It's been about 20 years since I've last been to this Pool. Back in Middle School during the Summer, my class would come here at least twice a Summer and it's always been a blast. Now as an almost middle aged adult in an attempt to weather through almost triple digit weather, Astoria Pool hasn't lost its charm. As good as the trip was, it isn't perfect. Since it was a hot day there was a rather long queue that I had to wait through, which fortunately wasn't as long as I thought it would be. There are a couple of rules and regulations which do make enough sense to follow. No electronics in the pool area, you must have a lock for your locker and shower before and after being in the pool, a towel is recommended. The one drawback would be the locker rooms. I dunno how the women's one looks like since I'm a man but the men's locker leaves a lot to be desired. I know it's a public use facility but it could be more taken care of so it would look less like a Gulag from Call of Duty: Warzone, plus the lockers are pretty small, I was amazed to fit all of my stuff in there. Other than that, it's a nice way to kill some time on a hot day. Be mindful of their schedule though because an hour break is utilized from 3 to 4 PM. read more

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I came on a Sunday morning for the 11:00am- 2:45pm shift. The line to get in the pool was very long but it moved very quickly and we only waited about 15 minutes to get inside. The locker room is huge and has plenty of lockers, showers and dressing stalls to change into. The pool is Olympic size and gargantuan with an amazing view of the bridge. The best part is the way it's divided. There's a section with lanes for swimmers who want to do laps. A tanning section, away from the pool where you can lay out towels and tan or read a book. Areas designated for food consumption as they do have a food stand that sells burgers, hot dogs etc. all at reasonable prices from $6-$14. A playground right next door with sprinklers and jungle gym. And if you don't want to get into the water but enjoy the view there's a terrace outside of the pool that owns you to see over the pool and bridge. read more

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Astoria Park Pool just opened last week after being closed for a 2-year $19M renovations. Plenty of photo ops had occurred for them to ignore the fact that 25% of the "people" are allowed in at a time. There are huuuuuge lines that wrap around the park before 11am and they won't open the pool unless nypd arrives. Everyday this week, they've been opening around 11:30ish until nypd arrive. If you find this to be unjust, feel free to write letters to your council representative letting them know having all the photo op inauguration won't justify the double speak. A couple of tips before you head out here: 1- you must have swim attire! don't wear basketball shorts and a shirt inside- they simply will give you the no entry side eye. Shorts must have the mesh liner. 2- bring a lock, as they don't allow electronics & bags at the pool. If you have a key and headed to the locker room, there will be a worker patting you down. 3- certain goggles and life vest are questionable: I would ask before throwing a fit we saw on plenty days. (Vest needs to have a strap going through the crotch) 4- they make you take a shower before entering the pool. 5- only towels, water bottles and sunscreen allowed inside the pool area. They offer a free sunscreen pump if you forget to bring one The "strictness" all depends on the worker that stops you. Advice: It's best to not get into a screaming match with the workers. Take out your frustration out on the mayor for their budget cuts on lifeguards and not on the city workers simply doing their job. We must unite and not divide and project where the accountability should go.. Typical Shenanigans for New Yorkers to endure to enjoy a nice dip in their newly renovated pool. Come Early for some elbow space or come late for the wait time. read more

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They spent $19 million dollars and 2 years to renovate this, the city's largest pool, but they forgot to renovate the locker rooms and forgot to hire enough lifeguards. This means people have to wait 1-2 hours in line to get in. Once inside you are squeezed into only a small portion of the pool while the rest is left empty because there aren't enough lifeguards. Swim lap hours are very marginal, meaning 11:00am-1:30pm and 4-5pm. This is only if you can endure the long 1-2 hour wait to get in. Congrats city of NY you've managed to build a $19 million dollar urinal. read more

