Top Public Pools In South Florida

The favorite summer pastime of many South Florida residents is cooling off in a swimming pool or at the beach. Since public beaches are few and far between, or full of rocks, public swimming pools have become a popular alternative for cooling off in the hot Florida sun. Simply choose the type, size and amenities you are looking for, then go for a dip in your local public pool.

Thomas Sasso Pool And Water Playground
1100 N.W. 125 St.
North Miami, FL 33168
(305) 681-0701
www.northmiamifl.gov

Thomas Sasso Pool and Water Playground has six swim lanes, each lane being 25 meters in length, which visitors can use for both recreational or fitness purposes. There is even a water playground for small children that allows young children to play in the water without parents having to hold on to them. Swimming lessons are also available for both children and adults. Thomas Sasso Pool and Water Playground has a fee reduction program that visitors can apply for so they can get help with the annual park fees.

Tamiami Park
11201 S.W. 24 St.
Miami, FL 33165
(305) 223-7077
www.miamidade.gov

Tamami Park is open from sunrise to sunset. The pool, however, is open as late as 9:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays during the summer. Active adult exercise classes are available from May to October for a small fee. Swimming classes for both adults and children are taught by certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors. Swim fees are $2.50 for children and adults, and the cost for seniors is only $1.50.

Riverland Park Pool
950 S.W. 27th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 828-5322
www.fortlauderdale.gov

The nice thing about Riverland Park Pool is that they offer American Red Cross lifeguard and water safety instructor courses. There are adult swim times when children are not allowed in the pool, and swim times when children are welcome to play in the pool. Riverland Park Pool even has a water playground designed specifically for the little ones where water squirts from all directions for the little ones to run through. There are also animal figures to climb on and small water slides to slide on. Although there is a charge for older children and adults, children eight years old and younger are admitted free with a paying adult. Swimming lessons are also available at this pool.

Related: Top Public Pools In South Florida

Cutler Ridge Pool
10720 Caribbean Blvd., Suite 105
Cutler Bay, FL 33189
(305) 238-5344

Cutler Ridge Pool offers "mommy and me" and "Tiny Tots" swim classes, as well as swim classes for older children and adults. Senior aerobics classes are also available with a minimum of four participants per class. Although Cutler Ridge Pool is open year-round, it does close during inclement weather. It is advisable to call before coming to ensure that the pool is open for public swimming.

Caporella Aquatic Complex
9300 N.W. 58 St.
Tamarac, FL 33321
(954) 597-3663
www.tamarac.org

The pool at Caporella Aquatic Complex has just been refurbished. The complex has a 25-meter by 25-yard swimming pool, a double tornado slide and a children's water "sprayground." The fees for using the pool start at $2.00 per child. Swimming lessons for both adults and children are available for a small fee. Water aerobics classes, aqua Zoomba classes and arthritis water exercise classes are also available at the aquatic complex.

Related: Best Public Pools For Kids

Katherine Bostick is a freelance writer covering all things Tampa Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.