At the time of writing, there are still eight weekdays (including Labor Day) and four weekend days left in the 2011 summer swim season to see this gargantuan product of the Great Depression. The pool, just 30 feet shy of a football field's length, was constructed by the Works Progress Administration in 1936 under the directon of master builder and Parks Commissioner Robert Moses (the guy who also built the Lincoln Center, the United Nations building, the Triborough Bridge, the Henry Hudson Bridge, Jones Beach, and so on). The city recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of Astoria Pool, and ten others (http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_history/pools.html) created that fateful year in the city's history. How apropos that my first visit to the giant pool (and to Astoria itself for that matter) coincided exactly with my place in "The Power Broker" (Robert Caro's Pulitzer prize winning biography of Robert Moses), which describes Moses's influence in bringing about the WPA pools that were built in 1936. Even better, my Candian friend was in town, and after she made one too many jabs at the U.S. system of measurement, I decided I had to pull out some really big guns and show her something to silence any scorn for our nation. We spontaneously caught a Q train north, which somehow came to a dead stop at a DOWNtown track around 57th and 7th. We made our way back to the uptown Queens-bound track and resumed our journey. As we approached the end of the line, we asked random people where the pool was, assuming that they were all locals. They told us that the very last stop at Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard was best, but the park was so large and obviously located that the penultimate stop at Astoria Boulevard would also do just fine. At the exit, an MTA employee who refused to tell us a street number but impatiently hollered through the glass: "There's only one way to go out of here. I said TAKE A RIGHT and then keep walking past 25th!" So we did that, walking past a quiet, old businesses and nicely shrubbed, conjoined residences with turreting and rail-less balconies. When a family of four materialized in front of us, we could tell by their amphibious attire and the locks hanging from their rucksacks that they were headed the same way. Speaking of locks, we hadn't planned on visiting a pool, and didn't have a single lock between us. So as the park appeared, bookended by the Hell Gate Bridge to the north and RFK bridge to the south, we strategized about how to deceive the pool guards. We reached a downhill slope, at the bottom of which was a large brick building with the dreaded greenshirts guarding the door. On our level, was a rooftop terrace overlooking a lake....no, the Astoria pool! In the 5 p.m. sunlight, the eternal rectangle looked like a slice of the Caribbean sea - shallow throughout, reflecting prisms of light from a dazzling powder blue bottom. Once we tired of taking photos, we went to face the guards. "You got a lock?" one asked. I lied, and was admitted, but the tougher lady guard stopped my friend, exposed our locklessness, and directed us to the conveniently located concession stand right behind us. They had huge bottles of Coppertone, too, but after paying 7 bucks for a keylock, I wasn't in the mood to shop. The signs above the locker entrances were in original art deco font. A chill went down my spine at the sight of the multitudinous robin's egg blue changing stalls. The showers were dark and extremely narrow to conserve space; a tribute to the economic hardships from which the facilities were built. We walked out onto concrete terraces overlooking the pool, mirrored by identical seating on the opposite side under a shading structure. The water was divided into mini-squares that in themselves were as big as regulation sized pools. Here and there, lanes were up, but most of the swimmers prefered to exult in the mayhem. Since there was a bit of a chill in the air, the pool wasn't as crowded as the thousand-capacity numbers known to crush this place at times. I wish they'd one day let people do laps lengthwise, just because a mere 8 laps would make a mile. The sun was still strong - a lifeguard with an Aziz Ansari way about him lent us his own bottle of block at our request. We asked another guard where the bubbler was. He told us it was wayyy across on the other side, or we could just lap up the spray from the mushroom fountains because "it's the same water." An empty diving pool with a triple decker diving platform rusting above it was tactfully screened off so that the more dominant scenery we enjoyed while floating belly up was the sight of hundreds cavorting in the water under ex-large banners of the very first publicity posters for the pools. Everyone should go here and witness the simultaneous presence of economy and grandeur. One may clearly feel that this is what New York is made of. Top that, Canada! (jk...sort of) read more

