Best Free Brooklyn Swimming Pools

Photo by egarc2

Ask Brooklyn parents what pools they like and you'll hear the Red Hook Pool mentioned a lot. Sunset Park is another favorite. Both of these are Olympic-sized pools and are great. But if you are lucky, you might hear mention of one of Brooklyn's hidden gems, The Double D Pool, or the DD Pool.

The Double D Pool is so called because it sits on Douglas and Degraw in Boerum Hill. It has both a large swimming pool and a good-sized kiddie pool that you can get in with your toddler or baby. But the best thing about the Double D Pool is that it's not as well known as some of the other pools and therefore less crowded, although word is spreading fast.

Another pool to try is the one in Commodore Barry Park in Ft Greene. This is one of the smallest pools in Brooklyn, although it does have both a 3ft deep pool and a wading pool. A reader claims adults are only allowed in with a child. I can't find confirmation of that, but if it were true that would be pretty nice.

For a list of all Brooklyn public pools, their addresses and information see the Parks Department Website.

Public pool reminders: Bring your own lock. You can't take your stuff into the pool area with you and you'll need a lock to secure it. Strollers aren't allowed in the pool area and toys and floats aren't allowed in public pools.

Public outdoor pools opened on June 27, 2009 and close on September 1, 2009. Indoor pools remain open year-round. General hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Call individual pools for more specific information.

The Parks department offers free swimming programs. Call (718) 760-6969 for more information.

What are your favorite pools in the city?