a guide to LGBTQ-friendly pools in D.C.

When a summer day arrives in Washington, there is only one thing in everyone’s mind. Where is the pool located? Rather than FRET, Washington Blade has compiled a list of places the DC LGBTQ community can wear speed, fly around, and enjoy the summer.

Public pool:

To access the DC public pool, district residents must first create an account with the DC department of Parks and Recreation and obtain a free membership by presenting a valid photo ID in the pool. For more information about DC Public Pools, please visit dpr.dc.gov/findapool.

Banneker Pool (2500 Georgia Ave NW): Popular with both young adults and families, the springer pool features a dedicated wrap lane for serious swimmers and a spacious outdoor swimming area with separate shallow children’s pool designed for child safety and fun. The pool is often known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, hosting community swimming events.

Francis Pool (2435 N ST NW): Located at the bottom of the fog, this outdoor pool is easily accessible from the bottom of the fog GWU Metro station. It offers 25-yard wrap lanes perfect for fitness swimmers and open swimming hours for casual visitors. Its central location is a convenient option for downtown residents and workers.

Volta Park Pool (1555 34th St NW): Located near Georgetown, Volta Park Pool is a smaller, more cozy community pool that is preferred by locals. Due to limited capacity, it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on busy summer days. The pool offers a friendly and relaxing environment and is perfect for quick swims and cooling on hot days.

Wilson Aquatic Center (4551 Dr. Fort, NW): Recognised as one of DC’s best indoor aquatic facilities, Wilson Aquatic Center boasts a large 25-meter competition pool with diving boards suitable for swimming competitions and advanced training. The property also includes a leisure pool for recreational swimming, a whirlpool spa, a spacious observation gallery for spectators, and multi-purpose rooms used for classes and community events. Conveniently located in Tenry Town, just a short distance from Tenry Town and AU Metro station.

Anacostia Pool (1800 Anacostia Drive SE): Located along the scenic banks on the Anacostia River, the pool offers a peaceful environment for swimmers. The facility offers a variety of programs throughout the summer, including swimming lessons of all ages, water aerobics classes, and other aquatic activities aimed at promoting fitness and community engagement.

Kenilworth Pool (4321 Od Street NE): Part of the newly renovated Kenilworth Recreation Centre, this large outdoor pool is the heart of the upgraded facility. Featuring ample swimming space for rap swimmers and recreational users, as well as modern amenities and well-maintained grounds, it has become a popular option for residents of Northeast DC.

Private pool:

Vida Penthouse Pool; Multiple Locations – (1212 4th St., SE), (1612 U St., NW), (1845 Reston Row Plaza, Reston, Va.): This fitness club Many people in Washington’s LGBTQ community can find kikinning on a sunny weekend and sipped vodka lemonade. The pool features a unique watering hole experience that can only be called “vida” with a full bar and restaurant.

YMCA Anthony Bowen Pool (1325 W St., NW): Home to the first African American branch of the YMCA; This site It features an indoor heating pool. Perfect for lap swimming, aqua classes, and lessons.

Viceroy Hotel Pool (1430 Rhode Island Ave., NW): This DC hotel There is a small rooftop pool in Logan Circle, with hotel guests and “Daycation” pass holders ($150 for rooms between 7am and 7pm) and public access after 7pm.

Hotel Zena Heady rooftop (1155 14th St., NW): Provides a stunning Thomas circle view, This rooftop pool and bar It is open to hotel guests and locals, with a $50 pass and a private cabana for six starting at $500. Every Wednesday at 9pm I dive into a poolside movie night with popcorn and cocktails. The bar is open Tuesday through Sunday, with the pool open daily from 8am to 7pm and service starts at noon.