First time visiting this outdoor pool faciltiy on 1/17/26 (Saturday) during their public hours which opens at 11am. Front desk staff was friendly and I was able to sign up for a 10 visit pass for $51, otherwise it's $6 a visit. I figured this will hopefully keep me consistent for the beginning of the year. The facility itself could use an upgrade but overall it is wat you would expect from an older building. The entrance into the pool is through the locker area which has lockers, changing area with benches, showers, and bathrooms. The pool looks fairly clean on the surface and we'll maintained. There are lanes divided into slow, fast, and medium speeds for circle swimming. Much of the demographics is 50+ during the time I went and they were all spaced out fairly evenly. The pool is actually open earlier for swim club members ($55/month) which is nice for early birds and the crowd seems younger at that time. I was told it's open to the public to sign up for that as well. The water itself was a good temperature. The pool goes from 3 ft to 9 ft. The bottom of the pool was clean on the 3 feet side, but had debris on the floor in the 9ft side. Folks would swim for about 30 minutes - 1 hour and more folks would flow into the lanes. Everyone is respectful and the regulars would chat with one another at the walls. There are kickboards and other supplies you can borrow from in a shed if you'd like. There is a lifeguard on duty. I asked her for the time, but she didn't know it, which I thought was odd because I could hear her talking on the phone or talking aloud. I asked another swimmer for the time and he said there's a clock right behind me, which I didn't see, and I'm surprised the lifeguard couldn't just tell me there was a clock to check. Apart from that, I enjoyed my one hour swim and got a reality check on how out of shape I am. I'll definitely come back to continue swimming and work my way up to the fast lane. Check out more recs and spots in the bay @thefoodhigh read more

Superb pool. The lanes are wide and the pool is heated. The pool length is 30 yards. The other swimmer are friendly.

I like this pool. I like that it's saline, and not damaging-all-my-strands-of-hair levels of chlorine like the YMCA. The lifeguards are friendly, and even helped me set up an online account while their internet was offline so I could buy a pass and swim. There was plenty of space in the pool. It's a great place to swim when the sun is out. My only wish is that this place would make the locker rooms a little nicer. I don't like the shower heads where I have to push every 2 seconds to keep water coming out, and I couldn't find a suitmate. read more

Love this pool! I normally come for the lap swims during the week or saturdays. Lanes are perfect, the pool is 33 yards i think? Has a shower/locker room area, pretty standard. Staff is pretty cool, younger group of staff. Only thing i wish they would have change onsite, they never seem to have any change bring exact cash or card read more

A simple place. But sometimes that's all you need. Good people. Good vibe. Of course for a public pool the facilities are BASIC. Showers are gross. All standard. I do wish they had chaise lounges but this place is for SWIMMING so I get it. read more

Love this place!! Pool temp always great and flexible hours (early morning) I this is my favorite pool in Oakland, CA

Great pool. Unusually acceptable family swim time. Haven't tried lap swim yet. Will return!

I like this pool, even with its 100 ft length...different but kind of a fun change from all of the other standard length pools in other cities. The water seems to be clean, and the locker room is dated. Hence, there's absolutely no reason to linger there, right? I've seen plenty of comments about how competitive the swimmers are in the pool. I have to say that the one Cal Grad and NCAA Champion swimmer who jumped in my lane, wasn't rude at all...just faster than anyone within 20 miles. I still don't know if he took a breath during his entire swim... I was thinking, "Who tossed the Barracuda in the pool, kind of a risky prank"? I couldn't run as fast as this guy was swimming, and he was just cruising. So I moved to another lane where the swimmers were somewhat slower, actually a lot slower. Was I in reverse? Couldn't be, but I have no other explanation. Anyway, I really like to swim in this pool, but swimming in any Oakland pool post-Covid, has really been a challenge since they have recently opened. Throngs of swimmers want to dampen their gills after the layoff, and the lap swim hours have been reduced from what they were prior to Covid. I say give it a little time for the Parks and Rec people to remember what their jobs are, and a little more time to get more lifeguards trained. Should be fun again down the road! read more

