9 best Boston pools for cooling off in the city

The Colonnade Hotel’s iconic rooftop pool (RTP) is a place not only to swim, but also to party outdoors, high above the city all summer long. This is one of the few hotel pools that allows non-guests, but entrance is on a first come, first served basis, even for guests. Lounge chairs are typically quickly snapped up, so you might want to rent one of their cabanas well in advance. There are morning yoga classes and occasional nighttime promotional events. On weekends, the pool is only open to hotel guests, condo residents and cabana renters. So the insider secret to get a weekend spot is to book a cabana if you are not a guest at the hotel. 

Hotel guests aren't the only people who can enjoy a day at the InterContinental's 2,500-square-foot indoor heated lap pool. Anyone can visit this downtown spot, which is filled with natural light and overlooks the Rose Kennedy Greenway, by one of two ways: by buying a day pass, or by purchasing a membership to the fitness center or spa. These facilities are open year round, and there's even the option of ordering poolside food and drink by phone, so you can refuel post-swim. This is a great option if you are planning a spa day, as you can take a dip as well!

At around 15 acres, Magazine Beach is Cambridge’s second largest park and is located right beside the beautiful Charles River. It also boasts a busy outdoor community pool, the Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool, and a bathhouse. There's a historic granite powder house, which is currently not in use, that was built in 1818 to store munitions and rifle magazines, giving the park its name. The pool and spray deck are open June through August, and are free for all. Magazine Beach is a great family-friendly option all summer long. 

The BHH's subterranean fitness center and spa includes one of Boston’s largest swimming pools and a gigantic hot tub, too. At three-lanes and 60-feet long, it satisfies even the most serious of city swimmers. The spa floor includes an array of fitness equipment, a steam room and sauna, as well as a full-service spa. While the pool is open year round and is complimentary to all hotel guests, a Rowes Wharf Health Club membership is required for non-guests.

This municipal pool in the North End is a favorite for its fabulous location and harbor views. In the summer swelter, BCYF Mirabella Pool is the place where downtown dwellers consistently cool off. Preference is given to Boston residents, but outsiders can become members for an additional fee. Be sure to pre-register for a time slot before you head over as they are still operating with capacity limits. Registration opens 24 hours before the next day's sessions. 

This municipal pool—a community mainstay located within Brighton's Cleveland Circle neighborhood—is open June through August, when Boston is at its steamiest. It’s outdoors, free of charge and its facilities feature lockers, restrooms and showers. This cooling oasis is situated right next to the Chestnut Hill Reservation, which means you can cap off a day of swimming with a lovely stroll aound the reservoir.

Equinox Sports Club Boston is part of the swanky Ritz-Carlton complex on Avery Street near Downtown Crossing, where it doubles as the luxury hotel’s guest fitness center. But, apart from that, this high-end gym is open to members, who can all use its state of the art fitness facilities, its spa and its very large lap pool that's technically classified as junior Olympic-sized. Now, do keep in mind that this pool is part of a gym, which means that it isn't the place to lounge. However, it's perfect for anyone who wants to swim, build upper body strength and get a great whole body workout.

Now open for the summer, Frog Pond is a kiddie splash pool. Always a summer family favorite, bring the kids and cool off while enjoying America’s oldest public park. Located in the heart of Boston Common, the Frog Pond is a fun kids cool down area all summer long. Open daily 11-6pm.

Another kiddie splash pad, the Alfond Memorial Spray Deck on the Charles River Esplanade is a free, family activity. Bring the kids and cool off while enjoying one of the most beautiful parts of Boston. Open daily 8am-8pm all summer long.