Public Pool Admission Prices in 33 Large US Cities, 2026
Public pool admission prices in 33 large US cities ran from free to $10 for an adult resident's day visit in 2026, with a median of $3.00. Ten cities, including New York, Chicago and Philadelphia, charge residents nothing at regular pools. Rates are each city's lowest posted fee, and pool types differ.
The ledger in brief
- The median lowest resident adult day rate across 33 large US cities was $3.00 in 2026, counting free pools as $0 (PC&S calculation from 33 city fee pages).
- Among the 23 cities that charge adult residents, the median day rate was $5.00 in 2026 (PC&S calculation from 33 city fee pages).
- Residents swam free at regular city pools in 10 of 33 cities in summer 2026, including San Antonio’s 23 outdoor pools (City of San Antonio).
- Children could swim free at some or all city pools in 14 of 33 cities in 2026; the median lowest child day rate was $1.00 (PC&S calculation from 33 city fee pages).
- Mecklenburg County charged $10 for a resident adult day pass at its uptown Charlotte aquatic center in 2026, the highest rate in the ledger (Mecklenburg County).
- An adult season or monthly pass used 20 times cost from $1.50 per swim (Albuquerque, Pittsburgh) to $9.50 per swim (Austin) in 2026 (PC&S calculation).
- Columbus tripled its pool admission from $1 in 2025 to $3 per entry in 2026 (Columbus Recreation and Parks).
- Group swim lessons ranged from free (New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Boston programs) to $65 for a course in Omaha in 2026; per class, Tucson charged $1.88 and Raleigh $11.25 (PC&S calculation).
Public pool admission prices by city, 2026 ledger
A resident adult paid between nothing and $10 for a day at a city-run pool in 33 large US cities in 2026. The median was $3.00 with free pools counted as $0, and $5.00 among the 23 cities that charge adults. Nineteen of the 33 cities let an adult resident swim for $3 or less.
Mecklenburg County, which runs public pools for Charlotte, charged county residents aged 18 to 54 $10 per day at its uptown aquatic center in 2026 (Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation). Seattle charged adults $8.00 for a single recreation swim in 2026 (Seattle Parks and Recreation). Raleigh, Milwaukee County, Portland (indoor pools), Fort Worth (Forest Park Pool) and Indianapolis (Indy Island) each charged $6 as their lowest adult rate in 2026 (Raleigh; Milwaukee County; Portland; Fort Worth; Indy Parks). Dallas charged residents $6 at its community aquatic centers and Oklahoma City $6 at its family aquatic centers (Dallas; Oklahoma City).
At the low end of fee-charging cities, Albuquerque charged adults $1.50 at East San Jose pool and $3.00 at its other pools (City of Albuquerque). Dallas community pools charged $2 for ages 12 and older in 2026 (Dallas Park and Recreation). Oklahoma City’s Northeast Community Pool charged adults $2 a day in summer 2026 (City of Oklahoma City).
| City | Operator | Pools priced | Adult daily, resident, lowest ($) | Adult daily, resident, highest ($) | Child daily, resident, lowest ($) | Child age band | Adult daily, non-resident, highest ($) | Free pools | Notes | Pools per 100k (TPL 2026, Census 2025) | Season or effective date | Source URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation | Outdoor pools | Free | Free | Free | all ages | Not posted | Yes | No admission fees at any City of Atlanta outdoor pool | 6.24 | Summer 2026 (ATL311 article) | https://www.atl311.com/en-us/knowledgearticle/?code=KB0012968 |
| Boston, MA | Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) | BCYF pools | Free | Free | Free | all ages (Boston residents) | Not posted | Yes | Free for Boston residents; membership limited to residents | 4.46 | 2026 (page updated Sept 2026; news June 3, 2026) | https://www.boston.gov/departments/boston-centers-youth-families/bcyf-aquatics |
| Chicago, IL | Chicago Park District | Open swim at district pools | Free | Free | Free | all ages | Not posted | Yes | Open swim free; lap swim needs a membership | 2.86 | 2026 (lap swim schedule Sept 21 to Dec 13, 2026) | https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/swimming-pools |
| Memphis, TN | Memphis Parks | City aquatics centers (with free 901 Pass) | Free | Free | Free | all ages (Memphis residents) | Not posted | Yes | Free 901 Pass gives residents access to aquatics centers | 2.79 | 2026 (Wayback capture 2026-03-08) | https://web.archive.org/web/20260308000701/https://memphistn.gov/901pass/ |
| Nashville (Davidson County), TN | Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation | Seasonal outdoor and indoor pools (except Wave Country and Centennial Sportsplex) | Free | Free | Free | all ages | Not posted | Yes | Wave Country and Centennial Sportsplex charge; other pools free during open and lap swim | 1.53 | 2026 (page captured 2026-10-08) | https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/water-activities/swimming-pools |
| New York, NY | NYC Parks | Outdoor pools (free); indoor pools by recreation center membership | Free | Free | Free | all ages | Not posted | Yes | Outdoor pools are free; indoor pools need a recreation center membership | 0.8 | Summer 2026 (page captured 2026-10-01); membership page captured 2026-08-13 | https://web.archive.org/web/20261001094925/https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/outdoor-pools |
| Philadelphia, PA | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation | More than 60 outdoor pools; indoor pools | Free | Free | Free | all ages | Not posted | Yes | City page describes indoor and outdoor public pools as free | 4.64 | Summer 2026 (schedule published June 12, 2026) | https://www.phila.gov/services/culture-recreation/find-a-swimming-pool/ |
| San Antonio, TX | San Antonio Parks and Recreation | 23 outdoor pools | Free | Free | Free | all ages | Not posted | Yes | All outdoor pools free and open to the public | 1.81 | Summer 2026 (news release June 10, 2026) | https://www.sa.gov/Directory/News-Releases/23-Outdoor-City-Pools-Opening-for-Summer-Season |
| Tucson, AZ | Tucson Parks and Recreation | All city pools, recreational swim | Free | Free | Free | all ages | Not posted | Yes | Lap swim pass $2 daily or $30 monthly from Sept 1, 2026 | 4.92 | 2026 (fee changes adopted June 2026) | https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Pools-and-Splash-Pads |
| Washington, DC | DC Department of Parks and Recreation | All DPR pools | Free | Free | Free | all ages (DC residents) | 7.00 | Yes | Free for DC residents; non-residents pay | 5.48 | 2026 (unchanged from Aug 2025 capture) | https://dpr.dc.gov/service/get-swim-pass |
| Albuquerque, NM | City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation | City pools (East San Jose has a lower rate) | 1.50 | 3.00 | 0.75 | 6 to 12 (East San Jose) | Not posted | No | Infants under 1 free | 2.16 | Latest posted (summer family pass dated May 24 to Aug 3, 2025) | https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/recreation/swimming/admission-fees |
| Oklahoma City, OK | OKC Parks | Northeast Community Pool; 2 family aquatic centers | 2.00 | 6.00 | Free | under 18 (Northeast Community Pool) | Not posted | Partial | Children under 18 free at Northeast Community Pool; family aquatic centers charge $5 for ages 3 to 17 | 0.83 | Summer 2026 (news release May 20, 2026) | https://www.okc.gov/News-articles/OKC-Parks-announces-2026-pool-opening-schedule |
| Dallas, TX | Dallas Park and Recreation Department (Aquatics) | 9 community pools; neighborhood and community aquatic centers | 2.00 | 6.00 | 1.00 | 11 and younger (community pools) | 12.00 | No | Resident rates at aquatic centers with Dallas ID | 1.43 | Posted 2026 (community pool rates unchanged from Aug 2025 capture) | https://dallasaquatics.org/130/Community-Swimming-Pools |
