A Guide to Brooklyn Public Pools
My theme this summer has been adventures with my children. The past few weeks have heated up this Brooklyn summer. I’ve always been curious about public pools in this city and I knew it was time to dive in.
We went to the Douglass & Degraw Pool on a Monday morning. This is a Brooklyn pool in a very convenient location near Park Slope off of 4th Avenue. I wanted to cool off but also continue water exposure (such a challenge in this city!) for my children- ages 3 & 6.
Pool
The pool itself is Olympic sized and was very well maintained but the water felt surprisingly cold. I adjusted to the temperature but was expecting a bit warmer. It was 3 feet deep in all directions which is a nice depth for children. There were 3 lanes for lap swimming and the rest was an open swim area for play. I saw them testing multiple times to ensure cleanliness. There are only 20 or so lounge chairs for the entire pool space.
There was also a good-sized wading pool that was a foot deep. Both of the pools were in the sun. Honestly, I liked that. I know of indoor pools I can go to for family swim but if I’m tackling an outdoor pool, I want some sunlight.
Bathrooms in the women’s locker room. I couldn’t get pictures of the changing area because of privacy reasons.
Facilities
The locker room situation was what I liked the least about the pool. It reminded me of an 80’s recreation center of my youth. There were only 3 benches and I can see that it might be a madhouse on a Saturday. Afterwards, I got the entire area wet with my kids so I can only imagine how bad it gets later.
The water in the showers was quite cold and the bathrooms were older. They clean quite regularly though and I saw them mopping (buckets pictured) completely before we arrived.
Rules
I did my research ahead of time and was still honestly shocked by the number of rules. Not all of these were on their website either! They had people at every entrance/exit enforcing- probably a great thing on busy days.
They say no food but I did see other parents who had snacks for their kids in the lunch area. On school summer days they do give away free lunch so that is perhaps why it’s more relaxed.
You must bring a combination lock. They will search your bag on the way in and confirm you have a combination lock to secure your valuables inside.
No floaties or swim aids.
No pool toys.
No metal or tin water bottles on the pool deck.
No spray sunscreen on the pool deck. (They did have a free tub to use and allowed my roller.)
Men’s swimsuits must have a mesh liner. (I didn’t see anyone check this one but they were eagle eyes with everything else.)
No electronic devices (kindle or cell phone) on the pool deck.
No newspapers or magazines (not that I think any of us parents are going to be able to read).
At this location, the strollers are parked outside the building. There was a security guard right next to it but it’s a consideration that your stroller will be totally out of view.
Summary
When I was there on a Monday morning, there were already people waiting to get. There was plenty of space for all of us but I think it’s a sign it gets hectic on the weekends.
All in all, I would go back! I think having this option is a great summer kids activity in Brooklyn. I don’t know if I’m brave enough to fight the crowds on the weekends though.
If I went back again, I would plan better with water bottles and things I could leave on the sundeck. One mom who was a real pro had a separate tote just for the pool with things that were permitted at the pool deck.
While I was researching, I was surprised at the number of public pools in Brooklyn (full list here that also includes rules). It honestly is quite a nice amenity during this heat wave.
Next time I am going to check out Commodore Barry Pool near Fort Greene to see how my experience compares. There are other options throughout Brooklyn- Red Hook Pool and McCarren Park Pool. The rules will be similar at those locations.
How are the other pools?! Any other tips?
Katie