When May suddenly feels like July and you're not sure whether it's a bit premature to bust out your air conditioner, you may find yourself in yearning for iced drinks, sandals, shades and your first open air swim of of the season. Sadly, the city's pristine public pools don't open until June 27th. The beaches will officially open on Memorial Day weekend, but the water will be freezing. Here are the best places to take an early season dip in the five boroughs.
SpaCastle, 131-10 11th Avenue at 31st Street in College Point
SpaCastle's two heated outdoor pools are technically on the hot tub spectrum — but there's also an "aqua bar" with virgin cocktails, an outdoor kiddie pool, and outdoor hydrotherapy waterfalls with views of the Whitestone Bridge, so you should be able to make this one work for you. Day passes set visitors back $40 on weekdays and $50 on the weekends — and there are plenty of other aquatic activities to indulge in on the on the premises as well.
La Piscine at Hotel Americano, 519 West 27th Street at 10th Avenue in Chelsea
Admission to the rooftop pool at this joint costs $40 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis (on nice days it can reach capacity by early afternoon). The hotel has views of the High Line and there's a mediterranean grill adjacent to the pool.
The Holiday Inn at 440 West 57th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues in Midtown
This surprisingly big, no-frills open-air pool in midtown costs $75 per day. If you opt for this one, make sure to schedule your trip to maximize your time spent in the water.
McCarren Hotel and Pool, 160 North 12th Street at Berry Street in Williamsburg
This posh spot just opened its vast three-season saltwater rooftop pool to the public on May 15th. Day passes go for $60 on the weekends, and $45 on weekdays.
Not seeing what you're looking for here? Consult this comprehensive list of pools in NYC—and if day pass rates strike you as steep, maybe you'll find that you can charm your way in to one of these oases.