I usually hate being a negative Nancy. Especially about fun things to do in the summer. But YEESH! It felt like I had to jump through less hoops than security at the Airport! And I only live about 2 blocks away so I didn't have to trek in from elsewhere. You MUST have a lock. You can't keep anything next to you while you're laying next to the pool. Not a super big deal for me but I can imagine that parents might have a tough time abiding. Once you get in the locker rooms, they are gigantic, disgusting and you better be comfortable being naked when you change because none of the stalls have doors (thanks for the privacy parks department...). They then tell you to shower before you go in to the pool area. The pool AREA. I had no plans of going into the water. I was going to read my kindle and relax. Oh wait, but I couldn't do that because absolutely no electronic devices are allowed in the pool area. It seems like maybe they need to get with the times a little bit more. Almost everything is electronic. Needless to say, I got my stuff and left and didn't even go into the pool area. Call me naive, or a complainer, but it just seems a little ridiculous to have all of these silly rules. It's great that it's free and close by (for me) but with facilities that are lacking and a staff that was less than friendly or helpful it doesn't seem worth it. Now that I know what I'm in for I might go back again...but most likely not. I think I'll just go to the beach. read more

This place really surprised me. I have to hand it to this place, for a public pool they have there ish together. The place is rather big, holds a ton of heat beaten people but is not all that crowded. There is plenty of room to just sort of just float around. The place is clean too. I didn;t see any tell tale signs of there being any P in this OOL. A word to the wise though, check the website for rules and guidelines. For example what you can and cant wear. Oh and bring a lock. This place is pretty rule heavy but for good reason. You wouldn't want a place that you are dipping your whole body in to just let anything go. It's time for a return trip, I'm warm. read more

This arena is well-structured for a public swimming pool. It's impressive how many patrons it can accommodate and maintain. The pool is relatively clean and the lifeguards and staff work hard to make it function well. The volume of people that come through in the summer can be difficult to manage at times, which comes with the territory and offerings. Overall, this spot is worth a dip to cool off. read more

I am really shocked this place has an average of four stars. I grew up in Astoria. I remember coming here when I was a kid. Actually remember the food stand being open. I also remember other kids telling me how they used to pee, take poops in the pool, and do other things. Gross things. My memories here aren't that great. After reaching my teen years, I turned my back to this particular pool for good. In fact, Astoria Pool is one of the leading factors for my on-and-off misanthropic adult attitude. Yeah, okay, it's free and whatever, but remember - just because its free doesn't mean its all that and a bag of soggy chips. Oh, and when I was growing up in Astoria, I used to hear urban tales about death in the diving pool. The section of Astoria Pool that's been not in usage for aeons. The only good thing about this place is that it's a WPA product. So if you're a history buff, this might be of some interest to you. Then again, if you want to swim in a public toilet that smells like bleach and feels like a correction facility, that's your business. http://queenscrap.blogspot.com/2008/01/astoria-pool-looks-very-uncool.html http://www.craigman.com/swimming-pool/swimming-pools-astoria-park-pool-and-play-center/ http://www.qgazette.com/news/2007-08-01/front_page/001.html read more

I LOVE this pool! It is super clean, big and has a beauiful view of the Triborough bridge. I love the architecture of it as well. It is so art deco and fascinating. I feel like I time traveled back in to the 1940's. On the downside if you bring a young child of the opposite sex it could be a bit of an issue. I took my then 7 year old son there last year and the security guards INSISTED he go into the men's lockeroom by himself with my 12 year old godson who was visiting from Florida. They were both kind of freaked out and so was I. One of the guards, however, was kind enough to keep an eye on the boys and guide them through until they met up with me after I changed in the women's lockeroom. I understand there are huge lines but I went late in the afternoon, I guess after the infamous 3-4 pool closing time, and the line was minimal. I guess everyone else went to the pool earlier. Also, it was a weekday. I'm looking forward to going back again. Especially wish I were there today, however, I understand the pool opens in July....boo!!! read more

It is a VERY big pool. We didn't have to wait in the line so it was a big plus. We had the swimming suits on from the car so no issue there of locks and lockers. It's pretty dingy and dark in the locker/shower area. The pool itself is clean except my little ones complain of stepping up on something sharp in the water. Lifeguards were everywhere and very attentive. There is no family room for a dad to take his two toddler/little girls to change or bathroom use. The Canteen in the pool area is pretty cool. People who work there are nice and professional. I like the convenience of the pool near where I live read more

