Make a splash in America’s only floating pool!
As the summer heat continues to warm the city, New Yorkers were left in a rather sweaty anticipation for NYC’s outdoor pools to reopen. And as of June 28, they had officially welcomed back swimmers!
On the list of outdoor NYC swimming spots is “Floating Pool Lady”—America’s only floating pool. And though NYC has received location approval for the ‘Plus Pool’ headed to the East River, this is the first U.S. floating pool to currently exist.
Unlike your average spots to swim, “Floating Pool Lady” at Barretto Point Park in the Bronx is actually located on a barge floating in the East River! Walk across a gangplank to travel between land and the seven-lane infinity pool that boasts incredible waterfront views, along with guest access to locker rooms, bathrooms, and a pool house.
The concept of this floating pool was inspired by the historical “floating baths” that used to line both the East and Hudson River at the turn of the century, shared the Floating Pool Lady’s website. These “rectangular structures [were] held afloat on pontoons,” and not only provided New Yorkers with a way to bathe, but a chance to learn how to swim.
With the mission to create “movable waterfront pools for recreationally underserved communities,” this half Olympic-size pool free to the public is truly an incredible summer destination in NYC.
The pool hours will run from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. Swimming will be paused from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. for pool cleaning. Due to a shortage of available lifeguards, all swim programs such as lap swim, senior swim and more have been cancelled for the 2022 season. Learn more on the NYC Parks website here.
Location: Tiffany Street and Viele Avenue, Bronx (Barretto Point Park)