Great pool, older outdoor, good lap swim hours. San Diego weather is superb for swimmers. Bud Kearns Pool is a tip to the cap of swimmers everywhere. read more

Very nice, clean pool. Disappointing that the open swim area is so small and lap lanes are prioritized instead.

Now how do I describe the aquaerobics class at Bud Kearns pool....The Who, "Magic Bus". Everybody in the pool for a rollicking good time! Classes are 1 hour long. The instructors and the beats (music) rotate. Floating back supports, and floating barbells are free of charge. Swimming caps are not required. You must shower before you enter the pool. Prior to the class, the staff will need to either check off your prepaid card, or collect a fee, and additionally, you'll need to sign in for insurance purposes. If you frequent the pool, you're going to want to get on their email list so that you will be apprised of any changes to their schedules. A line starts forming about 20 minutes before class, and due to drop-ins, you might want to get there early to make certain that you get the equipment that you like. Classes are held at 9:00 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. An additional class will run through August and begin at 10:30 on Saturday. Don't quote me because I buy a pass for $33 to attend 10 sessions, but I think an individual class is $4. It's a very chatty class, we laugh a lot, we get a kick out of singing to music, and laughing with the instructor. The instructors change up the exercises, so it's never boring. You're free to rest in the middle of class if you need to or to adapt your workout, there's no pressure. Parking is free. Showers and lockers are available, bring your own lock. Be prepared for a line to enter class and give yourself enough time. That's it! Come on over and join us for a class or two, you may find you want to drink the Kool-Aid! read more

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The pool during the day is alright, it's medium water which means you swim normal pace. Though the second the sun goes down your swimming in flys. There was no place I could swim without there being flys blocking my body. During day it's alright pool for beginners, do not recommend at night. read more

Very disappointed with how the staff don't care to update on the website of when they will be having a staff meeting and decide to cancel open swim without any notice... only to find out when you get there to the door that's it's cancelled because of a staff meeting!! Come on really you can't add this to the website?? My son and myself were all suited up along with other families and their small children. My son was so disappointed. He waited all day to swim to have to explain some places are not professional and lack communication skills. The people in charge of the website and pool activities lack consideration for the community. They have no clue how this affects a persons day. We planned our day around this activity. We went to the ymca instead as their website was accurate and felt they cared about the community. This place left a bad taste and will not be returning here sadly. Poorly run that's for sure. Don't waste your time coming here as you might be disappointed. Apparently they close at random hours all the time. The question is why? And why can't you add this to the website? Kinda sketchy of you ask me. read more

This is an awesome pool located in Morley Field Park, right off Texas Street and Morley Field Drive. Generations of patrons have hung out here, and it's not uncommon to see someone with their kid or grandkid in tow. This place has history and the vibe is great; very approachable and laid back. Saturdays are busy with two aquatic fitness classes (9:00 AM and 10:30 AM), lap swim, and rec. swim in the shallow end. The aquatic fitness classes aren't your grandma's class. The Saturday instructor, Nikki, really hands out a workout. Don't worry though; you can modify exercises to suit your fitness level. The facility is clean, the pool sparkling, and the staff friendly. If you're looking for posh locker rooms and towel service, head over to the Plunge. If you're looking for an old school, friendly pool experience, Bud Kearns pool is it. Arrive early because parking can be tough. read more

Pool closes on the DOT at 2:30pm Saturday, get to locker room and head out prior to that time OR you will be locked out of locker room. The staff does not play around at closing time! read more

Bud Kearns Memorial Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - San Diego, California

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So called all day long, no one answered. They opened the pool today at 4pm?! HUH? Guess Monday, Wed, and Fridays are 4-8pm for limited laps. When I arrived at 4:15pm it was packed with tons of swimmers waiting. Why on earth would they close the pool all day long 3 days a week?! Won't be back. read more

This is a wonderful place to spend a warm sunny day! Friendly staff, clean facilities and very reasonable rates too, $4 for adults, and $2 for children, I highly recommend this place...and plenty of parking spaces too! read more