| Miami, FL | City of Miami Parks and Recreation | City aquatic facilities | 3.00 | 3.00 | Free | 17 and younger | Not posted | Partial | Youth 17 and younger and veterans free | 3.47 | Posted 2026 (unchanged from July 2025 capture) | https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/City-of-Miami-Aquatics-Programs |
| Phoenix, AZ | Phoenix Parks and Recreation | City pools (23 open in summer 2026) | 3.00 | 3.00 | Free | 17 and under (Kool Kids pools) | Not posted | Partial | Kids 17 and under swim free at select pools (Kool Kids) | 1.74 | Summer 2026 (news release May 15, 2026; Encanto Pool fee box) | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-news/phoenix-pools-to-open-memorial-day-weekend.html |
| El Paso, TX | El Paso Parks and Recreation | Aquatic centers | 3.00 | 3.00 | 2.00 | 17 and younger | Not posted | No | 2.64 | Posted 2026 (unchanged from Aug 2025 capture) | https://www.elpasotexas.gov/parks/aquatics/aquatic-centers | |
| Las Vegas, NV | City of Las Vegas Parks and Recreation | Municipal Pool and 5 other city pools | 3.00 | 3.00 | 2.00 | 4 to 17 | Not posted | No | Ages 3 and younger free | Not in TPL 2026 pool table | 2026 (unchanged from Sept 2025 capture) | https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/Parks-Facilities/Municipal-Pool |
| Louisville (Jefferson County), KY | Louisville Parks and Recreation | 2 outdoor pools and 2 waterparks | 3.00 | 3.00 | 2.00 | 12 and under | Not posted | No | 0.78 | Summer 2026 (May 23 to Aug 1; Wayback capture 2026-08-31) | https://web.archive.org/web/20260831222257/https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/outdoor-pools-waterparks-and-spraygrounds | |
| Columbus, OH | Columbus Recreation and Parks | Outdoor pools | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | per person (free Leisure Card required) | Not posted | No | Rate was $1 in the Aug 2025 capture | Not in TPL 2026 pool table | Summer 2026 | https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/aquatics/pools/ |
| Denver, CO | Denver Parks and Recreation | Outdoor pools (non-members) | 3.50 | 3.50 | 1.00 | 2 to 18 | Not posted | No | Free with DPR memberships incl. MY Denver Card | 4.32 | 2026 season | https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Parks-Recreation/Recreation-Centers-Pools-Activities/Swimming-Pools-and-Splash-Pads |
| Los Angeles, CA | Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks | City pools (summer and year-round) | 4.00 | 4.00 | 1.00 | 0 to 17 | Not posted | No | Children, adults 50+ and persons with disabilities pay $1 | 1.5 | 2026 (Wayback capture 2026-05-14 of the live fee page) | https://web.archive.org/web/20260514045118/https://recreation.parks.lacity.gov/aquatics |
| Pittsburgh, PA | Citiparks (City of Pittsburgh) | Citiparks pools | 5.00 | 5.00 | Free | 15 and under (city residents) | 5.00 | Partial | Resident children 15 and under swim free | 7.8 | 2026 (page last updated 04/15/2026) | https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/CitiParks/Aquatics/Pool-Fees |
| Austin, TX | Austin Parks and Recreation | Regional pools (Barton Springs, Deep Eddy and 4 others) | 5.00 | 5.00 | 2.00 | 1 to 11 | 9.00 | Partial | Entry fees are generally charged at 6 regional pools | 3.49 | 2026 season (Spring Break to Oct 31) | https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/locations/pool-fees-and-rentals |
| San Diego, CA | City of San Diego Parks and Recreation (Aquatics) | All 13 city pools | 5.00 | 5.00 | 2.25 | children (adults are 16+) | Not posted | No | 1.07 | Posted 2026 (unchanged from June 2025 capture) | https://www.sandiego.gov/pools/fees | |
| Mesa, AZ | Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities | Public swim at city aquatic facilities | 5.00 | 5.00 | 3.00 | 17 and under | Not posted | No | 2025 public swim rates were $4 adult and $2 youth | 1.75 | Summer 2026 | https://www.mesaaz.gov/Activities-Culture/Parks-Recreation-and-Community-Facilities/Pools-and-Aquatics |
| Omaha, NE | Omaha Parks, Recreation and Public Property | Montclair indoor pool drop-in; outdoor pools by summer pass or punch card | 5.00 | 5.00 | 4.00 | 3 to 17 | Not posted | No | Punch card: 20 admissions for $60 | 3.27 | 2026 season | https://parks.omaha.gov/pool-locations-passes-punchcards/ |
| Raleigh, NC | Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources | Seasonal pools, Pullen, Optimist, Millbrook (Buffaloe Road higher) | 6.00 | 9.00 | 2.00 | 1 to 12 | 9.00 | No | 1.58 | 2026 (2025 capture showed $5) | https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/services/aquatics | |
| Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), WI | Milwaukee County Parks | Sheridan and Wilson outdoor pools, open swim | 6.00 | 6.00 | 4.00 | 3 to 11 | Not posted | No | Adult band is ages 12 to 59; 2025 county resident rate was $5 | 3.73 | Summer 2026 (Wayback capture 2026-05-21) | https://web.archive.org/web/20260521175445/https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Pools/Outdoor |
| Portland, OR | Portland Parks & Recreation | Indoor pools (outdoor 2026 rates not posted off-season) | 6.00 | 6.00 | 4.00 | 3 to 12 | Not posted | No | Access Discount of 25% to 90% for Portland residents; 2025 outdoor adult rate was $5 | 1.73 | 2026 indoor rates (page captured 2026-10-08) | https://www.portland.gov/parks/recreation/pools |
| Fort Worth, TX | Fort Worth Park & Recreation | Forest Park Pool | 6.00 | 6.00 | 5.00 | 17 and under | Not posted | No | 0.49 | Posted 2026 (unchanged from June 2025 capture) | https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/parks/services/pools-and-aquatics/forest-park-pool | |
| Indianapolis, IN | Indy Parks & Recreation | Indy Island Aquatic Center (Raymond Park) | 6.00 | 6.00 | 5.00 | under 18 | Not posted | No | Not in TPL 2026 pool table | 2026 (rates raised $1 vs July 2025 capture) | https://parks.indy.gov/parks/raymond-park-2/ | |
| Seattle, WA | Seattle Parks and Recreation | All SPR pools, recreation swim | 8.00 | 8.00 | 6.00 | 1 to 17 | Not posted | No | Free for pre-qualified scholarship participants | 1.27 | 2026 fee column | https://www.seattle.gov/parks/pools/fees-and-programs |
| Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), NC | Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation | Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center (indoor) | 10.00 | 10.00 | 8.00 | 17 and under | 15.00 | No | County resident and non-county rates | 0.97 | Posted 2026 (unchanged from Sept 2025 capture) | https://parkandrec.mecknc.gov/Places-to-Visit/Pools-Beaches-Spraygrounds/mecklenburg-county-aquatic-center |
Source: city and county parks department fee pages, opened October 8, 2026 (URL in each row); pools per 100k from PC&S Public Pools by City (Trust for Public Land 2026 counts, Census 2025 population). Download CSV
Lowest posted rate at a regular public pool; water parks excluded. Pool types differ by city (see ledger).
Source: Source: city parks and recreation fee pages opened 2026-10-08; PC&S ledger. Download chart data (CSV)
Which large US cities have free public pools
Ten of 33 large cities let residents swim free at their regular pools in 2026, and five more make swimming free for a group such as children. Free usually comes with conditions: a residency check, a free membership card, or a fee at a flagship facility.
San Antonio opened 23 outdoor pools on June 20, 2026, and all outdoor pools were free and open to the public (City of San Antonio). Atlanta charged no admission at any city outdoor pool in summer 2026 (City of Atlanta ATL311). Tucson’s recreational swim admission was free at all city pools in 2026 (City of Tucson).
Philadelphia describes its indoor and outdoor public pools as free; Parks & Recreation maintains more than 60 outdoor pools (City of Philadelphia). New York City’s outdoor pools were free in summer 2026 (NYC Parks). Chicago Park District open swim was free in 2026 (Chicago Park District).
