This year, the Buenos Aires summer we have so far is hotter than ever! After a long streak of heatwave just a few weeks ago, we are experiencing another one up to 40°C. Other than taking refuge indoor with air-conditioning, cooling off in a swimming pool sounds like a great alternative. If you don’t live in one of those luxury apartment buildings with swimming pool, here are some easily accessible options for you:
1) Public Pool
These pools are city government run and are part of the facilities of a big park or a recreational centre. The pools are only open during the summer months, that is January and February. Since it is the summer holidays here, during the month of January, these pools are occupied by summer camps during weekdays, and are only open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. When these summer camps end in early February, the pools will be available all week long. You can expect big crowds on the weekends but it is the most economical option. These 2 are the biggest and the most popular outdoor public pools:
Parque Manuel Belgrano (Ex-KDT)
Salguero 3450 (y Av. Costanera), Palermo
Tel.: 4807-7918
– Pool access:
January – only available to public on Saturdays and Sundays 10am – 6pm
February – Tuesday – Sunday and public holidays 9am – 7pm
– Fee (park entrance fee and access to all park facilities including the pools):
AR$35 per person
Parque Presidente Sarmiento
Av Ricardo Balbín 4750, Saavedra
Tel.: 4547-0882 / 4541-2722
– Pool access:
January – only available to public on Saturdays and Sundays 10am – 7pm
February – Monday – Sunday 10am – 7pm
– Fee: Check their website for updates on 2014 prices.
For the other smaller ones, they are free to the public but ask for a small donation. You can find the list of Buenos Aires public pools here.
2) Outdoor pool at a private recreational complex
Parque Norte
Av. Cantilo y Guiraldes, Ciudad Universitaria
Pool access: Monday – Friday 9am – 10pm. Saturdays and Sundays 8am – 8pm
Fee: They have various pricing options, from ‘no socio‘ (non-member) one-day pass to season pass. Click here for more info.
Club Comunicaciones
Av. San Martín 5125, Agronomía
Pool access: Tuesday – Sunday 9am – 10pm
Fee: They also have various pricing options for non-members and members. Click here for more info.
3) Pool at fancy hotel
Many big hotels and trendy boutique hotels welcome non-hotel guests to use their pool and spa/gym facilities at a fee. Not all of their pools are outdoor pools though, call the hotel of your choice to ask for more information. Here are 2 suggestions that have an outdoor pool:
– Faena Hotel in Puerto Madero – During their pool season from September – April, they offer a daily pass for US$150 per person which includes towels, bathrobes, access to changing rooms and spa facilities. The pass is good from 8am to 8pm.
– Home Hotel in Palermo – Until March 2014, they are offering a Pool day pass for AR$400 per person. You will have access to their pool which is in their backyard garden from 10am – 8pm daily. Limited capacity, reservation is a must.
4) Pool for swimming laps
If you are looking for pools to exercise and not lounging around, then indoor pool at a sport facility is what you need. They are open all year round and they do require you to become a member, usually for a minimum of 1 month. There are many around but here are the prominent ones in the Palermo/Recoleta area.
Megatlon – a few branches including the Barrio Norte one have a pool
Well Club – the Arenales branch has pools
American Sport – the Barrio Norte branch has pools
Instituto de Natación y Deportes – El Salvador 5470, Palermo
Full Time Gym – Paraguay 2377, Recoleta – 5778-1480
