Jessica Norton 
A beach day isn’t the only way to cool off at the Jersey Shore. Public pools provide an alternative to crowded beaches, sandy towels, and unpredictable tides. These spots provide a more laid-back way to soak up the sun, complete with day passes, cabanas, as well as food and drink services. Some are open year-round, providing a refreshing escape long after summer ends. Some are tucked inside boutique hotels, while others are standalone destinations made for lap swimming or daytime lounging. Families will find kid-friendly options with splash zones, while adults can unwind at pools with cocktails and DJ sets. Read on for a list of public pool options at the Jersey Shore.
The Asbury Hotel | 210 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park
The Asbury Hotel’s outdoor pool is open year-round. In the winter, it is heated up to 95 degrees to be a hot spring, but stays at a comfortable 80 degrees during the summer. During the summer months, a poolside bar and food truck are available to purchase drinks and small plates. A day pass to The Asbury Hotel pool costs $30 on weekdays and $55 on weekends. A day pass includes access to the pool, lounge chairs (which are first come, first served), towel service, pool side service, and complimentary wifi. A reserved cabana costs $350 and includes day passes for up to six people, a shaded cabana with sofa seating, two chaise lounges, two plush robes a dedicated server, 10% off the menu selections at the Food Truck, a complimentary cooler filled with non-alcoholic refreshments, an assorted fruit plate (delivered upon request), sun care lotions, wifi, plus all of the amenities that are included in the day pass. Asbury Hotel pool day pass and cabana reservations can be made via ResortPass.
Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel | 1401 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park
Just steps away from the ocean, the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel’s pool + cabana club has a heated outdoor swimming pool for hotel guests, locals, and visitors to enjoy. The Berkeley’s pool has cabana rentals, a poolside tiki bar with refreshing beverages, and a food menu of American fare such as burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Guests can dine poolside at the patio tables and chairs or from the comfort of a pool lounger. The Berkeley’s calendar of events also features a lineup of live music + DJs by the pool. The pool operates seasonally, from mid-May through late September each year, weather permitting. Pool deck hours are from 9AM to 9PM and cabana service runs from 11AM to 5PM. Day pass information can be obtained at the hotel’s front desk.
Read More: 14 Free New Jersey Beaches Worth Visiting
Fort Monmouth Recreation Pool | 2566 Guam Lane, Tinton Falls
Fort Monmouth’s Olympic-sized pool is open to all ages but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Open swim season passes are $210 per family (up to four people) or $105 per individual pass. Open swim daily rates are $25 per family (up to four people) or $10 per person Monday through Friday and $45 per family (up to four people) or $15 per person on Saturdays, Sundays + Holidays. Coolers with food and drinks are permitted but glass containers are not allowed. Be sure to check the pool’s open-swim schedule, as the pool is sometimes occupied by summer camps.
Island Water Park at Showboat | 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Showboat Resort offers a year-round pool paradise right on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Combining resort-style luxury with oceanfront energy, the park provides everything from heart-pounding slides and a surf simulator to a winding lazy river perfect for relaxing. Adults can kick back at the exclusive 21+ Paradise Island, which features a swim-up bar, DJ sets, cabanas, and spa-style amenities. Guests will also find four restaurants, three bars, the world’s largest arcade, and a go-kart track. Thanks to its climate-controlled design, the waterpark delivers summer vibes all year long, no matter what the weather is like outside. Tickets can be purchased on the Island Water Park website.
Long Branch Community Pool | 381 Atlantic Avenue, Long Branch
The Long Branch Community Pool offers a fun and family-friendly way to cool off all summer long. The facility, which opened in June 2021, includes a large main pool, a separate kiddie pool, a splash play area, and a clubhouse with concessions, changing rooms, and showers. It’s open daily from 10AM to 7PM, with both day passes and seasonal memberships available. Full details, including pricing, are listed on the Long Branch Community Pool website.
The Middletown Swim Club | 214 Harmony Road, Middletown
From May 24th to September 1st, the Middletown Swim Club at the Middletown Sports Complex welcomes Middletown and non-Middletown residents for open swims, weekly events, movies, and themed games. Memberships are $120 for individual members, $220 for couples, $450 for a family of four, and $99 for seniors. Day passes are available for $12 for adults and $8 for children and seniors. Amenities include bar access for members, a restaurant + snack bar, music, and free Wi-Fi. The pool is closed on Mondays. Hours and event schedules can be found on the Middletown Swim Club website.
