12 great swimming pools in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region

Photo above of swimmers at South Park Pool courtesy of Allegheny County Parks.

School is out, and pools are open! The city of Pittsburgh has 15 pools open this summer, all free to residents 15 and under, and due to open on June 15 pools. In addition to the city pools, there are so many great pools and waterparks around the region where your family can cool off. Buy one membership, or hop around all summer!

In the guide below, we’ve listed admission price ranges, which vary based on residency, age, and time of day/week for most pools. We’ve also included links so you can see exact prices for your family. Please check each pool’s website before venturing out — ongoing lifeguard shortages do sometimes mean last-minute closures.

If we are missing a great local pool that is open to the public, let us  know!

North Park Pool 

Holding 2,225,000 gallons of water, this massive pool was considered to be one of the largest in the world back when it opened in the 1930’s. It is still one of the biggest in the area. The splash pad, ninja course and fun-packed baby pool are popular with families, and the admission ranges from just $1 to $8. 

Community and Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park 

With slides, climbers, and sprayers, this pool is packed with things to do. Pre-registration is required for non-members, so sign up at the link above to book a great day at this waterpark. Non-members can only attend during weekdays, as weekends are for members only. The cost is $15 per person, but check out membership information here. 

Alameda Pool 

Located in Butler, this pool has zero-depth entry (that means no steps), which is great for little kids. You’ll also find two enclosed tube slides, a drop slide and a climbing wall. Admission is $10 or less per person, and moonlight swims are just $5 with a movie screening. 

Meadville Area Recreation Complex 

If you’re up for a drive, this complex is about 90 minutes out of the city. It’s worth the trip. There are sprayers, lap lanes, a waterslide and tons of room to spread out. The cost is $7 per person. While you’re up there, check out public swimming at Fireman’s Beach on Conneaut Lake. 

Zelienople Community Pool

This pool has long been a central hangout in walkable Zelienople, but several years ago a renovation project added some great features — including a zero-entry baby area with water features, lounge chairs in the pool for watching your kiddos in total comfort, a climbing wall, water slides and more. So it’s worth a visit even if you don’t live in the Zelie area. There’s also a skatepark next door, so pack your wheels. Admission ranges from $8-$14

Jellystone Park Mill Run

If you’re looking for adventure but can’t sleep over, the day rate at this Jellystone Park in the Laurel Highlands is a great option. Kids under 3 and adults over age 100 are free, and admission costs for everyone else range from $8 to $25 per day. A day pass includes access to all three pools, multiple water slides, a child area with sprayers and a pirate ship for climbing, plus a jump pad, “snowless snow tubing,” free wagon/picnic basket rides, arts and crafts, and more. It’s worth the trip. (Tip: For families who plan to play all day but not stay overnight, it might be worth it to rent a cabana for the day.) 

Cranberry Water Park

This massive public pool includes zero-depth entry with a tipping tiki bucket, a splash pad, a giant sandbox with water features for filling moats around your sandcastles, and plenty of room to spread out. Large permanent shade umbrellas are spread throughout the grassy area, and you can snag a seat under one of them if you get there early. This pool is fully ADA accessible. Admission ranges from $7 to $15, and evening swims are at a discounted rate. 

Settlers Cabin Wave Pool, Boyce Park Wave Pool, and South Park Wave Pool

In addition to North Park’s massive pool, Allegheny County also runs three wave pools. Babies and toddlers love to sit in the gentle waves by the “shore,” while the deeper waters offer adventure for bigger kids and adults. Pricing is affordable — no one pays more than $8 and some kids are just a buck!

Sandcastle

Pittsburgh’s own waterpark is actually a great option for both high adventure and lazing around. The slides and wave pool are the main attraction for most folks. But the quieter pools, tiny slides and water playground along the Monongahela River are perfect for young families, too. The lazy river is known for lulling infants (and parents) to sleep. Check with local community centers as many have discounted tickets available to Sandcastle.

Pine Cove Beach Club

This pool features a speed slide, dumping bucket and other fun features. It’s part of an RV park in Charleroi, but pool-only memberships are available. Guests can visit with a member for $6-$10 per person. 

Bellevue Memorial Pool

This pool features a low dive and high dive, a slide, multiple lap lanes, and a separate baby pool with a gated fence to keep little ones safe. Note: Admission and concessions are cash only, with admission ranging from $3 to $8 with a discounted evening rate.

Hampton Township Community Pool

With spray features, water slides and plenty of room to spread out, this public pool is a great option for families with a wide age range of kids. Admission ranges from $6 to $20 depending on age, residency and time of day. Evenings (4 p.m.- 7 p.m.) are a bargain beginning at just $6! Details here. 

Crafton Swimming Pool

At this pool, you’ll find a separate zero-depth tiny tot area featuring sprayers and a small slide, plus the larger pool with lap lanes, a waterslide and a peninsula dividing the deepest area from the rest of the pool. The clear depth delineations make this a great pool for families with swimmers of different skill levels. For nonresidents, the cost is $15 per day. 

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