Colman Pool — Attraction in Seattle

Not a lot of "free swim" area and the slide wasn't operational due to "not enough staff." However, as it was my first time there, I asked another person about the slide and she stated in the last 6 years she's never seen it operational... Disappointing! Also they make kids take a swim test to see if they can go to the 5' area, which I respect! Again, however, it was a cluster, first there was one lifeguard watching the kid swim back n forth (there was a line of 20 kids) which are into the hour n a half time period we paid for. Then they added 2 lifeguards. None of the kids who passed were identified so, the lifeguard at the diving board area wouldn't have a clue who passed and who didn't.... Then my daughter in law was sitting on the edge of the pool w my grandson at her feet in the 3'6" WITH A LIFE VEST ON..he's 5. The (looked like 16 y/o lifeguard) yelled at her by saying "u in the hat" and when she said "yes dear?" He responded with "first of all that's not my name, second of all u need to be in the water with your child" her: "he has a life vest on I'm right here" him: "these are the rules" her "ok no problem (got in the pool) and then said to him "but there r kids jumping off the diving board with a life vest and their parents arent in the water with them" him "that's different"....the attitude was less than kind, it was condescending and disrespectful....he must needed to feel he had power. We...

This pool used to be the gem of the city. Unfortunately it has changed since my time here as a child. There used to be two diving boards, one high and one low. They’ve removed the high dive. Additionally during free swim, the whole pool is not available. They still have dedicated lap swim, during the free session time, which divides the pool in half while at the same time closes the slide down as well. Everything is sectioned off from the deep section to the middle section, the lap swim, and the child’s section. Realistically you have 1/6 of the pool available to freely swim. Which really defeats the purpose of free swim. It’s not free swim, the pool feels so divided and small given all the sections. This pool was incredible back in the day, early 2000’s, it was open and had ample space, no restrictions or sections. My advice, make free swim exactly what it means free random swimming. No lap swim, open the entire pool during this time. I understand the section for the children. But the remainder of the pool should be available to swim randomly. The entire pool, not 1/6, it really is sad they structure it like this. Feels like a bait and switch. You go in expecting the whole pool. And only get half the pool which is then sectioned even further. I really hope they change their new policy and structure. It would make the experience so much better and be reminiscent of the old...

While taking a random bike ride one day...I stumbled upon this glorious lap and recreation pool that sits right on the water, as the bike trail squeezed behind it.

Built in 1941, this Saline pool still operates today under the Parks and Rec dept. The cost is just 6 bucks to enter, and they offer senior discounts as well. Occasional swim meets do occur, and the diving board is pretty active for the "young at heart". They open at noon and close at 7pm daily.

They have 4 sessions, with 3 or 4 lanes reserved daily for lap swimming, but the two middle sessions seem to be the less crowded sessions for lap swimming.

The pool is divided up in sections for different activities and ages. Locker rooms and showers are available, with good old cement and towel seating awaiting you outside next to the pool. Remember those days as a kid, sure you do!

I prefer to ride my bike there, (as many others do too, looking at the bike rack), because the trail feeds right up to the pool, and you'll avoid that very long, hilly walk from the very crowded parking lot "far, far away in another galaxy". Also, the bike rack is right out the open front doors, so I felt better securing my bike there under the watchful eyes of the front desk host, who also doubled as a Lifeguard.

Nice.

How about that view though huh?

Such a unique swimming pool still supported by this city. And just for us...Nice...