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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.

Hunting Park Pool is one of a handful of Philadelphia public pools that will be open this weekend.
Hunting Park Pool is one of a handful of Philadelphia public pools that will be open this weekend. Read moreTyger Williams / Staff Photographer
    by Rob Tornoe
    Published 

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 opening and ramps up hiring lifeguards.

“We are moving with urgency and intention to ensure every neighborhood has dependable spaces for recreation and relief,” Philadelphia 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 60 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 didn’t say how quickly more pools would be available to residents.

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 pool 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, the 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 over 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

  1. Hunting Park Pool – 1101 W. Hunting Park Avenue, 19140

  2. Kelly Pool - 4231 Lansdowne Drive, 19131

Saturday, June 13

  1. Max Myers Pool – 1601 Hellerman Street, 19149

  2. Sacks Pool – 400 Washington Avenue, 19147

Sunday, June 14

  1. Gathers Pool – 2501-19 W. Diamond Street, 19121

  2. Bridesburg Pool – 4625 Richmond Street, 19137

Monday, June 15

  1. Marian Anderson Pool - 740 S. 17th Street, 19146

  2. Lackman Pool – 1101 Bartlett Street, 19115

Tuesday, June 16

  1. Tiffany Fletcher Pool – 743-81 N 48th Street, 19139

  2. Schmidt Pool – 113 W Ontario Street, 19140

7 Philadelphia pools won’t open this summer

The city said seven pools will remain closed all summer due as long-term improvements totaling $70 million are completed, which includes upgraded and reconstruction.

  1. Lonnie Cohen Recreation Center 

  2. Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center

  3. Vogt Recreation Center 

  4. Feltonville Recreation Center

  5. McVeigh Recreation Center

  6. Lawncrest Recreation Center 

  7. Cherashore Recreation Center