Good news, New Yorkers: New York City's free public pools are opening on June 27th. Which means it's time to get excited.
Do you have your sunscreen? What about your beach towels? Excellent.
Oh, and make sure to bring your own combination lock when you go, because NYC public pools provide lockers but not the actual locks, and you won't be let in without one.
Here's another important note: electronics and newspapers are prohibited at all city pools because newspapers tend to become litter, and electronic devices tend to fall in pools. So there's that.
If you're as sick of the sweltering heat as we are (and the worst has yet to come, trust us), and too broke to pay for entrance to this city's swanky rooftop pools, chances are you've been prepping for this moment for months by now.
It's about that time to decide which NYC public pools to visit.
Since there are more than 60 public pools strewn throughout NYC's boroughs, this decision may be somewhat difficult. So we're here to help.
Here's the rundown of 7 NYC public pools you should cool down in this summer. How many will you cross off your list?
1. Astoria Park Pool (19th Street - Queens)
This giant, popular pool opens on June 27th, and it's a must-do NYC summer attraction.
Offering lockers for possession storage and free swimming lessons for people of all ages, Astoria Park Pool is a pretty awesome spot to go on any summer weekend.
It features lots of space for waterside hanging, a giant pool with Olympic-size lanes, and a phenomenal view of both the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and the Upper East Side skyline.
It also has a diving pool on one end with 1 foot, 3 feet, and 10 feet (scary!) diving boards.
And just like all other NYC public pools, admittance to Astoria Park Pool is completely free.
2. Kosciuszko Pool (670 Marcy Avenue - Brooklyn)
Also free for both swimming and swimming classes, this large, Olympic-sized Brooklyn pool is remarkably clean and boasts a rather lovely community environment.
It tends to get packed on weekends, which isn't too much of a shock.
Kosciuszko Pool also offers swimming lanes and lap hours, which, though cut drastically in 2014 (from all day to 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. daily), are still excellent for improving endurance, being outdoors, and staying cool, all while engaging in lovely, low-impact aerobic exercise.
3. Barretto Point Park (Tiffany Street and Viele Avenue - the Bronx)
nycparks Take a dip in the city's most scenic #pool. The Floating Pool in the #bronx is housed in a barge that sits on the East River. #summer #gopark #eastriver #floatingpool
Ever wanted to swim in a pool on a boat? Here's your shot.
This Bronx pool in Hunts Point sits atop a converted barge, surrounded by an amphitheater carved into a hillside, a handball court, and an amazing view.
The pool, known as the Floating Pool Lady, has a gritty, industrial past, and according to The New York Times underwent a $7.3 million renovation by the city in 2006.
Today, hundreds flock to Hunts Point every summer to splash around to swim, sunbathe, and hear live music at this South Bronx oasis, and you can be one of them this summer.
Get there by taking the 6 train to Longwood Avenue.
4. John Jay Swimming Pool (77th Street and Cherokee Place)
geirottom #johnjay #johnjaypublicpool #ilovemanhattan #nyc #eastriver #uppereast #pictureoftheday #johnjayswimmingpool
One of the most popular public pools in Manhattan, this Upper East Side gem tends to get packed with families on the weekend.
That's because the facilities at this 145-foot pool are top-notch, it has a basketball court, and an extremely welcoming community setting.
John Jay Pool overlooks the East River, and is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m, and then again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m, daily.
When the pool is at capacity, people are no longer allowed in, so if you want to take a dip here you should arrive at 10 a.m. and wait in-line.
The pool is big enough for laps, but based on this pool's popularity, that probably won't be happening.
They also have a diving tank with a small diving board for good times, and lounge chairs, which tend to get snatched up quickly.
,5. Red Hook Swimming Pool (115 Bay Street - Brooklyn)
This pool is special because it offers an adult lap swim from July 6th through August 28th, which allows fitness-minded adults to get some exercise without kids playing marco polo, splashing them in the face, or getting in their way.
The adult lap swim is Monday through Friday at Red Hook Swimming Pool from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and then again at night from 7 p.m. to 8:30p.m.
Do beware, however, that you have to register to be a part of the adult lap swim.
This pool is also open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., but again, showing up right at 11 a.m. is probably not a good look.
There tends to be phenomenal food trucks swarming around the nearby soccer fields, so this location is perfect for a summer weekend.
They also provide free lunches to kids here, and it's just a gorgeous, refreshing escape from the rest of the hustle and bustle of NYC.
6. Lasker Rink and Pool (Central Park between 106th & 108th Streets)
This enormous pool is very clean, but very cold.
Located uptown in Central Park, it's a behemoth compared to NYC's other free pools, with plenty of space to splash around and lie beside the pool. If you're looking for peace and quiet, it's best to come here in the morning.
Even though it's large, and has plenty of room for everyone to swim, it tends to (like every other free pool in NYC) attract noisy children playing loudly. The hours at this pool are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
This is the perfect pool to come to and train for any sort of race, as you will be able to swim laps uninterrupted.
7. Crotona Pool (1700 Fulton Avenue - the Bronx)
nycparks NYC's free outdoor pools are now open. Come take a swim, now until September 1. #crotonapool #crotona #bronx #summer #pools
This olympic-sized pool and bathhouse were first opened in 1936.
They were designed like a French castle, with cone fixtures jutting from the pool. It's also surrounded by animal-themed sculptures, which are reminiscent of the art of the era it was built.
It's giant-- the biggest pool in the Bronx-- and clean. It's also shrouded on one end with plenty of bleachers, so they don't run out of seating room.
It might even be worth visiting just for its surroundings, as it's enclosed by Crotona Park, which features 20 tennis courts, 11 playgrounds, 4 handball courts, 5 baseball diamonds, a nature center, a cavalcade of trees, and a gorgeous lake.
Bottom line, visiting Crotona Pool is definitely a top-notch choice for a top-notch summer day.
Check out 5 Hottest NYC Rooftop Pools You Just Gotta Take a Dip in This Summer.
[Feature Image Courtesy: NYC Gov Parks]