Three cities tie free entry to residency. Washington, DC pools were free for DC residents in 2026 (DC DPR). Swimming at BCYF pools was free for Boston residents, and membership was limited to residents (City of Boston). Memphis gives residents a free 901 Pass that covers city aquatics centers (City of Memphis).
Nashville’s Metro Parks pools offered free admission during open and lap swim in 2026, except Wave Country and the Centennial Sportsplex, which charge (Metro Nashville Parks). Partial cases: Pittsburgh resident children 15 and under swam free (City of Pittsburgh), Miami admitted youth 17 and younger free (City of Miami), and Phoenix kids swam free at select Kool Kids pools (City of Phoenix).
| City | Free pools | What is free | Who pays or what is excluded | Season | Source URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | Yes | Outdoor pools | No admission fees at any City of Atlanta outdoor pool | Summer 2026 (ATL311 article) | https://www.atl311.com/en-us/knowledgearticle/?code=KB0012968 |
| Boston, MA | Yes | BCYF pools | Free for Boston residents; membership limited to residents | 2026 (page updated Sept 2026; news June 3, 2026) | https://www.boston.gov/departments/boston-centers-youth-families/bcyf-aquatics |
| Chicago, IL | Yes | Open swim at district pools | Open swim free; lap swim needs a membership | 2026 (lap swim schedule Sept 21 to Dec 13, 2026) | https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/swimming-pools |
| Memphis, TN | Yes | City aquatics centers (with free 901 Pass) | Free 901 Pass gives residents access to aquatics centers | 2026 (Wayback capture 2026-03-08) | https://web.archive.org/web/20260308000701/https://memphistn.gov/901pass/ |
| Nashville (Davidson County), TN | Yes | Seasonal outdoor and indoor pools (except Wave Country and Centennial Sportsplex) | Wave Country and Centennial Sportsplex charge; other pools free during open and lap swim | 2026 (page captured 2026-10-08) | https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/water-activities/swimming-pools |
| New York, NY | Yes | Outdoor pools (free); indoor pools by recreation center membership | Outdoor pools are free; indoor pools need a recreation center membership | Summer 2026 (page captured 2026-10-01); membership page captured 2026-08-13 | https://web.archive.org/web/20261001094925/https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/outdoor-pools |
| Philadelphia, PA | Yes | More than 60 outdoor pools; indoor pools | City page describes indoor and outdoor public pools as free | Summer 2026 (schedule published June 12, 2026) | https://www.phila.gov/services/culture-recreation/find-a-swimming-pool/ |
| San Antonio, TX | Yes | 23 outdoor pools | All outdoor pools free and open to the public | Summer 2026 (news release June 10, 2026) | https://www.sa.gov/Directory/News-Releases/23-Outdoor-City-Pools-Opening-for-Summer-Season |
| Tucson, AZ | Yes | All city pools, recreational swim | Lap swim pass $2 daily or $30 monthly from Sept 1, 2026 | 2026 (fee changes adopted June 2026) | https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Pools-and-Splash-Pads |
| Washington, DC | Yes | All DPR pools | Free for DC residents; non-residents pay | 2026 (unchanged from Aug 2025 capture) | https://dpr.dc.gov/service/get-swim-pass |
| Austin, TX | Partial | Regional pools (Barton Springs, Deep Eddy and 4 others) | Entry fees are generally charged at 6 regional pools | 2026 season (Spring Break to Oct 31) | https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/locations/pool-fees-and-rentals |
| Miami, FL | Partial | City aquatic facilities | Youth 17 and younger and veterans free | Posted 2026 (unchanged from July 2025 capture) | https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/City-of-Miami-Aquatics-Programs |
| Oklahoma City, OK | Partial | Northeast Community Pool; 2 family aquatic centers | Children under 18 free at Northeast Community Pool; family aquatic centers charge $5 for ages 3 to 17 | Summer 2026 (news release May 20, 2026) | https://www.okc.gov/News-articles/OKC-Parks-announces-2026-pool-opening-schedule |
| Phoenix, AZ | Partial | City pools (23 open in summer 2026) | Kids 17 and under swim free at select pools (Kool Kids) | Summer 2026 (news release May 15, 2026; Encanto Pool fee box) | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-news/phoenix-pools-to-open-memorial-day-weekend.html |
| Pittsburgh, PA | Partial | Citiparks pools | Resident children 15 and under swim free | 2026 (page last updated 04/15/2026) | https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/CitiParks/Aquatics/Pool-Fees |
Source: city parks department pages listed in each row, opened October 8, 2026 (Wayback captures where noted). Download CSV
Child, senior and non-resident pool fees
Children pay less than adults in every ledger city that charges, except Columbus with its flat $3 entry, and in 14 of 33 cities they can swim free at some or all city pools. Non-residents pay 50% to 100% more in the four cities that post separate paid resident and non-resident rates for the same pools.
The median lowest child day rate across the 33 cities was $1.00 in 2026 (PC&S calculation). Los Angeles charged children aged 0 to 17 $1.00 (LA Recreation and Parks). Denver charged youth aged 2 to 18 $1.00 at outdoor pools (Denver Parks and Recreation). Mecklenburg County charged county residents 17 and under $8 (Mecklenburg County).
Some cities charge older adults the child rate. Los Angeles charged ages 50 and up $1.00 in 2026 (LA Recreation and Parks). Phoenix charged seniors 60 and older $1 (City of Phoenix).
Dallas charged non-residents $12 and residents $6 for ages over 48 inches at community aquatic centers in 2026, a 100% premium (Dallas Park and Recreation). Austin charged non-resident adults $9 against $5 for residents, an 80% premium (Austin Parks and Recreation). Raleigh ($6 and $9) and Mecklenburg County ($10 and $15) both charged a 50% premium (City of Raleigh; Mecklenburg County).
Washington, DC charges residents nothing and non-resident adults $7.
Source: Source: city fee pages opened 2026-10-08; PC&S calculation (D43 to D46). Download chart data (CSV)
Pool season passes and the cost per swim
Adult season and monthly passes in the ledger cost $30 to $190 in 2026. Used 20 times, a pass works out to $1.50 to $9.50 per swim, and the break-even point runs from 6 visits in Pittsburgh to 38 in Austin.
Pittsburgh sold an adult resident pool tag for $30 for the 2026 season and a family of four tag for $60 (City of Pittsburgh). Phoenix sold an adult season pass for $35 and a family of 4 pass for $75 (City of Phoenix). Oklahoma City sold an individual season pass for $45 and a family pass for $150 for its two family aquatic centers (City of Oklahoma City).
Denver’s adult outdoor season pass cost $50 in 2026 (Denver Parks and Recreation). Mesa’s individual seasonal pass cost $56 from May 24, 2026, or $45 in the spring sale (City of Mesa). Omaha’s adult summer pass cost $125 early bird and $175 in season (City of Omaha). Austin’s resident adult season pass cost $190 (Austin Parks and Recreation).
