Who says the sun needs to be shining and the temperatures must be scorching to enjoy a swim? Nassau County is home to world-class aquatic centers, indoor pools, and a variety of low-impact exercise classes designed to get your heart rate up—under several feet of chlorinated water.
Ready to make a splash? Here are some of the best indoor pools in Nassau County, Long Island, offering year-round fun for the whole family. Sunscreen not required.
1. Nassau County Aquatics Center, East Meadow
Swim alongside champions in the 68-meter pool at the Nassau County Aquatics Center in Eisenhower Park. Since it was constructed in 1998 for the Goodwill Games, dozens of swimming records have been set within the 80,000-square-foot center.
The pool features a 10-meter competition diving tower and one- and three-meter springboards. Those who aren’t training to break records can doggy paddle over to the shallow section of the pool, which is open for recreational swimming.
Try this class: The total-body Aqua Aerobics class boosts circulation and improves joint flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.
2. YMCA of Glen Cove, Glen Cove
Nestled on the North Shore, this YMCA offers family and recreational swimming, lap swimming, swim lessons, and water fitness classes in its 27-yard, six-lane indoor pool.
The pool can also be rented out, complete with a lifeguard, for children’s birthday parties.
Try this class: Go for a walk, a jog, or cross-country ski—underwater—in the Aqua Jog program.
3. Kroll Family Aquatics Center at the Sid Jacobson JCC, East Hills
Families have multiple pools to choose from at this Jewish Community Center, which is open to members of all religions. Do a few laps in the six-lane pool, let the kids play around in the kiddie pool, or relax as you soak in the hot tub. JCC membership required.
The JCC offers group swim lessons for children ages six months to 12 years old. Competitive, young swimmers can join the Barracudas swim teams.
Try this class: Build strength and burn fat in the Aqua Tone classes.
4. Aquatics Center at the Mid Island Y JCC, Plainview
It’s never too early to learn how to swim. Families can enroll children as young as six months in the parent/tot program. Those young swimmers may eventually go on to the Dolphin’s swim team. JCC membership required.
The JCC also offers group aqua therapy classes to improve balance, muscle tone, and strength for those with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Tay-Sachs disease, arthritis, and other neurological disabilities.
Try this class: Get in shape in the Aquafit class.
5. Barry & Florence Friedberg JCC, Oceanside
Even in the coldest weather, you can escape to this six-lane, 25-yard pool. The JCC offers swim classes and private lessons for children and adults as well as competitive swim teams for kids and teenagers. JCC membership required.
Or you can sign up for one of the JCC’s aquatics exercise classes. Since you’re moving your body in water, the exercise minimally impacts joints and helps participants with physical constraints to enjoy a workout.
Try this class: The JCC offers a variety of chlorinated classes for water enthusiasts. Try the Poollates (like Pilates, but in a pool), Cardio Aqua Splash, or Deep Water Workouts.
6. Lifetime Fitness, Garden City
Treat yourself to an afternoon at the Garden City location of this high-end health club. Memberships aren’t cheap, but include access to Lifetime’s two indoor pools (one with five lanes, the other with four lanes.)
After your swim, you can unwind in the cedarwood or eucalyptus saunas, steam rooms, or indoor whirlpools.
When the weather’s warm, soak up the sun as you have lunch served by the outdoor pool. Or watch the kids make a giant splash as they careen down Lifetime’s two waterslides.
Try this class: Water warriors can try the Water Extreme, a low-impact, full-body bootcamp in the pool.
7. LA Fitness, Farmingdale, Garden City, Garden City Park, Lawrence, Levittown, New Hyde Park
Having access to a pool year-round is one of the perks of joining this national chain of fitness centers, which has multiple locations in Nassau County.
After you towel off, you can get in a land-based workout, sweat in the sauna, or hydrate at the juice bar depending on the club. (Amenities vary by location.)
Try this class: Sign up for the Aquafit class, a cardio and resistance training workout.
What’s your favorite spot to swim? Share your pics with @VisitNassauCountyLI and be entered to win some Nassau County faves!
