Best Public Pools In Chicago

Swimming is a must in the summer. Not only is it a great way to cool off and have fun, but it is also an excellent way to get some refreshing exercise. Public pools in Chicago are an outstanding place to hang out with friends and enjoy the warm weather for a low-cost day of fun. Most Chicago public pools are outdoors, but a few are indoors, so be sure to check the Chicago Park District website for specifics. There are many excellent public pools in Chicago; here are the five best public pools where you can take a cool dip.

Chase Pool
4701 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
(312) 742-7518
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Chase Pool is an excellent outdoor swimming spot for the entire family as there are designated swim hours for open swim, family swim, adult swim and more. Visitors may want to call ahead if designated swim times are an important factor. However, for those who enjoy just sitting in a lounge chair to read a book or soak up the sun, any time of the day or early evening is a great time to visit Chase Pool. The pool is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Holstein Park Pool
2200 N. Oakley Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(312) 742-7554
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Holstein Park Pool is a nice size outdoor pool at 50 yards with six lanes and offers two adult lap swims per day. There are also open swim times and family swim times every day. The kiddie pool is a fantastic spot for the little ones, and with approximately just six inches of water it is a great place for tiny tots who are supervised. Not only is Holstein Park Pool a beautiful pool, but it's also near a lovely park, making it a great family destination on a hot summer day. The pool is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Gill Park Pool
825 W. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60613
(312) 742-7802
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

This indoor pool is great for anytime of the year. If weather is not cooperating or for those who prefer to stay out of the sun, Gill Park Pool is a small but clean pool that can be visited year round, and the large windows let ample light in. This is a no frills swimming spot that is reasonably priced, making it a great place to relax or get some laps in. Weekday hours are 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.' Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday:  11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Related: Best Hotel Pools In Chicago

Hamlin Park Pool
3035 N. Hoyne Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(312) 747-7785
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

This Chicago public pool is one of the more active pools in terms of the amount of visitors. The beautiful outdoor pool at Hamlin Park offers many lounge chairs, but it does get busy, so getting to the pool early in the day will make finding a chair easier. Convenient street parking is available and Hamlin Park Pool is in a beautiful neighborhood. This is an outstanding spot to relax and catch some rays. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Portage Park Pool
4100 N. Long Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 685-7235
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Portage Park is an excellent indoor public pool for families who are looking to spend a low cost day out. The pool is surrounded by a beautiful park, so families can swim for a bit and then enjoy a nice picnic and playtime with the kiddos outdoors. Family swim, open swim and lap swim times are offered; hours are Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.. This is a fun family day for everyone of all ages.

Related: Best Museum Tours In Chicago

Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner living in Chicago, Illinois. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and MichelleGuilbeau.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of Chicago, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.