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The first thought I had was: "This pool is massive!". Measuring 330' (100m) x 165' (50m) and designed by John M. Hatton, this is in fact the largest of the eleven pools in New York City that were completed by the Works Progress Administration in 1936, and can accommodate 5,570 bathers at a time [1]. It is basically four Olympic-sized pools side-by-side, and it in fact hosted the trials for the summer Olympics in 1936, 1952, and 1964. It is totally free; you don't need a NYC Parks & Recreation membership to enjoy this pool. What you need is a bathing suit and a lock; the guards are very strict about this, and will check all bags. Once inside, the changing area is massive. The bathrooms and communal showers are probably the original ones from 1936, but in the end how much time are you going to spend in these showers. The pool is divided in several areas specifically dedicated to lap swimming, bathing, and shallow pool for small kids. There is plenty of room on the bleachers for your towels, and you may even be able to score one of the chaise lounge chairs by the now-covered diving pool. If you want to do lap swimming, keep in mind a few things: - There aren't specific lanes: it's free-for-all, and you only use the markings at the bottom of the pool as marking. - This means that you have to swim always facing forward in order to avoid collisions. - Similarly, you should also check if anyone is swimming towards you before you start the next lap (i.e. for your own safety you may have to avoid flip turns) - About half of the people in the lap swimming area are slow and swim breast strokes only. - Occasionally you may have a guy who stops swimming and starts walking, or people who do not realize this area is for lap swimming only. The lifeguards try to keep people swimming continuously, but there will be disruptions. - Because of what I mentioned above, it is difficult to get into any kind of rhythm; however, since the pool is much larger than your average 25'/25m pool, you get a lot of bang for your lap. Also, much less busy than other public pools I've been to for lap swimming. - Best time for lap swimming may be at around 12 noon, 1h after the pool opened (it's busier right when it opens). Food is not allowed, but there is a food stand on the west side of the pool. The few times I have been here the pool was never busy. This is true also for Astoria Park: Perhaps because it is pretty far from the subway, and the area is very residential, it is frequented mostly by locals who live nearby. If you have a car, however, this place is fantastic. --------------------- [1] https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/astoria-park/facilities/outdoor-pools/astoria-pool read more

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Yes, it is free. It's great that it's free. But there's so much pee in this pool it's disgusting. I haven't been here in the pool for about 15 years. I'll never come back here. There's always long lines and sometimes they tell you that your lock isn't acceptable when you've used it before. I've been here within the last two years to enjoy the sights. Before you even get into the pool you feel like you're in prison because you have to take a cold shower before you enter. I felt like I was being watched by a guard because they make sure you take the shower before entering. Personally, it's nice they make you do that so you don't bring germs into the pool. But the way they approach it doesn't feel nice. I feel like they pick and choose who they want to join in on the pee pool. I mean if you don't mind swimming in piss water then this pool is perfect for you. Seriously, some parts are still warmer than others. You've been warned. Just remember you got that cold shower to take after leaving the pool, that should help get the pee off you. They clean the pool late in the day and everyone has to get out of the pool. I think the time was either 2 or 3. So your best bet for clean water would be getting there at 4pm. The scenery is why this place gets two stars. It's always so beautiful to see the city from the pool when your on the highest steps. Just hope you have health insurance for that pink eye you probably will get after swimming. Also if your a woman becareful when you come here alone. A lot of bad things have happened in the past. read more

The lifeguards are very friendly. They just wanna keep you safe. There's Space to actually swimming. Plus the food they sell there is good.

Astoria pool? Or Astoria prison complex? First of all lets start off with what happens before you even enter the pool. They nitpick everything, your lock size, your bag, etc. That's fine but make sure you have the right lock or else they will try to charge you $15 for a $3 lock. I know economics but I also understand robbery. Then, the locker room situation. The guards (wardens) are screaming at you to hurry up, you need to take a prison shower, and open your towel to the guards (sorry,warden) the pool is what you expect of a free public pool. Astoria pool is the largest public pool in the tri-state area (thank you, Robert Moses) the old out-of-order diving boards are fun to look at, and with its huge size you hardly bump into people. The pool is a fun time, but the people in charge of it make it not-so-great. read more

Horrible experience, they would rush you out of the not only swimming pool but even the exit to the playground, you would only have 10 mins to change or shower while there are other 200 something people also changing. Their way of treating people to leave the pool is very disgusting. read more

Terrible management and unhelpful employees. Only half the swimming area is open due to lack of lifeguards. The pool is often closed due to contamination and the need to clean it using harsh chemicals like bleach. Usually by "contaminated" they are referring to human waste. read more

