16+ Best Public Pools in Los Angeles

Updated for 2023

Summer is coming!

Or it might be here already when you’re reading this, but when the temperatures rise and you need to cool off — that means it’s time to go swimming.

Los Angeles has many public swimming pools, and most of them only open up for Summer. The dates usually coincide with when kids get out of school (so check out our LA school calendars article here), but they can vary from year to year.

If you have a pool in your backyard, you’re one of the lucky ones (and you should be inviting us all over immediately), but if you don’t, you’re going to need to know where to find the best Public Swimming Pools in Los Angeles. Here’s our list of public pools in and around Los Angeles from Santa Monica to the Valley. Jump in!

Public Pools All Over Los Angeles and SoCal

Central Pool
1357 E. 22nd St., Los Angeles, CA 90011
(323) 746-4023

The swimming pool at the Central Park Recreation Center re-opened in 2016 after being closed for twelve years. Now families can enjoy the pool and the extensive renovations which cost slightly more than $4 million. It’s an outdoor, unheated pool that also features a splash pad. Check the website for hours and fees. This pool is only open in the Summer. 

Culver City Municipal Plunge
4175 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 253-6680

“The Plunge” is a 40,000 square-foot facility. Children under 48 inches tall are required to be with an adult; there’s a 1-to-1 ratio. The Plunge also offers “Family Swim” – “4 swimmers per lane from the same household in the same lane with all swimmers recreational playing in the center of the lane. Lap swim will not be permitted in a family swim lane.” Check the website for the latest information regarding hours and rules for visiting. Currently, all swimmers must pre-register for 50-minute blocks of time. This pool is open year-round.

Pan Pacific Park Pool
141 S. Gardner St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 957-4524

Located a short distance from The Grove, the Pan Pacific Park Pool is a neighborhood favorite. This outdoor, unheated pool is currently open from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on weekdays and from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on weekends. This pool is only open in the Summer.  

Looking for more pools in Los Angeles? Check out the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks Citywide Aquatics list.

Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
360 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 564-0330

If your family is in Pasadena, be sure to visit the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center is a “world-class aquatics facility offering year round aquatic and fitness programming.” Water fitness, swim lessons, and recreational swimming are all available here. The facility is open seven days a week. Pools are open, and heated, year round. 

Hollywood Pool
1122 Cole Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 460-7058

This Hollywood-neighborhood pool, located within the Hollywood Recreation Center, was redesigned and reopened a few years ago. This outdoor, unheated pool features a spiral water slide and diving board and is only open in the Summer.

Related: Find all the Best Splash Pads in SoCal

Knollwood Pool – CLOSED FOR THE 2023 SEASON
12040 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, CA 91343
(818) 368-4758

The Knollwood Pool is located on the south side of the Knollwood Country club Golf Course. This kidney-shaped pool is smaller than some of the other public pools; it has a maximum occupancy of 60. This seasonal pool is usually only open in the Summer.

Want to find all the Swimming Pools in The LA County Department of Parks and Recreation? Here you go!

Verdugo Aquatic Center
3201 W. Verdugo Ave., Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 238-5391

If your family lives in Burbank, check out the Verdugo Aquatic Center.  It has recently “expanded weekly programming to include increased capacity for lap swim, a return of aqua fitness, learn-to-swim classes, and swim team practice.” Recreational swim is available during late Spring, Summer, and early Fall at this location. In addition to the recreational pool, the Verdugo site has a large water slide. (Water slide riders must be at least 47 inches tall). Fees are slightly higher for non-Burbank residents.

Hansen Dam Aquatic Center
11798 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
(818) 899-3779

The kids may not be ready for the huge size at Hansen Dam Aquatic Center. Big size means big fun including two large water slides. While daily rates are affordable, a summer youth pass is available (Summer through Labor Day) and can save you cash. The pool is open in Summer.

San Fernando Recreation Park and Aquatic Center
208 Park Ave., San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 256-2033

The San Fernando Aquatic Center is open six days a week (closed on Sundays). You’ll find an Olympic-size pool with diving boards as well as a smaller recreational pool complete with water slide. There’s also a splash pad (open seven days a week) and a concession stand on site.This pool is only open in the Summer (for public swimming). 

Feel like being a little more exclusive and posh? Try one of these terrific Hotel Pools around Los Angeles.

Begg Pool 
1402 N. Peck Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 802-5428

While you won’t find any fancy water slides here, you will find a great swimming pool and nearby grassy areas. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. This pool is also available for rentals in the Fall.

Richard Alatorre Pool
4721 Klamath St., Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 276-3042

The Richard Alatorre Pool is an indoor, heated pool which is open year-round. This pool is popular with those looking to swim laps. The location also offers water safety program, lifeguard training programs, and swim lessons. Check the website for current hours.

Jesse Owens Swimming Pool
9651 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90047
(323) 241-6708

The Jesse Owens Swimming Pool, located in Jesse Owens Community Regional Park, features two heated, indoor pools. Adjacent to the pool families will also find a 9-hole golf course. The pool is open six days a week (closed on Sundays), and we suggest checking the website to confirm the current hours.

Expo Center – LA84 Foundation/John C. Argue Swim Stadium
3980 Bill Robertson Lane, Los Angeles, CA 90037
(213) 763-0129

You and your family may feel like Olympians when swimming at the Expo Center – LA84 Foundation/John C. Argue Swim Stadium. The facility was originally called the Los Angeles Swimming Stadium and was originally constructed for the 1932 Olympics. This outdoor, heated pool is open year-round.

Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).

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