We tried to swing by Hamilton Community Pool around 12:30pm during the heat wave, hoping to cool off, but it was not open. After another nearby pool was closed, I was trying to quickly find another option and relied on Google, which made it seem like this one might be open. We drove over, but there was no activity -- no cars parked, no sounds of kids or families around. We spoke with base security, who was kind but didn't have clear information about the pool or its hours, and shared that it is not open to the public without special permission. We were also told that the parking area is not for civilian use. After checking the official site, it looks like the summer season doesn't begin until May 23, so definitely something to plan ahead for. Sharing in case it helps others avoid the same situation! read more

Signed up for community adaptive swim practice - a set of 4 classes. Such a great fit for my son who is autistic and does better with 1:1 attention for swimming. He loved it! The teacher, Ms. Amy, is so patient and kind. Our goals are a bit different, as my son is just getting comfortable with the water, kicking, blowing bubbles, floating etc. Pool is clean, bathrooms clean, plenty of parking. This is a great pool and I hope to find more classes or swim days that work well for my son. read more

Hamilton Pool - Adaptive Swim practice - great fit for my son who is on the spectrum and needs some 1:1 attention. Beautiful and clean pool! - Swimming Pools Near Me - Novato, California

The Hamilton pool is such a great spot to escape the fog of San Francisco and enjoy some sun. They have an amazing kids area with slides and a large play structure. My only complaint is the water is quiet cold but is refreshing when it's so hot out. They have swim breaks every so often so plan for that. Large parking lot out front. You'll find lots of chairs and a shady area on the grass hill read more

Hamilton Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Novato, California

Hello I'm writing to share some feedback and a very disappointing thing that we encountered while trying to go to the pool on Tuesday, September 16 My family took the plunge in June to purchase a family membership for $350. This for our family was a big investment as we are considered low income, by earning 150 K a year as a family of five and a rent of 4K. If you do the math, you can see that we don't have a lot of money left over after expenses each month. So we were very excited as new residence to Novato to utilize the pool, first of all, we were a little surprised that the family membership only included one adult and two children, while I am sensitive to that that's how some families look like, that's not the majority. Most families consists of two adult adults and two children. But as my husband was working at most of the time anyway, I knew I was going to go most of the time with the kids. So the first feedback I would give is to one include two parents and two children and a family membership. But then we were surprised that we couldn't even alternate parent for example sometimes it would've been great if mom could stay home with the baby and dad could go with the two older kids to the pool, but then we found out that we couldn't alternate parent so my husband STILL had to pay to get into the pool with our two children, even though we had a family membership. Now to the reason why I am extremely disappointed and upset We have not been able to go to the pool recently, because the opening hours since school started has been EXTREMELY inconvenient and odd for families. Families with young children cannot go to the pool at 5pm, as most kids eat dinner at 6pm and goes to be at 7pm. It was a very HOT week, kids had been begging to go, and we managed to eat dinner before, and managed to get out of the house at 5pm in order to cool off at the pool. Upon arriving with my 3 excited children on Tuesday the 16th, I was told that the pool memberships were only valid until Sunday the 14th. Imagine my shock when I was asked to pay almost $30 to utilize the pool for about 90 minutes. Does Novato and Hamilton pool really think that a family will plunge out nearly $30 to utilize the pool for such a short time, especially when we paid $350 already?! The girl in the register was extremely insensitive, cold and plain rude when I questioned her as to why, and the fact that this policy didn't make sense. I dont expect a young teen to understand the struggle to get out of the house at 5pm, or the fact when you have to turn around and say "No" when they had been looking forward to it all day. But I do expect her to not be rude. I tried to explain to them that mommy doesn't have any money to spend $30 for them to play for 90 minutes at the pool when I already spent $350 this year. I understand that it may be difficult to find lifeguards After school starts, but surely if Marinwood pool can get around it, they're opening hours are from 2 to 5 which is way more family friendly, and makes more sense, I'm sure that Hamilton pool can also find ways to accommodate. I hope that you take my feedback seriously, and that this could help some families for next year, however, I will not be coming back to Hamilton pool, after spending $350 for a membership that didn't even include my husband, and on top of that being expected to pay an additional $30 to swim in the pool for two hours in the early evening, it's not something that I'm willing to pay for. I will be getting a Marinwood pool pass next summer instead as their opening hours are way more family friendly. I think also it's extremely greedy from Hamilton pool to not just let fpass holder use the membership for the fall season we're talking about a couple of weeks! Surely Hamilton pool could have an extended this instead of being greedy and asking people to pay full price to utilize the pool for 2 hours. To recap *Include family of 4/5 in the pool membership Or at least let parents alternate! *Offer financial aid for low income families (Not just the ones earning 50K. A family of 5 with 150K is ALSO low income. Follow the marin county guidelines please. *Better opening hours during summer (at least until 6pm during the summer - I know there is swim classes at 5pm, but at least let TOT POOL be open until 6, most kids/babies nap until 3pm) *Better hours after school starts (at least open at 3pm when most kids are out of school) *Let pass holder use the pool until end of season! Makes sense! Thank you for hopefully taking my feedback in consideration. read more

