Swimming Pools in Raleigh

Are you looking for a pool to visit in Raleigh, NC? Here are ten of Raleigh's best public swimming pools to cool off in this summer!  

One of the best ways to cool off during the summer is by dipping in a pool. Luckily, Raleigh has many excellent and clean public swimming facilities that offer affordable admission prices and programs for swimmers of all ages. There are even some swimming and diving summer camps offered in Raleigh. 

Raleigh is known for its humid subtropical climate, which means summers are very hot and humid. While you may not be able to beat the heat with your pet at a public swimming pool, Raleigh's pools are conveniently located and perfect for recreational and competitive swimming. 

Whether you own a home in Raleigh or live in another suburb, public swimming pools are an excellent option for both residents and non-residents who do not have the option of installing a pool in their backyard. 

Check out these public swimming pools in Raleigh 

1. Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center 

Location: 5908 Buffaloe Road, Raleigh, NC 27616

Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday and 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday 

Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center is a popular indoor swimming pool perfect for families and individuals looking to cool off or perfect their backstroke. Welcoming all swimmers on a first-come, first-served basis, there are day passes, multi-day passes, and annual passes available for purchase. 

This aquatic center features a lazy river, water vortex, three lap lanes, and a zero-depth entry play area for children with a water curtain, slide, and water tumble buckets. There is even a three-story waterslide that riders must be at least 48 inches tall to use. 

Since this is an indoor facility, the pool can be enjoyed all year round, but it is even more fun in summer since it offers a cool reprieve from the warm and humid summer weather that North Carolina experiences. 

This is a great place to hang out with friends and family, and learn-to-swim classes are offered in private or group settings. There is even an intra-city swim team that swimmers can sign up for those interested in competiting that is open to both residents and non-residents of the city of Raleigh. 

2. Optimist Aquatic Center 

Location: 5902 Whittier Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609

Hours: 5:30 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday, and 1 PM to 5:30 PM Sunday 

Optimist Aquatic Center is another indoor swimming pool in Raleigh open year-round to the public. It features an Olympic-sized 50-meter by 25-yard lap pool, a 12-foot deep pool with a climbing wall, and an outdoor wading pool, making it a great recreational and lap swimming spot. 

Part of Optimist Park, a 30-acre park located behind Sanderson High School, this aquatic center was renovated in 2009 and is now a new and updated facility with a fabric tension structure, spacious locker rooms, and a classroom. 

Many swim competitions are hosted here throughout the year, and lap lanes are available for exercise and practice during certain times of the day. Residents and non-residents can participate in multiple programs, including swim clinics, a city swim league, learn-to-swim lessons, lifeguard training, and instructor classes. 

Daily admission fees and annual passes can be purchased at the front desk of the aquatic center. 

3. Pullen Aquatic Center  

Location: 410 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27606

Hours: 5:30 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday, and 1 PM to 5:30 PM Sunday 

Pullen Aquatic Center is a premier competitive aquatic venue in Raleigh, open year-round for competitive and recreational swimming. This indoor aquatic center is ideal for the whole family and features an Olympic-sized pool great for lap swimming and exercising. 

The Pullen Aquatic Center is part of Pullen Park and owned and operated by the City of Raleigh. It is open to anyone who purchases daily, monthly, or annual passes at the front desk. 

Offering various programs throughout the year, including a swim team, swim lessons, and water exercise classes, this is a great place to cool off and learn to love swimming. 

The warm-water teaching pool is used for therapy and swimming lessons; it is not to be used for lap swimming or intense aerobic exercises. Take a dip in the pool before enjoying one of the area's local Fourth of July fireworks celebrations. 

4. Oak Park Swim Club 

Location: 4425 Oak Park Road, Raleigh, NC 27612

Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM daily 

Oak Park Swim Club is an outdoor pool open seasonally to the public that closes for the season on Labor Day. Located in the Oak Park neighborhood in northwest Raleigh, a great place to live in Raleigh, memberships are available and can be purchased online. 

This 4,500-square-foot pool has a maximum depth of 12 feet and features two diving boards, a wet slide, a snack bar, restrooms, chairs, and grills. Offering fun for the whole family, there is a new membership initiation fee of $450 and annual membership dues paid annually depending on the size of the household intending to use the pool. 

5. Biltmore Hills Pool 

Location: 701 Crown Crossing Lane, Raleigh, NC 27610 

Hours: 4 PM to 6:30 PM Monday through Wednesday, closed Thursday and Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM Saturday, and 1 PM to 6 PM Sunday 

Biltmore Hills Pool is a public swimming pool in Raleigh known for being clean and quiet. Since this is an outdoor swimming pool, this facility operates on a seasonal schedule starting May 25th. It will begin regular hours of operation starting June 13th until it closes again for the year on Labor Day. 