| City | Pass | Pass type | Pass price ($) | Cost per swim at 20 visits ($) | Adult daily rate at same pools ($) | Break-even visits | Derived row | Source URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | Monthly pass, adult | 1 month | 30.00 | 1.50 | 3.00 | 10.0 | D19 | https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/recreation/swimming/admission-fees |
| Pittsburgh, PA | Pool tag (season), adult resident | season | 30.00 | 1.50 | 5.00 | 6.0 | D23 | https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/CitiParks/Aquatics/Pool-Fees |
| Phoenix, AZ | Season pass, adult | season | 35.00 | 1.75 | 3.00 | 11.7 | D12 | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-news/phoenix-pools-to-open-memorial-day-weekend.html |
| Dallas, TX | Season pass, community pools (Dallas residents only) | season | 42.00 | 2.10 | 2.00 | 21.0 | D13 | https://dallasaquatics.org/130/Community-Swimming-Pools |
| Oklahoma City, OK | Season pass, individual (family aquatic centers) | season | 45.00 | 2.25 | 6.00 | 7.5 | D17 | https://www.okc.gov/News-articles/OKC-Parks-announces-2026-pool-opening-schedule |
| Denver, CO | Outdoor season pass, adult (25 to 64) | season | 50.00 | 2.50 | 3.50 | 14.3 | D16 | https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Parks-Recreation/Recreation-Centers-Pools-Activities/Swimming-Pools-and-Splash-Pads |
| Raleigh, NC | Monthly pass, ages 13 to 54 resident | 1 month | 54.00 | 2.70 | 6.00 | 9.0 | D21 | https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/services/aquatics |
| Mesa, AZ | Seasonal pass, individual (from May 24) | season | 56.00 | 2.80 | 5.00 | 11.2 | D20 | https://www.mesaaz.gov/Activities-Culture/Parks-Recreation-and-Community-Facilities/Pools-and-Aquatics |
| Las Vegas, NV | 3-Month Pool Membership Pass, ages 18 to 49 | 3 months | 70.00 | 3.50 | 3.00 | 23.3 | D18 | https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/Parks-Facilities/Municipal-Pool |
| Seattle, WA | 30 Day Unlimited Pass, adult | 30 days | 91.50 | 4.58 | 8.00 | 11.4 | D15 | https://www.seattle.gov/parks/pools/fees-and-programs |
| New York, NY | Recreation center annual membership (indoor pools), adult | annual | 150.00 | 7.50 | Not posted | n/a | D11 | https://web.archive.org/web/20260813092011/https://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/places-to-go/pools |
| Omaha, NE | Adult Summer Pass (in-season rate) | season | 175.00 | 8.75 | Not posted | n/a | D22 | https://parks.omaha.gov/pool-locations-passes-punchcards/ |
| Austin, TX | Season pass, adult resident | season | 190.00 | 9.50 | 5.00 | 38.0 | D14 | https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/locations/pool-fees-and-rentals |
Source: city fee pages in each row; PC&S calculation (derived.csv D11 to D23). Pass lengths differ. Download CSV
Pass lengths differ (season, 1 month, 30 days, 3 months, annual). 20 visits is an illustrative assumption.
Source: Source: city fee pages; PC&S calculation (derived.csv D11 to D23). Download chart data (CSV)
Public pool swim lesson fees
New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Antonio and Boston offered some group swim lessons free in 2026, mostly for children, and Las Vegas did for children 4 and under. Where a paid course states its class count, the cost per class ranges from $1.88 in Tucson to $11.25 in Raleigh.
Chicago Park District offered a free 10-session introductory Learn To Swim class to ages 6 to 17 in 2026 (Chicago Park District). San Antonio’s outdoor group swim lessons were offered at no cost in summer 2026 (City of San Antonio). Boston’s Swim Safe grants were expected to fund free swim lessons for about 700 youth in summer 2026 (City of Boston). Las Vegas offered free group lessons for children 4 and under at Municipal Pool and $5 lessons for ages 3 to 12 at three other pools in 2026 (City of Las Vegas).
Tucson charged $15 for 8 thirty-minute Learn to Swim classes in 2026, or $1.88 per class (PC&S calculation from City of Tucson). Miami charged city residents $45 for 8 lessons, $5.63 per lesson, and non-residents $65 (City of Miami). Raleigh charged residents $45 for a 4-day youth group course, $11.25 per class, and $60 for 6 days (City of Raleigh).
Columbus charged $15 per two-week lesson session in summer 2026 (Columbus Recreation and Parks). Indy Island charged $49 for youth lessons and $34 for preschool lessons (Indy Parks). Jacksonville charged $60 per two-week session in summer 2026 (City of Jacksonville). Omaha charged $65 for group lessons (City of Omaha).
| City | Group lesson fee ($) | What the fee buys (as posted) | Cost per class ($) | Season | Source URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | Free | Free beginner lessons for an estimated 700 youth via Swim Safe grants | Free | Summer 2026 | https://www.boston.gov/news/boston-announces-grants-over-100000-free-youth-swim-lessons-kicks-summer-pool-season |
| Chicago, IL | Free | 10-session Learn To Swim, ages 6 to 17, free (introductory) | Free | 2026 | https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/swimming-pools |
| New York, NY | Free | Learn to Swim program, free | Free | Summer 2026 | https://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/places-to-go/pools |
| Philadelphia, PA | Free | Free lessons for children at select sites | Free | Summer 2026 | https://www.phila.gov/2026-06-12-philadelphia-2026-public-pool-opening-schedule/ |
| San Antonio, TX | Free | Outdoor group swim lessons at no cost | Free | Summer 2026 | https://www.sa.gov/Directory/News-Releases/23-Outdoor-City-Pools-Opening-for-Summer-Season |
| Las Vegas, NV | 5.00 | per lesson offer at 3 pools, ages 3 to 12 (class count not stated) | Class count not stated | 2026 | https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/News/Blog/Detail/make-a-splash-with-swim-lessons-and-water-activities-at-las-vegas-pools |
| Columbus, OH | 15.00 | per 2-week session (Summer A: June 8 to 21) | Class count not stated | Summer 2026 | https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/aquatics/pools/ |
| Tucson, AZ | 15.00 | for 8 x 30-minute classes ($25 from Jan 1, 2027) | 1.88 | 2026 ($25 from Jan 1, 2027) | https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-and-Recreation-News/Parks-and-Recreation-News-Listing/Tucson-Parks-and-Recreation-Proposed-Rate-and-Fee-Changes |
| Miami, FL | 45.00 | for 8 lessons, city residents ($65 non-residents) | 5.63 | Posted 2026, year-round | https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/City-of-Miami-Aquatics-Programs |
| Raleigh, NC | 45.00 | 4-day youth group course, resident ($60 non-resident) | 11.25 | 2026 | https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/services/youth-programs/city-raleigh-swim-lessons |
| Indianapolis, IN | 49.00 | youth (ages 5 to 15) lesson course; class count not stated | Class count not stated | 2026 | https://parks.indy.gov/parks/raymond-park-2/ |
| Jacksonville, FL | 60.00 | per two-week session (summer 2026) | Class count not stated | Summer 2026 | https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/jaxparks/jaxparks-aquatics |
| Omaha, NE | 65.00 | group lesson course (fall 2026); class count not stated | Class count not stated | Fall 2026 | https://parks.omaha.gov/montclair-aquatics/ |
Source: city aquatics pages in each row; cost per class is a PC&S calculation (derived.csv D39 to D41). Download CSV
Pool admission price changes, 2025 to 2026
Comparing the 2025 and 2026 versions of the same fee page for 18 cities, 6 raised the resident adult day rate and 12 kept it. The typical increase was $1, and Columbus tripled its rate from $1 to $3.
Columbus charged $1 per person per entry in the August 2025 version of its outdoor pools page and $3 in 2026, a 200% increase (2025 capture; Columbus Recreation and Parks).
Mesa raised public swim from $4 to $5 for adults and from $2 to $3 for youth (2025 capture; City of Mesa). Raleigh raised its resident adult rate from $5 to $6 (2025 capture; City of Raleigh). Milwaukee County raised adult open swim from $5 to $6 (2025 capture; Milwaukee County Parks). Indy Island went from $5 to $6 for adults (2025 capture; Indy Parks). Seattle went from $7.50 to $8.00 (Seattle Parks and Recreation).
