Summer Splash

Everyone loves lying by the pool in the summer. We lust after this image of summer lovin’ all. winter. long. Well it’s here, pool season, and if you live in the city, then you know they be scarce. The following is our complete guide to public and private pools as well as how get into a pool at night.

PUBLIC POOLS

Toronto’s Parks & Rec public pools a great way to cool down and get out of the house.

Top Outdoor Pools:

1. Alexandra: 275 Bathurst St (at Dundas) 416.392.7686 

2. Alex Duff Memorial: 779 Crawford Ave (Christie Pitts) 416.392.0910 

3. Donald D. Summerville: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd. (where Woodbine turns into Lake Shore) 416.392.7688

The Parks and Rec pools are running on 2 different schedules this summer.

The first is the “part-time” schedule which is in effect from June 26-29 & August 30-September 5.

During this schedule, pools are open Monday to Friday 4-8 and on weekends hours usually range 12-7 (like the Alexandra pool at DunBat) or split them up to 12-5:30 pm and 6-8 pm (ie, Alex Duff Memorial in Christie Pitts)

The remainder of the summer runs by the “full time” schedule, which is June30th until August 29th. Again pool hours range, usually they’re 12 pm-7 pm.

Scroll down to page 8 here for the full schedules.

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Toronto Island is one of the best places to go in the summer for a cheap (the ferry is $6 for adults and $3.50 for students). Ferry across and enjoy open space and the freedom to drink, swim and BBQ in peace.

Hanlan’s Point has fire pits, 2 beaches (one of which is clothing optional during July and August) and a tennis court.

Toronto and Ward’s Island both feature a ton of fire pits, volleyball nets and splash pads.

HOTEL POOLS

Hotel pools are fun and contrary to the city’s public pools, you can expect to not contract skin dieases from using their regularly change rooms.

The Radisson opens 2nd week of June and the price is right: $25 during the week, $35 on weekends.

The Sheraton‘s outdoor pool is already open (phew!) and it’s $28 for the day pass.

For those of you with fatter wallets and a wish to be seen, hit up the Four Seasons‘ indoor-outdoor hybrid (which is already open) for the price of $65 per person (and $35 for the kiddies in your life).

POOL HOPPING

If you wanna skip the screaming children and avoid dropping cash, then pool hopping is the summer activity for you. My personal top two are: Alexandra Outdoor pool (located at Dundas and Bathurst) and Alex Duff Memorial at Christie Pitts. When pool hopping, check if it has fences which are not difficult to climb (easy entrance, easy exit).

Pool Hopping Tips and Tricks:

1. When getting dressed in the summer always wear easy to shed clothing; this is KEY because if you hear voices that aren’t your friends and it’s time to bolt, you will definitely regret wearing a pair of tight cigarette jeans.

2. If going to visit a friend who has a pool in their building, don’t forget layout of the building-telling the super she’s meeting you there will definitely be less nerve racking if you can bluff your way into and around the place with confidence.

3. Don’t go to the same place twice in a row. If at one point you got caught there the same rules apply as a smart criminal: Never return to the scene of the crime.

4. This tip is a 2-parter. There is safety in number and always have a getaway plan. The larger the group, the simpler the plan (it’s hard to chase 10 people isn’t it). If there’s only a few of you be sure to have a set plan of escape. Whether it involves 2 people on a bike, one on a skateboard and one on foot, always be prepared for the words “HEY! What are you doing in there?”.This especially applies if pool hopping during the day-which is one of the most fun times to do so by the way.

HAPPY SUMMER!