Summer swim season 2019 is upon us. Please please please leave your ego and pride at home. If you are a new swimmer, new to this pool, a triathlete, someone who didn't grow up swimming, please take a minute to educate yourself on lap swim etiquette. Read the signs posted at the pool. Ask the guards and other swimmers. If a guard or other swimmer gives you a suggestion (kick boarding in the fast lane on a busy day...you should probably do this in the slow lane), please be receptive and understand that you are probably holding other swimmers up and or getting in the way. If a faster swimmer tries to pass you, do not consider this rude. Many new comers and triathletes consider this behavior rude, when in fact, we are just trying to pass you. Get a clue!! This past weekend was busy. Saturday 6/22: nine swimmers in one fast lane (seven is the limit). All swimmers knew and followed lap swim etiquette. No problems Sunday 6/23: seven people in fast lane, six of whom are constantly passing a slower swimmer. Slower swimmer refuses lifeguard and other swimmers' request to move a slower lane. Slower swimmer pushes off in front of other swimmers, causing other swimmers to "pile up" behind her. Please do not be this woman. As I wrote in my first review, leave hour pride and ego at home. Remember that you are not entitled to swim in one particular swimming lane, and that this is a space that is shared. read more

Temescal Pool - PSA: You are not swimming alone in the lane, and need to be aware of where other swimmers are in the lane in relation to you. - Swimming Pools Near Me - Oakland, California

Nice lap pool with a great staff. Schedules for lap swimming has morning, afternoon and early evening choices. Changing rooms have sowers and toilets; being a lock if you want to use a locker. Temescal Pool offers swim tests on Saturday afternoons. read more

Nice pool, somewhat clean locker rooms, but always crowded. $6 for lap swim - exact cash or credit card only.

This team is great! I love swimming with the Temescal Masters. After discovering a love of open water swimming, I went to Temescal Aquatic Masters to hone my non-existent swimming technique. The coaches (and fellow swimmers) really pushed me to become the best swimmer I can be. They continue to do so on a nearly daily basis. Dues are cheap for what you get ($45 a month), and if you can't commit to a monthly fee, you can pay for a 5 (or 6) swim card that doesn't expire. You do not need to be a master of swimming to join! There are people of all levels and experiences. It is really a great place to make friends, have fun, and be fit! Oh, and aside from the great practices, team meets, and other events, there is a monthly beer night after practice. My kind of team! BTW, practices are evenings M-Th from 7-8pm, weekends from 8:45-10:15am, and morning (M,W & F) from 5:45-6:45am. The first practice is free, so there is no excuse to not check it out! read more

Temescal Pool - Spring 2008 Intrasquad Meet - Swimming Pools Near Me - Oakland, California

Usually so busy that I can't get a decent workout. Unless you're the very first in or the very last out, you will have to fight to keep a consistent pace, as many ppl don't understand the different between slow, medium and fast, or a fast swimmer will be doing a kick drill with a board in the fast lane. With only 2 lanes per speed and 5+ ppl in a lane, a workout here can often be frustrating rather than satisfying. Women's locker room is your standard concrete room square with an adequate number of benches and lockers for your things. The communal shower is too close for comfort, though, and the water temp is unreliable. Also, *no* hooks for towels by the shower area. I wrap a towel around myself and shower at home. New self-check in system is great. read more

For a public facility - in the City of Oakland, no less - this pool is a standout. Note: I speak of the pool itself. The locker room and aquatic equipment are unremarkable at best. The locker room is purely utilitarian and definitely not somewhere you'd want to linger. Equipment is limited and often in poor condition. That said, you go to this pool to swim. If you need a posh changing room with high-end amenities, go to a spa; if you want to use special aquatic equipment, bring your own. The pool is surrounded by a grassy area, where you can lounge or stretch, if you like. There isn't any lawn furniture, though, and not many tend to linger there. The rate is $5 per use or $4 per swim for a package of 10 ($40). Be forewarned: If you are buying your first series or adding funds to your account, it can be a LONG process as the *one* person at the front desk continuously gets interrupted by individuals who are checking in. I bought a pass in September, and, though it has been more than a month, haven't yet received it in the mail. (You can just use your card number to check in.) Temescal Pool is located in a residential area off Broadway, near Oakland Tech. I've always found parking to be plentiful around the pool, never having to walk more than a block or two. Many users seem to bike. On Friday evenings in the summer months, Bites off Broadway is right outside the pool. By and large, fellow users, who self select, seem to be fairly serious swimmers who are generally genial and abide by the posted pool etiquette related to lane speeds, circle swimming and so forth. It can get crowded as open hours are fairly limited. Every so often, especially on hot days, folks come to enjoy the water more than to work out and will hang out in the shallow end, chatting or canoodling with their special someone, annoyingly oblivious to lane speeds and the like. (Policing this behavior doesn't seem to be among the job responsibilities of the friendly teenager types who lifeguard/staff the pool.) All in all: An unexpected and treasured community facility in Oaktown. I leave you with these final thoughts: Saline! Outdoors! Inexpensive! Infinity pool! read more