Featuring a lap and recreational main pool as well as a splash pad for kids, many families love coming here during the summer season. Admission fees and punch passes can be paid for at the front desk. 

6. William H. Sonner Aquatic Facility 

Location: 1013 Jones Franklin Road, Raleigh, NC 27606

Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM daily 

William H. Sonner Aquatic Facility is an indoor swimming facility in Raleigh located near the Crossroads Shopping Center and used for competitive and recreational swimming. 

As a Raleigh Swimming Association practice facility, many swim meets, competitions, and championships are held here. New athletes interested in joining the Raleigh Swimming Association can schedule an evaluation appointment with training staff to ensure proper practice group placement. 

7. Millbrook Exchange Pool

Location: 1905 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27615 

Hours: 5:30 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 6 PM Saturday, and 7 AM to 1 PM Sunday 

Millbrook Exchange Pool is a covered public swimming pool open year-round and located within the Millbrook Exchange Park in Raleigh. While there is a seasonal wading pool outside and a splash water playground for kids, a fabric tension structure covers the main 25-yard lap pool. 

Children should not use the pool without adult supervision, and pets are prohibited throughout the facility. The Millbrook Exchange Pool offers swim classes, swim clinics, and water exercise classes. The lap lanes are open for lap swimming only and operate on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

8. Lake Johnson Pool 

Location: 5863 Jaguar Park Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606 

Hours: 4 PM to 6:30 PM Monday through Wednesday, closed Thursday and Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM Saturday, and 1 PM to 6 PM Sunday 

Lake Johnson Pool is an outdoor public swimming pool and is just one of the many water activities available at Lake Johnson Park that visitors can take advantage of. This large and relaxing pool complex features a lap and recreational main pool, a wading pool, and a significant spray ground. 

Since this is an outdoor seasonal pool, it begins operating on a seasonal schedule on May 25th and resumes its normal summer hours on June 13th until it closes again on Labor Day. 

Open to Raleigh residents and non-residents, daily admission fees and passes are reasonably affordable and can be paid at the front desk. 

 9. Longview Pool 

Location: 321 Bertie Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610 

Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM Monday and Tuesday, 9 AM to 7 PM Wednesday, closed Thursday and Friday, 10 AM to 6:30 PM Saturday, and 1 PM to 7 PM Sunday 

Longview Pool is a public outdoor swimming pool that operates on a seasonal schedule. Located in a quiet neighborhood, it is known for its cleanliness and smaller crowds, making it a relaxing pool. 

Featuring a lap and recreational main pool and a wade pool, Longview Pool resumes regular hours of operation on June 13th and closes again for the season on Labor Day. 

10. Ridge Road Pool 

Location: 1709 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 

Hours: Normal hours begin on June 13th and are 9 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 7 PM Saturday, and 1 PM to 6 PM Sunday 

Ridge Road Pool is another top-rated and popular outdoor swimming pool in Raleigh. It operates on a seasonal schedule and has a family-friendly atmosphere. Offering affordable admission prices, this is one of Raleigh's nicest public pool facilities.

This pool has a maximum depth of 12 feet and features a lap and recreational main pool, wade pool, and spray ground. The Raleigh Aquatic Website has information about admission costs and pass purchases. 

Methodology 

We used data and information from many local sources, including the City of Raleigh and the Raleigh Swimming Association, to determine the best public swimming pools to visit this summer in Raleigh, NC. 

FAQs 

How much does it cost to swim at Pullen Park? 

The cost of admission to Pullen Aquatic Center varies by age and pass type. Daily admission fees are $2/resident and $3/non-resident for ages one to 12, $5/resident and $8/non-resident ages 13 to 54, and $4/resident and $6/non-resident for ages 55 and over. 

Visit the Raleigh Aquatic Website for information about multi-day and annual pass pricing. 

Is a pool worth it in North Carolina? 

An in-ground pool can increase your property value, but having access to a pool is a great way to cool off in the summer on particularly hot and humid days. 

What is the average cost of a pool in North Carolina? 

The cost of a pool installation in North Carolina will depend on the type of materials used, the size of the pool, and the company used. A vinyl-lined pool, which is typically the most affordable option, will cost between $25,000 and upwards of $40,000. 

Best Public Swimming Pools in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

There are many nice and clean pools in the city of Raleigh, from indoor to outdoor swimming facilities, if you are looking for a place to cool off, exercise, and hang out with friends and family. 

While the seasonal pools operated by the city of Raleigh close on Labor Day, the indoor aquatic centers offer year-round schedules and are known to host swim meets and competitions. 

If you are moving to Raleigh and are looking for a dream home near one of the above pool facilities, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help you find your dream home.