11 pools set to open in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh will open 11 city pools on June 18.

The pools slated to open are Ammon, Bloomfield, Jack Stack, Highland Park, Magee, Moore, Ormsby, Ream, Riverview, Schenley and Westwood, city official said Friday.

The city recruited 107 lifeguards to open the 11 pools, city officials said. Typically, it takes 180 to 200 guards to be at full pool capacity.

“We are excited that we have been able to train, certify and hire additional lifeguards this summer in order to open more pools,” CitiParks Director Kathryn Vargas said. “However, it is important to note that staffing numbers are still lower than pre-pandemic levels. We will continue to work hard and hope to continue in this positive direction for years to come.”

Pools will be open 12 p.m. till 1 p.m. for adult lap swim, 1 p.m. till 7 p.m. for open swim and 7 p.m. till 7:45 for adult lap swim on weekdays. On weekends, as well as the Juneteenth observance on June 20, July 4th and Labor Day, pools will be open for adult lap swim from 12 p.m. till 1 p.m., followed by open swim from 1 p.m. till 5:45 p.m.

Hours could change due to staffing levels, inclement weather or mechanical issues, city officials said.

Current staffing levels remain too low to offer additional pool benefits, like learn-to-swim lessons, water aerobics and swim team.

“CitiParks has worked hard for Pittsburgh to improve upon last year’s swim season,” Mayor Ed Gainey said. “They have made great strides in onboarding lifeguards and opening more pools.”

People can purchase season pool tags at all entry gates to pools, beginning on opening day.

CitiParks considered pool capacity, condition, attendance trends and the number of lifeguards trained, certified and hired to determine the season’s pool openings.

The Homewood Park renovation project is set to commence this summer, which will impact the pool season, officials said. The project includes constructing a new pool in the community.