17 Vintage Photos of Swimming in New York City’s Outdoor Pools (1930-1960)

Vintage Photos Nostalgia May 10, 2025

Last Updated on May 10, 2025 by Matt Staff

Long before there were such grandiose things as infinity pools that decorated the skyline, New Yorkers claimed victory over the intense summer heat in massive public baths like Astoria Pool, McCarren Park Pool, and the Deco-styled Hamilton Fish. This collection of 17 vintage photos of New York City open-air pools can transport you back in time.

1. Red Hook Pool, 1938

A crowded public swimming pool with many children and adults swimming and playing in the water, while numerous people sit and stand around the poolside and on bleachers in the background. The image is in black and white.
Screenshot

Red Hook can be a beautiful place to pop out for a swim.

2. An Upper West Side pool in 1938, looking especially enticing

Historic photo of a riverside swimming pool with people swimming inside. The pool is enclosed by railings and located next to a city shoreline with distant buildings and a tall tower visible through the mist.
Screenshot

Because what beats an outdoor pool in NYC in 1938?

3. Betsy Head Pool, 1946

Black and white photo of a crowded public swimming pool, with many people swimming and standing poolside. A large pool building and spectators on a balcony are visible in the background.
TheTimeMachine

This looks like an especially spectacular summertime pool to enjoy back in the day.

4. Faber Park Pool, 1938

A person dives off a high diving platform into an outdoor pool while people swim and relax poolside on a sunny day. Trees and buildings are visible in the background. The photo is in black and white.
TheTimeMachine

That kid nailed it in catching some serious air.

5. Red Hook Pool, 1940

A crowded public swimming pool filled with people swimming and playing in the water, while large groups of people watch from the poolside; buildings are visible in the background. The image is in black and white.
TheTimeMachine

I just can’t begin to imagine how dirty some of these pools must’ve gotten.

6. McCarren Park, 1937

Large crowd of people, mostly children, swimming and playing in an outdoor public pool beside a brick building, with city buildings and a water tower visible in the background. The scene appears busy and lively.
TheTimeMachine

McCarren Park pool has long since been one of those outdoor pools that seem to serve as a beacon for everyone.

7. Kids piling into a “Swimmobile” in the late ’60s

A black-and-white aerial photo shows a crowded city street with children swimming in a makeshift pool built into a truck. People stand on the sidewalks, and cars are parked along the buildings. The scene is lively and bustling.
TheTimeMachine

The Swimmobile was the place to catch the good vibes back in the day.

8. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Pool, 1946

A crowded public swimming pool with many people in the water and on the poolside. Behind the pool is a large wall decorated with ornate seahorse designs. The image is black and white.
TheTimeMachine

Love the designs at play here too.

9. Wading Pool, Carmansville Playground, 1935

Children and adults play and swim in a crowded public pool, with water spraying from hoses. People sit along the pool’s edge and a large building is visible in the background with a “Shell” sign. The image is in black and white.
TheTimeMachine

The wading pools were especially clutch. They were built during the Depression by the WPA. They were built to provide some relief from the extreme heat and serve as a healthy outlet for the burnt-out children.

10. McCarren Park Pool, 1937

A crowded public pool in a city, filled with people swimming and gathering along the edge on a sunny day. Historic buildings and rooftops are visible in the background. The scene appears lively and bustling.
TheTimeMachine

Things are popping off on this day in history.

11. Swimmers enjoying a temporary pool in Stroud Playground, Brooklyn on July 29th, 1967

Black-and-white photo of children playing in a fenced urban playground with a wading pool, surrounded by tall brick buildings and a street with parked cars in the background.
TheTimeMachine

The temporary summertime pools had that highly sought after mobility.

12. It was an extra hot day to be out swimming in Brooklyn

Crowded public swimming pool scene from the early 20th century, with many people swimming, sitting poolside, and standing around; trees and a large pavilion are visible in the background.
TheTimeMachine

You had better have made sure that you were showing up at the pool early back then.

13. Colonial Park Pool, 1936

A large crowd of people, mostly children and teenagers in swimsuits, gather by a public swimming pool next to a brick building on a sunny day. Some are swimming, while others stand or sit by the pool’s edge.
TheTimeMachine

It looks like an extra fun day to be out at the Colonial Park Pool.

14. Astoria Park Pool, 1936

A large outdoor public pool crowded with swimmers on a summer day, with a suspension bridge spanning across the background and trees lining the far side of the pool area.
TheTimeMachine

Now that looks like a pleasant summertime swim with a wildly pleasant view, to boot.

15. Swimming Contest, Astoria Park Pool, 1936

A large crowd of people swim and gather at an outdoor public pool with a bridge and city structures in the background on a sunny day.
TheTimeMachine

Those swimming contests at the outdoor pools were no joke, back in the day, man.

16. McCarren Park Pool, 1937

A large crowd of people, mostly children, swim and play in a busy outdoor public pool on a sunny day. The pool and surrounding deck are packed with swimmers and onlookers. The image is in black and white.
TheTimeMachine

There’s something about being stuck in a shoulder-to-shoulder situation at a hot and sweaty outdoor pool that is likely not super hygienic that doesn’t sound very pleasant.

17. Colonial Park Pool, 1936

Black and white photo of a crowded public swimming pool, with many children and adults on the pool deck, some standing on a diving board, and others sitting or waiting nearby. Trees and architectural features are in the background.
TheTimeMachine

Yeah, this looks like a great time.

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