What a treat to have such easy access to a free, clean, huge public pool in my neighborhood! You really can't fathom how big the Astoria Park Pool is until you see it with your own eyes. It's pretty impressive that they manage to keep it so clean, but I'm sure that's what the 1 hour break (3-4pm) is for. On top of that, you have a beautiful view of the East River and RFK (nee Triboro) Bridge. I went for the first time on a weekday afternoon, and while it was busy, it certainly wasn't overcrowded. There was space enough in the pool to float around and swim very short distances without being too disturbed. Watch out for all the kids though, because they certainly won't be watching out for you! The employees here run a pretty tight ship and they don't mess around. Don't let that intimidate you - they're just doing their job and they have a lot of people to account for. As long as you go prepared, there shouldn't be any trouble. Most of the other reviews already covered these details, but just to reiterate: 1. Bring a lock!!! We came unprepared for this, and the manager was nice enough to let us leave our stuff in the front office. The only things allowed on the deck are: towels, water bottle, sunscreen, flip-flops, reading material. Your wallet, cell phone, bag, etc. will have to be left in the locker. It's better to not even bother bringing any valuables. 2. They do a swimsuit check before they allow you in, so arrive already wearing one. 3. You have to go through the separate men and women locker rooms to gain access to the pool. The locker room is huge in its own right. Lockers are on the left, and there are tons of changing stalls but none have curtains. To get some privacy, a good trick is to hang your towel over the front of the stall. There's also a lady who makes sure you rinse off in the shower before you head out to the pool. The sooner you can get through the locker room, the better (it's dark, damp and gives off a very "detention facility" vibe). 4. The pool's open 11am-3pm and 4-7pm. For lap swimming, it's open for early morning/evening sessions at 7-8:30am and 7-8:30pm. My husband's gone a few times now and he says there's usually a decent crowd then too, although it's not nearly as many people as the regular hours. With the current heat wave going on, I know I'm definitely going to make the most of having this pool so nearby. Can't wait to jump back in! read more

IT'S FREE!!! So how bad can it really be? However, are too many rules, and the city park employees will give you the feel that you are in a correction facility (yelling and sending you places), but if you can look past that (and once you're done obeying all the rules) and actually get to the pool area it's gorgeous! The pool is huge and you def. will have space to cool off. Now if you intend to swim laps, go some place else... Here are some helpful tips: 1. You MUST bring a locker key with you otherwise there is no place for you to store your stuff , as you're not allowed to bring it to the pool area. 2. No food allowed. 3. The hours are 11-3 and 4-7, btw 3-4 you must find something to do, or just simply leave. 4. IT'S FREE, no complains here since I usually pay $25 to use pools those private co-ops be having- with the same/similar outcome...to lounge in the water... All in all, a good chill and the view is pretty ...the Triboro, my bad, RFK bridge..go enjoy and keep cool Nueva YoLk...:)) read more

Have you ever seen the movie The Sandlot? It's one of my favorite mediocre comedies of the 90's, and there's a big scene that takes place in a public pool during the summer where one of the kids fakes drowning so he can make out with the hot teenage life-guard. That's totally what I felt like going here. No, I didn't make out with any life guards, but this place definitely made me feel like a kid again. Enormous, fun, crowded, but not too crowded, the Astoria Park Pool (which claims to be the largest in the city) is decidedly perfect for a summer getaway right at your fingertips. It's free, relaxing, and lovely, and is the perfect excuse to go visit your friends in Astoria (c'mon we all have 'em - love you Jess!). Yay for summer :). read more

Astoria Park Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Astoria, New York

You can basically only enjoy this pool if you tell yourself you're only going to cool off for like an hour tops, bring nothing with you except a towel and this way, no hustle over lockers and locks or getting your towel shaken by staff making sure you're smuggling in sunscreen or something. And if you wouldn't mind any type of non-discreet people flashing their vaginas at your 5 year old cause they just won't use the designated changing rooms well then by all means, enjoy! If that's what you want then Astoria park pool is perfect and clean but if you're used to the idea of a lounge-type pool where you can sip water outside of pool just watching your kids splashing their way through a hot day, while safe with their sunscreen on etc and some cool water in their bottles to sip if need be then don't bother! You're better off going to a park with sprinklers instead. Let's just say quality is not just about how clean the pool is but how comfortable you can be while using it, especially if you go with kids, and how well you are treated by staff. And fyi, to buy a lock outside of there if you don't have one, costs $10. Ridiculous! Personally, never again in life! read more

