Richmond Plunge

About

The Richmond Plunge, located at 1 E Richmond Ave, Richmond, CA, is a historic indoor public swimming facility originally opened in 1926. After extensive renovations, it reopened in 2010, preserving its Art Deco charm while offering modern amenities. It features a main lap pool and a shallower instructional/therapy pool, serving the community with various aquatic programs including lap swim, recreational swim, lessons, and water aerobics.

The main lap pool at the Richmond Plunge is typically maintained at a comfortable 81-82°F (27-28°C), while the smaller instructional/therapy pool is kept at a warmer 90-91°F (32-33°C).

What are people saying (AI review summary)? This historic and charming swimming pool is highly praised for its beautiful, serene atmosphere, often housed in a repurposed building with high ceilings and natural light. Reviewers consistently highlight the excellent water quality, noting it's a rare salt-chlorine mix that is gentle on the skin, not overly chlorinated, and maintained at a perfect, often warm temperature, which is beneficial for therapeutic purposes and chronic pain. Facilities are described as first-class, including hot showers, a swimsuit centrifuge, and various floatation aids. The staff receives commendation for being welcoming, friendly, and helpful. Many appreciate its affordability, especially for residents and seniors, and the variety of activities like lap swimming, water aerobics, and children's classes. However, common suggestions for improvement include limited open swim hours, crowding during classes which can impact lap swimmers, and concerns about locker room security, with advice to keep belongings poolside. Despite these minor drawbacks, it is widely regarded as a fantastic, well-maintained, and enjoyable public pool.

Location

Gallery

Amenities

• Good for Children
• Accessible Entrance
• Accessible Restroom

Reviews

Listing Reviews

May 3rd, 2025

Brian Truong

This is one of the most beautiful swimming pools I’ve ever been to—so good I almost didn’t want to share it. The facilities are truly first class: hot showers with soap, a swimsuit centrifuge to dry your gear, and a wide selection of floatation aids for use during your swim. I usually come during the open swim hours in the evening, and I genuinely look forward to every visit. The water is a rare salt-chlorine mix, which feels gentler on the skin and is surprisingly uncommon in the Bay Area. The pool is housed in a repurposed WWII-era building, and the high ceilings and natural light create a truly stunning and serene atmosphere. It adds so much to the overall swimming experience. There are just two things I wish could be improved. First, the pool hours are quite limited—open swim is usually only available for a few hours in the morning and evening. I understand this is likely due to city budget constraints, but it’d be amazing to have more access throughout the day. Second, the swim classes that run during open hours often take up a significant portion of the pool, which can make it feel a bit cramped for lap swimmers. That said, it’s still a fantastic, affordable gem—especially for Richmond residents. I feel lucky to have access to such a thoughtfully maintained and beautifully designed public pool.

February 25th, 2025

Patrick Cosson

I went swimming there for the first time last weekend. This charming pool from 1927 is large and well maintained; not overly chlorinated and the water temp is perfect. I need to shout out to the three employees there...each one more welcoming than the next. Well done! Keep it up.

August 28th, 2024

Karen Thomas

I love the plunge! I was looking for a water aerobics class that had warm pool water. I found it here! I was referred by 2 people I know to go here. I continue to go for my classes. The fact that the water is warm is a healing therapy and beneficial for chronic and arthritis pain sufferers and for anyone who likes to be in warm pool water. They also have small children swim classes, water-walking, and lap swimming. Go to their website to get the information. The staff there at the front desk is so friendly and helpful and the people using the pool facilities is very nice and they speak to you.

September 1st, 2024

Mamie Lai

Such a beautiful place to swim or go deep water walking. I have a punch card so I don’t have to wait in line to pay every time I go there, and the senior rate comes out to $5 per session. Cheaper than the gas it took to get there. Makes exercising fun and peaceful.

September 2nd, 2024

Kristin Rissanen Ikuta

Historic old natatorium. Lots of charm and some updates needed. Take your belongings poolside, things have gone missing from the locker room. Love their lap swim times and special events.