Philadelphia releases initial schedule of pool openings amid record heat
Six city pools will be opening by the end of the weekend, with more rolling out in the coming days and weeks.
Philadelphia public pools finally began to open Friday, just in the nick of time as a suffocating mixture of heat and humidity are breaking city records.
Those looking for relief will be limited to just a handful of spots this week, as the city rolls out pool openings and ramps up hiring lifeguards.
“We are moving with urgency and intention to ensure every neighborhood has dependable spaces for recreation and relief,” Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said in a statement. “These pools reflect our commitment to fairness in access to healthy public spaces where children can learn, play, and thrive safely during the summer months.”
The city plans to open 63 pools this summer, up from 41 pools last year. The rollout began Friday with two locations — Hunting Park Pool and Kelly Pool in Fairmount Park.
By Sunday, six pools will open, increasing to 10 by Tuesday. The city is aiming to have the rest of the pools open by the second week of July at the latest.
The issue, as it is every year, is hiring enough lifeguards to staff the pools. Philly aims to hire and train nearly 400 lifeguards and maintenance staff to keep pools open across the city during the summer.
“Our pools and spraygrounds are essential community assets during the hottest months,” said Susan Slawson, commissioner of the city’s Parks & Recreation department.
A new sprayground at Wharton Square Park will open Saturday, with City Council President Kenyatta Johnson joining community leaders at noon to celebrate. There are more than 90 spraygrounds and splash pads spread across the city, with a new one planned for Miles Mack Playground in Mantua.
To find pool hours, swimming lessons, and updated opening information, visit the Parks & Rec Finder App at phila.gov/parks-rec-finder.
2026 Philadelphia Public Pool opening schedule
Friday, June 12
Hunting Park Pool – 1101 W. Hunting Park Ave.
Kelly Pool - 4231 Lansdowne Dr.
Saturday, June 13
Max Myers Pool – 1601 Hellerman St.
Sacks Pool – 400 Washington Ave.
Sunday, June 14
Gathers Pool – 2501-19 W. Diamond St.
Bridesburg Pool – 4625 Richmond St.
Monday, June 15
Marian Anderson Pool - 740 S. 17th St.
Lackman Pool – 1101 Bartlett St.
Tuesday, June 16
Tiffany Fletcher Pool – 743-81 N. 48th St.
Schmidt Pool – 113 W. Ontario St.
7 Philadelphia pools won’t open this summer
The city said seven pools will remain closed all summer as long-term improvements totaling $70 million, which includes upgrades and reconstruction, are completed.
Lonnie Cohen Recreation Center
Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center
Vogt Recreation Center
Feltonville Recreation Center
McVeigh Recreation Center
Lawncrest Recreation Center
Cherashore Recreation Center
