Swimming & Spray Features

Adult holding a child in a pool

Pool Locations

Each year, we welcome thousands of patrons to our 2 indoor pools and 8 outdoor pools to cool off, learn to swim, stay fit and have fun at our pools. 

Indoor pools 


Outdoor pools

Pool Hours

Our outdoor pools operate mid-June to mid-August, Monday - Saturday from 12 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. for open swim. Based on staff availability lap swim is offered at several outdoor pools. Check back for outdoor pool opening updates. Hours subject to change. 

Our indoor pools operate September to June. Hours vary by pool. Visit Southwest Pool and Valley Pool for up to date hours. 

Types of Swimming

On our pool schedules, you’ll see we set aside times for different types of swimming (and different types of swimmers). 

Open swim

  • Open to all ages
  • Free 
  • One lap lane available 
  • Available at Southwest Pool and Valley Pool and all outdoor pools that open for the summer season.

Adult swim

  • Open to age 16 and up.
  • Free
  • Note that pool may be divided for multiple uses and “circle swim” is recommended (always swimming on the right side of the lane you’re in).
  • Available at Southwest Pool and Valley Pool.

Lap swim

  • Open to all ages.
  • $3 fee or 1 coupon.
  • Coupon booklets for lap swims (20 tickets for $55, 50 tickets for $125 for 50) are available at the Parks Main Office (412 Spencer Street, 13204) or at Valley Pool.
  • Note that you’re expected to follow lap swimming etiquette — if you have questions, ask a staff member.      
  • Available at Southwest Pool and Valley Pool and select outdoor pools based on staff availability.

Learn to Swim

  • Youth lessons open to ages 14 mo. to 15; Adult lessons open to ages 16 and up.
  • $10 for city residents/$35 for non-city residents per person.
  • Lesson sessions are offered in the fall, winter, spring, and summer for designated half hour sessions.
  • Registration required at syracuse.recdesk.com under "Programs". Opens approx. 2 weeks prior to class start date.
  • Available at Southwest Pool and Valley Pool and select outdoor pools based on staff availability. 

Rules & Expectations

Anyone who swims in one of our pools has to follow our regulations — if you don’t, you will loose swimming privileges. Read the pool rules and expectations.

Spray Features 

Spray features are an excellent way to cool off from the Syracuse heat. We have several throughout the city that are free to use and typically available beginning on Memorial Day through Labor Day.