools and its splash park.
- Fairfax County's Martin Luther King, Jr. pool — the only outdoor pool operated by the county — is free for residents, with $50 summer passes for non-residents. The county also has a water park (tix required) and splash pad.
- Montgomery County boasts seven outdoor pools. Passes are available to county residents and non-residents for varying prices.
- Prince George's County's outdoor pool, J. Franklyn Bourne Pool is open, ditto for its many splash parks. County residents and non-residents must purchase passes (prices vary).
🐶 What's next: D.C. public pools close on a rolling basis starting in early August. The last day is Labor Day (Sept. 1) before the true final hurrah: Doggie Day Swim!