About
California Park Pool (Outdoor) is a seasonal recreational swimming pool located within California Park at 3843 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618. Operated by the Chicago Park District, it offers a refreshing outdoor swimming experience during the summer months for residents and visitors.
As a typical outdoor pool operated by the Chicago Park District, the pool at California Park is generally unheated. Its water temperature naturally fluctuates and is dependent on the ambient air temperature and sun exposure.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? Reviews for the pool are generally negative, highlighting several issues. While one user praised friendly lifeguards, others criticized staff for being unprofessional, rude, and seemingly lazy, particularly regarding the consistent early closure of the deep end, leading to severe overcrowding. Facility complaints include a lack of hot showers and incredibly cold rinse water. Many users also expressed frustration with the pool's schedule, feeling it caters more to park camps and operates like a private club, making it inaccessible and unwelcoming to neighborhood families.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Good for Children
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
August 31st, 2025Astri Housten
I did my lap swim here during the closure of other indoor park pools citywide for annual maintenance. The lifeguards were all so friendly and helpful, the only issue so I have to give you only 4 stars is….. no hot shower after swimming 😫
July 23rd, 2025Ashley Toro
The pool needs better workers that actually wants to work for the past two weeks. I have been coming and by 5 o’clock there are always shutting down the deep end and it’s always the same reason They say it’s for safety reasons. I’m just confused on how is it a safety reason every day for the past two weeks and I’m starting to notice it’s once it hits 5 PM. They just don’t wanna work just say that, but this pool needs to do better it’s already over Pack for everybody to be on one side My kids were very aggravated with all the elbow bumping no space to swim
July 20th, 2025Denise Silva
First time at this pool this was Saturday July 19, a bunch of teenage unprofessional staff and lifeguards. The water to wash off is incredibly cold we could barely wash off. Then the staff were kicking us out telling us we had 4 minutes yet were flickering the lights constantly and I could hear them saying they were going to have to lock it. What kind of people do they have working here?
July 2nd, 2025Matt Allerton
Chicago parks camps prevent everyone else from using public space. This pool's schedule sucks, makes it more of a private club than a public space. Feels like neighborhood families are not welcome here.
June 23rd, 2025Anthony Feliciano
I give it a 4 cause it’s one of the best but not better than Wisconsin dew
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
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