Overview
Come summer in Auckland, you are frequently searching for ways to cool off. Hiding in air-conditioned comfort is one way to beat the heat, but having fun outside is all part of living in this part of New Zealand. That's where Auckland swimming pools come in, offering the ideal way to cool off.
Throughout the length and breadth of the city, there are plenty of places to take a dip, both during sun-strewn hours and balmy evenings — or even during winter when the pool heaters turn on. So where should you enjoy a swim, splash around and soak away the day? Here are the best swimming pools in Auckland to try out.
PARNELL BATHS
Generally in operation from the first weekend of November until April the following year, the Parnell Baths are not just a great place for a swim these days, but were in fact Auckland's first salt water baths. Constructed in 1914, with a remodeling make over in the 1950s, the Parnell Baths stand strong today as a top sea-side spot for a family excursion, a fun day out with friends, and of course, a decent solo swim.
As the largest salt water pool in the country, Parnell Baths host a whopping 60m lane length with admirable depth which allows for less tumbles and more rhythm. As well as the lengthy diameter, the bath's host generous kid's and toddler pools. The spas are refreshingly crystal clear and the surrounding environment makes for relaxing revival time.
Parnell Baths is currently closed for refurbishment, but should be back in business at the end of 2023.
OTARA POOL AND LEISURE CENTRE
You may not have known it but at just a 21-minute drive from the CBD sits the fantastic Otara Pools and Leisure Centre. Within the Otara complex there are three indoor pools, a spa pool, steam room and sauna. With the indoor pool sitting at 25m, as well as a 15m learner's pool and one toddler pool, this is a place you can go for both a decent swim or to take the kids to play.
Outdoors sits a 33m pool which in summertime is utilised both for its dive board and swimming lanes. The water has a nice lightweight clarity to it and on a hot day is an ideal spot for working on a tan as well as getting some exercise via the lanes. The staff of this Auckland swimming pool are super friendly and will make you feel more than welcome. The modern architecture featuring a beautiful sky roof adds extra comfort, especially when resting back, gazing up from the comfortability of the spa.
TEPID BATHS
Following a renovation "The Teps" are now looking their best yet. The Tepid Baths are currently home to two pools, a spa and sauna facilities. The iconic facility, once used in 1931 to baptise one hundred new faithful, offers seven lanes of 25m swimming in one pool and four lanes of 18m swimming in the other, with a shallower depth.
The staff at the Tepid Baths are always smiling, which makes for a pleasant greeting after a hard day at work, and that's what these pools are great for, hosting the CBD workers either before or after a day's work. In turn, and lucky for us CBD workers, the pools are a little quieter during the day time which is always nice to have a lane to oneself.
PT ERIN POOL
Pt Erin Pool located in Herne Bay makes for a great day out whether you are kicking solo or taking the family out. Whether you want to splash, swim or relax the Auckland outdoor pool has options for everyone. Operating seasonally from the end of November until the end of March, at Pt Erin you can find a 33m competition pool as well as an exciting dive pool.
Being seasonal during summer this option makes Pt Erin a school holidays hot spot. As an added bonus to this, the facility has hydro-slides and a family spa pool, making the complex favorable for family orientated activities. Whether it's playing with the kids in the toddler's pool or taking on the teens on the basketball court, it is a sound option for a sunny day out, even offering a playground for younger children.
WEST WAVE POOL AND LEISURE CENTRE
Built for purpose in 1990 for the Commonwealth Games held in Auckland, the West Wave Pool and Leisure Centre is an advanced and purposeful complex. Located in Henderson, the center offers a 50m competition pool, perfect if you just want to tuck your head down, chin on your chest and go for it.
West Wave also offer a competition dive pool perfect for a manu or two as well as the latest in water recreation and play facilities which are great fun for all-ages including a hydro-slide and wave pool. This one of Auckland's best all round facilities with a huge complex completed with of course a spa pool, sauna and steam room which is ideal for a peaceful recovery after a long swim.
THE OLYMPIC NEWMARKET
As host to the 1950 Commonwealth Games, it wouldn't be fair to leave out the Olympic pools in Newmarket. With the main pool sitting at the Olympic size of 50m, what makes these pools the most enticing, is the 4.4m depth. This element makes the actual facility itself not only a great place for a serious swim but also welcomes learner divers and invites fun seekers who get a thrill out of performing like a seal now and then.
Be prepared though, ears on the street have it Newmarket pools are known for questionable customer service and if you can handle the sauna being turned off at times an hour earlier than closing time then a harmonious relationship you two shall have. A lovely sky light in the form of a half-dome roofs the spa pool which at times is frequented by many.