Dozens of city pools are gearing up to reopen this weekend. When they return, swimmers might notice some significant changes over last year.

In 2020, the pandemic forced the city to delay the opening of public pools until Aug. 1, and ultimately that shortened season led to the opening of just 15 public pools citywide. 

Beginning Saturday, however, the city will open more than four dozen pools to the public every day through Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What You Need To Know

  • On Saturday, the city will open more than four dozen pools to the public every day until Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Masks will still be required in changing rooms, but will not be required by the pool area

  • The city's parks department said by the end of the week, it expects to have 950 certified lifeguards for duty, which will allow the city to operate its beaches and pools at full capacity 

Twelve-year-old Osiris Gamble attended a special invitation-only preview on Thursday at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. When NY1 asked how many times she would like to come to the pool this summer, Gamble replied, “Every day!”

More than a dozen youngsters from the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center and the Davidson Community Center took part in the first splash of the summer at Van Cortlandt Park, joined by NYC Parks Commissioner Mi J. Silver, who jumped into the pool with them.

“It’s very cold,” said 8-year-old Aimee Sanchez, after she jumped in. She then added she was very excited to be in the water.

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver said the drop in COVID-19 cases and the city's high vaccination rate has led to a significant easing of restrictions at city-run pools.

"People just have to wear masks when they're in the building,” said Silver. "When they come into the pool area, and in the facilities and changing rooms. Once they're outside, take off the mask, just make sure you social distance. So a different summer, night and day, from 2020 to 2021."

Speaking of night and day, those who remember the drab way that the pool at Van Cortlandt Park used to look are in for a treat.

The city's Cool Pools initiative that started in 2018 has resulted in upgrades to the pools at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, along with Howard and Bushwick pools in Brooklyn. You'll find new chairs, umbrellas and colorful artwork added to give the area the feel of a resort.

Meantime, the city's parks department said by the end of the week, it expects to have 950 certified lifeguards for duty, which will allow the city to operate its beaches and pools at full capacity through Sept. 12.