Atlanta summers demand cooling swimming pools and lots of water fun! Free swimming pools offer great ways for children to get exercise, play, and stay off the devices...and who doesn't want to save a few dollars this summer?! Take a look at the best, free swimming pools in Atlanta. Pack the sunscreen, goggles, and snacks and get ready to dive into the list!
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If you’re looking for more ways to cool off this summer, check out Spraygrounds and Splash Pads in Atlanta for Kids and 35 Ways to Beat the Heat in Atlanta: Heat Wave Activities. As always, refer to our calendar of events regularly as we’re constantly adding more fun things to do this summer!
The beautiful Candler Park swimming pool is open seven days a week.
Free Swimming Pools in Atlanta
1. Candler Park Pool – Candler Park
The free pool at Candler Park offers kids and parents a respite from the summer heat in one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods. Pool hours are 12:30-7pm every day, except Wednesday and Thursday. The 55-acre park also boasts a nine-hole golf course, basketball court, tennis facilities, and a playground.
Pack a picnic and spend the day swimming at Grant Park's two pools and splash pad!
2. Grant Park Pool – Grant Park
After a trip to Zoo Atlanta, cool down at the Grant Park pool. The facility offers a separate beach-entry kiddie pool and splash pad, perfect for younger kids. The Olympic-size main pool has a total depth of four feet with plenty of lap lanes. Bring snacks since concessions aren’t available to purchase. Pool hours with free admission are 12:30-7pm every day, except Monday and Tuesday.
3. John A. White Park - Southwest Atlanta
Known for its nine-hole public golf course near downtown, the 106-acre John A. White Park also boasts a zero-entry swimming pool with splash features and water slides. This City of Atlanta pool offers free admission from 12:30-7pm, Friday-Tuesday. The pool is closed Wednesday and Thursday.
4. Maddox Park Pool - Bankhead
Head over to Maddox Park Pool after spending a day exploring Westside Park, connected via the Proctor Creek Greenway. This renovated pool features jet sprays, water features, zero-depth entry, changing facilities, and canopied areas for lounging. Free admission every day 12:30-7pm, except Wednesday and Thursday.
RELATED: 16 Best Swimming Pools in Atlanta: From Public Pools to Hotels with Day Passes
5. Powell Pool at Mozley Park – West Midtown
Nothing beats a cool dip after biking on the Atlanta BeltLine. This family-friendly, free pool near the BeltLine's Westside Trail offers a main pool and a large lap pool. Kids also enjoy the newly expanded playground. Everyone swims free from 12:30-7pm, except Monday and Tuesday.
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Reverend James Orange Park has a splash pad and buckets dumping water! Photo by Sylvia McAfee/City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Communication
6. Reverend James Orange Park – Oakland City
Reverend James Orange Park features a new playground and FREE swimming pool. Although the pool never goes deeper than four feet, smaller kids may want to hang out at the splash pad and cool off in the water-dumping buckets. Pool hours are 12:30-7pm every day, except Monday and Tuesday.
Sign up for free swim lessons at the Chastain Park Athletic Club.
Free Swim Sessions in Atlanta
7. Chastain Park Athletic Club – Buckhead
Drop in for a free swim session at Chastain Park Athletic Club held every Monday through Friday, 11am-1pm through July 31, 2023. All other times, admission is $5 for those over age 2. Bulkheads divide the aquatic center into three separate pools: a large shallow area, a covered Olympic-size lap pool with ten lanes, and a deep end perfect for dives. Use changing facilities with showers, grandstand seating, and a concession stand.
8. Garden Hills Pool – Buckhead
Kids love this zero-entry pool with a deep end and lap lanes. You’ll also find full changing rooms and concessions. In conjunction with the City of Atlanta, Garden Hills Pool offers free swim time every weekday (excluding holidays), 10am-1pm through July 31, 2023. Fees at other times cost $5 per person over age 2.
Grab a friend and head to the pool at the Piedmont Park Aquatic Center. Photo courtesy of the Piedmont Park Conservancy
9. Piedmont Park Aquatic Center – Midtown
Located in the center of Atlanta’s best known park, Piedmont Park Aquatic Center features a lazy river, a large zero-entry shallow area, four swim lanes, and deck chairs. Free swim time sessions occur every weekday through September 4, 2023, 3-5pm. Come early as the park fills to capacity quickly. Admission during regular hours is only $5 per person over the age of 2.
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Free Swimming Pools for Dekalb County Residents on July 4, 2023
10. Medlock Pool - Decatur
On July 4, 2023, admission is free for DeKalb County residents12- 6pm. On all other days (hours vary), the fees are $3 for adults and $2 for kids ages 3-17. The pool is closed every Monday.
11. Tobie Grant Pool - Scottdale
Tobie Grant Park offers a pool for kids to cool off during the summer months. Normally closed on Tuesdays, this public pool will be open and free for DeKalb County residents on Independence Day from noon to 6pm. Fees on all other days (hours vary) are $3 for adults and $2 for kids ages 3-17. Check out the newly renovated recreation center, library, and fitness center.
What You Need to Know
- Use plenty of sunscreen and reapply often, even when it’s cloudy.
- Don't forget to bring swim diapers for the littles.
- Most pools require kids under the age of 12 to be accompanied by an adult.
- Check out these places for swim lessons if your kids need instruction or a refresher course.
- Refer to the website for any unforeseen closures and note that some pools close on the weekdays after public schools return in early August.
Unless noted, photos by the author