Best Indoor Pools in Atlanta: Where to Swim Year-Round

Whether you’re escaping Atlanta’s summer thunderstorms, staying active in winter, or looking for a reliable lap lane all year, indoor pools in Atlanta offer solid options for fitness, training, and family fun.

This guide focuses on indoor pools in and around Atlanta, Georgia, with practical details on what each type of facility typically offers, who it’s best for, and how to choose the right spot for your needs.

Quick Guide: Top Indoor Pool Options in Atlanta

Below is a simple overview of some of the most commonly used indoor pool options in the Atlanta area. Always confirm hours, fees, and access rules directly with each facility before you go.

What “Best Indoor Pool” Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, “best indoor pool” can mean different things depending on what you’re looking for:

• Serious lap swimmers may prefer longer lanes, quieter hours, and lane reservation systems.
• Families often look for shallow areas, play features, and family swim times.
• People training for triathlons or competition may want lane length details, water temperature consistency, and access to coaching.
• Seniors or people wanting low-impact exercise tend to value warm water, water aerobics classes, and easy access/parking.

Because Atlanta traffic and parking can be a factor, location and commute time often matter as much as the pool itself.

City of Atlanta Indoor Pools

The City of Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation operates several indoor pools that are popular with residents for their affordability and community-focused programs.

Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation & Aquatic Center

Address:
110 Hilliard St NE
Atlanta, GA 30312

This large complex just east of Downtown typically includes:

• Indoor lap lanes for adult and youth swimmers
• Swim lessons for various ages and abilities
• Community swim times and aquatic programming

Why it’s a strong option:

• Centrally located near Downtown and Old Fourth Ward
• Often used by residents who rely on public transit or want a city-run facility
• Good choice if you’re looking for budget-friendly indoor swim options within city limits

Check directly with the center (or the City of Atlanta Parks & Recreation office) for current hours, seasonal schedules, and fees, as these can shift with programming and staffing.

Washington Park Natatorium

Address:
102 Ollie St NW
Atlanta, GA 30314

Located on the westside near the Washington Park neighborhood, this facility serves many nearby communities and is often used by youth programs and local residents.

Common features include:

• Indoor lanes for lap swimming
• Swim lessons and youth swim activities
• Scheduled public swim and potential water exercise sessions

Best for:

• Residents in Westside communities who want a neighborhood pool
• People looking for a public indoor pool that usually offers structured programs

Parking and access can be better here than in denser parts of the city, but always verify parking rules and entry policies before visiting.

Using City of Atlanta Aquatic Facilities

For all city-run aquatic centers, it’s wise to:

• Call ahead or check posted information for:
  • 🕒 Open swim hours vs. swim team or lesson times
  • 👪 Family swim policies (ages, supervision requirements)
  • 💳 Daily fees or membership/pass options
• Ask about any residency discounts or special pricing for Atlanta residents.

Metro-Area County Indoor Aquatic Centers

If you are willing to drive a bit outside the city, the surrounding counties operate some of the most fully equipped indoor aquatic centers in the region.

Roswell Aquatic Center (North Metro)

Address:
200 Dobbs Dr
Roswell, GA 30075

Though not technically within Atlanta city limits, this facility is frequently used by people in North Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and nearby suburbs.

Typical features include:

• A large indoor competition-style pool
• Lap swim times across multiple lanes
• Swim lessons, swim team activities, and aquatic fitness classes

Who it suits:

• Families in north metro areas wanting year-round swim lessons
• Lap swimmers who don’t mind a short drive for consistent indoor lanes

Cobb County Aquatic Centers (Northwest Metro)

Cobb County operates multiple indoor aquatic centers that are popular with residents in Northwest Atlanta, Smyrna, Vinings, and Marietta.

Examples include:

• West Cobb Aquatic Center – 2022 Austell Rd, Marietta, GA 30008
• Mountain View Aquatic Center – 2650 Gordy Pkwy, Marietta, GA 30066

What these centers commonly offer:

• Indoor lap swimming with multiple lanes
• Structured youth swim programs and local swim teams
• Water aerobics and low-impact exercise classes
• Family swim times (varies by location and schedule)

If you live in West Midtown, Vinings, or near I‑75, these can be realistic options, especially if you drive.

YMCA Indoor Pools in the Atlanta Area

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta operates several branches with indoor pools. These are membership-based but often provide a good balance of:

• Lap swim
• Family and recreational swim
• Swim lessons for children and adults
• Water fitness classes

Some metro Atlanta branches that often have indoor pools include:

• Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA at Buckhead – 1160 Moores Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
• Decatur Family YMCA – 1100 Clairmont Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
• YMCA at East Lake – 275 East Lake Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA 30317

Availability varies by branch. Common steps if you’re considering a YMCA pool:

• Ask if the branch has an indoor pool (some are outdoor-only or seasonal).
• Review the pool schedule: dedicated lap times vs. family swim vs. lessons.
• Check for guest passes if you want to test it before committing.