| City | Adult daily 2025 ($) | Adult daily 2026 ($) | Change ($) | Change (%) | 2025 capture date | 2025 page (Wayback) | 2026 page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | 1.00 | 3.00 | 2.00 | 200 | 2025-08-04 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250804223708/https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/aquatics/pools/ | https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/aquatics/pools/ |
| Indianapolis, IN | 5.00 | 6.00 | 1.00 | 20 | 2025-07-02 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250702044451/https://parks.indy.gov/parks/raymond-park-2/ | https://parks.indy.gov/parks/raymond-park-2/ |
| Mesa, AZ | 4.00 | 5.00 | 1.00 | 25 | 2025-08-27 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250827225457/https://www.mesaaz.gov/Activities-Culture/Parks-Recreation-and-Community-Facilities/Pools-and-Aquatics | https://www.mesaaz.gov/Activities-Culture/Parks-Recreation-and-Community-Facilities/Pools-and-Aquatics |
| Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), WI | 5.00 | 6.00 | 1.00 | 20 | 2025-08-07 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250807221610/https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Pools/Outdoor | https://web.archive.org/web/20260521175445/https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Pools/Outdoor |
| Raleigh, NC | 5.00 | 6.00 | 1.00 | 20 | 2025-08-28 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250828150002/https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/services/aquatics | https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/services/aquatics |
| Seattle, WA | 7.50 | 8.00 | 0.50 | 7 | 2025-09-18 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250918100041/https://www.seattle.gov/parks/pools/fees-and-programs | https://www.seattle.gov/parks/pools/fees-and-programs |
| Albuquerque, NM | 3.00 | 3.00 | 0.00 | 0 | 2025-12-11 | https://web.archive.org/web/20251211062457/https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/recreation/swimming/admission-fees | https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/recreation/swimming/admission-fees |
| Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), NC | 10.00 | 10.00 | 0.00 | 0 | 2025-09-05 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250905173216/https://parkandrec.mecknc.gov/Places-to-Visit/Pools-Beaches-Spraygrounds/mecklenburg-county-aquatic-center | https://parkandrec.mecknc.gov/Places-to-Visit/Pools-Beaches-Spraygrounds/mecklenburg-county-aquatic-center |
| Dallas, TX | 2.00 | 2.00 | 0.00 | 0 | 2025-08-24 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250824033905/https://dallasaquatics.org/130/Community-Swimming-Pools | https://dallasaquatics.org/130/Community-Swimming-Pools |
| El Paso, TX | 3.00 | 3.00 | 0.00 | 0 | 2025-08-11 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250811052016/https://www.elpasotexas.gov/parks/aquatics/aquatic-centers/ | https://www.elpasotexas.gov/parks/aquatics/aquatic-centers |
| Fort Worth, TX | 6.00 | 6.00 | 0.00 | 0 | 2025-06-08 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250608174214/https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/parks/services/pools-and-aquatics/forest-park-pool | https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/parks/services/pools-and-aquatics/forest-park-pool |
| Las Vegas, NV | 3.00 | 3.00 | 0.00 | 0 | 2025-09-09 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250909021545/https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/Parks-Facilities/Municipal-Pool | https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/Parks-Facilities/Municipal-Pool |
| Miami, FL | 3.00 | 3.00 | 0.00 | 0 | 2025-07-09 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250709085055/https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/City-of-Miami-Aquatics-Programs | https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/City-of-Miami-Aquatics-Programs |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 6.00 | 6.00 | 0.00 | 0 | 2025-09-23 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250923070938/https://www.okc.gov/Community-Recreation/Pools-and-Aquatic-Centers/Family-Aquatic-Centers | https://www.okc.gov/News-articles/OKC-Parks-announces-2026-pool-opening-schedule |
| Phoenix, AZ | 3.00 | 3.00 | 0.00 | 0 | 2025-08-29 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250829170845/https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/parks/activities-facilities/pools/encanto-pool.html | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-news/phoenix-pools-to-open-memorial-day-weekend.html |
| Portland, OR | 6.00 | 6.00 | 0.00 | 0 | 2025-09-12 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250912165411/https://www.portland.gov/parks/recreation/pools | https://www.portland.gov/parks/recreation/pools |
| San Diego, CA | 5.00 | 5.00 | 0.00 | 0 | 2025-06-20 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250620222955/https://www.sandiego.gov/pools/fees | https://www.sandiego.gov/pools/fees |
| Washington, DC | Free | Free | 0.00 | n/a | 2025-08-28 | https://web.archive.org/web/20250828022404/https://dpr.dc.gov/service/get-swim-pass | https://dpr.dc.gov/service/get-swim-pass |
Source: Internet Archive Wayback Machine captures (2025) and live city pages (2026), URLs in each row; PC&S comparison. Download CSV
12 of the 18 cities compared kept the same rate.
Source: Source: Wayback Machine captures (2025) and live city fee pages (2026); PC&S comparison. Download chart data (CSV)
Price and access: admission vs pools per 100,000 residents
Cities with free admission also tend to have more pools per resident, but the relationship is loose. The rank correlation between the adult day rate and pools per 100,000 residents is -0.33 across 30 cities.
The 10 cities with free regular pools had a median of 3.66 public pools per 100,000 residents in 2026, against 1.58 for the 15 cities with no free option and a TPL pool count (PC&S calculation; pool counts from Trust for Public Land via PC&S Public Pools by City).
The pattern breaks at the city level. Pittsburgh had the most pools per resident in the ledger, 7.8 per 100,000, and still charged adults $5. New York had 0.8 per 100,000 and charged nothing at outdoor pools. Cities charging $3.50 to $5.00 had a median of 3.27 pools per 100,000, higher than cities charging $1.50 to $3.00 at 1.74 (PC&S calculation).
| City | Adult daily, resident, lowest ($) | Pools per 100k (TPL 2026, Census 2025) | Free pools | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PA | 5.0 | 7.8 | Partial | $3.50 to $5.00 |
| Atlanta, GA | 0 | 6.24 | Yes | Free |
| Washington, DC | 0 | 5.48 | Yes | Free |
| Tucson, AZ | 0 | 4.92 | Yes | Free |
| Philadelphia, PA | 0 | 4.64 | Yes | Free |
| Boston, MA | 0 | 4.46 | Yes | Free |
| Denver, CO | 3.5 | 4.32 | No | $3.50 to $5.00 |
| Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), WI | 6.0 | 3.73 | No | $6.00 to $10.00 |
| Austin, TX | 5.0 | 3.49 | Partial | $3.50 to $5.00 |
| Miami, FL | 3.0 | 3.47 | Partial | $1.50 to $3.00 |
| Omaha, NE | 5.0 | 3.27 | No | $3.50 to $5.00 |
| Chicago, IL | 0 | 2.86 | Yes | Free |
| Memphis, TN | 0 | 2.79 | Yes | Free |
| El Paso, TX | 3.0 | 2.64 | No | $1.50 to $3.00 |
| Albuquerque, NM | 1.5 | 2.16 | No | $1.50 to $3.00 |
| San Antonio, TX | 0 | 1.81 | Yes | Free |
| Mesa, AZ | 5.0 | 1.75 | No | $3.50 to $5.00 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 3.0 | 1.74 | Partial | $1.50 to $3.00 |
| Portland, OR | 6.0 | 1.73 | No | $6.00 to $10.00 |
| Raleigh, NC | 6.0 | 1.58 | No | $6.00 to $10.00 |
| Nashville (Davidson County), TN | 0 | 1.53 | Yes | Free |
| Los Angeles, CA | 4.0 | 1.5 | No | $3.50 to $5.00 |
| Dallas, TX | 2.0 | 1.43 | No | $1.50 to $3.00 |
| Seattle, WA | 8.0 | 1.27 | No | $6.00 to $10.00 |
| San Diego, CA | 5.0 | 1.07 | No | $3.50 to $5.00 |
| Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), NC | 10.0 | 0.97 | No | $6.00 to $10.00 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 2.0 | 0.83 | Partial | $1.50 to $3.00 |
| New York, NY | 0 | 0.8 | Yes | Free |
| Louisville (Jefferson County), KY | 3.0 | 0.78 | No | $1.50 to $3.00 |
| Fort Worth, TX | 6.0 | 0.49 | No | $6.00 to $10.00 |
Source: city and county parks department fee pages, opened October 8, 2026 (URL in each row); pools per 100k from PC&S Public Pools by City (Trust for Public Land 2026 counts, Census 2025 population). Download CSV
Association only. Spearman rank correlation between price and pools per 100k is -0.33 (n = 30).
Source: Source: PC&S fee ledger; Trust for Public Land City Park Facts 2026 via PC&S Public Pools by City. Download chart data (CSV)
City results
- Charlotte area: Mecklenburg County charged county residents aged 18 to 54 $10 per day at its aquatic center in 2026, and non-county adults $15 (Mecklenburg County).