For the first time in few years I've been in Astoria, I made a trip to the Astoria Park Pool. I was surprised at how big the pool was. There were many kids swimming because it's the summer vacation, but it didn't feel too crowded because the pool is so big. The entrance is strictly monitored and the staff checks to see that you brought a proper lock. This process may take a while if there are a lot of guests but I think it's a good way to keep things organized. Approximately the left 1/3 of the pool is a lap pool, and the other 2/3 is a free-range area (not sure of the correct term ^^;). The 2/3 part is pretty crowded and you get splashed constantly, so I look forward to swimming in the lap pool section next time. Another tip, lap pool is reserved for seniors until 1 pm, at least on weekdays. read more

Great swimming pool in beautiful view of Astoria, love it! Have to go swimming in Summer! read more

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$19 M investment in what? Several lifegard chairs???? Astoria Park swimming pool is absolutely disgusting. There is dirt on the bottom of the pool. Waiting time to get in 1.5 hrs to find out that swimming is not allowed. Only middle part of pool was open for urination. Please update your website and notify citizens who are looking to swimm that this is not possible in Astoria Park pool. Extremely rude and disrispectfu people are working there. Summer 2024 experience read more

Great park! Super fun for picnics. Sprinklers open before pool. Walk past a waterfront. There's a skate park too

Real ones know that this is actually a great pool. It's HUGE, has a snack bar, locker room staff, and worth going in that NYC HEAT. Just remember to bring your locker, it's a non-negotiable, and know that large bags get searched. Like I said, real ones know. Pro-tip: Just leave before it gets crowded. It IS a public pool after all. read more

I have to agree with Modo's review: don't be impressed with this place because it's free. We pay for it with our taxes so it shouldn't be this bad. Two stars only because I didn't actually swim in it, a decision I made after talking with one of the employees while waiting in a line full of screaming children and camp goers on an early afternoon weekday. They frisk you. They check under your clothes for proper bathing attire. You must bring a certain brand of lock with you and if you don't have that brand you must buy it from them. There are no family locker rooms, someone of the same gender as your child escorts them to get changed. You can bring NOTHING with you poolside, not even a book, it all has to be locked up. "The pool is for swimming activities, if you want to read use the park for other activities". That hurts my brain. Obviously no food, because swimming and being in the sun doesn't require refueling. Clear bags only, because we all have so many clear purses. Oh and no cellphones, because pedophiles may take photos and you can't ask them not to. Seriously, this was what was told to me. They currently allow water bottles, but that might not be allowed anymore after a woman with a baby snuck in alcohol and smashed her head open slipping on the floor. So soon you'll have to buy that from them too. This city ruins things. Tan in the park instead, about the only thing the park is good for. Just know the only usable bathrooms are at the pool, which they won't let you use unless you're using the pool. The trailers in the playground meant to stand in for actual bathrooms are, according to parents, "never opened", and the porta johns had so much feces in it the toilets had overflowed and it was smeared on the walls. read more

A FREE community pool who can really ask for more? This is the perfect way to cool down during the summer but be aware of the hours and the 3:00 -4:00 pm gap and bring a lock. There is also a line to get in which is something I didn't see in the reviews. If you don't have a lock get one by the deli on ditmars or purchase one for 10$. No electronics on deck and be prepared to shower! (Which is a good thing because that means everyone has to. ) I can see how some people might be frustrated with the regulations but if you come with a lock you are golden. It makes sense anyways to want to lock your stuff just so you could enjoy the pool and there is plenty of room to change and shower. In nyc there are still ways to enjoy the summer without blasting the air conditioning. If you don't want to spend a day road tripping there is this and Rockaway beach. In manhattan public pools are minimum $40 for the day. Sure there aren't as many random people but this is for free. I have to say for a free pool I was happy with the cleanliness and there is plenty of room, even lap lanes. There aren't many chairs but plenty of places to put a towel down. I was reluctant to go but after my AC broke I needed an escape from the heat! I can easily see myself coming back, basically if you are okay with the cleanliness of a water park then you are okay with this pool. Yet another cool perk of living in Astoria and going to the the park. read more

Astoria Park Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Astoria, New York

