
Is there a better time to plunge into a huge swimming pool than summer? Luckily, the hottest season of the year is upon us, which means it’s not just about hitting the beaches and enjoying ice cream. It’s also the perfect opportunity to feel like an Olympian at a public swimming pool while cooling off and staying fit.
Thankfully, there are plenty to pick from, and that’s exactly what we’ll cover here. Whether you’re into water sports or simply enjoy swimming in places other than the beach, these swimming pools have exactly what you’re looking for.
1. LA84 Foundation/John C. Argue Swim Stadium
The LA84 Foundation/John C. Argue Swim Stadium, a relic of the 1932 Summer Olympics, is a vibrant hub in the city’s sports scene, but also one of the nicest swimming pools in Los Angeles. Dive in and feel the history while enjoying top-notch facilities and a welcoming atmosphere for all swimming enthusiasts in the city of angels.
📍 Location: 3980 Bill Robertson Ln, Los Angeles, CA 90037
🗓️ Hours: Tuesdays to Fridays 7:30 AM–6:30 PM, Saturdays 1–5 PM, Mondays 7:30 AM–6:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.
🎟️ Fees: Adults $4, children, seniors and people with disabilities $1. Cash only.
2. Hansen Dam Aquatic Center
While the beast beaches for surfing and swimming, as well as secluded ones and waterfalls, are only a drive an away, it’s difficult to beat a zero-entry pool. Hansen Dam Aquatic Center showcases an expansive pool that accommodates up to 2,800 swimmers, ensuring ample personal space for everyone.
It features extensive amenities, including dual water slides and even its own sandy beach. Nearby, at the nine-acre recreational lake, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating (with pedal boat rentals available), and more.
📍 Location: 11798 Foothill Blvd, Hansen Dam, CA 91342
🗓️ Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 11 AM–6 PM
🎟️ Fees: Adults $4, children, seniors and people with disabilities $1. Cash only.
3. Hollywood Pool
Located in the iconic Hollywood neighborhood, this Los Angeles public swimming pool underwent a revitalization in 2015, reopening as the Hollywood Pool. The facility boasts midcentury-inspired locker rooms, multiple diving boards, and a thrilling spiral water slide. Surrounding the pool, visitors can relax on semi-shaded benches, making it a perfect outdoor spot for leisure in the heart of the city.
📍 Location: 1122 Cole Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
🗓️ Hours: Mondays, 12–2 PM and 3–7:30 PM, Tuesdays to Fridays, 12–2 PM and 3–7:30 PM, Saturdays and Sundays.
🎟️ Fees: Adults $4, children, seniors and people with disabilities $1. Cash only.
4. Stoner Park Pool
This Sawtelle-area pool resembles an aquatic playground more than a traditional public swimming pool, making an afternoon at this distinctive city park truly enjoyable. The wading pool reaches a depth of only four feet, and younger children will probably gravitate towards the array of entertaining fountains on the zero-entry incline. Plus, there’s even a water slide!
📍 Location: 1835 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025
🗓️ Hours: Mondays to Fridays 3–7 PM, Saturdays and Sundays 1–5 PM
🎟️ Fees: Adults $4, children, seniors and people with disabilities $1. Cash only.
5. Culver City Plunge
At this Westside lap pool, affectionately nicknamed “the Plunge,” you’ll often spot exercise enthusiasts and triathlon trainees. During afternoon recreation hours, locals flock here to beat the heat without getting on the 405. While shade is limited, sun-seekers and splash enthusiasts will find it an ideal spot to relax without battling beach traffic, always wearing sunscreen of course.
📍 Location: 4175 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90230
🗓️ Hours: Mondays 6 AM–9 PM, Tuesdays to Thursdays 5:30 AM–9 PM, Fridays 6 AM–9 PM, Saturdays 7 AM–9 PM, Sundays 8:30 AM–3 PM.
🎟️ Fees: Adults $4, children, seniors and people with disabilities $3.
6. Central Swimming Pool
Located in the heart of Downtown L.A.’s Arts District, the Central Swimming Pool is a highly popular public venue. Here, visitors can enjoy recreational swimming, sunbathing, or even take kayak lessons.
It’s a fantastic option for families, especially if you missed signing up your kids for summer camp. What makes it even better? After a fun day at the pool, you can explore the vibrant neighborhood, which is home to iconic restaurants, movie theaters, and a variety of activities to enjoy.
📍 Location: 1357 E 22nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90011
🗓️ Hours: Mondays to Fridays 3–7 PM, Saturdays and Sundays 1–5 PM.
🎟️ Fees: Adults $4, children, seniors and people with disabilities $1. Cash only.
7. Mar Vista Pool
If salty water isn’t your style, skip Venice Beach and head straight to Mar Vista Pool instead. In the summer, it’s ideal for a laid-back afternoon soaking up the Santa Monica sun and enjoying the thrilling water slide. During winter, serious swimmers and enthusiasts can take advantage of the dedicated heated pool, catering to year-round enjoyment of the sport.
📍 Location: 11655 Palms Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
🗓️ Hours: Mondays to Fridays 12–2 PM and 3–7 PM, Saturdays and Sundays 1-5PM
🎟️ Fees: Adults $4, children, seniors and people with disabilities $1. Cash only.
8. Downey Swimming Pool
The Downey Aquatics Center stands out among the public swimming pools around Los Angeles, offering a diverse range of amenities for water enthusiasts. This facility includes lap swimming, recreational pools, water exercise classes, and swim lessons, catering to a wide audience. Known for its clean and well-maintained environment, it’s a favored destination for both locals and visitors seeking a vibrant aquatic experience.
📍 Location: 1775 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
🗓️ Hours: Mondays to Fridyas 3–7 PM, Saturdays and Sundays 1–5 PM.
🎟️ Fees: Adults $4, children, seniors and people with disabilities $1. Cash only.
9. Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
In addition to its popular events and iconic flea market, the Rose Bowl is home to one of Los Angeles’ premier swimming pools. The venue features separate competition and recreation pools.
Family swim hours are designated for the shallow end, while those seeking high dives or quiet sessions in the warm therapy pool should visit during regular business hours. Extend your visit with a stop at the on-site café, offering a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads to complement your day.
📍 Location: 360 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
🗓️ Hours: Mondays to Fridays 5:30 AM–9 PM, Saturdays 5:30 AM–5 PM, Sundays 8 AM–5 PM.
🎟️ Fees: Adults $2, 17 and under $1.
10. Santa Monica Swim Center
Located just a mile from the beach, this Santa Monica public swimming pool offers a refreshing escape from the notorious coastal traffic. Featuring clean, cheerful, brightly tiled, and lightly chlorinated open-air pools, it provides one of the best pool experiences near Los Angeles.
Throughout most of the year, recreational swimming is restricted to the smaller splash pool, but during weekends and summers, the fitness pool opens up. Note that the recreational pool is shallow-only, while diving enthusiasts can use the boards at the fitness pool during designated hours. Fees vary for Santa Monica residents and non-residents.
📍 Location: 2225 16th St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
🗓️ Hours: Mondays to Thursdays, 5:30 AM–8 PM, Fridays 5:30 AM–7 PM, Saturdays and Sundays 9 AM–5 PM.
🎟️ Fees: $4.50 resident / $9 non-resident, children $2.00 resident / $4.00 non-resident, seniors $2.25 SM resident / $4.50 non-resident.