Mission Bay Outdoor Pool

About

The Mission Bay Outdoor Pool, located at 1675 Owens St, San Francisco, CA, is an aquatic facility that is part of the UCSF Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center. It features both an 8-lane, 25-yard lap pool and a separate leisure pool, catering to a range of activities from competitive swimming and fitness laps to recreational and family-friendly water play. The outdoor setting provides an open-air swimming experience.

The lap pool is typically heated to a temperature of around 80-82°F (26.7-27.8°C). The leisure pool, designed for more relaxed activities, is generally maintained at a warmer temperature of approximately 88-90°F (31.1-32.2°C).

What are people saying (AI review summary)? This facility is consistently described as one of San Francisco's rare and highly-regarded outdoor swimming pools, often featuring a 6-lane, 25-yard pool, sometimes on a rooftop with dramatic city views and a sun deck. Users praise its availability, often noting it's not overly crowded during the day, offers a good Masters swim program, and is beneficial for mental health and suitable for all ages. Additional amenities include towels, lockers, showers, and other sports facilities like basketball courts, a climbing wall, and racquetball courts. While some users mention it's unheated (best for warmer days) and not Olympic-sized, there's strong sentiment, particularly during the pandemic, expressing frustration over its closure and advocating for its reopening due to its community importance.

Location

Gallery

Amenities

• Accessible Entrance

Reviews

Listing Reviews

January 7th, 2019

Andrew Valko

San Francisco doesn't have many swimming pools, let alone outdoor swimming pools. This is one of the few, and it's a good one. Six Lanes and twenty-five yards, and not terribly crowded during the day. Expect to split or circle swim during busy times or practice times. The Masters swim program is of decent quality and filled with friendly people. Go on a sunny day and enjoy the view from the rooftop sun deck!

November 10th, 2019

Michael Austin Sui

Two pools (one outdoor on the roof with a dramatic city view) and towels provided make this one of the best places to swim in the city. 2 full-size basketball courts with hardwood floors, an outdoor rock climbing wall, and racquet ball courts are other awesome features. Good place for all ages, generation, and kids too.

September 4th, 2021

Justice Laub

This is one of the best pools in San Francisco.. it helps my mental health to go swimming every day. It’s absolutely ridiculous that we are keeping the swimming pool closed during Covid (year 2) but people can eat dinner inside with masks off??? Come on officials. I am a vaccinated Democrat but this is the stupidest policy I have ever heard of in my entire life related to swimming pools. Please open the swimming pool back up ASAP.

February 8th, 2025

Jorge Martinez

I can't believe that gringos only have semi Olympics size pools

December 7th, 2018

A Wong

The only outdoor swimming pool in SF! The pool is unheated, so it's best for warmer days. Lockers and showers available.