Devon BrooksSometimes, the urge to take a dip strikes even on a chilly day in December, making an indoor swimming pool that’s open year-round all the more appealing. And if you’re a professional swimmer, not even the summer heat can stop you from clocking in those laps.
Or perhaps, like in our family, a couple of little nieces and nephews want to spend their birthday splashing around. And of course, the adults make sure there’s a heated area nearby where they can relax.
Fortunately, the best swimming pools in and around Columbus are for every kind of swimmer. In this list, you’ll find kid-friendly pools, lap pools, and recreational swimming options for whenever you’re ready to dive in!
1. Columbus Aquatics Center
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Website: https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/aquatics/columbus-aquatics-center/
Address: 1160 Hunter Ave
Contact details: +1 614 645 6122
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 5 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM – 10 AM
At the Columbus Aquatics Center, you can go for an open swim in the casual swimming area or do a lap swim in one of its six 25-yard swim lanes. It even gets better with a separate baby pool and a diving well with one-meter and three-meter diving boards.
Columbus resident or not, you can purchase a 30-day or year-long indoor season pass to access the center. This pass is available in three categories listed in the table below, along with their prices:
| Season Pass Type | Annual | Monthly | Daily |
| Individual (age 13 or older) | $100 | $20 | $5 |
| Family (Up to 2 adults and children under 18) | $200 | $40 | $10 |
| Senior (age 50 or older) | $70 | $15 | $1 |
If you’re just learning how to swim, you can enroll in 30-minute swimming lessons for $48. Meanwhile, those focused on therapy, strength, or flexibility can give the fitness programs a try, which are $72 per session.
Pro tips:
The Columbus Aquatics Center is great for indoor winter swimming when outdoor pools are closed. And to help you make the most of your visit, here are a few things you should know before going:
- You can use your purchased pass to the center for 11 months out of the year, starting in January. The month of August is excluded to allow for the facility’s annual maintenance.
- Lap swim is reserved for exercise only, so avoid casual swimming in this area. Children who’d like to swim here must pass the swim test and be able to swim at a pace suited for exercise swimming.
- If you’re unable to attend a registered swimming lesson, be sure to notify the center as soon as possible. Makeup classes will be arranged at the discretion of the aquatics staff.
- Financially challenged families with children aged 18 and under can apply for the PLAY Scholarship to receive assistance for lessons and programs. Learn more on this page.
2. Dodge Recreation Center Pool
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Website: https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/aquatics/pools/
Address: 645 Sullivant Ave
Contact details: +1 614 645 7365
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 1 PM – 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM – 6:30 PM
The Dodge Recreation Center Pool is one of those outdoor pools in Columbus with just a $1 entry fee per person. You don’t have to register in advance, but it’s first come, first served, and capacity limits will be set at the staff’s discretion.
Part of the Dodge Community Center, lap swimmers can dive into the 25-yard, six-lane competition pool. The zero-entry leisure pool, however, is meant for those looking to relax, while the tot pools and spray fountains are designed for the kids.
Rounding out the fun are a diving well and a 25-foot water slide. For a chance to learn, you can register for Learn-to-Swim lessons priced at $15 per session and categorized under Pre-K (ages 3 to 5), School Age (ages 6 to 16), and Adult Lessons (ages 15 and up).
Pro tip:
To save time at admission, get a free Leisure Card in advance at any Columbus community center by presenting a valid ID. More importantly, check the seasonal schedule of the pool here.
3. YMCA of Central Ohio Pools
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Website:
- Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA – https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/ward
- North YMCA – https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/north
- Hilltop YMCA – https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/hilltop
Address:
- Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA – 130 Woodland Ave
- North YMCA – 1640 Sandalwood Pl
- Hilltop YMCA – 2879 Valleyview Dr
Contact details:
- Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA – +1 614 389 4643
- North YMCA – +1 614 389 4707
- Hilltop YMCA – +1 614 389 4565
Operating hours:
- Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA
- Monday to Friday (6 AM – 9 PM)
- Saturday (8 AM – 4 PM)
- Sunday (Closed)
- North YMCA
- Monday to Thursday (5:30 AM – 9 PM)
- Friday (5:30 AM – 6 PM)
- Saturday (8 AM – 4 PM)
- Sunday (Closed)
- Hilltop YMCA
- Monday to Thursday (7 AM – 8 PM)
- Friday (7 AM – 6 PM)
- Saturday (8 AM – 4 PM)
- Sunday (Closed)
YMCA of Central Ohio has three pools in Columbus. You can take your pick from Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA, North YMCA, or Hilltop YMCA—all committed to promoting water safety through swim lessons for all ages and skill levels.
On top of that, all three branches have pools suitable for lap swimming, family swim sessions, and other aquatic activities. No matter which location you choose, you’ll also find the same great amenities—like basketball courts, an aerobic studio, and a sauna.
Pro tip:
YMCA of Central Ohio’s Columbus pools are ideal for year-round swimming because of their multiple locations. If you’re bringing little ones, consider the North YMCA for its family changing rooms.
4. Bexley Pool
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Website: https://bexley.org/pool/
Address: 2100 Clifton Ave
Contact details: +1 614 559 4350
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM – 8 PM
Formerly known as David H. Madison Community Pool, six features define the Bexley Pool. These include the zero-depth entry leisure pool, two water slides, a diving well, a toddler pool, a splash pad, and an eight-lane competition pool.
Fun fact: While the pool is geographically within the Columbus area, it’s operated by the city of Bexley. That means Bexley residents get some solid perks—and if you’ve got a friend in town, you may enjoy these perks, too!
