A great spot when the weather is nice. Love everything about it, except for one woman who seems to have a strange fascination with a family member. Constantly making strange remarks, making you feel uncomfortable. Hopefully this isnt a job that she intends to stay at. Time to move on when you play gate keeper with people. Passive aggressive behavior. Anticipating a change for any future visits. read more

So many rules don't make sense no fun at all if u thought it was bad before now they are enforcing all the rules

Pool is always clean and easy to get my laps in and out of there, Great place for swimming read more

A beautiful location and qualified, caring, friendly staff await a swim here. If you haven't taken a dip at Hey Rookie pool you are missing out. read more

Great place to swim All staff is very friendly and professional! I love it! If it's hot and u like to swim to cool off This is the place to be read more

Beautiful Pool it's been completely redone but originally it opened in 1945 and it's been restored to even better than its former glory. The view is beautiful are reasonable and if you're over 50 you get a senior discount they also have water aerobics twice a week for just six dollars per class something I'm going to start doing, just bought a new swimsuit. I'll let you know how it goes. There's a beautiful park nearby with the Korean Boell of friendship and it's a beautiful place to walk around and warm up before your swim. read more

Best pool ever. I just wish it was open more hours. Very serious lifeguards. Nice and clean facilities.

This place is weirdly strict with rules. This is coming from someone who's really into rule-following. At check-in, they asked to see all our swim wear to make sure it was appropriate. It was so odd, because we were already wearing our swimwear so it was unclear if we were supposed to strip and show what we were going to wear...Then for the entry fee they accept cash only, so I gave them a $20 for our $10 entry fee. Should be pretty easy to have change for that right? Wrong! The guy said he didn't have change for a twenty. What?! I guess no one is going to get in unless they have exact change. Luckily I found two $5s and we were able to go in. When we got in, the lifeguards immediately started aggressively yelling at my son "no running". Now I yell that at my son all the time but the way they were yelling at him was in a super pissed off attitude, to the point that he froze and was scared to move. I absolutely don't mind lifeguards reminding my son how to enjoy the pool safely but their attitude was super intimidating to a child, it was intimidating even to me, a full grown adult. Also like someone mentioned, they yelled "Get off the back!!" super aggressively multiple times before we realized they meant my 3 year old who was hanging on my husband's back. I've never heard this rule before at any pool. She's been in swimming lessons since she was 6 months old and we're super water aware. She was just playing around with my husband but they killed that fun real quick. By the end of our trip, I was so stressed about breaking rules we didn't even know existed that it wasn't enjoyable at all. It's a nice view but not worth it unless your group is adults only who don't plan to do much more than stay still in the pool Edited to add: my husband was yelled at for standing too close to the lane line (we were at least a foot away from it and weren't hanging on it) and I heard another family get yelled at for using kick boards that were out on the deck because "they're only for people taking classes". How would they have known that? I'm really puzzled at the attitude read more

Outstanding facility with abysmal management. Lap swim hours are comedy: 10-1, and there's only 2 lanes available. I guess they don't believe that people who work 9-5 should be able to swim outside of lunch? Last time I went there were 9 swimmers sharing 2 lanes. If you arrive in the morning even 5 minutes early, the staff just waits inside and won't open the door until 1 minute after the official opening time. With the limited lap swim schedule, all this does is eat in to the time you could actually spend swimming because every minute counts. This type of petty behavior and poor lap swim availability is a shame, because it prevents more people from enjoying a wonderful facility. The length is longer than the standard 25 yards, so this is great for a longer workout. The view is amazing. More people in the community should have access to this resource, this type of management is sadly only keeping people away from enjoying the water. read more

A beautiful day at the pool. Recreational swim from 1-3:30. Wasn't crowded on the day I went. I'd go again for sure! read more

Hey Rookie Pool - Had a great time at Hey Rookie Pool! Clean. Great way to exercise and enjoy the California sun! - Swimming Pools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Huge pool with a beautiful view. I love it! It goes to 8 feet. As big as the pool is, there is plenty of room for you to find your place and swim like you want to. I will be back again and again read more

This is the no-fun pool. I guess that's a vibe? Except there's extremely limited lanes for lap swim either. You get the impression that the staff here just wants to work as little as possible and is deathly afraid of anything going wrong. As a former lifeguard myself, I must say the experience is very off-putting. Great view tho! read more

