Dr. William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center

The Rumsey Aquatic Center is an airy structure but the pool is murky. It appears to be moderately well used, say in the early mornings, but it's never too busy. At 5 PM on a June Tuesday I shared a lane with one other in one of four lanes kept for lap swimming with the rest of the lanes used for summer kids' activities. No cap is required. The locker room is basic.

To get in you have to register online with the Department of Parks and Recreation; then buy a ticket online. It's tricky and difficult.

It's great to find a pool with lap lanes set up constantly but sad that you can't just walk up and pay to get in.

I took my daughter to swim laps at this facility, several times, while recently visiting DC. It was perfect for our needs. Not crowded, affordable, and lap swim available all day. She was able to go and swim for about 1.5 hours each time without any issue. She would have to split a lane from time to time, but everyone was so nice. The water is quite chilly, so be ready for that! :)

Nice pool, with a friendly community vibe.