Don't get fooled by the nice Yelp pool pics. This is a public pool. You have to wait about an hour on line to gain entry. I Was grossed out while waiting in between a group of girls eating hot dogs loaded with onions and a bunch of teenagers with whiteheads all over their face and back. The realization that they were going to be in the pool the same time as me made me dry heave. Then the Parks and NYPD search through your bag, examine your locker room lock, and make you undress while you're on the line to make sure you're wearing a bathing suit. We also got hassled for wanting to bring our kid's medical bag with us to the pool area. Loved having a cop's hand on me while he questioned what I was carrying. Oh, and the fight inside the women's locker room was really entertaining, if you're into simulating a scene from Orange is the New Black. We gave up before we even got to the pool. Avoid avoid avoid. Free = BS. read more

Given that it's a free public service, I think it's great! I think the rules are there to help keep us from having our things stolen and help us be present. I thought the pool also seemed to be in pretty good shape. I enjoyed myself all and all. read more

Reading some of these reviews I have not been in the past two years I have lived in nyc. Today was hot and I decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised. I came prepared with a combination lock and mentally prepared myself to detach from my phone. The water was nice and cool, there was no wait and I found a lounge chair right away. The view was beautiful and by not having my phone I actually got some reading done. If you want something more quiet and relaxing I'd recommend taking a dip in the pool and then going out to the park. Do note they close for cleaning everyday at 245pm.and reopen at 4pm. Otherwise for the price (aka 0) I thought it was a nice change of pace. read more

Astoria Park Pool - Only way to spend the 4th! - Swimming Pools Near Me - Astoria, New York

The pool is big. Staff is friendly, well most of them. Make sure you bring your lock. You can't get in without it. read more

Astoria Park Pool - Astoria pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Went there first time with my friend and probably will never come back again!! Three stars for the view and pool. The view was nice and the pool was pretty clean for public outdoor swimming pool. However, the locker room rules made me feel like I was in jail. You are not allowed to bring your cell phone, drink, bags, wear sandals and you have to buy lock and shower before entering the pool. They locked your locker and you have to wait until everyone leave to open your locker if you do not use their lock. ( they sell lock at the entry. You are not allow to use combination lock) they actually asked you shakes your towel to make sure no cell phone and drink hide in your towel. And people worked there were rude. They must hate their job. The line wasn't crazy long, and very easy to find parking. You can park at the park and there were plenty of street parking. We got flat tire, didn't know if someone did that on purpose. The view was nice but we couldn't take pictures in the pool. read more

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A giant, FREE pool?! Yeah, I'm a fan. Here's what to expect: 1. Bring a lock or you won't get in 2. No food allowed. 3. Men -- your swim trunks must have a net. Free, awesome, time in an outdoor pool, and a place to sunbathe. Sure, you can complain there are too many people there, or you can get up early and go to the lap swim hours, or be there right when it opens up for the day's open swim session. Have fun! read more

The basics: Nice, free pool in a nice area of town. It's not the BEST pool ever, but it has a nice vibe to it, plenty of happy people running around and getting wet, it's right next to a huge park...and yeah, it's FREE. Anyhow, I read a dozen comments or so on Yelp before heading out to check it out for myself, and found a lot of negative reviews about how "pool staff treat you like you're in a prison" and "the pool is always packed and has stuff floating in it". Dear whiners. Let me put it to you in the nicest, sweetest, most sophisticated way I can: Wah. Grow up! The place is FINE. All you have to do is bring a lock for your own good, leave your valuables in your locker (a.k.a. do stuff you'd do anyways if you had half a brain) and not wear a colored t-shirt in the pool. And yes, shockingly, there are a lot of happy families and kids running around in the FREE and gigantic swimming pool; but there's also virtually no line-up to get in, no waiting time to go into a swimming lane, and no way the pool can get SO packed that you'd feel like there's no room to flop around in the water (which, considering how many people are in there, is damned clean). So if you're not a complete and utter snob and don't have a problem swimming in the vicinity of other human beings, definitely give it a shot. read more

It's city pool and hence FREE. So you can't expect much, bring your lock, leave your valuables home, wear your goggles and dive in. If you are serious swimmer, hit the pool very early in the morning for adult swim. Lines can be VEEEEEEERY long, sometime strech all way to the TBB (that's more than a mile). When school is out this place attracts a lots of kids in Queens, some of them come all way from Corona / Flushing (apprently the pool in Flushing you have to pay?), or LIC project near the QBB. You can take Q69 bus and you are at the pool. Nice. What annoy me the most is pool closure in the middle of the day for an hour. It's hottest time of the day and pool worker takes break and kick everyone out of the pool. Must be the union thing. So imagine 3000 hot headed kids pushed out of the pool and wondering around the park, that's when most stabbing and fight breaks out. Ever wonder why helicopters flying so low near the pool? That's not TV shoot, it's the real thing. So good luck and enjoy the swim. Oh, wait it's already winter. read more

