Aquatic Centers in Atlanta: Where to Swim, Train, and Cool Off

Looking for an aquatic center in Atlanta—whether for lap swimming, family fun, swim lessons, or water fitness? Atlanta has a strong network of public and community pools, plus a few major indoor aquatic centers that stay open year-round.

This guide explains how aquatic centers work in Atlanta, where the main facilities are, what they typically offer, and what to know before you go.

How Aquatic Centers Work in Atlanta

In the Atlanta area, “aquatic center” usually refers to a larger, multi-use swimming facility that may include:

• Indoor and/or outdoor pools
• Lap lanes and warm-up areas
• Diving wells or boards
• Splash areas or leisure pools
• Swim lesson programs
• Water fitness classes
• Locker rooms and sometimes meeting rooms or event space

You’ll find these centers run mainly by:

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation (city pools and natatoriums)
• County parks departments in nearby areas (DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, etc.)
• Colleges and universities (some with limited public access or membership options)

If you’re in Atlanta proper, you’ll most likely use:

• A City of Atlanta indoor pool / natatorium, or
• A nearby county aquatic center if you’re close to the city limits.

Major Aquatic & Natatorium Options In and Around Atlanta

Below is a quick comparison of some well-known options that many Atlanta residents use. Always verify hours, fees, and access rules directly with the facility, as they change seasonally.

Quick Reference: Key Aquatic Facilities

*Features vary by facility.

City of Atlanta Aquatic Centers & Natatoriums

The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation operates multiple pools and natatoriums within city limits. These are usually the most convenient options if you live inside the city or don’t want a long drive to the suburbs.

How City Aquatic Facilities Generally Work

Most City of Atlanta aquatic facilities offer:

• Open/recreational swim
• Lap swimming (during designated hours)
• Youth swim lessons and sometimes adult lessons
• Water fitness or aqua-aerobics at selected locations
• Swim team practice at selected natatoriums

Fees are typically modest, and many residents find them more affordable than private gyms or clubs. Schedules are often seasonal, especially for outdoor pools, with expanded hours in summer and limited or no hours in winter.

The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation main office can provide current details:

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
  233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1700
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main Parks & Recreation line (commonly listed publicly): (404) 546-6813

For the most accurate information, contact the specific pool or natatorium you plan to visit.

Notable Aquatic & Natatorium Facilities in Atlanta

Below are several facilities commonly used by Atlanta residents. Availability, fees, and programs can change, so use this as a starting point and verify before you go.

Martin Luther King Jr. Natatorium (Near Downtown)

The Martin Luther King Jr. Natatorium has historically served residents near Downtown and the Old Fourth Ward area. It typically offers:

• Indoor swimming pool
• Lap lanes during posted times
• Swim lessons for children and often adults
• Community programming tied to city recreation initiatives

Residents around Downtown, Inman Park, the Old Fourth Ward, and nearby neighborhoods often look to this facility for year-round indoor swimming.

👉 Why locals use it: Central location; good for those who rely on public transit or live close to Downtown and midtown-adjacent neighborhoods.

Washington Park Natatorium (Westside)

Located on the Westside, Washington Park Natatorium is another major city-operated indoor pool facility. It is typically used by:

• Families in Westside neighborhoods
• Adults looking for lane swim without leaving the city
• Youth involved in city-run programs or swim teams

Standard amenities often include:

• Indoor pool
• Recreational swim sessions
• Scheduled lap swim
• Lessons and community water programs

Residents of Vine City, Ashview Heights, and other Westside neighborhoods often find this to be their closest year-round aquatic option.

Adamsville Natatorium (Southwest Atlanta)

The Adamsville Natatorium generally serves the Southwest Atlanta community. It’s commonly known for:

• Indoor pool
• Youth and family-oriented programs
• Recreational swim times
• Possible water fitness classes, depending on current programming

If you live near Cascade, Greenbriar, or Adamsville, this can be a convenient choice.

Seasonal Outdoor Pools in Atlanta

In addition to natatoriums, the City of Atlanta operates seasonal outdoor pools, usually open during the summer. These are more focused on:

• Recreational/family swimming
• Cooling off in hot weather
• Occasional special events or community days

Examples of neighborhoods that commonly have city-run pools include:

• Southwest Atlanta (e.g., Lionel Hampton-Beecher Hills area)
• Westside neighborhoods
• Various parks around the city

For these pools, it’s especially important to:

• Check opening and closing dates (usually late spring to early fall)
• Confirm daily hours, which may differ on weekdays vs. weekends
• Verify age rules for unaccompanied minors, flotation devices, and swim diapers for small children

Aquatic Centers in Surrounding Metro Counties

If you live near the border of Atlanta or don’t mind a short drive, metro-area county aquatic centers can offer more extensive amenities, like multiple pools, diving facilities, or expanded lesson schedules.

DeKalb County Aquatic Center (East of Atlanta)

Many residents on Atlanta’s Eastside (Kirkwood, East Atlanta, Gresham Park, etc.) look to DeKalb County aquatic facilities.

A commonly used facility is the DeKalb County Aquatic Center (also known as an indoor aquatic complex) located in the eastern metro area, which typically features:

• Indoor pool with lap lanes
• Swim lessons and clinics
• Water aerobics or fitness programs
• Recreational swim times

It’s a frequent choice for those just outside Atlanta city limits on the east side or for in-city residents who don’t mind driving a bit for a larger complex.

Cobb County Aquatic Centers (Northwest of Atlanta)

If you’re in Northwest Atlanta (such as near the City of Atlanta edge around Vinings or Upper Westside), Cobb County aquatic centers can be within a practical driving distance.