I was a terrible swimmer when I first started coming here. And yet after meeting and getting to know the life guards at Temescal, I have progressed immensely. If you ask nicely, they are more than willing to share swimming tips and advice. One lifeguard - Jason - even came in the water with me a few times for one-on-one lessons. I can now swim laps (but still in the slow lane) with no problem. Just watch out for the morning Masters group...they power by you so fast that the wake is strong enough to have you bobbing by the wall. read more

Temescal Pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Oakland, California

The Temescal Masters swim at the Temescal Pool (see http://www.yelp.com/biz/SaqLSb-AulU94NAHV4uCuw) -- the pool is great, the lockerrooms are crappy, but the coaches are outstanding! They really create excellent workouts and give constructive and helpful feedback. I have definitely improved my form since I have been swimming with the team. Remember to bring your flip flops - the cement floors are cold in the winter, but the pool is heated and we swim rain or shine! read more

This pool gets the job done. It is well kept but a little small, and the locker room could use some extra service. Swimmers here take their laps very seriously, so I recommend getting to know lap swim etiquette before coming here. read more

I was a Lions pool regular and have been going to DeFremery since its closure. However, since deFremery Pool is not open on week-ends or evenings, I have no choice but to go to Temescal which is always too crowded, we were 9 in one lane the other evening! It is not relaxing, people are too competitive, the general vibe is pushy, the water is murky and there was an altercation between two swimmers that the poor lifeguard could not handle. I wish we had more options in Oakland! read more

The inability to open on time is becoming systemic. There are about 20 of us waiting outside 30 minutes after the pool was supposed to open.

Let me start by saying that if you ever swam competitively you'd probably give Temescal Masters five stars -and it would probably deserve it. It sure looks like fun. But I'm more of a recreational swimmer, without all the bells and whistles, so I can't join the club. And that makes me sad. The team website (www.temescalmasters.org) says this: "If you can complete one length in a lap pool without stopping, you are qualified to swim with us; and "If you'd like to learn a stroke, one of our coaches would be happy to offer tips during the workout." But the despite the welcoming efforts of the coach and swimmers, the reality is this: 1) the workouts require a basic ability to do all four strokes, plus flip turns, and 2) the coach does not have time to teach you what you might not know. I'm a long-time swimmer, I swim at least a couple of times every week, and I love it. But I went to swim practice the other day and it turns out that I won't be able to join the team because I've never been taught to flip turn or swim fly - and the coaches don't have time to help me learn. This is a major bummer, I was really looking forward to joining the team. Of course, if the website had just been more realistic about the skills required, I wouldn't be so disappointed because I never would have tried to join up in the first place. read more

Tried to swim with this pool's swim team (Masters?), but then I found out I would have to pretty much swim for one hour straight. Sure, there were breaks of 2-5 minutes (I stretched it out as long as possible), but I was done after two lengths of the pool. Then they started talking about something called the Butterfly. I thought they were talking about the bugs flitting about the lawn, not some contrived contortion-requiring swim style. How could they expect me to do that after my two lengths!? I couldn't even get my hands out of the water, let alone my arms and head! I was able to float like a cork in the middle of the lane though. Some of those with whom I was swimming didn't seem to appreciate or empathize with my exhaustion. Oh well, If I could have moved, I would have. Coach Vanessa was very nice about it all, even when suggesting that I get some lessons to learn the crawl stroke...she called it Free Style. I think it has its roots in some form of dance, rapping, or something else that's musical. I give them 5 stars because of Vanessa's friendly approach and honesty, and because of those five people who helped lift me out of the pool. They were nice, and I was exhausted. Next time I'll start out with one length... BTW, the surrounding grass was wonderful to collapse in once they winched me out of the pool! read more