Proper lap pool with kick boards and pull buoys available. Staff is clearly present and active after noticing a lifeguard swimming after his shift. Day pass price is completely fair and worth it. Lots of sunlight and happy faces read more

I have been avoiding writing this review for a long time. Why?? Well, I consider this pool one of San Diego's gems. It is hard for me to accurately describe why I like it so much. I have been coming to this pool since I was about 3 years old. In fact, I have the certificate from my first swim lessons here. My best friend and I used to ride our skates here during the summer when we were 12-14. I remember taking the swim test to be able to go into the deep end. I remember jumping from the high dive. So many fond memories!! Now, as an adult, I swim laps a couple of times a week. Since I belong to a gym with a pool, I do most of my swimming there (at the gym.). About once a week I splurge and swim at Bud Kearns. I love everything about it! The open roof of the locker/shower area, the small tiles that line the pool and the smell of eucalyptus from the trees that inhabit the surrounding area. For me, it's a little slice of heaven. Swimming at this pool is not without its challenges: unscheduled closures, unpredictable water temperatures, gets a little crowded with swimmers/exercise class/swim team/water polo. You have to be prepared to appreciate it for what it is...a 100 year old treasure to the neighborhood!! read more

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My favorite public pool in San Diego so far! Large, clean and friendly staff. The busiest times I've encountered for lap swimming are right at open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. I don't mind sharing lanes at all and everyone has been respectful and courteous. By the time noon rolls around, I always have a lane to myself. I've since adjusted my schedule to come around 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM for my swims, which is perfect. read more

Nice pools but very limited hours. Not useful.

Clean, spacious, kind staff! I always go on Saturdays and so far there has always been space or a free lane. The pool is shorter than 25yd, but it's clean and nice. I like it! Would recommend!! read more

*2.5 stars* There are two types of people in this world: those who fall for charm, and those who go for convenience. Charmers will happily live in a craftsman cottage with a leaky roof and broken furnace and drive around in a 1957 gas guzzling T-bird jalopy. Meanwhile, the convenience team will happily reside in their spankin new Mission Valley condo and commute in a champagne-colored Saturn. Bud Kearns pool is definitely has charm. Unfortunately, that's all it has going for it. This is one of the oldest pools in the city, and it shows. 1940s era photos adorn the lobby, showing synchronized swimmers in low-cut bathing suits and white swim caps. The pool is surrounded by the palm trees and grassy hills of the Morley Field Complex, giving it an unusually pretty environment. The changing room is horrendous and has probably not been renovated since the 1960s-- at least. For starters, there is no ceiling. There is a small border of protection for the elements on the inside perimeter of the room. The lockers are old and rusty. The showers don't get warm. The toilets stink. The pool itself it not standard length--- 22 yards instead of 25, which make things a little more complicated if you are training for an event or want an adequate workout. There's enough chlorine to give you body dandruff. And to top it off, it's not even that cheap--- about $5 a visit, the standard price for a San Diego City pool (they gotta close that deficit somehow). About 2 miles down the road, you can pay the same to use the much better City Heights pool. I go to BK because it's the closest pool to my house and I don't like to drive. It deserves 2 stars, maybe 1. But shit, I'm a sucker for charm. read more

Bud Kearns Memorial Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - San Diego, California

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Best pool ever. I have come here for years. The area is beautiful, pool clean. Charming old building Great evening swimming lanes read more

This place is incredibly awesome in every way! We love the staff and the pool is kept in great condition! The whole scene is so fabulous and makes us so happy to be living in this community! The connection to the tennis courts and the trails and the dog park- everything about it is top notch. We love the multi cultural component. So many people from different cultures bring their children to swim- it is kind of a mini microcosm of what we would like the world to be like. We have been taking part in the parent toddler swim classes and they are superior. April is an amazing instructor! She makes the class so grounded and calm and sings songs that make the children relax and participate! Can't say enough about this place! Treat yourself! It is awesome! read more

Amazing pool! Friendly staff. Sometimes it can get busy but not always. Always a good flow of people. Never had a bad experience. Sad they are closing for the winter soon but so happy to have them available in the neighborhood read more