- Seattle charged adults aged 18 to 64 $8.00 for a single recreation swim in 2026, up from $7.50 in 2025 (Seattle Parks and Recreation).
- Los Angeles charged adults aged 18 to 49 $4.00 and children aged 0 to 17 $1.00 per pool visit in 2026 (LA Recreation and Parks).
- New York City outdoor pools were free in summer 2026, and an indoor recreation center membership cost $150 a year for adults (NYC Parks).
- Chicago Park District open swim was free in 2026; lap swim needed a $25 one-month membership (Chicago Park District).
- Phoenix charged adults $3 per session in summer 2026, and kids 17 and younger swam free at select pools (City of Phoenix).
- Dallas community pools charged $2 for ages 12 and older and $1 for ages 11 and younger in 2026, with a $42 resident season pass (Dallas Park and Recreation).
- Oklahoma City’s Northeast Community Pool charged adults $2 a day in summer 2026 and admitted children under 18 free (City of Oklahoma City).
- Washington, DC pools were free for DC residents in 2026; non-resident adults paid $7 a day (DC DPR).
- Austin charged residents $5 and non-residents $9 per adult day at its six regional pools in 2026 (Austin Parks and Recreation).
- Austin’s resident adult season pass cost $190 in 2026, which takes 38 day visits at $5 to break even (PC&S calculation from Austin Parks and Recreation).
- Pittsburgh city-resident children aged 15 and under swam free in 2026, and an adult resident pool tag cost $30 for the season (City of Pittsburgh).
- Tucson recreational swim admission was free at all city pools in 2026; its Learn to Swim fee was $15 for 8 classes and rises to $25 on January 1, 2027 (City of Tucson).
- Miami charged adults $3.00 and admitted youth 17 and younger free in 2026; learn-to-swim cost residents $45 for 8 lessons (City of Miami).
- Across 30 cities with a 2026 TPL pool count, cities with higher adult admission had somewhat fewer pools per 100,000 residents (Spearman rho = -0.33; PC&S calculation, association only).
Calculations behind the ledger
Daily adult and child admission by city
What does a resident pay for one day at a city pool in each large city?
lowest posted resident adult (and child) daily rate per city; median across 33 cities with free = $0Inputs: fact rows for each city's adult_low and child_low (facts.csv); derived D1, D2, D7, D8
Limitations: Pool types differ (outdoor neighborhood pools vs indoor natatoriums); lowest posted rate may not be the most used pool; 33 of 41 cities checked had posted fees or a written free policy.
Cost per swim for a season pass at 20 visits
How cheap does a swim get with a pass, and how many visits pay it off?
cost per swim = pass price / 20; break-even visits = pass price / adult daily rate at the same poolsInputs: pass and adult_low fact rows per city; derived D11 to D23
Limitations: 20 visits is an illustrative assumption; pass lengths and valid pools differ; Omaha and New York have no comparable daily rate.
Free-pool cities
Where can residents swim without paying?
count of cities coded Yes (free at regular pools for residents) or Partial (free for a group or some pools)Inputs: free-status fact rows per city; derived D4 to D6, D9
Limitations: Free often requires residency proof or a free card; some cities exclude flagship facilities; Houston, Jacksonville, San Jose and Baltimore were excluded because their 2026 pages state no fee and no free policy.
Price vs pools per 100,000 residents
Do cities that charge less also have more pools?
Spearman rank correlation of adult_low and TPL 2026 pools per 100k (Census 2025 population); medians by free status and price bandInputs: adult_low and pools-per-100k fact rows for 30 cities; derived D32 to D38
Limitations: Association only, small sample; TPL counts all agencies’ pools while fees cover the city operator.
2025 to 2026 fee changes
Did city pool admission rise for the 2026 season?
2026 live rate minus 2025 Wayback rate on the same URLInputs: 2025 capture fact rows and 2026 adult_low rows for 18 cities; derived D24 to D31
Limitations: Only cities with a mid-2025 capture of the same page; captures are dated June to December 2025.
Questions and answers
Which large US city charges the most for a public pool?
Mecklenburg County, which runs public pools for the Charlotte area, charged county residents aged 18 to 54 $10 a day at its aquatic center in 2026 (Mecklenburg County). Seattle was next at $8.00 for an adult recreation swim (Seattle Parks and Recreation).
Do non-residents pay more at city pools?
Do kids swim free at public pools?
Children could swim free at some or all city pools in 14 of 33 large cities in 2026 (PC&S calculation). Pittsburgh city-resident children 15 and under swam free (City of Pittsburgh), and Phoenix kids 17 and under swam free at select pools (City of Phoenix).
Did public pool prices go up in 2026?
In 6 of 18 cities compared, yes. The median increase was $1.00 (PC&S comparison of 2025 and 2026 versions of the same page). Columbus went from $1 to $3 per entry (Columbus Recreation and Parks), and Seattle from $7.50 to $8.00 (Seattle Parks and Recreation).
Is a pool season pass worth it?
It depends on visits. A $30 Pittsburgh pool tag pays for itself after 6 adult day visits at $5, while Austin’s $190 resident season pass needs 38 visits at $5 (PC&S calculation from City of Pittsburgh and City of Austin 2026 fees).
How much does it cost to swim at a public pool in New York City?
NYC Parks outdoor pools were free in summer 2026. Indoor pools need a recreation center membership, which cost $150 a year for adults, $25 for seniors, and nothing for anyone under 25 (NYC Parks).
How much is a public pool in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles city pools charged adults aged 18 to 49 $4.00 and children aged 0 to 17 $1.00 per visit in 2026. A summer youth pass cost $10 and a 30-entry adult lap swim pass $88 (LA Recreation and Parks).
Do I need a card or account to use a free city pool?
Often. Columbus requires a free Leisure Card on top of its $3 entry fee (Columbus Recreation and Parks). DC residents need a free resident pass issued at a pool (DC DPR), and Memphis residents use a free 901 Pass (City of Memphis).
How much is a lap swim pass at a city pool?
Chicago charged $25 for a one-month lap swim membership and $42 for three months in 2026 (Chicago Park District). Tucson introduced a $30 monthly lap swim pass on September 1, 2026, where lap swim had no fee before (City of Tucson). Miami charged residents $45 a month (City of Miami).
Do cities with more public pools charge less?
Loosely. Across 30 cities, the rank correlation between adult admission and pools per 100,000 residents was -0.33 in 2026 (PC&S calculation). Pittsburgh had 7.8 pools per 100,000 residents and still charged adults $5 (City of Pittsburgh; PC&S Public Pools by City).
Quick answers
How much does it cost to go to a public pool?
In 33 large US cities in 2026, a resident adult day visit cost from nothing to $10, with a median of $3.00 (free counted as $0) and $5.00 among cities that charge (PC&S calculation). Children paid a median of $1.00. Los Angeles, for example, charged adults $4.00 and children $1.00 (LA Recreation and Parks).
Are public pools free?
In 10 of 33 large US cities, yes for residents at regular pools in 2026, including San Antonio, where all 23 outdoor pools were free (City of San Antonio), and Atlanta, which charged no admission at any outdoor pool (ATL311). Five more cities were free for a group or at some pools, such as Miami for youth 17 and under (City of Miami).
How much is a season pass to the pool?
Adult resident season passes cost $30 in Pittsburgh (City of Pittsburgh), $35 in Phoenix (City of Phoenix), $45 in Oklahoma City (City of Oklahoma City), $50 in Denver (Denver Parks) and $190 in Austin (Austin Parks and Recreation) in 2026. Used 20 times, that is $1.50 to $9.50 per swim (PC&S calculation).
How much are swim lessons at a public pool?
In 2026, Tucson charged $15 for 8 classes (City of Tucson), Miami $45 for 8 lessons for residents (City of Miami) and Raleigh $45 for a 4-day youth course (City of Raleigh), or $1.88 to $11.25 per class (PC&S calculation). Chicago offered a free 10-session introductory class for ages 6 to 17 (Chicago Park District).
