It’s a real damper to the start of the city’s pool season.

Staten Islanders were stuck waiting outside the Tottenville Pool in the pouring rain instead of swimming around this morning.  There was a delayed opening because of thunder and lightning.

Tottenville is one of eight pools that opened today with strict social distancing protocols.

Capacity at City pools is limited to 70 percent and masks are required everywhere but in the water.

If it's too crowded, Parks employees will be giving people bracelets to return for the next session.

Swimmers we spoke with outside the pool say they're still optimistic despite the showers.

"I feel really good because we haven't seen a pool in a lot of monthes, since quarentine," said swimmer Alexis Cortez.

Another seven pools across the city will be opening a week from Saturday.