Astoria Park Pool - You can't see it but the pool is there, after you reach the corner of the photo, walk down 20 steps & more long line... - Swimming Pools Near Me - Astoria, New York

This pool is the reason I didn't die of heat-stroke last summer. When I moved to Astoria from California a year ago, I was forewarned about East Coast summers: they're hot, humid, and altogether gross. But when July hit... I was still shocked. Until I heard that the pool had opened in the park down the street... and that it was FREE. I don't turn down free things. I pulled on my swimsuit and flip flops, slapped on some sunscreen and literally ran to the pool. I almost jumped right in but was told that I had to get a free swimcard. Okay-- they took my information, I got this piece of green cardboard, and then I jumped in. If heaven was blue sixty deg water, then I was totally there. The pool is huge. HUGE. It can get crowded, but the laplanes are divided by speed and for the most part people obey. The water is relatively clean except for the occasional strands of hair (it is a public outdoor pool that houses a bajillion people, many of them with hair) and leaves from the adjacent trees. It is pretty chlorinated, which is good since there's a ton of people, but it can leave you smelling bleachy after a dip. Bring a lock and a towel. The showers aren't that great, but definitely tolerable if you're quick. Check the website for hours and times. It's primarily open the middle of June through September, for some morning and evening hours. (http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/pools ... click Queens) read more

I grew up in Queens Bridge and Astoria Pool was the neighborhood pool. We use to ride our bikes up to Astoria and hit the diving boards, those were great times. I had no Idea it was the biggest pools in NY, it was just the fun local pool. The good news is, that the pool was free then and it is still FREE, and most people in NY still don't know it is there. Now a days they only let in 3,000 people which, makes it mush more comfortable then the old days. All you runners who run in Central Park, or on the East River, you should try this side of the East River. Astoria Park is a great park to run in and then go for a swim. The little pool, the one for the little children has been upgraded with big modern work of art Johnny Pump like sprinklers and they have some palm trees and lounge chairs to get some sun, I love the improvements. The bad news, they have closed the famous diving boards and platforms in the 32 foot pool, we use to call it the big pool. Lap swim does not start until 7pm. I was told in 2008 that only life guards could use the Olympic 8 lane lap section of the pool, boo. Recommendations: 1.Open the big pool, it is the best part of the pool. It is a rear and beautiful sight to see divers going off the big boards and platforms. The average visitor and the young people love the small boards and getting into the deep water. 2. In 2009 the 8 lane section of the pool was open. I was glad to see they killed that life guard only crap. 1 or 2 lanes for Life Guards sometimes OK, but all 8 lanes all day, give me a break. 7pm lap swim, for the serious swimmers, after the pool is closed is a good service. I used it and like it. However, during the day the lap pool should be open (NO CHILDREN) signs posted. I got a few laps in, with no more difficulty then crossing the street at 42nd and Broadway. Hey, its New York we are accustom to the crowds. Laps should always be a challenge in a New York pool, just like walking. I moved out of the city of my birth, and you know I built a pool in my back yard. I have been around the world and back and their is nothing like Astoria Pool. I still love the park and my pool in the town so nice, they named it twice. read more

Astoria Park Pool - The long view south to the Triborough bridge - Swimming Pools Near Me - Astoria, New York

Being a queens native for almost 20yrs I've always been tempted to visit. I decided to take advantage of a hot summer Friday and give this pool a try. Upon arrival @11am there were about 100 people waiting in line. The pool was expected to open @11 tho opened about 20 mins later. It took only 8 mins to get in once doors opened. The staff greeted everyone and had masks available if needed. The pool has a firm set of rules that must be followed. Because of these rules the pool remains VERY clean and facilities fairly organized offering a pleasant experience. I swam for about 2 hours and enjoyed the bright sunny day. Visiting the official website for guidance is recommended before you go. I suggest bringing the following: Sandals Towel Sunglasses Hat Sunscreen Water read more

Pretty convenient that they requi need a specific brand of lock and sell it for 3x the amount it is anywhere else right next to the entry. Note: it's a master branded lock. read more

