The Floating Pool Lady
Swimming hole in Manhattan, New York · River
The Floating Pool Lady is a swimming pool in east river swimming hole. It is near Manhattan, New York. Fee varies. Best season: Late June to early September.
Typical season: Late June to early September
About The Floating Pool Lady
The Floating Pool Lady gives you swimming pool in east river swimming access near Manhattan in New York. Expect a natural bank, not a built beach.
There are . And then there is The Floating Pool Lady, a one-of-a-kind public pool that bobs gently on the East River at Barretto Point Park in the Bronx.
It is New York in a nutshell. Ingenious, unexpected, and entirely its own thing. The skyline hovers in the distance, a jagged steel silhouette that feels both far away and intimately close. The smell of the river drifts in. Mineral and alive. Even though the pool itself is clean and chlorinated. There is something quietly thrilling about . calls back to New York City's historic floating baths of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when public pools on barges served working-class New Yorkers who had no other escape from the summer heat. From toddlers splashing in the shallows to lap swimmers cutting smooth lines across the pool.
Swim at your own risk at The Floating Pool Lady. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Swimming Pool in East River
- Water body
- Swimming Pool in East River
- Fee
- Fee varies
- Nearest town
- Manhattan
- State
- New York
- Coordinates
- 40.80556, -73.88861
- Best season
- Late June to early September; weekdays for a quieter experience, weekends for a lively atmosphere.
- Access difficulty
- Easy access; public transit options available. Suitable for families and swimmers of all levels.
- Parking
- Roadside / pull-off
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- few developed facilities; no on-site concessions, so you should bring their own essentials like towels, sunscreen, and snacks.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Late June to early September; weekdays for a quieter experience, weekends for a lively atmosphere.
- Access Easy access; public transit options available. Suitable for families and swimmers of all levels.
- Facilities few developed facilities; no on-site concessions, so you should bring their own essentials like towels, sunscreen, and snacks.
Highlights & features
- Floating pool on a barge
- Located in the Bronx's East River
- Safe and chlorinated water
- Unique urban swimming spot
- Seasonal operation (summer)
- Floating structure on the East River
- Urban swimming experience with skyline views
- Historical nod to NYC's floating baths of the past
How to get there
The Floating Pool Lady lies in New York near Manhattan, Bronx. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. The Floating Pool Lady is a unique public . Use these driving notes to reach the location: Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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From Manhattan
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Start on the Major Deegan Expressway (I-87)
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Head north on I-87 toward the Bronx. Follow signs for the Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95).
Merge onto I-95 North:
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Take the exit for I-95 North/Cross Bronx Expressway toward New Haven.
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Exit onto Sheridan Boulevard (NY-895)
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Take Exit 4B for Sheridan Boulevard toward Hunts Point. Continue on Sheridan Boulevard.
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Turn onto Bruckner Boulevard
Merge onto Bruckner Boulevard and follow it east.
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Turn onto Tiffany Street
Turn right onto Tiffany Street, which will lead you toward Barretto Point Park.
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Arrive at Barretto Point Park
The Floating Pool Lady lies within Barretto Point Park. Look for signage directing you to the pool area. From the Bronx: Start on Bruckner Boulevard: Depending on your starting location, head toward Bruckner Boulevard and follow it east.
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Turn onto Tiffany Street
Turn right onto Tiffany Street, which leads directly to Barretto Point Park.
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Arrive at Barretto Point Park
The Floating Pool Lady lies within the park. Follow signs to the pool area.
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Parking and Final Approach
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Parking
Barretto Point Park offers limited parking. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak summer hours. Street parking may also be available nearby, but check for posted restrictions. Access to the Pool: Once inside the park, follow the paths and signage to the pool area. The Floating Pool Lady is a barge-style pool located directly on the waterfront.
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Helpful notes
The Floating Pool Lady is a seasonal attraction, typically open during the summer months. Check local schedules for operating hours. Public transportation is a convenient option if driving is not preferred. The NYC subway and bus systems provide access to the Bronx, with connections to Barretto Point Park. Bring essentials like sunscreen, towels, and water, as amenities may be limited. Have a safe visit to this unique !
Plan your visit
The Floating Pool Lady works well as a day trip from Manhattan or Bronx. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Nearby options include Croton Point Park and River Pool At Beacon. For the full list in New York, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is a seasonal public pool typically open during summer months. Check local NYC Parks schedules for current operating dates and hours before visiting. Parking at Barretto Point Park is limited; consider public transportation or arriving early.
Top picks for this trip
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
A do-everything bottle that holds ice through a full hot day at the water.
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Willit Rashguard Swim Shirt UPF 50+
The best all-around sun shirt for swimming holes — light enough to swim in, dry enough to hike out in.
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What to pack for The Floating Pool Lady
Gear we compare side by side for river swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at The Floating Pool Lady?
Yes. The Floating Pool Lady near Manhattan and Bronx in NY is a swimming pool in east river swimming spot on Swimming Pool in East River. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
How much does The Floating Pool Lady cost?
Plan for fees: Unknown. Rates and policies change — verify with the land manager before you drive.
How do you get to The Floating Pool Lady?
The Floating Pool Lady is in NY within day-trip range of Manhattan and Bronx. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
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Map & location
Culture & history
Revives NYC's tradition of floating baths; highlights urban innovation and the importance of accessible recreational spaces.
Conservation
Promotes sustainable urban recreation; visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to maintain cleanliness.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.