Cobb facilities typically offer:

• Indoor competition-style pools
• Multiple lap lanes
• Dive wells at some locations
• Extensive lesson programs and swim teams

They appeal to Atlanta residents seeking more structured training environments, especially for competitive swimmers.

Gwinnett County Aquatic Centers (Northeast of Atlanta)

For residents of Northeast Atlanta or those near the city’s border on that side, Gwinnett County operates several well-known aquatic centers.

These often include:

• Large indoor aquatic complexes
• Leisure pools with water play features
• Lap pools and diving areas
• Broad schedules for lessons, fitness, and recreational swim

While not inside Atlanta city limits, these centers can be attractive if you want variety in pool types and programs and are willing to drive into the suburbs.

What You Can Typically Do at an Atlanta Aquatic Center

Across Atlanta and its nearby cities and counties, aquatic centers generally support a wide range of uses. When planning your visit, consider what you want to do:

1. Lap Swimming for Fitness

Most centers set aside specific lap swim times, often:

• Early mornings
• Midday on weekdays
• Later evenings

Tips:

• 🏊 Check lane availability before you go, especially if you’re training regularly.
• Expect to share lanes and follow basic lap swim etiquette (swim on the right, circle swim as needed).
• Some facilities require cap or specific attire, so review dress codes.

2. Recreational / Family Swimming

If you’re bringing kids or just want to relax:

• Look for “open swim” or “recreational swim” blocks in the schedule.
• Outdoor pools in Atlanta are often the busiest on hot afternoons and weekends in summer.
• Some indoor natatoriums limit toys, inflatables, or diving during crowded times for safety.

3. Swim Lessons (Youth and Adult)

Many aquatic centers in and around Atlanta offer:

• Group lessons for children (commonly by age and level)
• Beginner adult lessons
• Private or semi-private lessons at selected sites

Since demand can be high, particularly in the summer:

• ⏱️ Register early when seasonal sessions open.
• Ask whether your child will be water-tested and placed by skill, not just age.
• Consider less-peak hours (weekday afternoons) if you prefer calmer pool conditions.

4. Water Fitness and Therapy-Oriented Use

A number of Atlanta-area aquatic centers provide:

• Aqua aerobics / water fitness classes
• Deep-water exercise sessions with flotation belts
• Senior-focused low-impact water exercise

These programs are often popular with:

• Older adults
• People seeking low-impact exercise options
• Individuals recovering from joint issues (under guidance from their healthcare provider)

If you’re interested in this type of activity, ask:

• Whether equipment is provided (noodles, belts, dumbbells)
• How intense the class is and whether it’s beginner-friendly

Access, Fees, and Memberships in Atlanta

Each aquatic center sets its own structure for access, but in the Atlanta area you’ll typically see:

• Drop-in daily fees for residents and non-residents
• Discounted passes (multi-visit or monthly)
• Season passes for outdoor pools in summer
• Reduced fees or special programs for youth, seniors, or low-income residents, especially in city-run facilities

When you call or visit a facility, consider asking:

1. What is the daily admission for residents vs. non-residents?
2. Do you offer passes or memberships, and how do they compare in cost?
3. Are there separate fees for classes or lessons?

For City of Atlanta residents, bringing proof of residence (like a driver’s license or utility bill) may qualify you for lower rates.

Practical Tips for Visiting an Aquatic Center in Atlanta

To get the most out of your visit, keep a few Atlanta-specific factors in mind:

Heat and Weather

• In summer, outdoor pools can reach capacity quickly on very hot days. Arriving earlier in the day often helps.
• Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons; outdoor pools may temporarily close for lightning within a certain radius.

Parking and Transportation

• Some city natatoriums and pools share lots with parks or recreation centers, so parking can be limited during peak times.
• If you rely on MARTA, check the route and walking distance from the nearest bus stop or rail station.

Rules and Safety

Most facilities enforce similar rules:

• Appropriate swimwear is required.
• Children often must be accompanied by an adult up to a certain age.
• Swim diapers are required for non–toilet-trained children.
• Food and glass containers are usually not allowed on deck.

Checking the rules ahead of time helps avoid surprises and makes your visit smoother.

How to Choose the Right Atlanta Aquatic Center for You

If you have multiple options nearby, narrow them down using:

1. Location and Commute

• Inside city limits? A City of Atlanta natatorium or pool might be your easiest option.
• Near the perimeter or just outside the city? A county aquatic center could offer more amenities.

2. Your Main Goal

• Serious training / lap swim: Look for facilities with consistent lane schedules and deeper pools.
• Family fun: Outdoor pools or centers with leisure features may be better.
• Lessons or fitness classes: Ask about class availability, cost, and waitlists.

3. Budget and Frequency

• If you swim often, a monthly pass or membership may be more cost-effective than paying daily.
• If you go occasionally, paying per visit could be enough.

Key Takeaways for Finding an Aquatic Center in Atlanta

• Atlanta offers a network of public aquatic centers and natatoriums, primarily through the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation department and nearby county park systems.
• Indoor natatoriums such as those at Washington Park, Adamsville, and Martin Luther King Jr. areas provide year-round swimming for many city residents.
• Outdoor city pools operate seasonally, mainly for recreation and family-friendly swimming in summer.
• Surrounding counties—DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and others—operate larger aquatic complexes that many Atlantans use, especially if they live near city borders.
• Before you go, always confirm hours, fees, rules, and available programs directly with the facility, as these details can change with the season or budget year.

With these basics in mind, you can choose the aquatic center in or around Atlanta that best fits where you live, how you like to swim, and what kind of experience you’re looking for.