This route works well for families, new swimmers, and people wanting structured lessons along with gym access.

Private Gyms and Clubs with Indoor Pools

Many large fitness centers and clubs in Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, and the Perimeter area maintain indoor pools for members. These often appeal to:

• Professionals who want to swim before or after work
• Triathletes and endurance athletes training regularly
• People who value clean, quieter environments and broader gym amenities

Common features include:

• 25-yard or 25-meter lap pools
• Consistent water temperature and maintenance
• Access paired with weight rooms, locker rooms, and group classes

If you’re evaluating a private gym or club in Atlanta:

1. Confirm the pool is indoor and heated year-round.
2. Ask about lane availability during peak times (before work, lunchtime, after work).
3. Request details on guest policies, so you can try a session before joining.
4. Ask if they post real-time lane occupancy or have a reservation system.

Hotel Indoor Pools in Atlanta (For Visitors)

If you are visiting Atlanta and just need a convenient place to swim, many Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Airport-area hotels feature indoor pools.

Typical patterns:

• Access is usually limited to registered hotel guests.
• Pools may be shorter and more recreational than lap-focused.
• Hours can vary; some open early and close late, but quiet swim times depend on occupancy.

Hotel indoor pools work well if:

• You’re a business traveler wanting a quick swim.
• You’re traveling with kids and want reliable indoor play regardless of weather.

It’s best to:

• Confirm with the hotel whether the pool is indoor, outdoor, or hybrid (indoor/outdoor).
• Ask if the pool is heated in cooler months.
• Check if there are any maintenance closures planned during your stay.

How to Choose the Best Indoor Pool in Atlanta for Your Needs

When comparing indoor pools around Atlanta, these factors usually matter most:

1. Location and Commute

Atlanta traffic can turn a short drive into a longer trip, especially at rush hour. Consider:

• Pools near home, work, or your child’s school
• Access to MARTA or safe walking routes if you do not drive
• Availability of free or low-cost parking

Even a great facility may be hard to use consistently if it’s across town during peak traffic.

2. Pool Type and Water Environment

Think about how you want to use the pool:

• Lap swimmers / training:
  • Look for marked lanes, lap swim schedules, and lane length (often 25 yards).
• Families and kids:
  • Shallow areas, lifeguard presence, and family swim times are key.
• Low-impact exercise:
  • Some prefer warmer water, gradual entry, and water aerobics classes.

Ask about:

• 🌡 Temperature: Too cool can feel uncomfortable for casual or slow swimmers.
• 🧽 Cleaning practices: How frequently is the pool checked and maintained?

3. Cost and Access

Indoor pool costs can vary widely:

• City or county-run pools often have day passes and lower recurring costs.
• YMCA and community organizations may offer sliding-scale options or financial assistance.
• Private gyms and clubs typically require monthly membership but bundle other amenities.

Questions to ask:

• Is there a day rate or single-visit option?
• Are there residency discounts (for city or county facilities)?
• Are there extra fees for classes or swim lessons?

4. Schedule and Crowding

In Atlanta, peak times at indoor pools often include:

• Early mornings (before work)
• Late afternoons and early evenings (after school/work)
• Weekends, especially for family swim

Look for:

• Posted schedules that clearly separate lap swim, lessons, and open swim
• Policies on lane sharing and lane etiquette
• Any reservation systems that let you guarantee a lane

5. Programs and Extras

Some of the best indoor pool experiences in Atlanta come from well-run programs rather than the facility alone. Consider:

• Swim lessons for kids or adults who want to improve technique
• Masters swim groups or training groups for adult swimmers
• Aqua fitness classes for low-impact workouts
• Swim teams for youth if you’re thinking long-term involvement

Public facilities, county centers, and YMCAs often have robust program calendars.

Practical Tips for Using Indoor Pools in Atlanta

To get the most out of Atlanta’s indoor pool options:

• Call ahead before your first visit. Confirm hours, fees, and whether any special events or meets are scheduled.
• Arrive a bit early. This helps with parking and gives you time to navigate new facilities.
• Bring appropriate gear:
  • Swim cap (often encouraged at more lap-focused pools)
  • Goggles
  • Flip-flops or pool shoes for walking on deck
• Check age and supervision rules if bringing children; many facilities have specific requirements.
• Ask about locker and shower access, especially if you’re heading to work or school after your swim.

By focusing on your location, budget, and swimming goals, you can narrow down the best indoor pool in the Atlanta area—whether that’s a city-run aquatic center near Downtown, a county facility in the suburbs, a YMCA branch, a private gym, or a hotel pool while you’re visiting.