Skip the sand and crowds at the beaches by visiting one of Florida’s many public pools. Many are open year round, have slides, diving boards, lap lanes, and kid areas. It's a great option for cooling off on a warm day, and some of these are so pretty that you'll feel like you're in a hotel. Here are our six favorite public swimming pools in Florida.
Cool Off In These 6 Florida Public Pools
Source: Allan Watt/Flickr CC-BY 2.0
1. North Shore Aquatic Center
The North Shore Aquatic Center features a 50-meter pool, play pool, and a diving board. The pool is open year round Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, and Sunday 1pm to 4pm.
Address: 901 North Shore Drive NE, St. Petersburg
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2. River Park Aquatic Center
One of the few pools that is open year round and offers free general admission is the River Park Aquatic Center. The center features a shaded pavilion, vending machines, and a heated pool with six lap lanes. Hours for the pool vary based on the season. The pool is also open exclusively for lap swimmers on Monday and Wednesday mornings and evenings.
Address: 451 11th Street, North Naples
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3. Venetian Pool
The Venetian Pool is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Coral Gables. The pool contains spring water and has original coral rock on the border of the pool. There are also two lookout towers where you can see the whole city. The Venetian Pool was just renovated in 2010 and is generally open from around 11am to 5:30 pm depending on the month.
Address: 2701 de Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables
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4. Victory Pool Family Aquatics Center
Located in North Miami Beach, the Victory Pool is a popular pool because of its waterslide and kiddie pool. The pool is open for public swimming Monday through Thursday 1pm – 4:45pm and again 7pm - 8:45pm. Fridays and Sundays it’s open 1pm – 4:45pm, and Saturdays its open from 1pm - 8pm. Victory Park Pool is also open for lap swimming Monday through Friday from 11:50am to 12:50pm.
Address: 1980 NE 171 Street, North Miami Beach
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5. The Palm Bay Aquatic Center
The Palm Bay Aquatic Center offers swim lessons and lifeguard classes. The pool includes toys, 25-yard lap lanes, two diving boards, and a slide. There are lifeguards on duty as well as picnic tables, restrooms with showers, and a concession area. Admission is $4 per person for ages two and up.
Address: 420 Community College Parkway, Palm Bay
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6. Skyview Pool
Located in Pinellas Park, Skyview Pool has a slide, 10.5-foot deep end, and two diving boards. There’s also a Pollywog Pond, which features fountains, an umbrella waterfall, and a frog slide. The Skyview Pool hours vary greatly for lap swimming, open swimming, and the Pollywog Pool depending on the day of the week and if its preseason or the summer season.
Address: 9040 54th Way N, Pinellas Park
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This article was written by Colleen Regan.