They were allowing children o hold other children's heads under the water and did not children from stop screaming at the top of their lungs for 3 hours. Would not reimburse me for their allowing disobeying of the rules. Awful. Especially McKenzie. read more

This place is amazing for the kids. Super clean. They have a very kid friendly pools. The kid pool has a great slide and water fountain features. read more

Hamilton Pool - Water slide for everybody - Swimming Pools Near Me - Novato, California

Solid community pool- nice that there is also a good amount of grass space to lie down on and not too crowded

This is a good pool if you have kids. However, if you're looking for a quiet place to do some laps, go somewhere else. Pool is most always a complete zoo. I went there today planning to crank out some distance. I heard yelling from the parking lot and saw a bunch of kids in the main pool going wild. I turned around and went home. read more

I'll start with the entry system, it's awful! They should have an entrance for season pass holders and their guests, and another entrance for everyone else. There should be a set time for two hours a day for only season pass holders. They open too late and close too early. They don't adhere to their own rules. Far too many people in non swim wear. I've yet to see any kid go to the restroom during the break, they all just migrate to the kiddie pool. The lifeguards are all very young and soft spoken, they need megaphones. The bathrooms are always dirty. The pool is the perfect temperature, you can and should bring your own food and drink. Bring your own chair too. The people who come here are all friendly and happy, so, that's a bonus. Annual passes are great! Lastly, year round adult swim would be awesome. EDIT: A kid pooped in the pool, and that was that. read more

See all

Awesome summer weather place to go!! Also, the Novato Park and Recreation department does a great job with swimming lessons!!! I've used them for my children and my grandchildren!!! Two thumbs up for sure!! read more

This pool is super nice , the lifeguard are super chill , the thing I don't like is that why do kids have to wait when it break Time

I went this pass weekend, we waited about 20m to get in and once we were in, it was crowded. The water was making my skin itch, smell terribly like bleach, the shower soap containers are empty, so water is the only thing you have to rinse off. I'm m not coming back. read more

The pool is great, but the lack of food and drink are a drag, the lawn is infested with flies, they have to close a lot because kids crap in the pool all the time, and there's not enough shade. My suggestions are: Get rid of grass and increase patio area. Have a food truck park at rear gate on weekends, make kids stay out 15 mins and hit the head. read more

Hamilton Pool - ANOTHER kid craps in the pool! So common here they have signs ready to go. - Swimming Pools Near Me - Novato, California

FYI I called to check on opening times and the pool is currently closed due to a chlorine issue.

I did not have a very good experience at this pool. The lifeguards were very rude and basically bossed kids around on how to jump, dive or where to swim. When the pool was open for only lap swimmers at 6:00 they barked at people to get out of the pool. One of them even SCREAMED to get out of the pool. They might as well not take money very close to lap swimmers time because you pay money but you can't swim. Also, when kids take the kick boards, the lifeguards scream at them to put it down. Also, don't waste your time lugging toys there (water guns, torpedos, swimming dolls, etc.) because, sadly, TOYS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Wow. So the only fun thing for kids is a tiny waterslide. I did not have a very good time and at the end the guard rudely told me to get out because the swimming pool was closed. Don't want to go there ever again. read more

$5 if you live or work in Novato. There's 2 separate parking lot near the pool. Their hours are ample enough for morning, lunch or after work laps. No lockers so bring only what you need. And you have to carry your stuff to the bleachers. It's safe. Communal showers. The few times I have been there, even with families and kids around, the bathroom was never crowded. I'm yet to bring the kids here. Their kiddie pool seemed like a lot of fun. read more

If you're looking to lap swim, a mere $5 day fee at the Hamilton Pool is the best deal in town, especially to avoid the hassle of a monthly membership elsewhere. The lap swim schedule can keep odd hours and it certainly gets busy, but in my experience the staff and fellow swimmers have been nothing but friendly. Definitely call first to find the best time. read more

Convenient. Friendly. Clean. What else do you need? When I decided I needed to get back into the pool, Hamilton came to the rescue when I noticed it was across the street from my apartment. A short walk there, and I was back to doing laps. $5 on free swim days gets you full access to the pool to swim your laps. And it's refreshing to get into a pool, and people are swimming LAPS. No kids playing. No people doing water aerobics. Just laps. Love it. read more

Went today for my daughter's friend's birthday party. When we checked in and told them we were here for a party, they still ended up charging us $18 (2 adults, 2 kids). I thought it was weird because usually the inviting parents would have told us or have taken care of it. Later our friends came and they tried to charge them $25 for 2 adults, 1 child. We later found out we shouldn't have been charged at all since we were part of a birthday party and the inviting parents have already taken care of it. WHAT A BUNCH OF SCAMMERS!!! read more

Loved it. Super nice place to spend with kids. Good size kids pool and a huge pool for adults. Easy parking.

