Mission Pool — Local services in San Francisco

Just a block from Mission Dolores Park, and around the corner from trendy shopping and restaurants on Valencia St, I would have never guessed that there was an outdoor pool right there in the heart of the city.

The building itself could use some updating. The locker rooms definitely have character- there is all kinds of wood paneling, and orange and red tiling in the showers and walls. The shower area itself was confusing- there were 3 showers in a small, very dimly lit (and orange-tiled) room. Although the locker room was obviously outdated, the only thing that was truly missing that other SF city pools included is a swim suit dryer.

The pool was busy compared with other SF city pools I have visited; I was surprised to see 2-3 people per lane. It was a smaller pool (4 lanes, 30 yards), with narrow lanes, and it did feel crowded. Some were waiting for swimmers to leave before hopping in for their swim- my lane mate complained about running into the entry/exit ladders when swimming near the wall, and I did get breaststroke kicked.

Apart from the number of people, it was such a treat to swim outside right in the middle of the city.The Mission Pool is a hidden gem best meant for anyone who is comfortable with no-frills locker rooms, and is looking to get outside to enjoy a...

Hidden gem of an outdoor swimming pool in the heart of the Mission district. It's often pleasant weather with sun right there, during the foggy Summer months in SF. Unfortunately the hours it's open (for lap swimming and for recreational swimming) are quite limited - I was told this is mostly because SF City doesn't want to pay the lifeguards who monitor it. This seems weird to me as the City wastes so much money elsewhere, and there's an income stream from entrance fees to...

Does pool has been around for ever? I remember that we used to call it nickel's pool because we paid 5 cents to go swimming. It is the only outdoor pool reckon Does pool has been around for ever? I remember that we used to call it nickel's pool because we paid 5 cents to go swimming. It is the only outdoor pool...