Brooklyn Bridge Park’s new floating pool

Rachel Markowitz | July 17, 2007

Most have probably heard by now of Brooklyn’s latest summer attraction: our very own, brand spankn’ new floating pool. At a glance, the 25-meter pool has the appearance of an in-ground, crystal blue, members-only swimming club. However, it’s actually a big barge floating on the east river. From the south end of the Promenade in Brooklyn Heights, you can get a good view of the long line to get in, as well as the make-shift beach that lies amidst the urban landscape. A free shuttle runs from the Borough Hall and High Street subway stations to allow neighbors an easy way to get there.

I have to say, my first thought when I heard about a brand new, free-for-everyone pool was, this sounds like a really great way to get herpes from a toilet seat. It’s hot out, and the majority of us are not, believe it or not, weekending at the Hamptons. If Water Taxi Beach attracts a large crowd on hot days, just imagine the congestion at a place where you can actually swim. I pictured lots of accidental skin to skin contact with large strangers while trying to maneuver around the pool. And just thinking about the bathroom gave me that creepy crawlies. After reading up on it, however, it seems as though they’ve got a good system down.

The pool has a 175-person capacity, so the personal space thing is not an issue. And you don’t have to worry about that loud family of seven on line in front of you, hogging your pool time either; guests are let in on a session-basis, most sessions lasting from an hour to 90 minutes. Guests are given wristbands for a particular session, one hour before sessions on weekdays and 30 minutes before sessions on weekends. Sessions are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. While you wait, the idea is to hang out on the large block of sand called Brooklyn Bridge Park Beach. The beach has concession stands and promises games of volleyball and soccer. Umbrellas are also available for rental. I haven’t yet visited the floating pool, but now that I know the risk of acquiring a social disease is minimal, I might just go check it out. I’ll be back soon with swimmer reviews to share.

The Floating Pool at Brooklyn Bridge Park Beach is open 7 days a week. The closest subways are the 2/3/4/5 trains to Brooklyn Borough Hall or M/R trains to Court Street. See www.brooklynbridgepark.org/pool for more details.