A really great family pool. We drove over from SF to check it out and the kids really liked it. Pool was pretty warm making it a nice outdoor pool. They also have tables with barbecues up on the hill for picnics. Good view of the bay from there. read more

Place is great for kids and adults don't get me wrong the reason for only giving 3 stars is parking sucks and it gets overly crowded. Place is great tho. Another knock would be the cost of 5 bucks. 5 bucks ain't much but if you live close by and take your kids often it adds up. They should offer a membership program or something like that. read more

Yesterday was one of those days where it felt like winter rather then the middle of summer. It was cold and windy with a thick blanket of fog in my home in Mill Valley. Lo and behold up in Novato at this great pool the sun was shining and the temperature was almost perfect. The pool rocks. There is a lawn a view of the bay, lounge chairs and now a great hot dog stand. No more carting swimming supplies as well as food. The staff is freindly and for the price of a day pass we were transported out of our "winter blues" read more

I enjoyed the pool but as other reviewers have mentioned, there is not enough shade and it's inconvenient that they do not sell any food at all except for what's available from the vending machines. One thing I want to mention is that you have to get there early, otherwise you won't find a shady spot or chair to sit on. We had to sit in the grassy area which was sopping wet and now I have a ton of bug bites all over me which I think happened while I was there. Anyone know if there are chiggers in Marin? My husband has bites all over his legs but he thinks it's poison oak. I will have to call the pool admin to find out if anyone else was attacked by bugs like we were. read more

Way too crowded. The water was murky and someone had music appropriate for a nightclub but not daytime family swim. The lack of food is a drag. Parking is scarce. We will find another pool to enjoy. read more

Having been born and raised in Austin I've been coming here for many years and it is undoubtedly quite a magical place as the many photos on the internet make it out to be. That being said, the recent reservation system implemented by Travis County Parks is unquestionably a detriment to the natural wonder. Though I understand the need to reduce traffic for both patrons' enjoyment and the environmental health of the area, $26 is in my opinion an unreasonably high cost to pay to see something that is technically already a public good. Furthermore, due to the poor planning of TCP, the reservation system has been overtaken by scalpers and resellers that increase the price even more. It is unfortunate that such an amazing place has become another victim to capitalistic America. I would recommend waiting until the off season (Nov-Dec) when you don't have to make a reservation. read more

Bring your suit. Fun safe clean...and it has water

I have to agree with the masses, it is a lovely pool. I put my niece in swim camp here and we hung out afternoons. It's a great place for the kids and a family. Only drawback , it's packed but I guess that's what pools are about, right? I think the area could use another public pool. Oh yeah, the cities are broke. So sad. read more

This is a great pool! Most of the time the weather is great. I love the kids area! Contrary to other comments, the lifeguards were friendly and responsible. Unfortunately, in the big pool no kids toys are allowed. We had a great time! read more

Lovely pool with beautiful grounds. They now have a hot dog stand which is really great when you have a hungry 4 year old. The only thing that was a turn off was how dirty the showers were - the walls had slime growing on them and the floor was dirty even at 10am in the morning when not many people had used the changing room yet. I think they need to hire new cleaners. Otherwise, the pools themselves look great and I think the lifeguards are doing a good job of paying attention and keeping kids out of trouble. Also, the instructors are really good. read more

This is NOT a salt-water pool, it's chlorinated. It's beautiful in a lovely location, but it's chlorinated.

some remodeling was done here so the oaktree and the clubhouse have been torn down. They took the large pool and cut it in half -one half is now the kiddie pool and the other half is the true swimming pool. Forget about swimming laps here-the hours for that are very strange and change constantly. If it's not the very restricted lap swimming time, forget exercising in the pool, laps, kick board laps-this pool is all about small kids with their parent (s). Screaming, splashing, throwing balls and hitting the swimmers in the lap lanes, jumping infront of you, hitting you because they aren't supervised-or else ma and pa just don't care. the staff of teenagers are rude and do not enforce the rules of the pool. A kid could hit you right in the face with the ball and if you complain, it's viewed as your fault. I would hate to think what would happen if there was an accident at the pool, these untrained kids wouldn't know how to handle it. a great place for families I am sure-forget it if you don't have kids and want to exercise. read more

Lovely pool. It was just remodeled and reopened in summer 2010. They did a fantastic job with the remodel -- everything is well-designed and sparkly. The 6-lane, 25-yard pool is very clean, on the warm side (but not too warm) for lap swimming. The setting is great -- on a hillside on the old Hamilton Air Force Base. Gorgeous view out across the bay toward Mt. Diablo, beautiful trees, lots of picnic tables, grills, and lounge chairs. I've only been there once so far, but lap swim was not crowded at all (in fact, I was the only one in the pool for 45 minutes after work yesterday). I'm sure that on a hot summer day, it could get busy, though. Especially if lap swim and open swim overlap, as they sometimes do. Lifeguards are friendly. $5 to swim if you're a Novato resident, $9 otherwise, and lots of lap swim hours (morning, midday, and after work). Shallow kiddie pool with waterslide, as well. Oh yeah, and I think it might be saline-chlorinated, too, which always feels less harsh to me than a regular chlorinated pool. This pool is right around the corner from my office, so I'll definitely be back! read more