About
Public outdoor pool providing lockers and free lunch for kids.
As an outdoor public facility, the pools at Fort Totten Pool are unheated. Their temperature varies naturally with ambient weather conditions and is not typically a fixed, published temperature.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? Reviews for this public pool are highly polarized, with strong opinions on both sides. Patrons who enjoy the pool praise its friendly and welcoming staff, scenic views (Throgs Neck Bridge and river), cleanliness, and varied pool depths suitable for different ages. They appreciate the small, well-maintained facility and the provision of lunch for children. However, a significant number of reviewers report extremely negative experiences, primarily citing unbelievably terrible, rude, and aggressive staff interactions, with one instance escalating to police involvement. These negative experiences often stem from the strict enforcement of rules regarding entry, bathing suits, and locker use, leading some to feel 'treated like a criminal.' Common rules mentioned include mandatory use of lockers for all belongings (especially electronics), strict limits on items allowed on the pool deck, and a required rinse in a cold outdoor shower before swimming. While some accept these rules as part of a public pool, others find the enforcement hostile. The pool itself is described as small but offering different areas, and lockers are noted to be small, requiring light packing or multiple locks. Despite the criticisms, those who enjoy it laud it as their favorite public pool, highlighting an overall enjoyable time.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Good for Children
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
July 29th, 2025Yvette Andino
This is my favorite public pool in Queens NYC. The staff were friendly. I enjoyed my time there. The views of Throgs Neck Bridge and the river were nice. The pool is a good size pool- not too large and not too small. You can only bring your water bottle and towel (and sunscreen I think) to the pool deck. The staff were welcoming and friendly. I went on a Sunday morning.
June 30th, 2025michelle hsieh
Nope. First time ever in a free public pool and would not recommend.Actually, I don’t think I’ll ever go now to a “free” public pools. I’d rather pay. The incredibly long walk to get there would be worth it if you weren’t treated like a criminal at get-go.
July 16th, 2022A T
Love this pool. Small clean and very nice staff that runs this public pool. The entire place is pretty small. Since it is a public pool, there are rules to follow to enter. You approach the establishment and before your allowed entry you are greeted by staff. They make sure you have a bathing suit, lock and explain you must keep everything including electronics in your locker. You can bring a towel sunscreen beverage book slippers (crocks or sandals) goggles sunglasses to the pool deck. 2 kinds of lockers provided, the light yellow lockers are very small. The silver metal lockers are bigger but still small. Pack light. Or bring 2 locks for 2 lockers. I have seen quite a few people leave there clothing and belongings in lockers without locks. That is not advised, anyone can take your stuff. Lockers are not supervised. 2 bathrooms, men and woman. 2 stalls each. 1 very large changing room for families or large groups. When you are ready to get on to the pool deck you must rinse off in the outdoor shower(which is freezing cold water) quick rinse no big deal. The pool itself is not huge. But it has many different areas to enjoy. 3,4,5,6,10 and 12 feet. No jumping in 3-5feet. You can jump in 6,10 and 12 ft. A small kiddie pool is also available I think 1 ft. Water is checked every 30 minutes. A area with lawn chairs to put your belongings or to relax and suntan. Lunch is provided for children from the public school lunch program. Adults are welcome as well. You are free to bring your own food but it must be kept in locker until you want to eat. When you want to eat you must leave the pool and walk around to where the sitting area is. 5 picnic tables with umbrellas. Hours available to swim are 11am-2:45pm. 4pm-6:45pm. Wonderful time in a beautiful scenic area. Variety of people come to enjoy, older folks young children and families to annoying obnoxious teenagers. You gotta mix of everyone. I hope this helps!
July 21st, 2024Lisa
The staff here are unbelievably terrible! Their attitude is incredibly rude! This was the first time I've ever argued with someone in public, especially in front of so many kids. I will never come back! In the end, the police had to help us resolve the issue. Today My husband and I brought our kids here and this is our first time here. But I've been to other public pools before, so I knew the rules about wearing swimsuits and bringing a lock. My husband went to park the car while I took the kids to change first and waited at the entrance for him. Then, this tall, bearded staff member rudely approached me and told me to leave because I wasn't wearing a swimsuit. I explained that I was indeed wearing a swimsuit, the same one I had worn to other pools, but he wouldn't listen to any explanations and just kept saying, "Get out! Get out!"A woman with long braids at the door, who also kept saying that I was not wearing a bathing suit, also let me out! At that moment, my husband arrived, and the staff member even demanded that my kids leave too! After checking my husband's swim trunks and lock, he finally allowed him to enter. When I tried to go back in to change into my clothes, the guy at the door let me in, but the tall bearded man came again and said I couldn't enter and had to go out！I told him I needed to change into my clothes before leaving, but he wouldn't listen and called security to throw me out, and saying he would call the police if I didn't go out！I'm very angry and I said, fine, go ahead and call them! When the police arrived, I explained the situation. Than the police talked to him, he finally let me go back in and change into my clothes! This is truly ridiculous!
July 26th, 2025Sophia Quintana
I like this school because I had ever talk a little. I loved it even though I had some high stick rules. I still love it so that’s what In my head
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |