8 Best Public Swimming Pools in Madrid [Cost + Operating Hr]

Madrid is known for its hot, sunny weather – so what’s a better way of beating the heat than cooling off in a pool? 

When traveling overseas, it can be hard to know which public pools are worth visiting – and that’s where our list comes in! 

A fantastic thing about these public pools is that they’re also near other sports facilities, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Overall, Madrid’s public municipal pools are an unbeatable choice.

Not sure where to look? Never fear, because in this article we’ve curated a list of our favorites for you to enjoy. Read on to learn about:

• Eight of the best public swimming pools Madrid has to offer
• Top tips for an enjoyable time splashing around in Spanish waters.

Ready to dive in?

Best Public Swimming Pools In Madrid

1. Centro Deportivo Municipal El Quijote

Formerly known as Piscina Municipal Francos Rodriguez, this pool is located right in the center of Madrid so it’s easy to get to on foot without using public transportation. 

It features a large recreation pool (36 x 20.50 meters), as well as a smaller splash pool (12 x 12 meters) for those who want something more intimate.

The pool is open from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM every day, but note that it closes early during weekends. For the entrance fee to the outdoor pool, expect to shell out anywhere from €3.60 to €4.50 depending on your age. 

If you’re looking for a quieter time to visit, avoid weekends and the hottest part of the day and head there when they first open. Otherwise, waiting for the late afternoon should see the crowds thin out a little!

2. Centro Deportivo Municipal La Elipa

This pool is located in the Moratalaz district of Madrid and is one of the best public swimming pools in Madrid. 

Featuring a large recreational pool as well as a smaller children’s pool, this sports center also features tennis courts and pickleball courts if you’re feeling a bit more energetic!

Prices vary depending on your age and whether or not you’re buying a single ticket, so check that out when you go. 

In general, all of Madrid’s public pools are open between 11 AM and 9 PM, but these hours can vary slightly based on the individual facility. 

3. Centro Deportivo Municipal Casa de Campo

Another great public facility, Centro Deportivo Municipal Casa de Campo is a super popular pool — but be aware that it gets packed! For only €5, you can get a day pass to cool off in the water and soak up the sun. 

You can even take your pick between two pools – one measuring 50 square meters, and the other 33 square meters – as well as a children’s pool for your little ones.

Aside from being popular with families, locals, and visitors to Madrid, this pool is also known for being a meeting spot for the LGBT community. It’s an eclectic, accepting melting pot of different people and cultures! 

Possibly the best part of this pool is the sprawling, grassy surroundings where you can laze out in the hot sun after cooling off. Just make sure you bring your sunscreen!

Centro Deportivo Municipal Moscardó

This outdoor swimming pool complex has a distinct focus on sports; in addition to its recreational pool and a children’s pool, the facility also features paddle tennis courts and even beach volleyball!

Located in the middle of the busy Unsera district, there are plenty of public transport options to reach the pool. 

Entrance fees are affordable, and the sports facilities’ operating hours are from 10 AM to 2 PM (to as late as 7:45 PM on weekdays).

As with any of the pools we have on this list, you should drop by during weekdays, early mornings, or near closing time if you want to enjoy a quieter atmosphere. 

This allows you to avoid the busiest times, but hey — embracing the chaos and enjoying the crowds also has its charm!

5. Centro Deportivo Municipal San Blas

This municipal pool is like a jewel in the eastern suburbs of Madrid, keeping it away from all the hustle and bustle of the city while still being very accessible thanks to the excellent public transport network. 

Serious swimmers, look here — San Blas features a lap pool for you to test your mettle!

More casual visitors can also frolic in the recreational pool or watch their kids splash around in the children’s pool.

And if you ever get tired from swimming, you can always lie by the poolside on a sun lounger while enjoying something refreshing from the snack bar. 

Not interested in swimming? Luckily, there are tennis courts available for you to sweat out your excess energy. Just remember to stay hydrated!

San Blas is open from 9 AM to 8:30 PM, but expect crowds to be around right up to closing time. Make sure to plan accordingly!

Centro Deportivo Municipal Luis Aragonés

Named to honor the famous football player and manager, Luis Aragonés, this sports center is … well, every bit sporty! The facility is open between 8:30 AM and 8:30 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy everything.

For swimmers, you have the choice of all sorts of pools both indoors and out. There’s a wide 50-meter swimming pool, several recreational pools, and even a children’s pool available. 