Great local outdoor swimming pool. Yes it an older pool, but don't let that deter you because it is kept up well, very clean, and always nice and warm (on a very hot day sometimes too warm). Nice staff, but since a lot of them are seasonal and the hours and swim times change with the seasons you may get the wrong information if you call them and ask them a question. Yes it can be a pain from time to time, but aside from that they are ALWAYS helpful and nice and as long as you are respectful. I don't see a lot of kids at this pool unless swim lessons are going, so that's always nice. I've never had a problem getting a lane, and never had to deal with rude, loud, splashy swimmers during rec swim. Not sure what everyone is complaining about with the locker rooms. Yes they are open air, and don't have a roof covering them but come on we live in sunny San Diego! To be honest I like that they are open air because they would probably be super disgusting if they were covered and moist all the time. Besides I would rather look up and see trees and a blue sky, then some generic drop ceiling any day! On another note: OH MY GOODNESS a LOCKER ROOM where other people can see you changing?? So barbaric! (note the sarcasm). My suggestion is that if you have a major issue with possibly being seen naked in a locker room or any other designated changing area...well a public pool just might not be for you in the first place. Rusty Lockers where you have to bring your own lock? Big deal. Basically if you aren't a total snob and you're just looking for a nice, clean, friendly, local pool to exercise in or take a dip on a warm day this place will for sure fit the bill. No it doesn't offer any fancy amenities, and it could use some sprucing up here and there but come on people it's a PUBLIC POOL in the heart of the park! What more do you really need? read more

California you don't know how good you have it! What's not to love about an outdoor pool in a park, surrounded by palm trees?! The pool is inexpensive, offers kickboards, is lighted at night, and is generally great! Changing room could be cleaner, but it got the job done. Great way to finish off a day at the zoo. read more

Bud Kearns Memorial Pool - Lit at night! - Swimming Pools Near Me - San Diego, California

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Friendly staff! They took time to explain how the multi swim cards work in detail, they found me a spare pair of goggles when I forgot mine, and the lifeguard even wished me a nice evening! Yes, it's an old/historic pool (1932!) but the water is clean, the changing area with concrete floor is really the only negative. read more

This pool is very cute and charming. The staff is awesome and not bad to look at either ;). The water is warm, pool is clean, cheap to swim, showers are clean and warm water. What more could you ask for? Best place for everyone in the community, of all ages, to get together and have a great time. My two children were in their swim lessons for summer and all the teachers were fantastic!! read more

Bud Kearns Memorial Pool - The beautiful tiles - Swimming Pools Near Me - San Diego, California

Having swam competitively for 18 years I have seen my share of pools. Although the location is definitely dated, I really enjoyed my swim this morning. It wasn't crowded, there were plenty of kick boards and pullboys, the staff was friendly and the location was easy to get to. I loved being outside in the sun for my swim, and the pool was at a comfy 80 degrees which was perfect. If I was training I may want it a bit cooler, but with their older demographic I can understand. Unlike some of the other reviews I did not find the chlorine overpowering and I found the facility to be quite clean given its age. The major downside is that the locker rooms are extremely dated. They do not have lockers with locks, there were only 3 shower heads, very little privacy and there was barely any cover from the outdoors. Maybe it's just me...but I find that to be weird. Other than that though it's a fabulous place for a sunny morning swim - and a shower at home after. read more

This pool is awful. The wall is fiberglass so if you touch it you will end up with a bunch of cuts. Also you have to rinse in a shower that smells like sulfur read more

For the last few summers I have been taking my kids here for swim lessons. My 4 yr old has been in class with Gabe this summer and he is the best! He is great with the kids, and a wonderful teacher. The facility is Spanish style and very charming. I feel so fortunate to have the pool so close to home, and the classes are affordable. read more

Bud Kearns Memorial Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - San Diego, California

