Camila SmithWhen I was a kid, I would always look forward to summertime as that meant more pool time for me. Of course, my mom took me to swimming lessons, too just to be more confident in the waters.
Now that I’ve got my own kids, I made sure that they took their swimming lessons too. Good thing that El Paso has several swimming pools (including indoor ones) so we can enjoy being in the waters even if it isn’t summertime.
So if you also want to take the plunge, make sure to check out the ones we tried and loved in the city!
1. Westside Natatorium
– Media credit: @eastlakeswim
Website: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/parks/aquatics/aquatic-centers/
Address: 650 Wallenberg Dr, El Paso, TX 79912
Contact Details: +1 915-212-0458
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Westside Natatorium is an indoor swimming pool around El Paso offering both open swimming and aquatic classes across all ages.
Here, there are several open-yard lanes, so if you’re training for a tournament or even for triathlon then there’s always a lane for you to practice anytime you drop by.
However, don’t expect that you can use the lane privately, as these are shareable to up to four patrons.
You should also take note that there’s a designated recreational swimming time for children and families. With this, you’re not allowed to use the lap lanes during lap swimming practices.
And while walk-ins are available, it’s still highly recommended that you call them 24 hours in advance to secure a spot.
Pro tip:
Westside Natatorium’s locker room is quite small and provides little privacy. If this would be an issue, plan your visit accordingly.
2. Hawkins Indoor Pool
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Website: http://www.elpasotexas.gov/
Address: 1500 Hawkins Blvd, El Paso, TX 79925
Contact Details: +1 915-212-6780
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday: 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Saturday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Lifeguards are always present here at Hawkins Indoor Pool, so if your main concern is safety, then you can have it here in this pool in El Paso!
What we like most about this pool is that there are no deep ends. It’s actually a great spot for doing water aerobics and therapy, as you can plant your feet firmly on the ground.
The vibe is lively, thanks to their good selection of music. But older folks don’t need to worry about it being loud, they can still enjoy a calming lap pool experience here at Hawkins Indoor Pool.
When it comes to the pool temperature, it’s great that it’s neither too cold nor too warm. This means you can enjoy swimming indoors across all seasons, especially during winter!
Pro tip:
Consider visiting from 12 until 1 in the afternoon if you want to enjoy a more peaceful pool experience. You can even enjoy a full lane all to yourself!
3. Armijo Swimming Pool
– Media credit: @eptxparksrec
Website: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/parks/aquatics/aquatic-centers/
Address: 911 S Ochoa St, El Paso, TX 79902
Contact Details: +1 915-212-0395
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Saturday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
For those who are looking for a kid-friendly swimming pool around El Paso, then we’ll recommend Armijo Swimming Pool. It’s an indoor pool with lots of benches around so you can sit and relax while you look after your kids.
But don’t worry if you can’t supervise them fully as there are lifeguards present too. There’s also a large and clean area for kids to play around.
Here, even your 3-year-olds can crawl in the water as the kids’ swimming area isn’t deep. Well, fun fact: this is where our youngest son learned how to walk!
You’re also allowed to bring food, perfect if you’re staying for quite a while. Just remember to take the, at the designated eating area just outside the pool area.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a party place for your next kiddie party, Armijo Swimming Pool, including the play area, can be rented out.
4. SISD Aquatics Center
– Media credit: @sisdsport
Website: https://www.sisd.net/o/sisd/page/aquatics
Address: 1257 Southview Dr, El Paso, TX 79928
Contact Details: +1 915-937-0544
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
If you want to enjoy both indoor and outdoor pool experience, SISD Aquatics Center is for you. You can choose to maximize their outdoor pool area if you’re into lap pool swimming.
They also offer swimming classes here, so if you want your kids to be swimming pros then you can enroll them here. Meanwhile, you can choose to have fun at the outdoor pool, which is pretty perfect for families.
And if you’re a student at Socorro ISD with all As on your report card, then you can use the facilities for free!
You’re also allowed to bring outside food. Just make sure to clean the area before you go.
While there are several tables around the pool, we still recommend that you arrive here before lunch to secure one. Just be ready with the heat, especially during summer, as shaded areas are quite limited.
Meanwhile, for those of you who are planning to go here to celebrate a special occasion, there’s an event room near the pool area that you can reserve so you can have a small private space for your guests.
Pro tip:
Due to the limited tables, you may consider bringing your own tables, chairs, and even tents here at SISD Aquatics Center.
5. Leo Cancellare Pool
– Media credit: @ludusmagnus
Website: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/parks/aquatics/aquatic-centers/
Address: 650 Wallenberg Dr, El Paso, TX 79912
Contact Details: +1 915-212-0458
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Saturday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What we liked about Leo Cancellare Pool is that their staff will allow you to check the area first so you can gauge how crowded the place is before you even pay for your stay.