Pros: Its huge. I was able to have a decent space all for myself and for my friend for a good while. making laps for a good amount of time until a swarm of kids took over to which i simply swam elsewhere. I taught my friend how to swim. I was amazed how fast he caught on. The space was great for first timers. Everyone minds they're own business and again theres a lot of room despite the huge line at the entrance. Cons: As I was swimming I often ( 3-4 times) got my hand caught in webs of hair floating in the water... its pretty gross.. but I guess if you can shake off that nasty sensation of having hair between your fingers like how i had to do.. its not so bad.. Overall I had a wonderful time, pool was clean ( I didn't see any poop or see any kids pissing in the pool [ if they did piss in the pool i didn't see it happening]) Again I taught my friend how to swim and it was his first time swimming ever in his life. The view of the bridge was gorgeous especially during sun set. Anyways I had a real memorable experience . Enjoy!! Ps: I wished they enforced the rule in wearing a swimming cap... read more

For a free pool and something that is 5 minutes from my house this is as good as its gonna get. My 4 year old son loves this place and yes there are rules but as long as you bring a lock and an actual bathing suit what is the big deal. Think of the chaos there would be allowing everyone in with their coolers and food and what not, how much of a mess it would be. I like that they have rules because it keeps the place in check and clean. The free swimming lessons are great for my son and help give him some kind of instructions to encourage him to swim on his own. While the kiddie part could be updated a bit, throw some water shoes or sandals on your kid and you are good. The pool is huge and hence feels cleaner rather than some other public pools. There is plenty of space to spread out and have your own area. Its amenities like this that remind me why its better to be in the city rather than LI or Westchester. read more

This is an update to my previous review. I wrote to the NYC Parks Commissioner about adding an express line for the people who come prepared without any bags that need to be checked (aka "people saving the city money"). I was told that an express line wouldn't be fair to the people who got there first. You mean the people who bring all their stuff with them like it's a camping trip which causes the line to be an hour long? I am doing the city a favor by paying taxes to support this pool and showing up without needing to be checked. I am letting the city keep more of my money by not being a troublemaker at the gate. And this is how I am repaid. read more

Not a bad pool for a community pool! It's definitely HUGE and has nice scenery. My son took a swimming class at this pool. The instructors seemed nice and very engaged. Unfortunately, my son had an older instructor who was nice, but not as active and lively as the younger instructors. The lockers rooms are a bit outdated, but, they are clean (I won't be too picky). I think they should have a family changing room/area; here is why. I had to leave my 7 year old outside the locker room alone while I went to the showers to lock our stuff away and take a shower before entering the pool (I understand he is 7 and there are little girls in the locker room changing, but, I wasn't comfortable leaving him alone). I quickly went inside the locker room and returned to him only to have someone yell at me and tell me I can't enter the pool area through the main entrance, I should have used the door at the end of the locker roomy right next to the showers. I asked her how was I supposed to use that entrance if my son isn't allowed to go into the locker room with me?!?!?!?!?! She sucked her teeth and said "Okay!!!" and asked one of the guys in the green uniforms to let me through. After that debacle, We went to the pool and had a decent time. The pool wasn't too crowded because it was early, just when the pool opened after the swimming classes. After enjoying the pool area, I went back to the locker room and had to leave my son outside, AGAIN. I had no where to change him and he would have needed a little bit of help from me so I had to change my child in the car. Bottomline, the pool is Ok and wasn't the worst experience. Yes, the employees who work here are very, very, very serious about the rules! So don't go there unprepared. TAKE A LOCK! read more

My second summer in Astoria and unemployed, I decided to take a chance on the FREE Astoria Park Pool. Let me tell you that its A-MAZING. Random entrance rules and numerous gatekeepers make you feel like you've entered a boot camp. But once you get in...its fantastic. The water has a few leaves and whatever, but its surprisingly clean. And it didn't feel crowded at all. When it starts scorching in July, you better believe I will be cooling off and getting a tan at the pool! FYI - as many previous posters have said - bring your own lock! Enjoy! read more