Expect to deal with officious, overbearing lifeguards. I was simply wading through the shallow end to climb out after my swim when I was abruptly hounded and pestered by lifeguards claiming that I was disrupting children's swimming lessons, even though I am always circumspect in the pool, and could clearly see with my own eyes that there were no lessons taking place around me. Mind you, no kids in the pool ever complained to me, it was pompous, arrogant adults presuming to speak for the kids who were giving me a needlessly hard time. I don't appreciate such shabby treatment and palaver by people who seem to feel the need to justify their presence at the poolside by harassing swimmers who are minding their own business, keeping to themselves, and causing no disruption. Thanks a lot, Kearns Municipal Swimming Pool. You ruined what had otherwise been a nice, pleasant day for me. You suck! read more

Good times have been had here. It's a lovely outdoor pool for when it's sunny and all you want to do is soak up the rays but you need to do something to shift that laziness-guilt. The changing rooms are a little gross... my male friend had a very inappropriate situation happen with an older gentleman who couldn't contain his 'excitement' at seeing my rather handsome acquaintence. It happens though, and it would be rude to blame this embarrasing moment on the stafff or the level of upkeep of the place. Still, they could do with cleaning the changing rooms a little more often so they don't smell so much of wee. read more

We love summer swim camp here. Facilities are dated, but adequate. Only gripe - pool manager is an older man who's attitude and treatment of staff is condescending and rude. I have overhead him speaking to lifeguards as if they were incompetent infants. read more

Great recreation for the kiddos! Definitely a better place to be than running around the crazy world

Haven't been here since I was 10..... it's been a 12 Years and nothin has changed! Always a good time ! And only $4 for recreational swimming ! read more

this place was absolutely horrible we came in with our own life vest and then they questioned us asking if they were theres even though they seen us walk inside the place with them one of the men also yelled at one of my kids and I asked him what was he yelling at my child for and he just had a major attitude sort of gave off a racist personality and it's just very uncomfortable to swim and have fun they scream at you over every little thing I don't know if they were having a bad day but I will never go to this place again and I do not recommend going stay away. read more

I swam competitively in high school, but now I just swim for fitness and triathlon/open water. I'll make this review simple with a pro and con list: Con: -less than 25 yards (there's a conversion sign on the side of the building) - hours are generally pretty good but there's random hours of the day where it's closed depending on the season. like noon- one and 5-6. You definitely have to check the pool times on the website/call before you go the first couple of times. - gets crowded in the summer but you can usually swim in the open, lane-less section of the pool if you need to until a lane opens up. - the changing and showering area is kind of open - sometimes the pool will be randomly closed, but they usually have signs letting you know ahead of time Pro: - relatively cheap, ($3.50) and if you buy a punch pass you can opt either to keep it on site or use it at other city pools - I've never had any issues with the staff, and some know me by name (the community feel is awesome) - swimming is a great workout, and though the lanes aren't regulation, they are adequate for working out - standard kick boards, pull buoys, and flippers available for free - friendly people who will let you share lanes if needed. *I would recommend this pool to anyone who is wanting to swim to get in shape or train for a triathlon/open water swim (just add a few laps to make up the difference) avoid paying for a gym membership in San Diego there's too many good bike, running, hiking trails. This pool provides a great, cheap, low impact workout. read more

I guess in Southern California people can afford to be ridiculously picky about their outdoor pools. I'm from the midwest, where outdoor pools are few and far between and most facilities (indoor and outdoor) were built prior to 1980 so yeah. Despite being old the facility is quite clean. If you cant tell the difference between old and clean, this probably isnt the place for you. And yes there is an open air locker room but if you seriously think someone is up there in a helicopter spying on you, you should probably also check and see if your reflection is drowning in the pool and jump in to save it..... This pool has a fantastic location, easy and ample parking - which is a big deal for me as I don't go to certain places because I know parking is going to be a nightmare. The guards are friendly and on top of it, instructors seem good too. I really appreciate guards that enforce all the rules! Pools have rules for a reason!! For being a rec pool in a prime location it's never really that crowded. Again, if you need a whole lane to yourself all the time you may want to invest in your own endless pool. For a $4 or $2 drop in fee, I say this pool is a great deal! My only wish is that they were open earlier/later. read more

