I am going to be in Seattle Fri.-Sun. and really need to get a good swim in. Are there any public pools available? I am staying in the downtown area. Thanks
The only public pool I’ve been to personally in downtown Seattle is Medgar Evars pool. They have dedicated lap lanes there:
http://www.seattle.gov/Parks/Aquatics/everspool.htm
The full list of public pools:
http://www.seattle.gov/Parks/Pools.asp
If you’re interested in an open water swim that would definitely have other folks out there as well, you could head to Seward Park- there’s a little “beach” to the right of the lifeguarded beach where many triathletes swim to the buoy .1 mile out and back.
Don’t know Seattle but these 2 sites help me when traveling:
There’s a pool on upper queen anne with dedicated lanes. The WAC club Washington Athletic Club is downtown and I believe has a pool and might have a day fee. But, if you really want a swim in they head down to leschi saturday where there is a kayak guided lake swim in Lake Washington. I think its run by mary meyers and targets newbie women but its guided and you can go at your own speed. Lake feels great this time of year.
There is a 25 yard pool at All Star Fitness in the municipal tower. It’s the only 25 yard pool downtown. They have one days or pretend to be looking at a gym and they will give you a weeks pass.
Get on a bus and go to Colman pool. It’s outdoors, 50 meters, and salty.
x2 Colman pool
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X3 Colman. Well worth the 15 min trip from downtown. Outdoors. 50M. On the sound. In a beautiful park.
You could also swim across lake Washington: http://www.everydayathlete.us/parktopark2009home.htm
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X4 (or whatever) on Colman, it’s an awesome pool. There’s also a YMCA downtown. I’ve never swum there, but they are located on 4th & Marion.
Michelle
Hi,
Resurrecting this old thread…any tips on where to swim in Seattle this Friday (7/23), Saturday, or Sunday? I prefer early morning, but am open to any suggestions. Thanks.
Matt
Do you “need” a pool or will open water do? Where in Seattle are you going to be staying? Lots of open water…
If I were visiting Seattle and needed a pool I’d walk, run, bike, drive, cab or bus to the Queen Anne pool.
http://www.seattle.gov/Parks/aquatics/Pools/queenanne/schedule.htm
Colman is a great pool but can be a bit challenging logistically.
Travis
Good questions…
I am staying in the Capitol Hill area. I don’t need a pool, just a place to get in a swim. Open water is fine (although I don’t like cold water and I’m not planning on bringing my wetsuit).
Thanks for any tips!
Colman pool was the one I was thinking of, (Thanks SeattleTK). Link: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/aquatics/colman.htm
I’ll look around some more and see if I can find other good pools near Capitol Hill.
If your staying on the hill the closest pool is Medgar Evers. Of the public Seattle pools this one is at the bottom of the food chain if you ask me. http://www.seattle.gov/Parks/aquatics/Pools/evers/schedule.htm
Lake Washington is swim-able right now without a wetsuit if your ok with about 63-64 degree water. If you end up going the open water route shoot for Madrona Beach or Seward Park. If we get a couple of 80+ days this week Seward Park water temp will climb to 66-67. Triumph Multi-sport is on the lake and they rent wetsuits, the upcoming weekend is pretty light in the local race schedule, you may be able to sweet talk a rental deal out of them 
I’ve lived on the hill for years and now live on Lake Washington, let me know if you have any specific questions.
Travis
Travis - thanks for the info.
I think I’ll bring my wetsuit and hit Lake Washington. Do you prefer Madrona Beach or Seward Park? On Sat and Sun mornings, are there typically other people around swimming?
Matt
My preference is Seward park, its a little bit more protected and warmer, Madrona also has more boat traffic. If you swim AM at either location you won’t be alone. At Seward get in the the lake to the right of the swim area, there’s a little rock jetty.
Once my schedule for the weekend firms up I’ll let you know if I’ll be out there or not.
Enjoy your stay in Seattle.
Travis