I used to go here as a kid and the rules are a welcomed improvement. Not sure why people have issue with the rules, only tells me they don't know how bad it was in the past, babies with diapers in the pool, trash everywhere, I mean as a kid didn't give a shit but still i can imagine it being much worse then for adults than it is now. They're pretty simple rules to follow, certainly not the 10 commandments or the Code of Hammurabi, and of course its not a beach. I think if you want to pay for a pool join a sports club, or buy a pool in your backyard. Seems pretty obvious that "public" implies impartial access by the public. Incurring a fee every time you wanted to enter a public place is ridiculous. Imagine having to pay for the public library or take a jog at the track, let us poorer NYers who are content with the simple rules enjoy an Astoria landmark free from the transplants who want to make Astoria the next premium utopia. read more

Great views and super clean. Besides that it sucks. Tons of rules like your in elementary school. They basically don't allow anything inside the pool. No shirts no sneakers no bags no cell phones no nothing just swim trunks and a towel. And they check you. And then they close the pool at 2:45 completely and re-open at 4 PM. They even have cops to enforce rules. Oh yeah and you gotta take a shower in their locker room before you can enter the pool area even if your not going inside the pool read more

This is the largest pool in NYC and has the most history. It was the site of the 1936 Olympic Trials for the U.S. Swim team. It is surprisingly clean for such a huge pool and completely free. It does have a few rules though: you have to bring a lock to secure your belongings and the pool is closed from 3 p.m. to 4.pm. read more

I am compelled to write a review about this pool and inform you of a few things that I learned the hard way. So, I didn't actually make it to the pool. But I did attempt to go twice. Which means that I want to tell you to learn from my mistakes! The pool is open daily in the summer. Do you think it's open ALL DAY? No. Think again. It's open 7 days a week BUT ONLY FROM 11AM - 3PM and then an odd 1 hour break, then again from 4PM to 7PM. Don't be a fool like me and get there at 3PM. Also, you must bring a lock, otherwise they will not let you in. Smart note: Remember your lock combination. Don't be like me and get it clipped. If you have a key, put it on a safety pin and pin it to your bathing suit. Easy peasy! Good luck battling the lines. They look absolutely ridic on a hot day. read more

We went here for the 1st time the Sunday of 4th of July weekend and I was expecting a typical seedy public city pool experience. I was really surprised! This pool IS the largest of the 5 boroughs, able to hold 3,000 people, yet it didn't FEEL crowded. It's clean, well-monitored, kid and adult friendly, and secure. We stayed an hour or two and had a great time. When you go, be prepared and bring a lock with you to lock up your bag in one of their lockers (don't worry, the locker rooms are monitored), as you are only allowed to bring in your towel and other sunning accessories. No picnic lunches, coolers, etc. here folks. They are serious about keep this a nice, clean, safe place to cool off. Oh yeah, and they have fountains off to the side to run through :) read more

As a single father, a free pool is a boon. My sons have gotten into swimming this summer. They have lessons and have spent time swimming with their mother. But they wanted to swim on my weekend, so I took them here for the adventure of going to a new place. And it went well, except I forgot to bring towels. Yesh. I read the reviews, so I was ready with a $7 lock they sell. You need go to there prepared, in your suits, and no problem. The pool is huge. It wasn't crowded mid August at 11am when we went. There are plenty of life guards. Yay. I'm going to be coming back here. I found parking without a problem on the street near by. Thank you to the other reviewers for explaining all the rules. The lifeguards looked bored. They have lots of thinking time. They could all be world class philosophers with all that thinking time. Too bad they can't read. They must really be thrown back onto their own mental resources. read more

Great place with zero complaints. Staff and hrs are good. Strict rules Bathing suit (mesh insides for men) A lock No electronic devices in or near the pool No outside food They inspect off of this and I think it's great, simple and safe for everyone. read more

The bottom line with the pool: you get what you pay for. The pool is really big and clean / well-maintained. However, there are so many people that use it that it really ends up not being that great. I'd say that even though it's free to register for swimming there, it's not worth it. I registered for the morning swim sessions that go from 7am-830am and here's what I found: 1. The pool is already jammed by 715am. So much so, that on the first day, a bunch of people got there at 830am and had to wait an hour only to not get in at all. 2. Despite that they have lanes for each pace, most lanes have more than 6 people in them. It gets super crowded super fast and it's tough if you want to take a rest. Note: you're not allowed to rest on the wall at the end of lane. You kind of have to stand near the corner of the lane, which is really hard when there are already 3-4 people there resting. 3. The staff are friendly and doing their best to keep everything orderly, but it's really hard because there are so many people there. 4. The pool itself was very clean and not too chlorine-y (although there was chlorine). It's an outdoor pool so occasionally there's a twig or whatever, but it was no biggie. I didn't have a nightmare experience here like some people claimed. I of course brought a combo lock and showered before I got in the pool so I wasn't subject to some of the hate from the staff that other people experienced. But, it just wasn't that great because it was so crowded. read more

