Escape winter in these 9 indoor pools
Bostonians love to complain about New England’s infamous winters. So, what if you could avoid them (at least temporarily) and relax by the pool instead? These nine indoor pools scattered throughout the Boston area will give you a little taste of summer amidst the sleet and cold.
Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center
Open to BU students and members, the BU Fit & Rec Center is outfitted with not one, but two pools. The recreation pool, set to a comfortable 84 degrees, has lanes for lapping, a ramp for wheelchairs, and a lazy river. The slightly cooler competition pool dips as deeply as 13.5 feet—perfect for playing water polo and racing. Oh, and there’s a 15-person hot tub. (915 Commonwealth Ave., Boston; membership plans available)
The recreation pool at the BU Fit & Rec Center.
Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center’s Wave Health & Fitness
This hotel’s pool and fitness facilities are open to members, and there’s a membership option available for people who just want to use the pool. Plus, Wave Health & Fitness is open 24/7. The heated pool recently underwent renovations and now boasts tiles, new lining, and even underwater speakers. (1 Seaport Lane, Boston; Membership plans start at $49, the starting rate for a room changes on a daily basis)
Huntington Avenue YMCA
Recent renovations at the Y mean the updated, heated pool has both a play area for children and lanes, so it’s made for families and those looking to get a work out. The Y offers swimming lessons for kids and adults of all ages, water aerobics classes, and swim teams. Lifeguards are always present. (316 Huntington Ave., Boston; The Y has Community Days for non-members monthly, free one-day and guest passes are available, as are other membership options)
The pool at the YMCA.
Atlantis Sports Club in Cambridge
Atlantis has locations all across Massachusetts, but their newly-renovated Cambridge location has a junior Olympic saltwater pool. You can also spend time in the sauna or steam room and enjoy swimming lessons. (575 Memorial Dr., Cambridge, inside the Hyatt Regency; Free guest pass available online, memberships start at $59 a month)
The pool at Atlantis Sports Club in Cambridge.
Commonwealth Sports Club
If saltwater pools are your style, try the Commonwealth Sports Club. You can take a dip on your own, swim laps, or try one of the original aquatic workout classes, like Aqua QiGong/Tai Chi. It combines the mindfulness of yoga with the strength-building of water aerobics. The facilities also play host to a hot tub. (1079 Commonwealth Ave., Boston; Trial passes available online, joining costs $67-$89 a month)
Mount Auburn Club
This Watertown club features a seven-lane, 75-foot-long pool that’s consistently 4.5 feet deep, meaning it’s the perfect depth for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The low-chlorine facility is basked in natural light. Try an aquatics class there, or dip in the hot tub. (57 Coolidge Ave., Watertown; Free 7-day pass available online, memberships start at $125 a month)
The Mount Auburn Club pool.
Hyatt Regency
Busy schedules are no problem here—this Downtown Boston hotel’s indoor pool is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The heated saline 52-foot pool and adjoining sauna are complimentary for all guests. (1 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston; The starting rate for a room changes on a daily basis)
The pool at the Hyatt Regency.
Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center of Greater Boston
Membership at the Jewish Community Center is open to everyone, no matter his or her religion. The JCC offers babysitting so parents can either take a swim sans kids or have them join for free swim or lessons. Members can also take part in water aerobics and swim team. (333 Nahanton St., Newton; 3-day free trial available online, membership starts at $290 for three months)
The Boston Harbor Hotel’s Rowes Wharf Health Club and Spa
Both hotel guests and private members have access to the full amenities of the Rowes Wharf Health Club and Spa at the Boston Harbor Hotel. The three-lane, 60-foot chlorine pool is set at a warm 83 degrees, the jacuzzi at an even warmer 103 degrees. Saunas, steam rooms, and robe and towel service turn a dip in the pool into a luxury vacation. (70 Rowes Wharf, Boston; Membership is $160/month, the starting rate for a room changes on a daily basis)
The pool at the Rowes Wharf Health Club and Spa at the Boston Harbor Hotel.
Correction 1/30/17 10 a.m.: This story has been updated to reflect the fact that a Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center of Greater Boston membership starts at $290 for three months, not $290 for one month, as was previously stated. We regret the error.
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