Temescal Pool's current price is $6, which is a fair price to swim outside in the sun in their slightly salty chlorinated water. The pool is a unique 100ft in length. So to swim a mile you need to swim 26.4 laps and to swim a kilometer you need to swim 16.4 laps. My casually researched price history of Temescal Pool. 2003 - $2.50 2008 - $3.00 2010 - $5.00 2014 - $6.00 read more

$5 a swim. Exact change only. (Unless you buy a 10 pack, then it's $40 and you can charge your card). The swimming pool is pretty freakin awesome. 6 lanes: 2 slow, 2 med, 2 fast. Saline (no chlorine! woo!). Weekends actually never feel packed - so I can always get a great workout in! Changing rooms...not the finest, but hey there are showers, it's remember - it's only $5 a swim! And BRING FLIP FLOPS!!!!! You've been warned. read more

FIRST AND FOREMOST: Oakland Aquatics is a great organization. They maintain an excellent system of pools and programs. THAT SAID: I think Temescal is the best of the bunch. The pool is nice and deep with six lanes. It's generally a little cooler than other pools, which I prefer. The fast lanes can be nicely competitive (not aggro, but with fast swimmers who either offer someone to chase, or someone to snap at your heels if you get lazy). The men's locker room is spacious. There's plenty of hot water. Ample pool equipment (kick-boards and pull buoys). And in general both lifeguards and swimmers are really nice. EXCEPT: The knuckleheads who swim in the fast lanes but don't let you pass at the wall (c'mon ... pay attention and be polite). But they're everywhere. BETTER STILL: There's kind of a cool yoga scene that happens on Saturdays, with people practicing around the deck. I love that. IN BRIEF: I'll be there Saturday, like I am every Saturday. Half-hour of yoga, then into the water for about 3,000 yards of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual delight. read more

The lockers are rusted; the shower smells of mildew; and the price was increased to $5/swim. That being said, this place is a hidden gem....and worth every penny. I come in for an afternoon swim worn down and muddle-headed and then head back to the office refreshed and inspired. The pool itself is kept at a reasonable temperature year-round -- maybe a little cooler than other public pools, but perfect once you get moving. I've seen a few complaints from other reviewers about the fast swimmers being rude. I've not found this to be the case. People are generally courteous and civic-minded. If you play by the rules -- choose the appropriate lane, circle swim, and move to side if you're taking a break -- you can drift off into zen-like state, decompress, slough off the pain, and soak up some sun. read more

. They wanted me to do a 'swim test.' which included treading water for 60 seconds. just couldn't bring myself to do it. I'm a father. I know how to swim. This rule is ridiculous . FAIL read more

Big fan! Local youth and young people of color Oakland work here. Def want to invest in them. Pool is nice. Saline and chlorine... less chlorine... bruh you don't stink like you just got out of the wash with all of the white socks. Lockers and Showers are nice too! Nice part of the town but it ain't too 'hood'. ya feels? read more

FYI: Pool temp is always 80-81 degrees, great for a workout, & the pool length is 33yards... the fast swimmers are rude and pushy! there is one lady that swims there and she is absolutley ridiculous! She never gets out of the pool when the whistle blows, and she argues with people about how fast they are going. It sucks that people like that ruin my peaceful swim but hey.... BRING FLIP FLOPS FOR THE LOCKER ROOM! read more

On a warm, sunny day the Temescal pool is blue and inviting. Shower facilities are basic, but usually clean. Kudos to OPR for offering youth swim team with great coaches. read more

I can't believe I didn't know about this pool until now. Went last weekend with a couple friends, I hadn't planned on swimming but a friend had an extra suit. I sat on the lawn for awhile until I couldn't stand it anymore and dove in for some laps. The pool is terrific, infinity style, perfect temperature, very clean, and the people are friendly and relaxed. It's $3 to get in and you can stay as long as you want. I just joined the Berkeley Y, and tried out their pool for the first time, I have to say the atmosphere is a lot better at Temescal Pool. I like being outdoors, and it's just a friendlier, more relaxed place. It's fun to bring some friends a chill out by the pool. read more