The worst of the worst, this place is the poorest level of customer service, absurd rules of clothing, insufficient staff, they only accept cash and never have change, the workers are super rude, in short, 0 stars for this place read more

Amazing view! Available for lap swim, recreational swim, swim lessons and teams. Lifeguard are dedicated teachers and coaches read more

Hey Rookie Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The is the pool with the best view ever. You can see the port and the ocean from the pool. Its really close to the Korean Friendship Bell. The pool requires about 3 stairs of stairs. The showers did not have soap so bring your own if you are trying to shower after swimming. The pools was not so full but bear in mind I went during a "LA" cold day which means it is is in the 60's read more

Very Nice Pool with an incredible view. Also rich in history. Definitely recommend visiting this pool at least for the view.

This is a beautiful facility in a beautiful location. The water is kept at a comfortable temperature and appears to be very clean. There is a water aerobics class at noon which is great. Lap swimming 10-12. Rec swim after 1 pm. It is normally open Tues through Sunday. The lifeguards are very friendly and helpful. However, this facility is NOT well-managed. It has been closed on a few occasions due to being "out of chlorine." How do you run out of chlorine? The aquacise class was originally Tues thru Thurs, but during the summer someone got the great idea to have a "Boga" class--yoga on floating boards, taking away two of the aquacise class days. Most days, no one came to the Boga class. The aquacise class had up to 30-35 people during the summer, each paying $5 to attend. That's over $150 most days. Boga brought in...nada? The four-day aquacise class was not restored until January; then the pool closed for tile repairs (AGAIN) on Feb. 7th. I suspect that the city took the lowest bidder when the pool was remodeled...and got what they paid for. The aquacise class is awesome, but lifeguards have been thrown into it without any training as to how to teach an aquacise class. Brisa taught the class last summer and did an excellent job. The manager should have arranged to video one of her classes and use it as a training video. A few times, the "students" had to pretty much run the class. (Not for lack of trying on the lifeguard's part.) I hope that the city will look at these reviews and make some needed changes for the better. I am looking forward to the pool reopening, sometime. read more

Love it here. Great view. Easy parking access if you park up at top. It is only a dollar to get in. The lessons are reasonably priced and free during summer. My only complaint would be the regulars complain about everything. Seems like they forget what it's like to be a kid. But besides them it's a great pool. I'd recommend to wear goggles there was a lot of chlorine my son eyes burned all day after. But for the price the view and a beautiful we'll take it. On a hot summer day and or anytime you want a quick swim it's open year round can't beat it. read more

Signed up my daughter for swimming lessons, and the instructors are amazing! We only paid $40 for a month's worth of lessons (twice/week). Pool is kept clean and i love that they have music playing most of the time. Only down side is due to the location, it does get windy in the afternoon and there is NO shade. read more

This pool is really well maintained and beautiful. You can look at the harbor while swimming. The water is very clean and heated, no too hot, just right. Unfortunately the experience is completely ruined by staff and the insane number of rules they have. I'm all in favor of safety, not running around a pool and not allowing glass containers is completely reasonable. Even the "no diving" provision is generally ok, although a diver who knows what they are doing will never hit the bottom, even in a very shallow pool. This pool though doesn't allow much splashing or most types of pool toys and absolutely none that float. Don't even think of bringing a kickboard. Parents are not allowed to judge how well their children swim, just strict rules set by age about how far a parent can be away or even if they must remain in physical contact with their child at all times. How are you supposed to teach a child to swim if you can't let go? They won't even let you have your child ride on your back. One adult on another I get, kinda. No child on an adults back? Ridiculous. Don't even dream of throwing your kid in the air. The final straw was when they told me my 6yo son had to hold my hand even when outside the pool. He was just walking around the pool to ask his swimming friend something and wasn't allowed because I wasn't holding him. He's 6. He's been walking for more than 5 years. I think it's safe for him to walk in a fenced in area without a leash. The staff who enforce these rules hover over the shallow end like nazi hawks waiting to pounce. The entire party of children we were with all felt uncomfortable with not only the constant harassment, but the guards constantly staring at them waiting for any infraction. And I do mean "guard", not lifeguard. This place has more the feel of a prison than a pool. When I asked the manager (Rogelio) about these draconian rules, he stated they must be followed "because they are the rules". When asked why these rules were made, he also said, "because they are the rules." So the rules exist because they are rules...no wonder this place sucks so hard...it's run by idiots who get their kicks by bullying people. In short, if you are desperate for a swim or want to just sit in the water peacefully with a nice view, come here. It sure is pretty. If you want to have fun or plan on coming with children, go anywhere else but here. You will just end up leaving angry like myself and most of the people at our party. read more

