Commodore Barry Pool — Local services in New York

This is a public pool, the pool area is generally kept clean. The rules are very strict only thing allowed on deck is towels, water bottle and books - That’s it. No shirts or cover ups or even cell phones! They will make you lock it up. Security is present for a reason and will enforce those rules.

Update: they do not allow strollers but let you park on the outside of the premise (I don’t dare). They are still very strict. And this time I noticed a few creeps (assuming?) lingering on the perimeter which is concerning - hoping that they just have family members and couldn’t enter bc you can’t be in regular clothes.

Bring a sturdy lock (as noted in picture) for essentials. Don’t bring any valuables including your phone - some lockers looked busted into so this proves you can’t trust the situation even though they have a guard in the locker room!

I noticed while I was there the solo adults that came left after an hour because the pool is dominated by the local kids. Even some older kids were kicked out for rough play and breaking the rules. I also left after an hour because I got tired of being splashed and bumped into by kids not paying attention, mind you I am very pregnant.

It’s good if you need to cool off on a hot day but don’t expect to be able to use the lanes for laps (I will try mornings to see if it’s different). Tip: I came right when they reopened at 4pm and was good for about 15m and it got crowded within the hour.

The kids are not controlled or even monitored much and will play and splash everywhere. Be ok with being occasionally bumped into and...

Commodore Barry Pool is a well loved part of the neighborhood. During the summer (check NYC Parks for official opening day) the pool is open 11am to 3pm and 4pm to 7pm. During heat waves they extend hours. The entrance is on N Elliot Place and you can enter through the locker rooms and showers (women to the left, men to the right). The pool strictly enforces all the rules, such as showering before you go in, leaving everything in a locker except for towels and water, strollers stay outside, must use swim diapers, only wear swim wear on the pool deck (no street clothes except white t shirts), no running diving etc. The lifeguards are all young and there are park staff in all the locker rooms. Bring your own combination lock. There are NO electronics allowed in the pool area (hence no good photos).

There is a 1 foot deep kids pool and a 3 foot deep pool. If you're the lap swimmer, there are three lanes painted and you best get here promptly at 11 am. By the time the kids and teens arrive, it's difficult to maintain a lane for yourself. It does get crowded on weekends, especially the 4-6 pm hours. Expect to get splashed and don't take yourself too seriously. There are some lounge chairs and umbrellas around the edges, but more benches and tables closer to the locker rooms.

I found everything clean and organized, even the bathrooms, and people are neighborly.

Outside the pool is the rest of Commodore Barry Park, with handball, basketball, baseball, two playgrounds and a patio like space for...

Commodore Barry Pool: Where Headbands Are a Crime (Unless You’re Not My Wife)

Security here has a weird obsession with headbands—but only if you have cancer. My wife, currently battling cancer, was yanked out of the pool for wearing one, while a dozen others flaunted their illegal headgear without consequence. When we pointed this out, along with the fact that SHE HAS CANCER, the response was a robotic "Don’t care."

Rules for thee, not for me: ✔ Headbands = BANNED (if you’re my wife) ✔ Cancer discomfort = irrelevant ✔ Basic human decency = optional

Final thoughts: If you enjoy power-tripping lifeguards, zero logic, and being treated like a fugitive for ACCESSORIZING, this is your spot! Otherwise, swim literally anywhere else.

0/10 – Would rather take my chances in...