Best Local Pools

By Jessie Ammons
photograph by Tim Lytvinenko

Whether you’re in search of water aerobics (aquabata, anyone?), a lazy river for a family float, or just a place to refresh and splash around, there are a plethora of options at Raleigh’s local pools. Here’s a brief list of pools open to the public, organized by swimsuit-clad mission.

The seasonals
These city-owned pools offer a relief from the heat, plain and simple. At Chavis Pool, there’s  a water slide, too. For Raleigh residents, admission is $2 for ages 1-12, $4 for ages 13-54, and $3 for ages 55-plus (each fee is a few dollars higher for non-residents). Biltmore Pool: 701 Crown Crossing Lane; Chavis Pool: 720 Chavis Way; Lake Johnson Pool: 5623 Jaguar Park Drive; Longview Pool: 321 Bertie Drive; Millbrook Exchange Pool: 1905 Spring Forest Road; Ridge Road Pool: 1709 Ridge Road


Water works
Laps can be swum anywhere, but an organized class or program will make it a regular event. There’s a regular group exercise schedule at Optimist Pool and Pullen Aquatic Center. For a more thorough fitness calendar and one-on-one options, you can join the Rex Wellness Center of Raleigh for $52 per month. Optimist Pool: 5902 Whittier Drive; Pullen Aquatic Center: 410 Ashe Ave.; Rex Wellness Center of Raleigh: 4200 Lake Boone Trail


Fathoms of fun
Raleigh’s own water park can be found at Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center, where options include a three-story waterslide, lazy river, water vortex, zero-depth toddler play area, and water basketball and volleyball. Admission is slightly more than other city pools but still affordable: $3 for residents ages 1-12, $7 for ages 13-54, and $5 for ages 55-plus (each fee is a few dollars higher for non-residents).
5908 Buffaloe Road –J.A.

You can find more information about all city pools at raleighnc.gov/parks and about Rex Wellness Center of Raleigh at rexhealth.com/rh/wellness-centers/aquatics.