Yeah, it's old..yeah, it hasn't been renovated in forever, but...I LOVE this pool! It's heated, it's so convenient to hop on the ol' bike, cruise down to the pool and take a water conditioning class with the blue hairs. Yes, I am the youngest of the bunch, but I tell you what...those seniors will kick your ass in the deep water workout! After my 1st class, I thought, "how hard can this be?" until 2 days later and I couldn't lift my arms over my head. They might be wrinkley but they're fierce! Oh and classes are cheap and not crowded..wayyyy better than standing in line to use the pool at 24HR..eff that! read more

I live two blocks from this pool and have only been able to successfully swim here once. They are always closed at random times (when their posted hours say they should be open) I even call ahead to make sure the recording says they are open at the time I'm planning on going. I walk down there and .... They're closed. read more

I come from the Midwest where city pools come with slides and lazy rivers, so I had to adjust my expectations. Even so, I drove past this pool enough times, and my son and his friend were begging to go so we tried it out. I carefully read the rules online before agreeing. Taking into consideration that I myself spent 8 years as a lifeguard, 6 years of those teaching lifeguard courses, and 5 as a manager of the city pools mentioned above. I'm HUGE on water safety. My 7yo started swim lessons as a young baby, and is a fish. That said, the rule is that if your child is UNDER 7 you have to stay with him while he swims. Understood. Mine is 7 and an excellent swimmer. We should be good. We get there with this friend and the lifeguard immediately decided that although he was 7, he was a "small" 7, and therefore couldn't swim alone. What?! That's not in the rules!! I offered a swim test. They insisted, but allowed him to stay in the water "in the wall". They harassed him until I got the manager and pointed out the rules, offered a swim test (he also declined, again offering that my son "stay by the wall"). I kept siting the rules, offering they test his ability, and asking why they were singling him out. Because of his size? He's small, but not tiny! He can easily touch the floor of the area of the pool we are questioning! I then asked where the other 7yo parents were, and he couldn't answer and finally reneged. But this took up 1/2 our swim time. And ultimately they refused to allow him to take the deep end test, so he stayed in the area he could touch the ground. Meanwhile, my sons taller friend with lesser swim ability was playing away. I should note that I was watching both kids carefully, I just didn't wish to get in the water bc id forgotten sun block, and the rule of this pool is that "spectators had to sit behind the fence" a i.e., no seating at all. I'm not sure we will come back here - I much prefer a place with nicer seating and rules that apply to everyone. read more

Great pool, great spot, terrible family hours and incredibly rude staff. I love this pool because it is warm and has a great shallow end for my 6 year old. I just love this location with the tennis courts and playground nearby. I find the facility simple, clean, inviting. So, no complaints at all about the facility itself. But it is run just terribly. There are only a few hours per day for recreational (family) swim....usually during peak sun hours. We are never greeted in a friendly manner at the front desk. The lifeguards all act as if they'd rather be anywhere but at work. If the pool closes at 4, forget about trying to change your toddlers into dry clothes in the locker room. You will be harassed by college-age staff that they are not getting paid to stay any extra minutes beyond closing time so you need to get the *** out. Maybe this place works well for lap swimmers. But don't expect any warm fuzzies if you bring your kids here. read more

The water was warm and refreshing, but the staff was terribly off-putting. Too many rules for this Dad: no floaties, no water wings, shower before getting in, pay for my 1-year-old, etc. It just didn't seem very family friendly. read more

Love this place for lap swimming! Great after work or in the morning during the summer! Staff are very nice and friendly, lots of room to change and just a lovely neighborhood pool!! read more

I love this place and go up there to swim all the time. Their hours have recently improved and I have been taking a lot of advantage. It's never too crowded and even when the kids come in for their lessons it's not too bad. I guess that might change with the Summer season coming up though. The staff is very friendly and the pool is clean. The building is very nice and has a unique historical feel. I wouldn't hesitate to give it 5 stars if they were to renovate it but this is a perfectly good swimming pool for being a public location with cheap fees. read more