Chelsea Recreation Center

I was staying nearby for three weeks in December, 2023. I swam at 8:30 AM most mornings; it was busy but OK. There were usually two or three swimmers in the fast lane. The lockers require a small padlock. The showers are hot and good but the locker room is small and a bit dirty. The staff are efficient and helpful. I was very pleased it was there.

The only non-varying lap swim times in the Chelsea Recreation Center are from 7 to 10 AM, Monday through Friday. Check the center's web site ("website", above, in the first section of the listing) for other times. It would be prudent to use footwear in the locker/shower rooms and goggles in the pool. Swim caps are required. You must bring your own lock and towel.

This is one of the nicest pools in NYC that I have swum in. There are imported Italian tile dolphin mosaics on the wall, there's a skylight above, and there's even a deep end, something getting rare due to insurance. It can accommodate competitive events but hasn't yet, because it is only weeks old. It should be nice - it took NYC 30 years to build it!