It’s a pretty popular place, even for seniors, so if you don’t mind sharing lap pool lanes, then you can give it a shot.
We noticed that their facility isn’t humid compared to the other indoor pools in the area, which is great for parents who are staying around to supervise their kids.
And oh, only one parent or guardian is allowed per swimmer, so avoid bringing the entire household to avoid inconvenience.
While the pool is beautiful, we thought that the water seemed to be a bit cold for us. So if you’re trying to relax those muscles, then we won’t advise this pool experience for you.
Nonetheless, we had fun exploring their water extractor for bathing suits. Because of this, you don’t need to worry about bringing home a soaking swimsuit (and don’t worry, the machine won’t cause it to shrink!).
They also have a big shower area, allowing you to move freely without constantly bumping into the other pool goers.
Pro tip:
Consider creating an account online to reserve your spot as swimming slots are quite limited.
6. Pavo Real Swimming Pool
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Website: http://www.elpasotexas.gov/parks-and-recreation/aquatics
Address: 110 Presa Pl, El Paso, TX 79907
Contact Details: +1 915-212-0475
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
For those of you who are searching for a pool area in El Paso that allows you to swim for free, then Pavo Real Swimming Pool is a heaven sent!
It’s a great spot for recreational swimming. They also have pool slides and dive boards, which definitely adds up to the adventure.
It’s worth noting, however, that this pool isn’t advisable for lap pool goers, as swimmers tend to cross the barriers just to reach the other side of the pool.
Here, you can set up your own tents, tables, and chairs under several trees around the area. Yes, it’s a great place for the entire family to bond and chill around.
While you’re allowed to bring outside food, you can skip all the meal prepping and just buy your favorite meals from the food trucks parked around the place.
You’re also allowed to bring your pets here. They even have a designated dog water park too, which we found nice and clean!
Pro tip:
We recommend bringing your own stool chairs if you’re staying near the dog water park.
7. Replica Aquatic Center
– Media credit: @bonillaguillermina
Website: https://bliss.armymwr.com/programs/replica-indoor-pool
Address: 5035 Dickman Rd, El Paso, TX 79925
Contact Details: +1 915-568-7431
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Our favorite part about visiting Replica Aquatic Center is seeing their spacious lap pool lanes. It’s also has an indoor pool, so we can enjoy swimming and playing around without getting sunburnt.
There’s also swimming equipment and accessories, such as floaters and donut tubes. During our visit last year, we had fun exploring different inflatable games like the water handball!
Aside from the pool games, there are also water slides open for those who passed the swimming test or those who are above 16 years of age.
It’s also great that their pool has a comfortable water temperature. We actually enjoyed our time in the pool, we didn’t realize we’d been playing for more than two hours already.
Pro tip:
There’s no towel service at Replica Aquatic Center, so make sure to bring your own.
8. William W. Cowan Swimming Pool
– Media credit: @eptxparksrec
Website: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/parks
Address: 8100 Independence Dr, El Paso, TX 79907
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM; Friday: 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Saturday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
For those of you who are looking for a pool place with plenty of accessories to choose from, then William W. Cowan Swimming Pool is the perfect one for you and your kids.
Here, you can enjoy utilizing their noodle floaters and vests. And if you’re here for fitness purposes, there are pool weights that you can use, too.
There’s also a water slide if you’re in the mood for an extra splash. It’s a bit fast, so make sure to be with your little kids when exploring this feature.
Pro tip:
William W. Cowan Swimming Pool is one of the pool areas in El Paso that opens relatively early in the morning, perfect for lap swimmers who want to get their early morning workout done before work.
9. Ascarate Park Pool & Aquatics
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Website: https://www.epcountyparks.com/ascarate-pool
Address: 6900 Delta Dr, El Paso, TX 79905
Contact Details: +1 915-273-3501
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:45 PM
If you want to make sure that the pool you’re visiting isn’t crowded even during the summer, then Ascarate Park Pool & Aquatics should be on your list. It’s an outdoor pool though, so be ready to swim under the sun at all times.
The pool is huge, offering various depths. It starts off at 3 feet and can go as deep as 12 feet. But don’t worry; each section is properly marked, and there are lifeguards looking out for you at all times.
However, we noticed that the lifeguards take too many breaks. And that means we need to get out of the pool multiple times as well.
Since there are limited seats in the area, you can bring your own chairs, especially if you’re going as a big group. To keep your refreshments cool, you can also consider bringing in your own cooler.
Pro tip:
Ascarate Park Pool & Aquatics closes 30 minutes before it’s official closing time, so plan your visit accordingly. For obvious reasons, avoid going here an hour before closing.
