Six Beautiful San Francisco Pools for Swimming In the New Year

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If swimming in San Francisco sounds frigid and unfriendly, these stunning pools will change you mind fast. They're all heated, some are even outside, and they're tucked away in unexpected parts of the city. If you're looking for the fastest way possible to burn off those extra calories consumed over the holidays, swimming just might be your ticket. Or, just lounge poolside and feel like you're in a much warmer locale, if just for an hour or so.

Photo via SF Rec & Parks

Martin Luther King Junior Pool, 5701 3rd Street, between Bancroft and Carroll—This beautiful public pool is great for serious lap-swimmers and has a separate shallow pool for kiddos. The staff has a reputation for being super nice, and there's parking. Fee: $5 for adults, $1 for children

Photo via Charlie D/Yelp

UCSF Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center, 1675 Owen Street in Mission Bay—The rooftop pool here has an incredible view, and don't worry, it's heated. You have to be a member of the gym to use the pool, which comes with all sorts of other amenities including exercise classes, locker room service (with towels!). Membership for the general public is $89 per month with a $150 enrollment fee.

Photo via wrecks l/Yelp/a>

Sava Pool, 2695 19th Avenue at Wawona—This pool is indoors, but a $17 million remodel in 2009 installed a glass wall on the south side of the building that almost makes you feel like you're swimming outdoors—in SoCal. Entrance fee: $5

Photo via SF Recs & Park

Mission Community Pool, 101 Linda Street at 19th—Did you know there is an outdoor pool smack in the middle of the Mission? It was first built in 1916 and is the only city-operated pool in San Francisco. It's not huge and it's not luxe, but it's convenient and clean and underwent a recent remodel. Bummer for those who want to swim now: it's closed for the winter until March 1. Fee: $5

Photo via USF

USF Koret Health and Recreation Center, 2130 Fulton Street—If you're serious about swimming, this Olympic-sized swimming pool will not disappoint. The facility (which is also a full gym) offers lifeguard training, masters swimming, water polo and more. The general public can purchase passed in 15-use increments for between $45 and $81.

Photo via GGTSC

Golden Gateway Tennis & Swim Club, 370 Drumm Street—Get serious about laps or lounging poolside, resort style, at this 82-degree outdoor pool. The skyline view can't be beat with a front row seat to the Transamerica building. But membership will cost you: contact the membership department for details.
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