Beat the Heat with Public Pools in Vancouver, Washington

Splashing in the pool on a hot summer day is fantastic way to cool off and relax. Most cities, large and small, have swimming pools open to the public. Vancouver, in southwest Washington, has several decent public pools where both young and old can cool off and beat the heat. Grab your swim suit, swimming trunks, friends, and visit these pools today!

Marshall Center
1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd
Marshall pool, located at the Marshall Center, is one of the largest public pools in the area. I have visited Marshall many times during the summer months and found it a relaxing escape from the summer heat. This pool is 6 lanes wide, 25 yards long and is a great place for lap swimming (for the summer, Lap and Individual Exercise swim is at 10am-noon, then 6pm-6:45pm, be sure to check posted schedules for special events). Marshall Center has separate changing rooms for men and women, and allows children to swim in the main pool (those under 7 years old must be accompanied in the water by an adult). Lockers are available for 25 cents or 50 cents (based on size). I found Marshall pool to be a fun, if older, pool to visit and swim at. I also attended a few birthday parties held at Marshall center and had a blast swimming there. Lifeguards are on hand at this pool and swimcaps are not required. I found the pool at Firestenburg (see below) to be somewhat cleaner, but I still have many good memories of swimming at Marshall Center.

Firstenburg Community Center
700 N.E. 136th Ave
Firstenburg is one of the newest aquatic and pool swimming centers in Vancouver. It sports a 17-foot high water slide, the longest in in the county at a dazzling 130 feet of length. The main swimming pool has 1-3 lanes (depending on the time) and is 15 yards long. Firstenburg Community Center also features a Lazy River (more common at themed-water parks and not a public pool!) and a spa. I enjoyed visiting this aquatic setup but found it to be more crowded than Marshall pool. Age requirements for children are the same as at Marshall center (if under 7, must be accompanied by adult in the water) and the pool temperature is the same as Marshall's (86-87degrees Farenheit). Try out the Firstenburg Community Center pool today, but arrive early, as the pool is limited to 120 swimmers at a time!

The local YMCA (at 11324 NE 51st Circle) and the Lakeshore Athletic Club (2401 NW 94th Street) both have outstanding swimming pools, but a membership pass or guess pass is required at these aquatic centers. Consider visiting these places (addresses listed below) and signing up for a membership if you grow tired of the crowds at the public pools.

Swimming is a great way to exercise your whole body and taking swimming lessons is one thing everyone should definitely do. Consider finding swimming instructors at these pools or at private ones in the area. Enjoy!