Things to Do

Your 2014 Guide to Pools in Washington

Where to cool down this summer in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Here’s where to go for water slides, lap pools, and more this summer. Image via Shutterstock.

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and with it many of the pools in the Washington area are open. Here, we’ve got information on opening hours and dates, features, prices, and more. Don’t see your favorite one on the list? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll add it. 

PRIVATE POOLS IN DC

The Penthouse Pool and Lounge

1612 U St., NW; 202-939-2563

Located on the rooftop of Vida Fitness U Street, with a Navy Yard location opening in August, this pool is meant to feel like a resort with cabanas, king-size daybeds, a full-service bar, and complimentary towel service.

Price: $159 a month for single membership that includes full access to all Vida Fitness area locations.

Hours: Sunday through Wednesday 10 to sunset, Thursday 10 to midnight, Friday and Saturday 10 to 1

The Embassy Row Hotel

2015 Massachusetts Ave., NW; 202-265-1600

This newly renovated rooftop oasis features a 450-square-foot pool with cabanas, lounge seating, a new food menu, and views of the Washington Monument and National Cathedral. Scheduled to open June 15.

Prices: $25 for a day pass, $500 for single membership that includes one complimentary guest and a hotel room discount.

Hours: Thursday through Sunday and Wednesday 11 to 8, Saturday 11 to 10. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Capitol Skyline Hotel

10 I St., SW; 202-488-7500

The Capitol Skyline Hotel pool will continue to host its popular weekend pool parties and has updated its food menu and patio furniture for the 2014 season.

Prices: $20 entry fee, $225 for single membership, $425 for family membership, $325 for couples membership.

Hours: Weekdays 11 to 9, weekends 10 to 9

Courtyard Marriott Dupont Circle

1900 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-332-9300

Enjoy food and drinks poolside while relaxing in the sun at this Dupont Circle hotel. The Bistro is open daily from 1 to 8.

Price: $20 for daily pass, $250 for single membership, $300 for couples membership, $375 for family membership.

Hours: Weekdays 10 to 8, weekends 10 to 9

The Liaison Capitol Hill

415 New Jersey Ave., NW; 202-638-1616

Relax on chaise lounges or daybeds with a beverage in hand at this Capitol Hill rooftop pool and lounge. For $50, guests can also enjoy yoga on weekends from 7:30 to 8:30 AM. Head up to the pool and lounge after 5 for free entry and happy hour. 

Price: $25 for a day pass.

Hours: Open daily 11 to 10

The Washington Hilton Dupont Circle

1919 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-483-3000

Relax at this heated pool and sun deck and take in views of the Washington Monument. There’s also a wading pool for children.

Price: $1,249 for single membership, $2,249 for couples membership, $650 for child membership.

Hours: Open daily 6 AM to 10 PM

Washington Plaza

10 Thomas Cir., NW; 202-842-1300

This hotel offers complimentary towel service and a poolside bar open daily from noon.

Price: $50 for daily pass, $800 for single membership, $1,500 for couples membership, $2,100 for family membership (two adults, two children).

Hours: Open daily 9 to 9

Waterside Fitness and Swim Club

901 Sixth St., NW; 202-488-3701

Water aerobics, swim lessons, lap lanes, and numerous fitness classes are just some of the features of this neighborhood fitness and swim facility. With an indoor and outdoor pool, there’s room for everyone to enjoy the water.

Price: Membership information available upon visit to the club.

Hours: Weekdays 6:15 to 9, Saturday 8:30 to 6:30, Sunday 10 to 5

PUBLIC POOLS IN DC 

Banneker Pool

2500 Georgia Ave., NW; 202-673-2121

This is one of the more popular pools in the city, so space fills up quickly. If you make it before the rush, enjoy this large outdoor pool for all ages and swim levels.

Price: Free for DC residents.

Hours: Weekdays 1 to 8, weekends noon to 6. Closed Thursday.

East Potomac Pool

972 Ohio Dr., SW; 202-727-6523

This Olympic-size pool is located on Hains Point between the Potomac River and Washington Channel with a nearby miniature golf course and driving range.

Price: Free for DC residents.

Hours: 1 to 7 on weekdays. 12-6 on weekends. Closed Wednesday.

Francis Pool

2435 N St., NW; 202-727-3285

Swim lessons, water aerobics classes, and two 25-yard lap lanes are all offered at this popular DC pool.

Price: Free for DC residents.

Hours: Weekdays 1 to 8, weekends noon to 6. Closed Tuesday.