Which city has the cheapest public pools?
Ten cities, including New York, Chicago and Philadelphia, charged residents nothing at regular pools in 2026. Among cities that charge, Albuquerque’s East San Jose pool was cheapest at $1.50 for adults (City of Albuquerque), followed by Dallas community pools and Oklahoma City’s Northeast Community Pool at $2 (Dallas; Oklahoma City).
Rate schedules in effect
- Tucson’s Mayor and Council passed parks fee changes after a June 9, 2026 public hearing (city page updated June 10): a $2 daily or $30 monthly lap swim pass from September 1, 2026 (previously no fee) and Learn to Swim at $25 for 8 classes from January 1, 2027 (City of Tucson).
- San Antonio opened 23 free outdoor pools on June 20, 2026, with group swim lessons at no cost (City of San Antonio).
- Philadelphia kept 7 neighborhood pools closed for the 2026 season for capital work (City of Philadelphia).
- Boston awarded $114,892 in Swim Safe grants to fund free swim lessons for an estimated 700 youth in summer 2026 (City of Boston).
- Phoenix opened its pools on May 23, 2026, keeping adult admission at $3 per session (City of Phoenix).
- Columbus charged $3 per entry in summer 2026, up from $1 in the August 2025 version of the same page (Columbus Recreation and Parks; 2025 capture).
How rates were collected and applied
- Took the 40 most populous places in the PC&S Public Pools by City table (TPL 2026 cities ranked by Census Vintage 2025 population), added Columbus, Indianapolis and Las Vegas, which have no 2026 TPL pool count, and added Pittsburgh because its fee page is a top search result for this topic.
- Searched for each city’s official parks or aquatics fee page (Serper, 40 queries) and opened it with a browser-impersonating client, a US proxy, or the Wayback Machine when the live page blocked access or had gone off-season. Every page is saved in raw/.
- Recorded the resident adult and child daily rates, non-resident rates where posted, season or multi-visit passes, family passes and group lesson fees, with the season or capture date. Each value is tied to a verbatim snippet that scripts/check_evidence.py finds in the saved page (121 snippets, 0 missing).
- Coded free status: Yes (free general admission at regular pools for residents), Partial (free for a whole group such as children, or at some pool types), No (fee charged).
- Pulled a mid-2025 Wayback capture of the same fee URL for 18 cities and compared the resident adult rate with 2026.
- Joined pools per 100,000 residents (TPL 2026 counts, Census 2025 population) read-only from the PC&S Public Pools by City package.
- Computed medians, pass cost per swim at 20 visits, break-even visits, non-resident premiums, lesson cost per class and a Spearman rank correlation in scripts/build.py; results are in derived.csv.
Included: City, county or metro government pools with a posted daily fee or a written free-admission policy on an official page dated or captured in 2026. For Charlotte, Milwaukee, Nashville and Louisville, the county or metro government operator.
Excluded: Water parks, YMCA and school pools, social media posts and third-party listings. Cities whose official 2026 pages state no fee and no free policy were excluded (Houston, Jacksonville, San Jose, Baltimore, Sacramento), as were Kansas City (water park only), Detroit (no fee page opened) and San Francisco (fee document could not be opened). Honolulu, Fresno and Colorado Springs were not checked. See excluded.md.
Conflicting numbers: Where a city posts several pool types, the ledger shows the lowest and highest resident adult rate and names the pools. Where a search snippet differed from the page (for example a newer Los Angeles snippet listing infants free and children 3 to 17 at $1), the opened page was used.
Derived metrics: Medians treat free as $0. Cost per swim = pass price / 20. Break-even visits = pass price / adult daily rate at the same pools. Premium = (non-resident - resident) / resident. Lesson cost per class = course fee / stated class count. All formulas and input rows are in derived.csv and reproducible with scripts/build.py.
Caveats
- Pool types differ: some cities price outdoor neighborhood pools, others indoor natatoriums or aquatic centers.
- Five cities were read from Wayback captures dated March to October 2026 (New York, Los Angeles, Louisville, Milwaukee County, Memphis) because live pages blocked automated access or showed off-season content.
- Albuquerque’s page still shows a 2025 summer family pass date; its 2026 rates may not have been reposted.
- Lesson fees rarely state class counts, so per-class costs exist for only 3 cities.
- The price and access comparison is an association across 30 cities, not a causal estimate.
Method last reviewed October 8, 2026.
Data and citation
Numbers to quote
- In 33 large US cities in 2026, the median lowest resident adult day rate at a city pool was $3.00, counting free pools as $0. (Pool Construction & Service)
- Residents swam free at regular city pools in 10 of 33 large US cities in summer 2026, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and San Antonio. (City of San Antonio)
- Mecklenburg County charged Charlotte-area adults $10 a day at its aquatic center in 2026, the highest resident rate among 33 large US cities. (Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation)
- Columbus tripled its city pool admission from $1 in 2025 to $3 per entry in 2026. (Columbus Recreation and Parks)
- Dallas charged non-residents $12 and residents $6 a day at its community aquatic centers in 2026, a 100% premium. (Dallas Park and Recreation Department)
- A $30 Pittsburgh pool tag paid for itself after 6 adult day visits in 2026, while Austin’s $190 season pass needed 38. (City of Pittsburgh Citiparks)
- Tucson’s Learn to Swim fee rises from $15 to $25 for 8 classes on January 1, 2027. (City of Tucson)
Rate schedules worth citing
- Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center: daily pool pass pricing, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
- Outdoor Pools: fees, Learn-to-Swim class fees, Columbus Recreation and Parks
- 23 Outdoor City Pools Opening for Summer Season (June 10, 2026), City of San Antonio
- Tucson Parks and Recreation rate and fee changes (updated June 10, 2026), City of Tucson
- Pool Fees & Program Descriptions (2026 fees), Seattle Parks and Recreation
- City Park Facts 2026: Amenities & Facilities data tables (swimming pools), Trust for Public Land
Newsroom summary
Pool Construction & Service compiled 2026 public pool admission prices from the official parks department pages of 33 large US cities. A resident adult day visit ranged from free to $10, with a median of $3.00 when free pools count as $0 and $5.00 among the 23 cities that charge adults. Ten cities, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Washington DC and Atlanta, let residents swim free at regular pools, and children swim free somewhere in 14 cities. Mecklenburg County’s $10 indoor aquatic center rate and Seattle’s $8.00 were the highest. Comparing 2025 and 2026 versions of the same fee pages, 6 of 18 cities raised adult admission, most by $1, while Columbus went from $1 to $3. Season passes worked out to $1.50 to $9.50 per swim at 20 visits. Cities with free admission had a median of 3.66 pools per 100,000 residents against 1.58 elsewhere, a loose association. Every fee links to its city source.
Headline options
- Ten of 33 big US cities let residents swim free at public pools in 2026
- A day at the city pool: free in Chicago, $10 in the Charlotte area
- Columbus triples public pool admission to $3 as 6 of 18 cities raise fees
- Pool season pass math: from $1.50 to $9.50 a swim across US cities
- Non-residents pay up to double at city pools in Dallas, Austin, Raleigh and Charlotte
Cite this ledger
Pool Construction & Service. "Public Pool Admission Prices in 33 Large US Cities, 2026." PC&S Research Desk, October 8, 2026. https://poolconstructionandservice.com/research/public-pool-admission-prices/
Reuse
The data tables and charts in this report are licensed under CC BY 4.0. Reuse them with this attribution: “Source: Pool Construction & Service (poolconstructionandservice.com), Public Pool Admission Prices in 33 Large US Cities, 2026.” Figures from third-party sources remain subject to their publishers’ terms.