Again, SUPER impressed by the NY Park system. (Lap Swim, Open Swim, Familyish Area) This pool is HUGE. I looked up the regulation size "Olympic" sized competition pools, and this is over 4 times the size. It isn't that deep though. I'm guessing the deepest part is about 5 feet. But what an amazing resource for the Astoria/Queens/NYC community. I love the old style of the building. There are big steps to sit or lay out on and plenty of room around the pool to relax. The showers are a little less than maybe not so awesome. The whole locker room feels like a prison inside, so don't expect much from that. BRING A LOCK. I also came here for lap swim and it's such a big pool I didn't feel that crowded even though there were quite a few people for evening swim. There are actually some fast swimmers that come to this pool, so if you're worried about getting stuck behind some slow people, don't. Everyone was pretty courteous about moving out of the way or into slower lanes. Something strange about this pool... Every time I've been I always see guys just stand there in the fast lane 'waiting'. If you want to show off your body, just stand outside of the pool and get the hell out of the way for people that actually want to swim. read more

This review pertains to the lap swimming section only. Overall I really like the pool, and it's a great perk about living in Astoria. The pool is big, near the Ditmars station, and fairly clean for an outdoor public pool. My main complaint is I wish there were proper lane dividers in the lap swimming area, and have it be organized by speed even during regular hours, not just the lap swim hours. That way it'd be a more enjoyable experience for everyone, since not everyone has the same speed and used to lane traffic. Today when I was trying to pass a lady on her left (which is proper passing etiquette), she grabbed my arm and yelled at me that I was swimming in the wrong direction. I was in the center of the lane and there was no one swimming in the opposite direction, there was enough space and it's how passing is supposed to be done. It happened again, she grabbed and stopped me in the middle of a lap when I was passing her and I almost choked. The lady then aggressively told me to go to a different lane. The lifeguards didn't see or didn't do anything about it. It was a very unpleasant one-off experience. In general I really enjoy the pool, but it could use more organization. read more

The astoria pool is huge but certainly did not live up to its potential. Things in general are pretty dated and not well maintained. Though they have tonnes of staff working in the premise. I went with my child, it was not well maintained (cleanliness of the pool) is my concern. These staff maintained the rules and order at the pool like must use lock if you have any bags, no cell phone allowed, no pic taking etc. Someone was stationed at the entrance to the changing room, we were denied entry as we wanted to go in for an evening swim and leave by 7pm. It was 6:25pm and we were told it was too late to enter for a swim. We had no plan to shower at the premise and we told that lady. She told us to come again tomorrow as the pool will close at 7pm. The changing room / shower facilities is huge but they are in need of improvement. Things are left pretty much the same since eons ago. It is a pity as the pool is in Astoria park with nice big trees and gorgeous view of the bridge. I have used the pool twice because my child pestered me for a swim. But we both had enough. I do hope something can be done to spruce up the whole premise, I do like the location but cannot say the same thing to the staff working there. They need to treat people nicely. read more

This pool is great!! Lots of life guards and kept very very clean. The pool is huge!! I was so excited to see that they have created a dedicated Lap Swim area during the day sessions. This is a great addition that I hope they keep. Making sure there is an area for older adults and kids to swim laps without interruption is very important. This will definitely improve everyone's health! Also this is a great alternative to the over crowded adult night swim. read more

This place is perfect for a summer swim. The water goes up to 4 feet and a few inches and there's a kids area where it's approx 1-3 feet. There's a changing area, lockers, and showering area (smells a bit like pee tho). Beyond that, it's a great place to catch up with friends or family. Tip: bring your own lock or you can purchase it at the entrance area. After that go to Sweet Jane and grab some purple rain ice cream -- your taste buds will thank you. read more

