Bobbie Carlson, Liz Rapp and Lisa Grega at the Clever Park Pool. —SUMMER SUN—
Pittsburgh is seeing high temperatures this summer, and that means people need to cool off.
With recent pool closures, new rules involving who can swim where and staffing issues at public pools, it’s good to be in the know. What follows are resources for those in our area seeking out opportunities to swim.
Crafton Park Pool
Under 2 swims free
The Crafton pool season began June 11 and is scheduled through Aug. 21 with weekends open through Labor Day.
Anybody can come swim if they are willing to pay the non-resident fee for the day. Season-long pool passes are limited to residents of Crafton and residents of Carnegie, Ingram, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg boroughs.
The pool is open Monday through Saturday from 12 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. Residents pay $10, while nonresidents pay $15 for a day at the pool. Children under 2 swim for free. Information about season passes is available on the borough website.
Location: Crafton Park, 115 W. Steuben St, Crafton
Clever Park Pool
Residents only
After a rocky start to the season, following mechanical issues, the Clever Park Pool in Robinson Township is currently open and will officially close Sept. 5. Residents only will be admitted and proof of residency is required to access the pool.
Hours of operation are Sunday through Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday noon to 7 p.m.
Residents can purchase passes, and applications can only be processed at the pool itself. The price to swim for a day is $8 for residents who haven’t purchased a pass.
Location: Clever Park, 115 Robinson Pool Drive, Robinson
Settler’s Cabin Park
Catch a wave
The Allegheny County Parks Department recently announced the Settlers Cabin Park Wave Pool in Collier, along with other Allegheny County pools and spray parks, opened for the season June 4.
The Settlers Cabin Park Wave Pool in Collier is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. if weather permits. No outside food or drink will be permitted in the pool area but concessions will be open.
Daily admission rates for residents are $3 for senior citizens (60 and older), $6 for adults (18 to 59), $5 for youth (6 to 17) and $1 for children (5 and under). For non-residents, it is $4 for senior citizens, $8 for adults, $6 for youth and $1 for children.
Discounts will be offered to groups of 20 or more with 24-hour notice by calling (412) 787-2668.
Pool passes can be used at all four of the county pools: North Park Swimming Pool, Settlers Cabin Wave Pool, Boyce Park Wave Pool and the South Park Wave Pool, which is currently on a delayed schedule because of renovations.
Location: Settler’s Cabin Park, 635 Ridge Road, Collier
Sheraden Park Pool
Closed until further notice
Sheraden Park Pool is closed for the second year in a row. Pittsburgh City Council President Theresa Kail-Smith said the pool isn’t closed permanently and every effort was made on her part to open the facility this year.
Both Kail-Smith and State Rep. Dan Deasy pointed to a lack of available lifeguards as the reason the pool didn’t open. Only 11 of the City of Pittsburgh’s 18 pools were opened this year.
Location: Sheraden Park, 1000 Adon St., Pittsburgh
Westwood Pool
Daily Admissions
The City of Pittsburgh’s Westwood Pool opened June 18 and will continue to be open until Labor Day, staffing permitting.
Daily fees are the same for residents and non-residents alike; $5 a day for ages 16 and up and $3 a day for ages 3 to 15.
Seasonal passes are available for city residents and their families. Prices vary.
Open swim hours are Monday through Friday 1 to 7 p.m. Adults only are allowed for lap swimming from noon to 1 p.m. and 7 to 7:45 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and during the Independence and Labor Day holidays, the pool has open swim from 1 to 5:45 p.m. Adults only are invited for lap swimming from noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Westwood Park, Noblestown Road, Pittsburgh
Avonworth Pool
Price drops after 4 p.m.
The Avonworth Pool is currently open and the season ends with Labor Day weekend.
Residents and non-residents can buy season passes, but non-residents pay more. Resident rates are offered for people who reside in Kilbuck, Emsworth, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights and Ohio Township.
Closed Mondays for private parties, the pool is open every other day from noon to 6 p.m.
The pool closes one hour later at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The pool opens at 11 a.m. for season passholders.
Daily price is $9.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and kids. After 4 p.m. the price drops to $5.
Location: Avonworth Community Park, Camp Horne Road, Avonworth
From spray parks to the natural swimming holes
If heading to a neighborhood pool isn’t a possibility, some free alternatives exist to cool off, too. Spray parks are a great alternative to pools for people who want to cool off fast and they are accessible to those who aren’t able to swim. There are several natural area water features that offer bathers the opportunity to cool off for free.
Raccoon Creek State Park – The beach is open daily through mid-September from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is a bathhouse nearby, but swimmers do so at their own risk, as no lifeguards are on duty. Smoking is prohibited on the beach.
Robinson Swimming Hole – This natural swimming hole is located along Montour Run Road and the Montour Trail in Robinson Township. The spot is open year-round allowing anyone to swim at their own risk for free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Moon Park Splash Pad – The splash pad and spray park located in Moon Park is open through Labor Day weekend. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.