Whether you like doing laps for exercise or need to cool down on a scorching summer day, there are plenty of Philadelphia swimming pools to choose from, from gyms to city-run pools to swim clubs.
A Note on Swimming in the Fairmount Park System
It is not legal to swim in any Philadelphia rivers or streams, and anyone who does so faces both safety and legal risks. This is serious stuff; some people list Devil's Pool in Wissahickon Valley Park as a favorite swimming hole, but multiple swimmers have also drowned there.
Philadelphia Swimming Pool Locations
Public Pools
The City of Philadelphia maintains over 60 public pools scattered throughout the city. For pool locations and closure notices, visit the city's list of Philadelphia public pools.
Swim Clubs
These privately owned clubs offer pool access for an annual fee, and often require sitting on a wait list before becoming a member. The trade off is that swim clubs typically offer larger pools with more amenities. The following swim clubs are within Philadelphia city limits:
Fox Chase Swim Club
1017 Stanwood St.
Philadelphia, PA 19111
215-725-8187
Lombard Swim Club
2040 Lombard St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146-1315
215-735-4144
University City Swim Club
300 S. Hanson St.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
State Parks
Pennsylvania runs a handful of state parks with pools just outside city limits. Open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, these parks offer pool access for a fee.
French Creek State Park
843 Park Rd.
Elverson, PA 19520
Marsh Creek State Park
675 Park Rd.
Downingtown, PA 19335
Neshaminy State Park
3401 State Rd.
Bensalem, PA 19020
Nockamixon State Park
1542 Mountain View Dr.
Quakertown, PA 18951
Gyms
The following Philadelphia gyms offer indoor pools:
12th Street Gym
204 S. 12th St.
Philadelphia PA 19107
215-985-4092
Acquatic & Fitness Center
3600 Grant Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19114
Christian Street YMCA
1724 Christian St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
215-735-5800
Fitness Works Philadelphia
714 Reed St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-334-8190
Philadelphia Sports Club
220-250 S. 5th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-592-8900
Sporting Club at the Bellevue
224 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-985-9876
Sweat Fitness
1425 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-564-0303