Despite the past reviews, my boyfriend and I had an incredibly pleasant time. The pool was large & clean. Lots of families were there on a Sunday afternoon, but it was able to accommodate all of us. The pool is divided into several sections, from 8 inches to 4 feet, with one part divided off strictly for doing laps. The locker rooms are probably the only downside, as they're not as renovated but just come in prepared with a lock/easy to change clothing and you should be good to go. Overall would go again :-) read more

Astoria Park Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Astoria, New York

Astoria Park Pool is incredible. It's the size of two football fields and surrounds you with fantastic decaying architecture of times long gone. The diving platform, long deemed hazardous to the city's health by folks wary of our overly litigious society, serves as a monument to the past. It's a Robert Moses icon given to Astoria to rest underneath the massive Triboro, um RFK, bridge, as a compromise for destroying what all used to be here. It's the jewel of Astoria Park. I'm a big fan of the free Early Bird / Night Owl 7 am/7 pm swims. The pool is big enough to withstand the crowds and long enough to tucker out the average swimmer quite quickly. It's always a bit of work to navigate, but swimmers do eventually find a decent lane to swim. The swimmers tend to be on the slow side if you're a professional. The water also tends to get hair, leaves, and gunk in it as the summer goes on. But a free public pool of that size is truly a blessing, and you'd expect some of that. I love spending my mornings in the sunny bliss before the heat sets in...casually enjoying a few morning laps. Astoria Pool - better than morning coffee (and that's a strong statement to make on Yelp) read more

Astoria Park Pool - Read carefully!! - Swimming Pools Near Me - Astoria, New York

Came here for the first time on a blazing hot Saturday 7/23/16 and had an awesome time!!! Parking was a breeze (we parked inside the park lot, but i saw plenty street parking) The line wasn't terribly long as we got there around 10:15am but by the time 11am hit the line was LONG! On our way out, forget about it! The line for the second session was crazy! I'd def come here early and enjoy the first part of the day. This place is def a bit stricter than the floating pool (baretto park) in the Bronx but it is a much, much bigger pool and facility. I mean for a FREE pool it doesn't get any better. Yes, you have to lock your things up and then hit the showers but so what?! its not like they are asking for your SS # , Just wear your water shoes or flip flops. BTW, the day we went the water in the stalls was nice and warm! This pool is very family friendly and the pool is sectioned off for the lil ones. My kids 3 & 6 had a BLAST! They played in the sprinklers as well. Everyone we encountered was friendly and that goes for the staff as well. The pool was clean and plenty of life guards on premise. We did see they had a place where you can buy food but we didnt try it. Overall we all had a great time and will be coming back! read more

Tons of rules! You must have a lock and it can't be too small. No electronics whatsoever at the pool so keep everything in your locker. They will ask you to shake your towel usually for two different people to make sure you're not hiding anything. No loose leaf reading material; you can bring a book because it is bound, but not a newspaper. When you walk into the women's locker room, you must change on the right side before you go to a locker. You must shower before you go to the pool. You must leave by 3pm for the hour it is closed. Bring a large towel so your feet don't touch the hot concrete! There are water fountains to refill your water and a large clock right in the middle of the building. There are swimming lanes for the adults. Despite all the rules, it's FREE! read more

This review is for the Adult Lap Swim, which is a great program. From 7am-830am & 7pm - 8/830pm, you can swim laps. Sign up on the NYC Parks page for the pool, and print out your registration. There's usually a line to get into lap swim, but it moves quick. Bring a lock to put stuff away, and know that you can't bring cell phones poolside. The pool itself is clean, and it is only crowded when it's hot and sunny(duh). It's free to sign up, and if you swim 25 miles during the summer, you get a free shirt. 32 lengths is 1 mile, so get to it! read more

This pool is one of the greatest treasures in astoria, especially if you like lap swimming. Contrary to what some people say, I find it to be super clean. Then again I use the lap side and never venture to the kiddy side, but even this does look clean enough. The staff has a hard job upholding high standards( they check that you are wearing a lined bathing suit so your pubes don't jump in people's mouths while there swimming , you can't bring your cellphone and must bring a lock It is true the staff can get a little weary on those hot days and crowds and nothing sucks more then you or your family being turned away on a hot scorching day. The staff could be a little more sensitive at times . But you really can't complain once you get the hang of the process read more

