Denver’s outdoor public pools: Places, summer schedules and rules

Maddie Rhodes
·2 min read

DENVER (KDVR) — With the official start of summer coming up in a little over a week, warm-weather activities are starting. Among farmers markets and camping spots, public pools are also about to open.

If you’re looking to kick off the swim season in Denver, here’s what you need to know.

Denver public pool schedules

Denver plans on opening these pools on June 14 for the summer season:

  • Aztlan Recreation Center

  • Barnum Recreation Center

  • Berkeley Park

  • Congress Park

  • Cook Park Recreation Center

  • Eisenhower Recreation Center

  • Garfield Park

  • Globeville Argo Park

  • Green Valley Ranch

  • Harvard Gulch Recreation Center

  • Harvey Park Recreation Center

  • La Alma Recreation Center

  • Southwest Recreation Center

Due to construction and maintenance needs, Swansea and Mestizo Curtis pools will not open for the 2024 season while Ruby Hill Park will permanently close.

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Open swim depends on availability. The pools are based on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Open swim times differ for each pool based on swimming lessons, safety breaks and other water-related activities. The 2024 schedule for each pool can be found on the city’s website.

Pool closing dates

The outdoor pools in Denver are set to close on Aug. 11, however, there will be a few closures during the summer.

The pools with be closed on June 19 and July 4 for holidays.

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The pools will also close under certain conditions such as if it’s colder than 64 degrees, the water temperature is below 78 degrees, or if there’s high wind causing visibility issues at the bottom of the pool. Other events such as thunder and lightning, mechanical issues and sanitary reasons will also close the pool for a short period of time.

Swimming rules

These are some of the rules for all of the Denver public pools, as listed on the city’s website:

  • Children 5 years and under must be directly supervised in the pool, within arms reach, by a responsible parent or guardian

  • Children 6 and 7 years old must be accompanied by a responsible individual 12 years or older in the pool area at all times

  • Children 8 years and older may swim without a parent or guardian present

  • Showers are required before entry into the pool

  • Proper swimwear is required – no jeans or cut-offs, street clothes or undergarments

  • No running, pushing, wrestling or rough play in locker rooms, showers or pool area

  • A swimming ability test may be required before entering the deep water

  • Swim diapers or plastic pants are required for participants who are diaper-dependent

  • Lap swimmers will be required to share lanes and circle swim when needed

  • Food and drink in designated areas only; no glass containers

There are additional rules on the site as well as rules for the slide, leisure pools and water playground.

If you’re gearing up for the summer pool season, thankfully, it’s only a few weeks away.

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