About
Summertime outdoor public pool with free lunch, lounge chairs, and umbrellas.
Specific daily water temperatures for Van Cortlandt Pool are not regularly published by NYC Parks. As an outdoor public pool, it is generally unheated, with water temperatures fluctuating based on ambient air conditions during its summer operating season. Temperatures are typically cool and refreshing, commonly ranging in the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 22-25°C) during peak summer months.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? While the pool offers free entry and a lunch program, many reviewers expressed significant dissatisfaction. Common complaints include the pool's cleanliness, with reports of dirt, tissue, and bandaids found at opening, and a perceived lack of music or good vibes. The staff was described as rude, and the presence of numerous police officers was noted. A major point of contention is the strict and often inconsistently enforced rules, such as mandatory locks, a ban on phones, and the requirement for all toddlers to wear waterproof diapers regardless of potty training, which some see as a hassle or a business tactic benefiting nearby vendors. One reviewer, however, defended these rules, explaining they are posted online and serve essential purposes like maintaining hygiene (preventing pool closures due to accidents) and ensuring safety/privacy (regarding phones). Inconsistent cleaning hours, particularly on weekdays, also led to frustration and wasted trips for visitors.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Good for Children
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
August 14th, 2025Asia Torres
I love that its free and the lunch program is here but it used to have music and good vibes. I went as soon as they opened and we found tissue, babd-aides, all dirt at the bottom of the pool. And of course, a good amount of chlorine,but that's to keep body’s clean from other bodies. They need a commercial pool vacuum though. And some music!
September 7th, 2025Leethaniel Green
Nice pool, however there's like 20 cops when you go and you have to walk in circles before you actually get to go in the actual pool. The staff is rude as well. Won't be returning here.
July 28th, 2025Helen Garcia
To everyone complaining and whining about the pool and staff checking their stuff and saying they have too many rules, you do know these rules are posted online on the official park department website. The swim diapers are annoying but don't blame the staff blame the people who claim their kid is potty trained and have an accident in the pool. God forbid if someone does the pool has to close to clean it but people think they are doing nothing because they see staff just sitting while the pool cleaners are doing their actual jobs. As for phones do you want your phone to get stolen or damaged staff isn't responsible for your things but if something happens to your expensive phone who will you cry and blame it on? Also, would you want phones by the pool not knowing anyone could be taking videos and pictures of the young kids like seriously think and research why the pools have so many rules or you have a mouth how about ask the staff they could answer you.
July 5th, 2025Elizabeth Diaz
You need a lock to get in the pool. Even if you have just a cover up and towels in a plastic bag, no phones are allowed. Toddlers, even if potty trained, wearing briefs and obviously no diapers at arrival, are required to wear a waterproof diaper to get in. (Even if they don’t wear a diaper at home…) Save yourselves the trip and hassle and go somewhere else. It’s all a business for you to go across the street and buy expensive locks and waterproof diapers at the only open deli across the street.
August 1st, 2024Pete Rios
Only issue i have is that it stated pool closed at 3 pm to 4 pm for cleaning. But I've gotten here twice at 2 pm, too spend one hour with gran kids only, and wasn't allowed into pool. Cause it's close from 215 pm to 4 pm. Twice I've waisted time having to wait in heat til 4 pm. Not to disappoint the kids. Unreal.! Maybe it's just my luck, my daughter came with grandkids early at noon and wasn't asked to leave till 3pm. It was a weekend when she came. I came weekdays. So careful if you planning a visit.
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |