Swimming & Spray Features

Adult holding a child in a pool

Pool Locations

Each year, we welcome thousands of patrons to three (3) indoor pools and eight (8) outdoor pools to cool off, learn to swim, stay fit and have fun at our pools. 

Indoor pools 


Outdoor pools

Pool Hours

Our outdoor pools are in operation for free Open Swim from mid-June to mid-August, Monday – Sunday, including holidays.

Monday – Saturday: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.  

Sunday: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Note: During the first part of the pool season while the City School District is still in session, pools operate on a modified weekday schedule of 3:00pm – 6:00pm  

Dedicated lap swim is offered at several outdoor pools during early morning hours.  Please check with the pool staff for schedule and details. 

Check https://syracuse.recdesk.com  for seasonal opening and closing dates, and for any schedule updates.  Hours subject to change.  Please note that pools may close temporarily  for such reasons as dangerous weather, mechanical issues, and/or water quality.  We appreciate your patience and understanding in these situations.

Types of Swimming

On our pool schedules, you’ll see we set aside times for different types of swimming (and different types of swimmers). 

Open swim

  • Open to all ages
  • Free 
  • One lap lane available 
  • Available at Southwest Pool and Valley Pool and all outdoor pools that open for the summer season.

Adult swim

  • Open to age 16 and up.
  • Free
  • Note that pool may be divided for multiple uses and “circle swim” is recommended (always swimming on the right side of the lane you’re in).
  • Available at Southwest Pool and Valley Pool.

Lap swim

  • Open to all ages.
  • $3 fee or 1 coupon.
  • Coupon booklets for lap swims (20 tickets for $55, 50 tickets for $125 for 50) are available at the Parks Main Office (412 Spencer Street, 13204) or at Valley Pool.
  • Note that you’re expected to follow lap swimming etiquette — if you have questions, ask a staff member.      
  • Available at Huntington School PoolSouthwest Pool and Valley Pool and select outdoor pools based on staff availability.

Learn to Swim

  • Youth lessons open to ages 14 mo. to 15; Adult lessons open to ages 16 and up.
  • $10 for city residents/$35 for non-city residents per person.
  • Lesson sessions are offered in the fall, winter, spring, and summer for designated half hour sessions.
  • Registration required at syracuse.recdesk.com under "Programs". Opens approx. 2 weeks prior to class start date.
  • Available at Southwest Pool and Valley Pool and select outdoor pools based on staff availability. 

Rules & Expectations

Anyone who swims in one of our pools has to follow our regulations — if you don’t, you will loose swimming privileges. Read the pool rules and expectations.

Spray Features 

Spray features are an excellent way to cool off from the Syracuse heat. We have several throughout the city that are free to use and typically available beginning on Memorial Day through Labor Day.