In the swim: City pools open today

The Parks Department opens the city's 50-plus outdoor public pools for the summer today.

Nearby choices include Hamilton Fish Pool on Pitt and East Houston ... the Dry Dock Pool on Avenue D and East 10th Street (pictured in this post) ... and the Tompkins Square Pool (mini pool for kids and anyone who sneaks in after dark!).

Outdoor pools are open daily from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m., with a break for pool cleaning between 3-4 p.m. The pools close for the season on Sunday, Sept. 8. The Tompkins Square Park mini pool closes on Labor Day.

New this season: Dry Dock is now designated a Cool Pool via the city...



What does that mean? Per the Parks Dept. ...

Our Cool Pools are now more fun, relaxing and welcoming with:

• fun summer-themed wall art,
• lounge chairs for sunbathing and relaxing poolside,
• cabana-style shade structures to help keep you cool,
• plantings to make our pools greener
• fun and free poolside activities, including games, sports, arts and crafts, and fitness classes

As a reminder, the Hamilton Fish Pool has a Lap Swim program, which takes place July 5 through Aug. 30. This link has more details, such as the hours.

And as always — this PSA about the RULES for the POOLS, which include:

You’ll need to have a swimsuit to enter the pool area. We may choose to check men’s shorts for a lining if we can’t tell if they are wearing a bathing suit. Feel the need to cover up from the sun? Throw on a plain white shirt or white hat and you’re set. We don’t allow shirts with colors on them on the deck.

And...

No urinating or defecating in the pools.