Looking for a jolt of energy? This sports center also features tennis courts, soccer fields, martial arts rooms, and even a climbing wall — there’s no doubt you’ll tire yourself out by the end of the day!

Aside from that, there are also many great spots for soaking up the sun, as well as a snack bar for when you’ve unsurprisingly worked up an appetite!

7. Centro Deportivo Municipal Aluche

Located in the middle of the busy Aluche district, this sports center is an ideal place for those looking for a mix of relaxation and recreation while also having access to a nearby train station.

Since Aluche is primarily a residential area, expect to see plenty of locals at this pool. If you want to soak up the authentic Madrid experience as if you’re a resident, Aluche Sports Center is an easy choice.

Aside from its recreational twin pool and children’s pool, the sports center also features tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a skating rink. 

So, if you want to bring the family for an enjoyable time, Aluche has plenty to fill your day — you don’t even have to go swimming and sunbathing if you don’t want to!

For fewer crowds, visit Aluche Sports Center during the weekdays and mornings. Avoid the weekends and late afternoons, as that’s when many people flock to the pool. The facilities here are open from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM.

8. Centro Deportivo Municipal Peñuelas

If swimming is all you can think about, visit this sports center! Aside from having two recreational pools with impressive size, there’s also a children’s pool available for kids to splash around in. 

The facility has plenty of space for swimmers, making it the ideal spot for escaping the summer heat!

Visit the center often and you’ll probably start picking out which patches of grass are the best to lie and sunbathe on. 

The good news is that there’s so much room here, so you’ll always find a perfect spot! There’s even a snack bar around to make sure you never get hungry during the fun.

Getting here early is definitely recommended as crowds of both locals and tourists swear by this sports center. At less than €5 to enter, it definitely won’t break the bank – perfect for travelers on a budget. 

Note that Centro Deportivo Municipal Peñuelas opens in two shifts: one from 9:30 AM to 2 PM and another from 3:30 PM to 8 PM. Take your pick for when you want to drop by!

Tips for Visiting Public Swimming Pools in Madrid

So, you’ve now chosen the public pool (or pools, ahem) you’d like to splash in during your time in Madrid. Here’s how you can make the experience even better!

• Check Pool Hours and Availability: There’s nothing worse than turning up to a pool and ready for a refreshing dip — only to find out that it’s closed! Or maybe, it’s open but already overcrowded – or what’s that about having to book ahead of time? Don’t waste your effort traveling all the way to the pool just to get turned away at the gates. Make sure to double-check the opening hours and other entry requirements before you leave!
• Follow Pool Rules and Regulations: Remember that pool rules and regulations differ between facilities, so it’s always a good idea to read and follow them before getting into the water.  Don’t ruin your fun just because you didn’t observe pool regulations and got into trouble!
• Bring Towels and Swimwear: This one should be a no-brainer: wear the appropriate attire to the pool for safety and health reasons, and make sure to bring your own towels. This way, you can leave the pool without taking any nasty souvenirs back with you.
• Apply Sunscreen before Swimming: You should already know this, but the weather in Madrid … well, let’s just say it’s one of the fiercest you’ll ever experience!  The sun burns bright over the city, so always apply sunscreen before swimming and reapply frequently to avoid sunburn.
• Stay Hydrated: You might be surrounded by water throughout the day, but be sure to constantly replenish the water inside you too. Carry a water bottle with you and stay hydrated while in and around the pool!
• Shower before Entering the Pool: It’s common practice (and basic etiquette) to always shower before entering a public pool. This washes away any sweat, dirt, and fragrances on you so that the pool water stays as clean as possible. Make sure you follow this rule!
• Respect Other Swimmers’ Space: It might be an unspoken rule, but make sure to respect other swimmers – especially since you’ll be visiting public pools. If you’re just using the pool to cool off, stay in your lane and don’t get in the way of other swimmers. Observe them from afar!
• Keep Valuables Secure: It’s an unfortunate fact, but like in any other crowded city, thefts can occur in Madrid. Keep an eye on your valuables and secure them in a locker whenever possible.
• Visit during Less Crowded Hours, If You Prefer a More Private Swimming Activity: Generally, the crowds can become intense during the hottest parts of the day or toward the evening. If you prefer fewer people, try visiting first thing in the morning. Not sure about when to drop by? Check out the pool’s busiest hours online!

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