In order to partake, one must pass the gauntlet of "pool rule" enforcers that make you abide by certain must -dos (1) Bring a lock (2) Shed all clothing down to your suit prior to leaving the locker roomesque entrance (3) Take a quick shower (4) No cameras 'dem rules are there for a reason. cause then you've made it to a really beautiful park and swimming pool overlooked by the Queensboro Bridge. Initially the thought of being in a public pool scared me, but this one's pretty clean. read more

wow really brings me back to the early 2000s I pooped and did pee a lot if really felt good the waters feel like a free massage this is the best place ever! I just want them to clean out the water more often. read more

The pool itself is so wonderful. Clean big and free. But the lifeguards suck! They're lazy and unresponsive. The pool doesn't go beyond 4 feet, it's literally impossible to drown so the guards have nothing to do. When rules are being clearly violated they could care less. There is supposed to be a lap lane for swimmers only. And an 18+ lane for relaxing, loitering and no splashing. Creepy men and rude people who haven't swam a day in their lives and don't intend to start, like to take up ALL OF THE SPACE along the ends of the lap lanes. The lifeguards never tell them to move so that swimmers can actually turn around and get in a good workout. When asked by swimmers to clear off the side they are so rude and do nothing. Why would you have a lap lane AND a loitering lane if you don't enforce it? If swimmers doing laps are not a priority, then don't have a lap lane. We just want to swim without coming into contact with the DOZENS OF CREEPY MEN waiting to hit on female swimmers or just take up space that's not theirs and watch. People who don't intend to do laps, but instead just want to hang out can literally go 3 feet to their left and have a huge part of the pool to themselves. Lifeguards refuse to enforce this even when asked by swimmers. Like they have anything better to do. read more

I thoroughly enjoyed my recent visit to this pool, but I left with some questions. 1) When is adult swim? As much fun as it was wading around in the shallow end, weaving in and out of groups of splashing kids, I wanted some lane time and it was pretty clear I wasn't going to get it the day that I went. 2) Why weren't they letting anyone into the end section of the pool? It was fairly crowded when I was there, and then there was this pristine, empty section at the far end. Other than that, the pool was clean and lovely, there are plenty of lockers for storing your stuff, tons of employees around to guide you in the right direction, and you get a great taste of Queens--esp since you can see a big bridge to Manhattan from the pool. I'll be back! read more

This is one giant sized pool! If you are ok with swimming in public pools then this is your perfect setting. Set against the scenic backdrop of Astoria park, this pool has some simple rules to follow (swimming shorts n lock)! read more

Astoria Park Pool - The vast pool area - Swimming Pools Near Me - Astoria, New York

If you have a baby, be prepared to have to go down some stairs.I didn't see any wheelchair accessibility to get inside. Plus size to having baby, you get to cut the line. The women's locker room is somewhat chaotic if it's crowded. The floors are slippery so be careful.You have to take a shower before going to the pool. I don't think the staff enforces this though. Depends on the staff. You must leave your stroller right outside the women's locker room. You must show that your have a lock.You can only bring flip flops and towel.if you use a different kind of lock,nypd uses a zip tie to ensure no one can break your lock and steal your belongings.the pool seemed clean the two times I went, which was right after the hour cleaning between 245-4pm. There is a spray area off to the side too if you want to get wet but not swim or go in the pool. The staff almost went wild not allowing us when we tried to take a selfie outside the locker rooms near the fence with the pool in the background (not even on deck). All in all I think it's great, and so happy it's free, strict rules and all. Also free parking nearby and street parking. read more

Pool was pretty dirty. It was crowded with lots of families. Felt like we were in a prison ward being forced to shower when we already did. You cant bring your bags and belongings to the pool. It is good if you dont really care too much about the cleanliness. Has good lap lanes. Its free. read more

There's a lot of disadvantage about this place. First, the pool, it's disgusting as hell . Last time I went was 13 years ago, what I saw was dead insects and leafs floating the edges of the pools, random peoples hair and buggers floating in the pool, yuck!!! .I never go back there again. Idk they still do that same nasty routine as usual, but I hope they clean this pool. Secondly, I'm a type of person who goes to the sauna after going inside of the pool and why there's no sauna in the restrooms? I'm been to every pools with saunas and why this one don't? Thirdly, The restrooms or the locker rooms looks kind of like a concentration camp and the exterior part of building is so industrial . Can it make it more exotic, like a pastel Art Deco building from Miami.... Oh I forgot, the Astoria pool building is also Art Deco, unlike the one from Miami. They should renovate the building and paint with orange or green pastel with neon to illuminate at night, and palm trees in the seating area. Lastly, the food court, I don't know they sell Pina Colada and Corona, but they should have it. read more

