Swimming in Seattle

Swimming

When flying over the suburbs of Seattle, you'll see very few backyard swimming pools. In a city where most people don't own air conditioners, swimming pools seem an unnecessary luxury. If you're in the city during a summer heat wave, however, you'll be glad to know where the nearest oasis of chlorinated aquamarine water is located. Seattle Parks and Recreation maintains eight indoor pools (Queen Anne, Ballard, Evans, Rainier Beach, Southwest, Medgar Evers, Helene Madison, and Meadowbrook) year-round and two outdoor pools (Colman and Mounger). Entrance to most is $2.75-$3.75. All have lifeguards, lockers, changing rooms, showers, and classes and special events. Because of classes and special events, schedules can change frequently; always call ahead to make sure that a pool is open to the public before heading over.

Note that all pools are heated to about 85°F, so if you want to refresh yourself in colder waters, take a dip in the Sound or in Lake Washington instead (Beaches, above).

Ballard Pool (1471 NW 67th St., Ballard. 206/684-4094. www.cityofseattle.net/parks/aquatics/ballardp.htm). Ballard, one of Seattle's older indoor pools, has classes and public swims, including daily lap swims, adults-only swims, and water-exercise programs. Schedules change seasonally; check the Web site.

Colman Pool (8603 Fauntleroy Way SW, West Seattle. 206/684-7494. www.seattle.gov/parks/Aquatics/colman.htm). Colman Pool has several unique features that make it a favorite among Seattle families: it's the area's only saltwater pool, it has a great outdoor location in Lincoln Park with the shores of the Puget Sound in view, and it has a tube slide. Public swims are held most days from around noon to 4:30, with family swims and events happening Friday-Sunday from 5 to 7 PM; however, the pool is occasional closed for private events and swim meets, so it's a good idea to call ahead and confirm its hours.

Mounger Pool (2535 32nd Ave. W, Magnolia. 206/684-4708. www.cityofseattle.net/parks/aquatics/mounger.htm). Mounger is actually two pools. The "big" one is 25 yards long and has a 50-foot corkscrew slide and five lanes. The little pool is 40 feet long, warmer, and less than 4 feet deep.

Queen Anne Pool (1920 1st Ave. W, Queen Anne. 206/386-4282. www.cityofseattle.net/parks/aquatics/queenannepool.htm). This 25-yard-long indoor pool is a 10-minute drive from Downtown. There are early-morning and evening lap times, adult swim sessions, family swims, and water exercise programs.