Now, let’s take a look at their Pool Membership Rates, summarized in this table. Note that your Bexley friend is the Regular Resident who’s either an individual or senior, and you’re their lucky plus one:
| Type | Regular Resident | Non-Resident |
| Individual (ages 1 to 54) | $50 | $75 |
| Senior (ages 55 and up) | $40 | $65 |
| Plus 1 | $100 | $125 |
| 14-Day Pass | $112 | $112 |
As for the daily admission, here it is. This one’s open for all—Bexley Residents and guests of a resident as well as pool members.
| Age | Day Pass | Evening Pass |
| 1 to 17 (Child) | $9 | $6 |
| 18 to 54 (Adult) | $12 | $9 |
| 55 and up (Senior) | $100 | $50 |
Pro tip:
Feel free to bring along someone with physical limitations, as a handicapped lift is available to enter and exit the pool easily. Plus, be sure to check out membership options on this page for discounts on pool access.
5. Dublin Community Recreation Center Pool
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Website: https://dublinohiousa.gov/recreation-services/aquatics/indoor-pools/
Address: 5600 Post Rd, Dublin
Contact details: +1 614 410 4550
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM – 8 PM
Distance from Columbus (by car): 22 to 28 minutes
The Dublin Community Recreation Center (DCRC) Pool is split into two indoor areas. First is the lap pool, where you’ll find guests either swimming on the right-hand side of each lane or doing aerobic activities during open swim, sharing lane space with others.
When you see this, follow suit—it’s proper lane etiquette at DCRC. Second is the leisure pool, which doesn’t allow diving but opens its lazy river, slide, and spa for you to indulge in on spring break (March 31 to May 4).
Another great thing about the leisure pool is that you can host your child’s party there. For three hours, DCRC’s party package ($165 for members and $240 for nonmembers) includes one balloon bouquet, dinner plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths, and sporks for 20 guests.
Pro Tip:
Anyone in your family or group between 42 and 48 inches tall will need to pass a slide swim test to ride the slide. Also, being a Dublin resident means you get a 10% discount on entry; just make sure to present a valid ID and proof of residency from within the past two years.
6. Gahanna Swimming Pool
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Website: https://www.gahanna.gov/aquatics-2/
Address: 148 Parkland Dr, Gahanna
Contact details: +1 614 342 4272
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM – 8 PM
Distance from Columbus (by car): 12 to 19 minutes
Like DCRC, the Gahanna Swimming Pool is divided into two sections—but this time, it’s front and back. Families who have younger children will love the front pool for its two shallow ends that slope to a 12-foot middle, complete with two climbing walls.
As for the back pool, its 50-meter lap lanes and eight attached 25-meter lanes are sure to impress the more serious swimmers. For a bit more excitement, you can plunge into the pool from the 12-foot diving well with two adjustable diving boards or the 18-foot water slide.
You also can’t miss the Splash Pad, which includes over 3,100 square feet of spray area packed with 41 interactive features. If you brought food, don’t let it sit in the car or bake under the sun; dig in with the family in the pad’s picnic areas or on one of the nearby benches.
Pro tip:
Arrive early in the summer months to get the best spot. First-time visitors aged 14 and up should also be ready to show proof of address, identification, and age, as the Gahanna Swimming Pool requires this before granting entry.
There are shelters for special events reservation, too—the small ones have a capacity of 16, while the larger shelter can accommodate up to 60 people. To check for shelter availability, call Gahanna Parks & Rec. at + 1 614 342 4000.
7. Westerville Community Center Pool
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Website: https://parks.westerville.org/facilities/community-center/watering-hole
Address: 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville
Contact details: +1 614 901 6500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 5:45 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM – 6 PM
Distance from Columbus (by car): 21 to 23 minutes
The Westerville Community Center Pool has a little bit of everything—relaxation, a bit of thrill, and warm water. The zero-entry leisure pool is a hit with families, and how could it not be when it has mini dueling slides and a giant 159-gallon bucket that dumps water from above?
The competition pool is just as exciting. You can cheer on your Westerville resident friends as they swim laps or practice dives in the eight-lane, 25-yard lap pools.
Not to mention the heated pool, ranging from three to seven feet deep and kept at 88 to 90 degrees.
Plus, lockers and changing rooms are available in the warm water pool area. For the passes, you can choose between daily or monthly—prices vary by age and whether you’re a resident or nonresident, as shown here:
| Pass Type | Age | Resident | Nonresident |
| Monthly Pass | 3 to 13 | $23 | $40 |
| 14 to 64 | $32 | $56 | |
| 65+ | $25 | $44 | |
| Daily Admission | 3 to 13 | $7 | $14 |
| 14 to 64 | $10 | $20 | |
| 65+ | $7 | $14 |
Pro tip:
Anyone entering the pool area must purchase a pass (daily or monthly), regardless of whether they are swimming or not. Daily passes are ideal for visitors, and you can find more information about Community Center passes here.
8. Worthington Pools
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Website: https://www.worthingtonpools.com/
Address: 400 W Granville Rd, Worthington
Contact details: +1 614 885 1619
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM – 9 PM
Distance from Columbus (by car): 14 to 19 minutes
Worthington Pools’ two-story water slide, climbing wall, and four-lane fitness pool have brought out screams of joy from families and friends. But, their swim lessons, fitness programs, and water polo classes have made just as big of a splash in the community.
The group lessons make for quality family bonding as they offer Parent-Child Aquatics. When it comes to private swimming lessons, private instruction and semi-private lessons are your two options, with each having four 30-minute sessions.
And if you’d like to burn calories or unload some stress in the water, you can try the fitness classes, which are primarily water aerobics. Water polo experts are also ready to teach basic skills and techniques to aspiring players—check this page if you’re interested!
Pro tip:
Worthington Pools are the best for families looking for a private pool experience. Better yet, locker rooms and family changing rooms beside the pool deck are open for added convenience.
