The Best DC Swimming Pools for Relaxation and Fitness
Summer’s in full swing here in DC! What better way to enjoy the warm weather than a classic swimming pool session? Swimming is the best way to beat the heat, unwind, and get some good exercise. There are tons of swimming spots in DC and Tenleytown. Depending on your fitness goals, you can choose from several swim spots to accommodate your summer splashing needs. Here are some of the best DC swimming pools to visit throughout the hot season:
Lap Time at Woodrow Wilson Aquatic Center
4551 Fort Dr NW in Tenleytown
Washington, DC 20016
Woodrow Wilson Aquatic Center is the ideal DC swimming pool facility to use if you’re preparing for a competitive swimming event, or if you’re looking to improve your personal best lap times. This indoor aquatic facility features a large 50m by 20 yard lap pool, a smaller leisure pool, a whirlpool, a kiddie pool and much, much more. The best part about Wilson is that it’s completely free to use for DC residents!
They also offer instructional swimming classes, including Adult Swimming, Swimming for Children, Parent/Child Swim classes, and water aerobics. Wilson Aquatic Center is conveniently located in Tenleytown, just .2 miles from Tenley View Apartments.
Swim at the Gym
Northwest Sport&Health
4001 Brandywine Street
Washington, DC 20016
There is an endless supply of gyms in DC, and many of them have pool facilities on site, making it easy to incorporate a quick swim into your existing gym routine. Swimming is one of the best cardio exercises out there — it’s easy on the joints, offers great heart and breathing benefits, and is plain enjoyable compared to other boring cardio choices.
An awesome “swim gym” is Northwest Sport&Health (4001 Brandywine Street in Tenleytown). This gym provides classes for every age, from infant to adult, and various skill levels. Check out their aquatic class listing to see what’s fitting for you.
A unique class offered at Northwest is the Stroke Refinement course, where you learn and perfect four basic competitive swimming strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Learning these styles will help you move efficiently as you swim, and the variation in movements challenges different muscle groups.
Rooftop Pool Parties
Sometimes you just want to take a quick dip in the pool and then lounge poolside with a cocktail in hand. For this type of pool-centric fun, visit one of the many rooftop pool lounges that dot the skyline in DC.
The Rooftop at The Embassy Row Hotel is one such hidden gem. This exciting pool and bar lounge has been named “One of the Best Rooftop Pools in America” by USA Today. Features include a heated swimming pool, daybeds, a shaded lounge area, an extensive food menu, cold cocktails, and a breathtaking view of DC.
For a similar “Vegas” rooftop experience, reserve a spot at Penthouse Pool Club (1612 U St NW). They have a gorgeous rooftop pool, private cabanas for rent, a stacked bar (of course), and prompt food service. The music and ambiance are lovely, and it’s definitely much less crowded than any public pool in DC. It’s also one of the best places to throw a party for any occasion!
Expand Your Watery Horizons with SCUBA Lessons
4932 Wisconsin Ave NW in Tenleytown
Washington, DC
Here’s an interesting, super-specific swimming activity: Scuba lessons! Scuba training and certification opens up a whole new world of possibilities for water exploration. Let’s say you’re planning an island getaway or a tropical honeymoon; scuba certification allows you to explore so much more during those special times!
For top-flight professional scuba instruction, National Diving Center (NDC) in Tenleytown is one of the best in the DC area. They offer beginner lessons, open water certifications, medic first aid basics, and other courses. They also organize fun activities like “Scuba Splash Parties” and various scuba-centric travel activities. NDC can also link you into local dive clubs if you’re looking for regular scuba action.
We hope you continue to enjoy the summer with these refreshing DC swimming pools and aquatic activities. There’s nothing like living in a neighborhood like Tenleytown, close to beautiful swimming spots, first-rate retail establishments, excellent restaurants, and much more! Interested in luxury living in the heart of Tenleytown, one of DC’s friendliest and most cheerful communities? Schedule a tour with us today to see our beautiful floor plans and world-class features and amenities.