$3 gets you in - bring the right change or they might get cranky with you. There is tons of un-metered street parking right in front of the pool. The lanes are long, and wide - just like I like them. ;-) There is a nice grassy area to relax, stretch, or prance around to show off your awesome body . . . *ahem* or so I've seen other people do. People are all really friendly and the facilities are very clean. I love this place and I'm there almost every other day . . . swimming mostly, but I have been known to prance. You can get more info at http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/facilities/pp_temescal.asp read more

Great pool. Wet water. Cheap, cheap, cheap... Temescal Masters highly recommended too... read more

I try to get here at least once a weekend for their lap swim hours. This pool is a great! The yardage is a little funky (something like 33 yards long I heard?) but that just makes the workout longer, which is good in my book. It's always clean and at a decent temperature. During lap swim hours, the crowd varies. The one thing that I've noticed is that many people do not understand lap swim etiquette. I've had to stop at walls and ask people to move out of the way. At times it can be very frustrating and I am sure I am one of the "rude" fast swimmers. Learn how to lap swim and read the words "fast" and "slow" next to each lane, and then I won't ask you to get out of my way so I can do a flip turn or swim around you because you are barely floating above water. read more

So I bought a "card" that cost me $40. With this card, you can do 10 visits, making it $4 instead of $5 each visit. Since I've been using this pool twice a week lately, so this "card" thing will save some money. Twice a week means I go there 8 times per month, so I save $8 per month by using this card. When the card is used up, you can refill it by paying more, or you can fill more than $40 if you know you'll use it. It just has to be a multiple of $40, such as $80, $120 and so on. read more

I don't understand how people who live outside of this neighborhood can comment? If you live in S.F.,or elsewhere far away,isn't it easier to swim somewhere CLOSER to where you live,rather than drive to Oakland to swim,and give a review outside of where it would make more common sense to go to,to make a review??????????? If you live outside of the neighborhood,or have to drive across a bridge to not like it,or post negative comments,then STAY AWAY!! It's CRAZY how there are reviews from those that live in another far-away city/state..HELLO?!?! WTF??!! The idea of commenting on a business where i don't even live close to,is insane. This is a GREAT facility to the community!!! I lOVE IT!!!! I lIVE IN OAKLAND AND WALK!! read more

Sweet sweet saline! So much better than a fully chlorinated pool! And the length is 33 1/3 meters, so it's not quite long course, but long enough that you are extra extra exhausted on your turns, sucka! Find me at masters swim ($40/month + one time Registration of $40 with US Masters Swim)! read more

Nice, clean pool, close to my friend's house so bonus for being close! The pool is nice and deep in spots and its not heated too much. Sometimes people are doing yoga around the pool which might be interesting to try sometime. $6 to swim under the sun. Not a bad deal. read more

My new watering hole- well, I try not to drink it. Strangely, I don't notice the chlorine smell, but the water is a bit saltier - I *think* this is one of those saltwater pools (half the salinity of ocean water, but uses salt and electrolysis to make Cl. So you can smell chlorine, but it's far far less than most places. More in the morning, I noticed. N'empeche... it's a great pool- people are there to swim, well, laps, and yet there's that nicely groomed patch of grass and other parts of the concrete that some people lay out on. The men's dressing room is simple, w/nice warm showers. The people are more serious swimmers than in King Pool, but a little more relaxed compared to the Embarcadero Y. I don't know why, but people seem quite a bit friendlier there than any other pool I've been to. Much sunnier, and cleaner too, than King. I use the card ($27.50 for 10 admissions). I get two cards, and send away for more when one is used up. You get a new form ea. time, and have to mail in a SASE with your payment. Just saves me from having to have cash on me. Nits: Sorta far from Mac BART- very bikeable tho'. For 3 clams, there's not much to complain about.... read more

Aside from the fact that they tried to charge us for reentry after lap swim even though we only wanted to run out to grab snacks, this pool is great. Sunny, clean, huge, lifeguards aplenty and it's $5. Can't beat it on a hot day. read more

They raised the price from $3 to $5 this year - that makes me sad.