The pool is great. Family friendly and plenty of space to relax and play. They do not allow electronics which is not the end of the world if you decide to spend most of the time in the pool. You need a Master lock (very specific) or you can spend $12 and buy a "good" lock right behind them after they deem your lock is not worthy. Biggest issue is the $15 credit/debit card minimum to order food at the shack. I usually go with my daughter so it was nice to see the fries, a hot dog and water would amount to $8 but unfortunately if you do not have cash, you won't be eating without spending those $15...even with another order of fries I wouldn't be able to eat. I asked nicely and was rudely refused. We were hungry so we had to leave the pool a little earlier then planned to go to the pizzeria a few blocks away, only to find out that they also use Square reader and happily allowed me to pay with my card on a $6 purchase. I will continue to come to this pool since it's close by, free and spacious and a great time. Just some pointers, bring cash and a Master lock !!! read more

Review solely based on the Free Outdoor Lap Swimming Program, Early Bird experience First thing to note: this pool is HUGE. The lap swimming length is already 50m. So you gotta swim a little harder and longer without the extra flip turn boost. Your first time for the lap swimming program, you need to register, and get a card. That card is your ticket to swim every time you go back. Don't forget it. The lanes are never too crowded , so you can swim quite peacefully without running into other swimmers. Unfortunately there are NO lane lines. Eliminating the possibility of backstroke-- unless you want to keep smacking your head with other people. You can also sign up to have your laps counted by a staff member, and if you complete 25 miles you get a cool prize at the end of the summer. Next to the check in desk, there's always a chart tracking everyone's progress. Gives me a little motivation at the beginning of my workout :) The locker rooms are so spacious with a ton a changing rooms. The shower area is not too clean, but it is a very old pool. A great facility for free outdoor swimming in NYC read more

I've already been a few times this summer and I love this place. Especially since it's so close to my apartment and let's be honest... these past few weeks have been an oven. So why not cool down in the biggest public (might I add, free!) pool in the city. Some things to note: -FREE FREE FREE -You absolutely need to bring a lock -You can't bring any electronics with you out into the pool area (but feel free to bring a book or magazines, I do. I don't know why other people say you can't, they never stopped me.) -You need to rinse off in the communal showers beforehand (yuck, I know but I can see the purpose in that) -Hence, the pool is super clean IMO -Wear flip flops, trust me on this. -There's areas to lay down a towel on the steps, but there aren't many chairs... I wonder why that is. That needs to change. -Pool closes for a short time for cleaning from 3PM-4PM -Again, you can bring additional sunscreen out with you. Who keeps saying you can't? No one wants you to get burned, stay safe peeps. The pool is clean, in a good area and is free. Done deal. read more

First of all, no one answers the phone even if they r there. The website is not updated so don't even bother to look for updates. The website tells u they r open even if they r closed. There is no recording or anywhere to leave a messsge. Secondly, I don't understand why u can't bring your cell phone to your pool chair. I don't see how this is a hazard. Some of us have kids w babysitters & need our phones in case of emergency. Some of us need our phone in case we get an important text that's work related. Some of us need to make a phone call & should be able to. Too many rules that give u a PRISON like feeling. I understand to have safety, but not being able to bring your cell phone to your resting area is ridiculous. ....Also, the locker rooms need improvement on the cleanliness. And the toilets were dirty with feces. Nice pool & view, but needs MUCH improvement. Too many ridiculous rules that take away the fun of enjoying the pool. The staff needs to lighten up instead of threatening to throw me out because I had my phone & took a photo of the pool. And they forced me to go back to my locker & put away my little bag because it was not see-thru. If u want to enjoy a pleasurable pool day, this is not the place. Astoria Pool is like spending a day in jail. read more

Sad that I found out of this place and the end of summer because I sure would have rather come here than the beach. I would of gave this place 5 stars if they were so strict with their lock rules. I had a standard master lock with 3 digit code. The lady had stated to me that this can't be used but instead of giving me my lock back she put it in her pocket and told me to get it back later. I understand their is rules but there is no need to confiscate my lock and a simple disclosure that I my lock could be broken into should be up to me. More ironically once I was in the locker room I saw a lot of locks like mine. Other than this situation I had a great time here. read more