Molly Pitcher Inn | 88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank
The outdoor pool area at the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Hotel guests have complimentary access to the pool area starting at 12PM on their day of arrival until 12PM on their day of departure. Daily pool passes are available for non-hotel guests at the rate of $40 per adult and $20 per child ages 2 through 12. These day passes are available Sunday through Friday, depending on hotel’s guest capacity. Daily passes grant access to the pool area for that day only. Every Monday, the Molly Pitcher Inn hosts a poolside social with a discounted admission rate of $10 per person plus drink specials at the poolside bar and al fresco dining.
Neptune Aquatic Center | 55 Neptune Boulevard, Neptune
The Neptune Aquatic Center is a hidden gem that provides a safe and accessible indoor pool for both recreational and competitive swimmers to enjoy all year long. The indoor pool is available for lap and recreation swimming plus water fitness classes throughout the week. It costs $5 per swimmer for anyone 64 years and younger. Swimmers 65 and older can swim for a discounted rate of $2.50 per swim. Swimmers must be at least 14 years old and have a high school I.D. card to come to swim at the facility alone. All students under 14 or without a high school ID must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old with an ID. The pool closes during ice and winter storms as well as during any lightning storms. After a lightning storm, the facility stays closed for 30 minutes after the last lightning strike. Lockers, showers, sinks, and toilets are available in the designated locker rooms. The lockers are for day use only. Most importantly, there are lifeguards on duty at all times when the Neptune Aquatic Center is open. Open swim, lap lane swimming, and water fit sessions can be pre-booked on the Neptune Aquatic Center’s website.
The Pool at Harrah’s Resort | 777 Harrah’s Boulevard, Atlantic City
The Pool at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City is a year-round indoor oasis. The pool is enclosed in a glass-domed with a constant 82-degree temperature and a lush tropical atmosphere. Guests can enjoy poolside cocktails, relax in a lounge chair, daybed, or cabana, stop by for a daytime DJ set, or take a break from the slots for a swim. The pool even has a separate family pool — The Coral Reef Pool — which is open daily from 10AM-6PM. Admission to the pool from Sunday through Friday is $20 per hotel room for up to two guests. Each additional Harrah’s Resort registered hotel guest is $10 per person. Admission is $30 for non-hotel guests. Saturday Day Club programming at the pool is $20 per person for hotel guests and $30 for non-hotel guests. For the Day Club, admission is completed by scanning a QR code at the entrance or advanced through Harrah’s website.
The Shore House | 1600 Ocean Avenue, North Wildwood
Visitors can lounge under pink umbrellas and go for a dip in the pool at The Shore House in Wildwood. A day pass can be purchased for $30 on Resortpass, and amenities include access to its heated pool, lounge chairs, complimentary ice, ice buckets, water, and changing rooms with showers. Plus, there is live DJ entertainment by the pool on Saturdays.
The Sprayground at Dorbrook Recreation Area | 353 County Route 537, Colts Neck
Located at the Dorbrook Recreation Area, the recently renovated Sprayground is a water-enhanced playground with all-new spray features including: raining leaves, domes of cascading water, and a series of high-to-low play troughs. The sprayground is open Friday, May 23rd, through Labor Day, weather permitting. Weekdays, Monday through Friday, no registration is needed to enter. The sprayground is first-come, first-served for each 1.5-hour time slot. Weekends and holidays do require registration due to capacity. Timeslots and registration can be found on the Monmouth County Park System website.
The St. Laurent Social Club | 408 7th Avenue, Asbury Park
The St. Laurent Social Club is a low-key but elegant boutique hotel with a dreamy outdoor pool and lounge area. The Pool is open from 10AM to 5PM seven days a week from May through September to members of the Social Club and guests staying in their guest rooms. Additional swim day passes are released to the public as available. The Pool is open to individuals 21 years of age and older. Passes are $35 from Monday to Thursday and $65 from Friday to Sunday and are available on The St. Laurent’s website. Day pass reservations include a lounge chair on the lawn, access to the temperature-controlled outdoor saltwater pool, towel service, complimentary WiFi, and food and beverage service. Pool chairs are first-come first first-served and cannot be saved for pass holders who have not yet arrived.
See More: 10 Family-Friendly Beaches in New Jersey
Wave Resort | 110 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch
Wave Resort is a modern beachfront retreat nestled in the heart of Long Branch’s Pier Village. Its elevated outdoor pool deck provides sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a tranquil spot to lounge above the bustling boardwalk. Just steps from the sand and surrounded by vibrant dining and shopping, the resort pool blends contemporary luxury with the energy and charm of the Jersey Shore. For non-hotel guests, day passes can be purchased on Resortpass and include lounge chairs, towels, beach access, complimentary WiFI, and complimentary parking.