We absolutely love this pool. The life guards are amazing. Super friendly, and you can trust that your family is safe in this water. The location of the pool is stunning. I've personally seen the lifeguards treat the water on numerous occasions, asking everyone to exit the pool. To me this is great because you know the water you are swimming in is clean. Although they are serious when it comes to the rules (1 swim diapers under the age of 4) (2 no child under 7 I believe without their own adult in the water with them) (3 no getting on others backs or shoulders) (4 no swim vests, or floaties) it makes the water that much more pleasurable. We've become regulars at this pool, and are so grateful to take our daughter here. read more

I swam here after the remodel and would give it 5 stars...BUT, the pool recently closed again. The reason I am told is that because they had a leak and in order to fix the leak they had to break some pool tiles to repair the leak. And, since the pool tiles are based "on the original" design, material etc- they have to be specially ordered and they can't be ordered right now..and no one seems to know when they may be available. So my question is : Leaks in pools happen- so they knew that there was a probability that tiles may need to be broken to repair a leak..so why didn't they order some "extra" tiles when the pool was remodeled? read more

RIP hidden gem. I came here last weekend. It's gone. This place is done. No graffiti. They ripped out the tiles and are trying to either remove the entire pool or trying to remodel it. read more

Fantastic community pool A lot of old craggy white men try to circumferent circle swimming.. School them, Enjoy read more

What a wonderfully designed and well maintained public facility, which is harder and harder to find these days. So thankful that I found this pool and I look forward to spending many hours lap swimming with this breathtaking view. PSA: Please shower before entering the pool and use swimming caps if possible. Do your part to keep the pool clean:) read more

I stop by last weekend to check this out. I was so impress with this heated pool! They recently open last June 2017. Everything is new! The view from the pool is breath taking!! You can see all San Pedro port and L A downtown. Is very cheap $3,50 adults and $1 kids. I am looking forward to come and enjoy this pool very soon! read more

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Staff here is incredible! Swimming lessons for the kids are super affordable! The lifeguards are very attentive and the overall vibe is relaxing. The viewing area for the parents is super cool with incredible views. It could have some benches, or some shade, so if you're not working on your tan or swimming, bring a lawn chair and umbrella. Thank you city of Los Angeles for this place! read more

Hey Rookie Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

HEY ROOKIE POOL! The history about this military base is actually informative and interesting, and I've wanted to check this place out! I know this place is going to be hard to find, so other Yelpers' reviews were actually helping. In order to get here, from Gaffey St, make a slight right onto Leavenworth Drive (no street sign) then another slight right on Leary Merriam Drive (again, no sign) but it is the entrance on the Park and Recreational Center. It is an uphill drive and just park your car, and find the fence to the pool. You can also walk it, from the Korean Bell and walk the dead end and climb up this park to get to the abandoned pool. It's pretty complicated but you'll find a way :D When we got there, there were guys spray painting more graffiti which was pretty interesting. But there were so many trash, bottles, and spray paints everywhere =/ Overall, it's a great place to check out--it's an add-on onto Sunken City. read more

Hey Rookie Pool - Abandoned pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

What an amazing place! Beautiful clean pool overlooking the harbor...it is just the most perfect place to swim, water aerobics, dog paddle around and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this magnificent location. So glad I've found it! read more

Grand reopening of this historical pool on Tue June 27, 2017. It's brand new all over again with a heated pool, new landscaping and lawn area, changing area and a million dollar view from downtown LA to the left all the way Dana Point in the haze on the right. Pool hours, daily fees, memberships & classes to be posted soon. Limited lot parking and street parking with easy access ramp is visitor ready. read more

What a great community pool! I made my visit this weekend with my nieces and they love it and I enjoyed it a lot! You can bring snacks and you should its get hot up there and after a swim you will get hungry especially the kids. So parents bring snacks, cash only, exact changes only. The bathroom is really nice and clean, although its located inside the office, its sucks when the staff are wiping down the floor and then kids walked right in all wet. The pool steps was kind of slippery especially if its your first time, cautions for first timer. Lifeguards are very attentive, safety first people, no piggy back ride. In order to swim in the deep end you must do a swim test, and i failed, so now i'm taking swim lessons. oh and staff & everyone is really nice, family friendly, one love community. read more

