Wang YMCA of Chinatown

I've swum at this pool three times. The gym is fine and fairly clean. The pool feels smaller than normal, but there are at least three lanes to swim in — you’ll probably have to share, as I’ve had to split a lane every time I’ve been here. Backstroke swimmers beware: the ceiling is at a 45º angle to the pool. Trying to follow that slant is way too confusing, so I couldn't swim backstroke here at all!

The biggest downside is that parking is non-existent and a pain, since you have to hunt for a spot on the street.

But honestly, everything else was fine and I would definitely swim here again!

This is a nice facility with all lanes available for use at 6:30 AM. First swim in free, subsequent visits are $15 each. Walk in and register at the desk.

I'll triple the kudos to the friendliness and welcoming attitudes of the staff. As an out-of-town visitor, they offered me a free day pass and then said I could come two more times at $15 per time. When I came in, I was greeted with a smile and a "thank you" for me finding them and coming there. When I walked out, they asked me if I had a good swim. While it doesn't sound like much, both were done with a smile and warmth. In terms of the pool, while it was basic, they had four lanes with speeds marked for lap swimming and one lane that was water walkers / non-lap swimming. On a Wednesday before American Thanksgiving, there ranged between two and seven other swimmers, so I had a lane to myself for a good portion of my hour-long workout and shared with another swimmer for maybe 20 minutes of that time. There's a nice analog pace clock, and plenty of kickboards and pull buoys were available. The water was a tad warm, by probably no more than 82ºF.

Great staff and nice facility. I swam on two October weekdays at 6 AM. There was a mix of water exercise and lap swimming going on, sometimes in the same lane, but there were no issues. Everyone was focused and respectful. Wang YMCA is one of the reasons I look forward to going back to Boston.

This facility is most remarkable for the friendliness of its staff. The pool itself is satisfactory - warmer than many, but this was appreciated during this bad winter. The pool provides kick boards, pull buoys, and water aerobics belts. Caps are required. Towels are provided, but one must bring one's own lock, also on sale for $5. The locker room is no better or worse than any other Y in an older Eastern city.