3.5 stars... The Astoria Park Pool is NYC's oldest (built in 1936) and largest public pool. The pool is 330' x 165' x about 4'. That's about the size of 4 Olympic sized swimming pools lined up next to one another. Not only is the pool huge but the surrounding area is big with giant tiered concrete platforms to lay out and put your towel down, some covered tables, a snack bar, and a side area with sprinkler/mister things in case you wanted to cool off without getting in the pool. The pool is open from late June till early September from 11am-3pm and 4-7pm. Although the deepest the pool gets is labeled as 3.5 feet, I found myself in a few spots where I think it was closer to 4.5 feet. It's not deep but you're not jumping or diving here, just hanging out and cooling off, it's deep enough to have a nice pool experience. Overall I enjoyed the pool and the park is awesome but there are several things you NEED to know about coming here beforehand to make this a painless and surprise-free experience (which I didn't quite have): 1) There is only one entrance to the pool and it's on the east side on 19th st close to 24th ave. This is about 10 blocks west of the Bohemian Beer Garden (which opens at 5pm) 2) There is often a line of people waiting to get in, the line moves fairly quickly on weekdays but from what I hear the weekends are so packed that they stop letting people in once they hit a maximum of about 2,100 people, at which point you'll have to wait to get in. If you're far back in a line in this situation the pool closes everyday between 2:45-3:45 so you can get in once they let people back in. 3) You must be wearing your bathing suit prior to entering. This is the stupidest of all the rules and it makes no sense. 4) You must have your bags checked and you are not allowed to bring in any food or drinks (other than water) 5) You must bring a lock with you for the locker room. They tell you all electronic devices (even phones) must be locked in a locker. I'm not sure what they will or will not allow in the pool area because I just brought out a towel. For those who don't bring a lock (like me) there's a table outside the entrance where the sell cheap dollar store items for inflated prices (the lock was $7). 6) You must rinse off in their open showers before entering the pool area. Luckily the water was warm. The locker room is giant and kind of gross. You really should bring sandals of some sort to walk around there because the floor isn't very clean. I'm not sure what the deal is for women but none of the stalls for men had doors (or toilet paper), so make sure you don't have to do #2. There's also no where to change back into dry clothes after you swim so make sure you're comfortable at being naked in front of dozens of people or master the art of changing under a towel wrapped around yourself. 7) FINALLY you can go into the pool area. There's plenty of eye candy. There's a huge mix of people of all ages and races and it feels like the quintessential NYC melting pot. The pool seemed very clean and was obviously chlorinated but not overly so like I've experienced elsewhere. I'd hate to go on the weekend as I went on a Tuesday afternoon and it was as busy I'd be comfortable with it being. read more

3.5 STARS and I would go again. First experience with Astoria Park Pool was a positive experience and all said aside it was a free. Like many had said here, the park employees run a very tight facility and if you see pass the bootcamp yelling and go by their rules than you will have a good time. Tips; 1. In order to go to the pool, women/girls and men/boys have to go to their separate entrances. 2. Bring Locker w/ Key (we had the number lock and we had to buy a lock with key by the entrance $7) 3. Have to wear your bathing suit no exceptions. (our nephew was wearing shorts which we thought he was wearing swim trunks. We had to buy a swimming trunk for him right by the entrance $12) 4. No cell phones 5. No outside food or drinks 6. Wear flip flops or sandals to go through the locker room to go to the pool. 7.Hours are 11 am to 3pm and 4pm to 7pm. Closed for an hour from 3pm to 4pm. read more

i absolutely love this pool. if you want a clean pool and a good calm but fun environment this is the place. i love coming here and getting away. you need to bring your own lock and shower before getting into the pool. they do not allow you to bring your phone into the pool so the privacy is on point. very nice. i highly recommend this place y'all. read more

Astoria Park Pool - Chillen. - Swimming Pools Near Me - Astoria, New York

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