Alumni Pool and Wang Fitness Center - MIT

You get access to this pool through the same pass that allows you to swim at the larger MIT pool right down the street. This one is short course, and they do try to open it whenever they have to close the main pool for something. I swam here on a weekday morning and got there right at the 6 AM opening and pretty much had a private pool until others started to come in around 6:30 AM. I ended up sharing and the pool was pretty full by the end, but still able to split the lane. The locker rooms are good and you also have access to their weights/cardio by joining the pool for a day/week/month.

This is a great option In Cambridge and near the downtown Boston core. The $15 entry fee remains the same and they have wider opening hours than the Zesiger Center's main pool. This pool is older, but well maintained and clean. It’s a lovely pool, super deep ranging from 7’ to 13’. I saw two digital pace clocks and swimmers seemed to do a good job of segregation by speed with two lanes each marked slow, medium, and fast. The locker room and showers were similarly well maintained and nice. Bring your own lock; there are plenty of day lockers.

A very nice facility, though a bit expensive if you're not affiliated to MIT. On the other hand, by paying $15 you need only to bring your bathing suit and goggles. All other items are provided. I was there during the weekend, when the university's Zesiger Pool was closed for a meet, and there were only a few others with me in the pool.