We may scoff at the flamingo floaties in our Instagram feed (as we sip negronis in our all-black sundress), but the truth is, New Yorkers love a good pool day as much as anyone. Fortunately, there are plenty of spots for a city gal to cool off, and we’ve found refreshing options for every type of pool-goer.
8 NYC Swimming Pools to Cool Off in This Summer
•
Published Jul 18, 2018
Ravel Hotel
Best For An Instant Vacation: Profundo Day Club
Can’t jet to Saint-Tropez for the weekend? No problem, just head to this luxe LIC spot, which boasts resort vibes and stunning skyline views. Whether you stop by for an after-work Sunset Session ($25), book a full day pass ($50) or spring for a cabana ($800 for up to eight people), you’ll be blissing out to DJ-spun beats with a glass of frosé in hand.
8-08 Queens Plaza S., Queens; 718-289-6118 or ravelhotel.com
Courtesy of The Williamsburg Hotel
Best To Check Out Before Everyone Else: The Williamsburg Hotel
Beat the crowds to the city’s newest rooftop pool, which opened July 13. Snack on lobster rolls and shrimp ceviche (from the hotel restaurant, Harvey’s, downstairs) while taking in panoramic city views from a striped daybed. Passes start at $65 on weekdays ($40 after 3 p.m.).
96 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn; 718-362-8100 or thewilliamsburghotel.com
Courtesy of Dream Downtown
Best For A Faux Beach Day: The Beach At Dream Downtown
We get it—sometimes schlepping out to Rockaway isn’t in the cards. Grab a $65 day pass to this Chelsea mainstay Monday through Friday for a glass-bottomed pool, real sand shipped in from the Hamptons and something called Fruit Kegs (large-format cocktails served from a watermelon or pineapple).
355 W. 16th St. (at Ninth Ave.); 212-229-2336 or dreambeach.club
Best For Instagram Addicts: Manhattan Park Pool Party On Roosevelt Island
This hidden gem of a pool is a literal work of art. Every year, an artist creates a mural on the pool’s surrounding lounge area, and this year’s installation features a splashy pink, yellow and blue composition by artist Takun Williams. Wear your favorite suit, strike a pose and watch the likes roll in. Oh, right. And hop into the pool between posts. (Passes are $35 on weekdays and $50 on weekends.)
30 River Rd., Roosevelt Island; 212-308-4040 or manhattanpark.com
Best For A Splurge: The William Vale
Speaking of Instagrammable moments, you’ll likely find a few at this Williamsburg hot spot. Much like the hotel’s rooftop bar, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline from the pool, situated on a roof just a few stories below. Day passes start at $150—but if you’re a dedicated sunbather, you may want to consider a membership package, which gets you a guaranteed pergola, a plus one and priority reservations at Westlight and Leuca.
111 N. 12th St., Brooklyn; 718-631-8400 or thewilliamvale.com
1 Hotels
Best For A Full-on Staycation: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
The bad news: This new rooftop pool is only available for hotel guests. The good news: You now have an excuse to take a much-needed staycation at this chic spot on the waterfront. In addition to the chill pool area (with top-notch views of, you guessed it, the Brooklyn Bridge), the rooftop also features a pool-adjacent bar and lounge that’s open to the public.
60 Furman St., Brooklyn; 347-696-2500 or 1hotels.com/brooklyn-bridge
Best For A Quickie: Pop-up Pool At Brooklyn Bridge Park
If you’re looking for a quick dip in the middle of the day, this popular Brooklyn pool is a good bet. The capacity here is for 60 swimmers, and in an effort to avoid overcrowding, free swim sessions are limited to just 45 minutes. At just three and a half feet deep, it’s not suited for anything too athletic but still makes for a refreshing soak. Line up for a wristband and then you’ll get access to the pool during your allotted time. If you have more time to spare, there’s a nearby “beach” (a sandy area complete with chairs and umbrellas) perfect for some post-swim lounging.
334 Furman St., Brooklyn; brooklynbridgepark.org
Best For Families: Astoria Park Pool
This massive (and free) pool in Queens features Olympic-size lanes and plenty of space for poolside lounging, so there’s room for swimmers of all ages. Plus, NYC Parks offers free swimming lessons, so your future Katie Ledecky or Michael Phelps can get a head start on training. Bonus: This pool also features dispensers of free, broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen in case you accidentally leave yours at home.
19th St. and 23rd Dr., Queens; 718-626-8620 or nycgovparks.org
