When does my neighborhood public pool open and close for the season?
The exact opening dates are announced by the City of Philadelphia's Parks & Recreation Department, usually after the last day of school in the Philadelphia School District. For a list of pool openings, free swimming and swim lesson times, go to: https://www.phila.gov/2026-06-12-philadelphia-2026-public-pool-opening-schedule/All city pools will open this summer between 1 - 4pm daily for public swim.
- Pool opening dates are subject to change.
- Opening times vary on each opening day.
- Kelly Pool has experienced a mechanical problem that will delay its opening. It is expected to open later in the week of June 17.
- Additional public swim hours vary by site.
- Most pools offer free swim lessons
55 Sprayground and 40 splashpads are open for the season. Spraygrounds are open seven days a week Memorial Day - Labor Day, and the hours are 11-7 weekdays and 12-5 on weekends.
Find a full list at www.phila.gov/parks-rec-finder/#/search/locations?term=spray.You Should Know:
Lifeguard training resumes this year. Lifeguards at City pools will receive a starting pay of $16.85 per hour, with the potential to earn up to $18 per hour. Qualified lifeguards who submit their employment application by April 15, 2026, and work 200 hours are eligible for a $1,000 end-of-season bonus. Those who submit their application by May 15, 2026, and complete 200 hours are eligible for a $500 bonus. Free lifeguard training is open to all, and applicants ages 16–24 can also receive a free Red Cross certification. For more info, go to: https://www.phila.gov/services/working-jobs/city-jobs-and-internships/become-a-lifeguard/.
How to Apply
- Decide at which Parks & Rec pool you would like to work, then contact that pool’s supervisor to begin your application. View a list of Parks & Rec’s pools.
- Schedule your swim skills screening with Parks & Recreation’s Aquatics staff to start your training as a lifeguard. Reserve a time slot for the lifeguard swim skills training.
- Complete your Red Cross certification and all pre-employment requirements with help from Parks & Rec staff.
Visit the Become a Lifeguard for detailed steps and more information on training and applying.
More info about spraygrounds at https://www.phila.gov/2022-05-20-cool-off-at-a-sprayground-this-weekend/.
To find pool lifts at public pools, use this resource, https://www.phila.gov/2023-07-27-pool-lifts-at-philadelphia-public-pools-where-can-you-find-one-and-other-questions/.
Further Information:
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has 70+ indoor and outdoor pools that it operates each summer season. Generally, pools will close at the end of the day on the date listed.
Please contact your local pool for family swim and adult swim schedules, if available.
Indoor Pools (Year Round)