Ledger files
- Public pool admission prices, 33 large US cities, 2026 (with sources) CSV
- Cities with free or partly free public pools, 2026 CSV
- Pool pass prices and cost per swim at 20 visits, 13 cities, 2026 CSV
- Group swim lesson fees at city pools, 13 cities, 2026 CSV
- Adult pool admission 2025 vs 2026, 18 cities CSV
- Pool admission vs pools per 100,000 residents, 30 cities, 2026 CSV
- Full fact sheet with sources and limitations CSV
Source quality
Tier 1: primary and government sources (49)
- NYC Parks: Free Outdoor Pools (Wayback capture 2026-10-01)
- NYC Parks: Pools: recreation center membership prices (Wayback capture 2026-08-13)
- Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks: Citywide Aquatics and Swimming Pools: pool admission fees (Wayback capture 2026-05-14)
- Chicago Park District: Swimming Pools: open swim, lap swim membership, Learn To Swim
- City of Phoenix: Pool Season is Here! Phoenix Pools Open Memorial Day Weekend (May 15, 2026)
- City of Phoenix: Encanto Pool: fees and season passes
- City of Philadelphia: Find a swimming pool
- City of Philadelphia: Philadelphia Parks & Recreation 2026 public pool opening schedule
- City of San Antonio: 23 Outdoor City Pools Opening for Summer Season (June 10, 2026)
- City of San Diego: Pool Admission Fees
- Dallas Park and Recreation Department: Community Swimming Pools
- Dallas Park and Recreation Department: Community Aquatic Centers
- Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation: Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center: daily pool pass pricing
- City of Fort Worth: Forest Park Pool
- Austin Parks and Recreation: Pool Fees and Rentals
- Columbus Recreation and Parks: Outdoor Pools: fees, Learn-to-Swim class fees
- Indy Parks & Recreation: Raymond Park and Indy Island Aquatic Center
- Seattle Parks and Recreation: Pool Fees & Program Descriptions (2026 fees)
- Denver Parks and Recreation: Swimming Pools and Splash Pads: outdoor pool entry fees
- Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation: Swimming Pools
- City of Oklahoma City: OKC Parks announces 2026 pool opening schedule (May 20, 2026)
- DC Department of Parks and Recreation: Get a Swim Pass
- City of El Paso: Aquatic Centers
- City of Las Vegas: Municipal Pool: daily entry fees and passes
- City of Las Vegas: Make a splash with swim lessons and water activities at Las Vegas pools
- City of Boston: BCYF Aquatics
- City of Boston: Boston Announces Grants Over $100,000 In Free Youth Swim Lessons (June 2026)
- Louisville Metro Government: Outdoor pools, waterparks, and spraygrounds (Wayback capture 2026-08-31)
- Portland Parks & Recreation: Swimming Pools: admission and passes
- City of Memphis: 901 Pass (Wayback capture 2026-03-08)
- Milwaukee County Parks: Outdoor Pools (Wayback capture 2026-05-21)
- City of Albuquerque: Admission Fees & Wristbands
- City of Tucson: Pools and Splash Pads
- City of Tucson: Tucson Parks and Recreation rate and fee changes (updated June 10, 2026)
- City of Atlanta ATL311: City of Atlanta Outdoor Swimming Pools (KB0012968)
- City of Mesa: Pools and Aquatics: public swim and seasonal pass fees
- City of Raleigh: Aquatics: admission fees and passes
- City of Raleigh: City of Raleigh Swim Lessons
- City of Miami: City of Miami Aquatics Programs
- City of Omaha Parks: Pool Locations, Passes & Punchcards
- City of Omaha Parks: Montclair Aquatics
- City of Pittsburgh Citiparks: Pool Fees (last updated 04/15/2026)
- City of Jacksonville: JaxParks Aquatics: Summer 2026 swim lessons
- Columbus Recreation and Parks: Outdoor Pools (Wayback capture 2025-08-04, $1 admission)
- Seattle Parks and Recreation: Pool Fees & Program Descriptions (Wayback capture 2025-09-18, 2025 and 2026 columns)
- City of Mesa: Pools and Aquatics (Wayback capture 2025-08-27)
- City of Raleigh: Aquatics (Wayback capture 2025-08-28)
- Milwaukee County Parks: Outdoor Pools (Wayback capture 2025-08-07)
- Indy Parks & Recreation: Raymond Park (Wayback capture 2025-07-02)
Tier 2: trade bodies, public companies, market research (2)
Rate schedules and sources
- NYC Parks. Free Outdoor Pools (Wayback capture 2026-10-01). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- NYC Parks. Pools: recreation center membership prices (Wayback capture 2026-08-13). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Citywide Aquatics and Swimming Pools: pool admission fees (Wayback capture 2026-05-14). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Chicago Park District. Swimming Pools: open swim, lap swim membership, Learn To Swim. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Phoenix. Pool Season is Here! Phoenix Pools Open Memorial Day Weekend (May 15, 2026). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Phoenix. Encanto Pool: fees and season passes. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Philadelphia. Find a swimming pool. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Philadelphia. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation 2026 public pool opening schedule. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of San Antonio. 23 Outdoor City Pools Opening for Summer Season (June 10, 2026). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of San Diego. Pool Admission Fees. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Dallas Park and Recreation Department. Community Swimming Pools. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Dallas Park and Recreation Department. Community Aquatic Centers. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center: daily pool pass pricing. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Fort Worth. Forest Park Pool. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Austin Parks and Recreation. Pool Fees and Rentals. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Columbus Recreation and Parks. Outdoor Pools: fees, Learn-to-Swim class fees. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Indy Parks & Recreation. Raymond Park and Indy Island Aquatic Center. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Seattle Parks and Recreation. Pool Fees & Program Descriptions (2026 fees). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Denver Parks and Recreation. Swimming Pools and Splash Pads: outdoor pool entry fees. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation. Swimming Pools. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Oklahoma City. OKC Parks announces 2026 pool opening schedule (May 20, 2026). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- DC Department of Parks and Recreation. Get a Swim Pass. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of El Paso. Aquatic Centers. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Las Vegas. Municipal Pool: daily entry fees and passes. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Las Vegas. Make a splash with swim lessons and water activities at Las Vegas pools. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Boston. BCYF Aquatics. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Boston. Boston Announces Grants Over $100,000 In Free Youth Swim Lessons (June 2026). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Louisville Metro Government. Outdoor pools, waterparks, and spraygrounds (Wayback capture 2026-08-31). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Portland Parks & Recreation. Swimming Pools: admission and passes. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Memphis. 901 Pass (Wayback capture 2026-03-08). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Milwaukee County Parks. Outdoor Pools (Wayback capture 2026-05-21). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Albuquerque. Admission Fees & Wristbands. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Tucson. Pools and Splash Pads. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Tucson. Tucson Parks and Recreation rate and fee changes (updated June 10, 2026). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Atlanta ATL311. City of Atlanta Outdoor Swimming Pools (KB0012968). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Mesa. Pools and Aquatics: public swim and seasonal pass fees. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Raleigh. Aquatics: admission fees and passes. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Raleigh. City of Raleigh Swim Lessons. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Miami. City of Miami Aquatics Programs. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Omaha Parks. Pool Locations, Passes & Punchcards. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Omaha Parks. Montclair Aquatics. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Pittsburgh Citiparks. Pool Fees (last updated 04/15/2026). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Jacksonville. JaxParks Aquatics: Summer 2026 swim lessons. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Trust for Public Land. City Park Facts 2026: Amenities & Facilities data tables (swimming pools). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Pool Construction & Service. Public Pools by City: Pools per Resident in 99 Large US Cities, 2026. Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Columbus Recreation and Parks. Outdoor Pools (Wayback capture 2025-08-04, $1 admission). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Seattle Parks and Recreation. Pool Fees & Program Descriptions (Wayback capture 2025-09-18, 2025 and 2026 columns). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Mesa. Pools and Aquatics (Wayback capture 2025-08-27). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- City of Raleigh. Aquatics (Wayback capture 2025-08-28). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Milwaukee County Parks. Outdoor Pools (Wayback capture 2025-08-07). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- Indy Parks & Recreation. Raymond Park (Wayback capture 2025-07-02). Accessed 2026-10-08.
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