Volta Park Pool

1555 34th St., NW; 202-645-5569

This small Georgetown pool is a great place to enjoy the summer weather and catch some rays. Volta Park is also home to two tennis courts, two basketball courts, and a playground.

Price: Free for DC residents.

Hours: Weekdays 1 to 8, weekends noon to 6. Closed Monday.

POOLS IN MARYLAND

Bethesda Outdoor Pool

6300 Little Falls Pkwy., Bethesda; 301-652-1598

Lap lanes, a diving well, a slide, and a tot pool can be found at Bethesda Outdoor Pool, which also has a snack bar and shaded areas for lounging.

Price: Varies based on age and residence.

Hours: Weekdays 1 to 8, weekends noon to 8.

Ellen E. Linson Splash Park

5211 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park; 301-277-3717

With water slides, a wading pool, and basketball courts, this splash park is sure to be fun for the whole family. It is currently under renovation, scheduled to reopen June 14.

Price: Varies based on age and residence.

Hours: Weekdays noon to 6, weekends noon to 7.

Martin Luther King Jr. Outdoor Pool

1201 Jackson Rd., Silver Spring; 240-777-8066

More like a water park than a public pool, this facility features a 50-meter main pool with a diving area as well as a separate pool with water slides surrounded by a lazy river, great for relaxing in an inner tube.

Price: Varies based on age and residence.

Hours: Weekdays 1 to 8, weekends noon to 8.

Hamilton Splash Park

3901 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville; 301-779-8224

This splash park includes a 25-meter pool, an aqua climbing wall, a wading pool, and water slides.

Price: Varies based on age and residence.

Hours: Monday and Wednesday noon to 6, Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday noon to 7.

Adelphi Pool

9442 Riggs Road, Hyattville; 301-434-2994.

This 50-meter, Olympic-size pool has multiple lap lanes, a diving well, and a slide. When it’s time for a break there’s shaded seating and a snack bar, along with volleyball, ping pong, badminton, and horseshoes.

Price: $3 for children ages two to four and seniors 65 and up, $5 for all others. $360 for single membership, $410 for couples membership, $560 for family membership.

Hours: Visit the website for summer hours.

PG Pool

3301 Buchanan St., Mount Rainier; 301-277-8896

Head to PG Pool to enjoy a swim and a picnic. Along with its 50-meter pool, there’s a children’s wading pool, lounging areas, grills, a volleyball court, and a basketball hoop.

Price: $160 for adult membership, $60 for one child, $120 for two or more children, $120 for seniors.

Hours: Weekdays noon to 8:30, Saturday 10 to 10:30, Sunday 10 to 8:30.

College Park Woods Pool

3545 Marlbrough Way, College Park; 301-935-5316

This pool features six lap lanes, two diving boards, a wading pool for smaller children, basketball, and free parking. If you prefer to lounge in the sun instead of swim, there’s ample space to relax.

Price: $250 for single membership, $300 for couples membership, $475 for family membership, $80 for college students with school ID.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 1 to 7, Friday and Saturday 1 to 8.

Cheverly Swim

5600 Euclid St., Cheverly; 301-773-4814

This swim and racquet club has a huge pool surrounded by landscaped grass and picnic tables, plus six tennis courts, equipment for basketball and volleyball, and numerous social activities for adults and children.

Price: Check the website for information about membership application.

Hours: Weekdays 11 to 7:30, Friday and Saturday 11 to 9, Sunday noon to 7:30.

POOLS IN VIRGINIA

Ocean Dunes Waterpark

6060 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-534-3437

With a 500-gallon dumping bucket, waterfalls, and water slides, this beach-like water park should be a hit for the whole family. Don’t miss the miniature golf course and batting cage also on park grounds.

Prices: Varies based on age and residence.

Hours: Visit the park website for the summer schedule.

Old Town Pool

1609 Cameron St., Alexandria; 703-518-8950

This 25-yard pool has a diving well; smaller children can use the separate training pool. Hit the picnic area and playground for fun outside the water.

Price: $2 for children under 17 and senior citizens, $3 for adult, $5 for nonresidents.

Hours: Open daily noon to 7.

The Memorial Pool

901 Wythe St., Alexandria; 703-746-5457

Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. This pool is a bit smaller than most, with a capacity of 45.

Price: $2 for city residents.

Hours: Open daily noon to 6.

Great Waves Waterpark

4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria; 703-960-0767

This water park has a huge pool that can switch on the waves, along with children’s pools, water slides, and a cafe. Miniature golf and a batting cage are also options.

Price: Varies based on age and residence.

Hours: Open daily 11 to 7.