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Cash ONLY! Bring exact change. The BF and I swam here last week. Beautiful and new with a great view! Pretty basic,standard amenities. Showers, changing rooms, a locker attendant to watch checked in belongings. Huge pool and not crowded. read more

I can safely add this to a long list of why I love San Pedro. The pool is very clean, the service is friendly and the view is spectacular. Their info on yelp seems to be lacking so I thought I'd share some info. Rate is 1.00 for children and 3.50 for adults. They encourage you to bring exact change and I believe it's cash only. I went on a Saturday and the hours were 1p-5p. I'm not sure about the rest of the week but I would suggest calling 1 (310) 521-9017. Also be ready to take a short swim test if you want to go to the deep end. read more

Hey Rookie Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great pool but a little hard to get to. Especially when you have a couple little ones. I parked on the street and walked up a bunch of stairs. Also, they have a lot of rules - I think I was corrected about four times within my first five minutes of being there. I guess it's all for our safety though. I had my four year old kinda doing a piggy back with me in the water and I was told he could only be held on my stomach or my hip - wow. That rule seemed a bit silly, but whatever. There's really nowhere to sit and hang out unless you bring your own chair. But then you'll have to carry it up all those stairs. Nice facilities. Nice staff. Really nice views. I think I'll come back. read more

As an employee at "Hey Rookie Pool", I can say that it is a great pool with an amazing view. . . Staff are very friendly and the community is proud to have such an amazing pool. . . Rec swim hours 1P.M - 4P.M Mon - Fri 1P.M - 5P.M Sat - Sun We offer; Swim lessons Novice swim team Novice synchronized swimming Lap swimming Jr. Lifeguards Recreational swimming Water aerobics read more

After all these years of living in San Pedro I'm still fascinated on a daily basis by this city. San Pedro is loaded to the gills with historical spots and hidden gems. Hey Rookie Pool aka Gaffey Street Pool is a perfect example. Built through funds raised by the "Hey Rookie" show performed by members of the Fort MacArthur Garrison during the begining of WWII. Sterling Holloway (the voice of Winnie the Pooh and many other Disney characters) was a major figure in getting this pool funded. This pool flourished for decades but is now a shadow of its former self. A true throwback, this pool is a fine example of mid-20th century modernism. Those days are long gone. This pool is drained and covered in graffiti & sadly trash and fits the San Pedro tagline of "where the ghetto meets the sea". The term "pack out what you pack in" clearly falls on deaf ears here these days. But it is still awe inspiring to stand where history was once made and there truly is some killer graffiti here. Supposedly this pool is in the works to be refurbished and reopened in a few years. The dude abides... read more

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So for me me having my daughter that has been a water baby since day1 learn how to swim has always been important to me .I have tried to show her how to swim myself with no luck .So when this pool opened up last summer ,we we're very excited to be part of and participate in the Rec swimming and swim lessons.I can't name any single coach or staff here cause they ALL have been a pleasure to talk to and when I have questions they answer in a polite and respectful way.Now the most important thing though is the way my daughter has full and complete trust in the Coaches/Lifegaurds and knows them and they know my daughter on a first name basis,that tells me they care .And when I see my daughter at 6/7 years old jumping into the deep end in the class she is in and swimming the width of the pool ,that says it all for me ,these are some amazing coaches,gaurds and staff .Thank You read more

For those of you hoping to find the entrance to this pool, it is not through gaffey. You have to go up the small road (gate before Korean bell) and stay to the right. As tour going uphill follow the road all the way to the right where you'll find yourself at a dead end (the gate to the LA department of parks & recreation should be in front of you) if you are looking at this gate there should be a building to your right with a fence around it. Walk behind this building and there will be a hole in the fence !!!! Easy ! read more

Hey Rookie Pool - Art - Swimming Pools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Horrible service got denied entrance for being a single mother of two I felt so discriminated

Incredible view and great pool. I was looking for a pool to swim laps that was nearby. This pool is gem - modern, clean and not crowded. Only odd part is the 32 yard length. Once I got used to it, I really liked it. read more