San Antonio’s Free Outdoor Pools Reopen June 20: Where Families Can Swim This Summer at 23 City Pools
As South Texas temperatures continue to climb, San Antonio families will soon have even more ways to beat the heat without spending a dime. Beginning June 20, San Antonio Parks and Recreation will open 23 outdoor swimming pools across the city, providing residents with free access to swimming, fitness programs, and summer recreation opportunities.
For many families, city pools are more than just a place to cool off. They serve as neighborhood gathering spaces where children learn to swim, seniors stay active, and residents connect with friends and neighbors throughout the summer months. The annual opening of San Antonio’s outdoor pool season marks the return of one of the city’s most accessible recreational resources.
Free Summer Swimming Returns Across San Antonio
San Antonio Parks and Recreation announced that all 23 outdoor pools will open for regular summer operations beginning Saturday, June 20. Each facility will offer free admission and extended operating hours throughout the season.
Most pools will operate from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., while select locations will offer earlier swim times from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pools will be open six days per week, including weekends, with each location observing one designated closure day for maintenance and staffing.
The regular summer pool season is scheduled to continue through mid-August, while several extended-season pools will remain open into September.
Cassiano Pool will remain closed as construction work continues at the facility.
Why It Matters for San Antonio Families
Access to safe, affordable recreation becomes especially important during the hottest months of the year. With outdoor temperatures frequently reaching triple digits, public pools provide a valuable resource for families seeking relief from the heat while encouraging physical activity and water safety.
The city’s free pool program also helps ensure that children and adults from all neighborhoods have access to swimming opportunities regardless of household budget. For many residents, nearby public pools become an important part of summer routines, helping reduce screen time while promoting healthy outdoor activity.
The program also supports broader community goals by encouraging social interaction, recreation, and wellness throughout San Antonio.
More Than Just Open Swim
In addition to recreational swimming, San Antonio Parks and Recreation offers several free aquatics programs throughout the summer.
Available programs include:
- Group swim lessons
- Senior swim sessions
- Aqua fitness classes
These programs help residents of all ages build water confidence, improve fitness, and stay engaged in healthy activities throughout the season.
Special programming includes:
Senior Swim at Southside Lions Pool
Senior Swim takes place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Southside Lions Pool, located at 3100 Hiawatha.
Lap Swim at Woodlawn Lake Pool
Lap Swim is available from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday at Woodlawn Lake Pool, located at 221 Alexander Avenue.
Community Swim Partnerships Expand Access
Beyond the city-operated pools, San Antonio Parks and Recreation has partnered with several local organizations to provide additional free Community Swim Days.
Participating partner facilities include:
- North East Independent School District (NEISD) Sports Park Pool
- Southwest Independent School District (SWISD) Aquatic Center
- Thousand Oaks Family YMCA
These partnerships help increase access to aquatic recreation across the region and provide additional opportunities for residents to enjoy summer swimming.
San Antonio Outdoor Pools Opening June 20
The following San Antonio outdoor pools will be open beginning June 20:
| Pool | Hours | Closed Day |
|---|---|---|
| Cuellar | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Wednesday |
| Dellview | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Wednesday |
| Elmendorf | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Monday |
| Fairchild | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Wednesday |
| Garza | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Thursday |
| Heritage | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Wednesday |
| Kennedy | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Thursday |
| Kingsborough | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Monday |
| Lady Bird Johnson | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Tuesday |
| Lincoln | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Monday |
| Monterrey | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Tuesday |
| New Territories | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Thursday |
| Normoyle | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Monday |
| Roosevelt | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Thursday |
| San Pedro Springs | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Tuesday |
| Southcross | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Tuesday |
| Southside Lions | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Wednesday |
| Spring Time | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Thursday |
| Sunset Hills | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Tuesday |
| Ward | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Monday |
| Westwood | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Tuesday |
| Woodlawn Lake | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Monday |
What Happens Next
The June 20 opening follows the launch of seven pre-season pools that began weekend operations in May. Residents can also continue enjoying seven city splash pads, which remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through October.
For year-round swimming opportunities, the Atanacio Garcia Natatorium remains open throughout the year.
Residents planning summer outings are encouraged to check individual pool schedules, programming details, and community swim opportunities before visiting. Information on pool locations, splash pads, classes, and partner swim sites is available through San Antonio Parks and Recreation at SA.gov/Parks and on the department’s social media channels.
As summer gets underway, the reopening of San Antonio’s outdoor pools offers a simple reminder that some of the city's most valuable community amenities remain free, accessible, and designed to bring neighbors together one swim at a time.
For more community news, local events, and family-friendly activities across San Antonio, stay tuned to My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.