Hot weather is almost here, and the Asheville area’s many water destinations – both man-made and natural – are sure to help your summer go swimmingly. Following is a list of the best spots to cool off when temperatures heat up.

City of Asheville Pools

Three public outdoor pools – Malvern Hills, Recreation Park and Walton Street – provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for children and adults. The pools have varied schedules, but generally are open early June through early September. General admission is $3, a 15-visit pass is $40, an individual season pass is $100, and a family season pass is $150. All three pools also offer two sessions of free swim lessons for school-age children (registration required).

In addition, there are swimming pool events throughout the summer, including $1 Dip Days at Malvern Hills and Rec Park, Float Days (all pools), and the Sixth Annual Doggie Dip day at Rec Park. For more information, and to register for swim lessons, visit https://www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/parks/pools_n_splasheville.htm. Malvern Hills is located at 75 Rumbough Place, in West Asheville; Recreation Park at 65 Gashes Creek Road, by the Nature Center; and Walton Street at 570 Walton Street, near the River Arts District.

Splasheville

The City of Asheville's interactive splash play fountain in downtown’s Pack Square Park features 21 jets of water that run in 12 combinations for hours of fun. The fountain usually operates from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week from April through September. https://www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/parks/pools_n_splasheville.htm

Buncombe County Recreation Services Pools

Buncombe County boasts five outdoor public pools that will open for the season May 25. Cost to swim is $3 per day for Buncombe County residents. Discounted multi-visit passes are also available at each pool. Bonus: The pools are set against stunning mountain backdrops, so you can drink in the view while you enjoy the water. Cane Creek Pool is located at 590 Lower Brush Creek Road in Fletcher, Erwin Pool, 58 Lees Creek Road, Asheville; Hominy Valley Pool, 25 Twin Lakes Road, Candler; North Buncombe Pool, 892 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville; and Owen Pool, 117 Stone Drive, Swannanoa. https://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/parks/facilities/pools/default.aspx

In-Town Swimming Hole

For a more natural water experience, nothing beats a dip in a swimming hole. But if you don’t have time to drive out to a waterfall in Dupont State Forest or Pisgah National Forest, Azalea Park, on Asheville’s east side, offers an ideal in-town alternative. While the swimming hole – along a stretch of the Swannanoa River that borders the park – is not officially maintained by the city, it draws a crowd with its light current, perfect for a refreshing stop on a hot day. Bonus: There are bathrooms and a playground at the park, so you can make a day of your dip. The park is located at 498 Azalea Road East in Asheville.

For information about Real Estate in Asheville, contact Mosaic Realty owner Mike Figura at Mike@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call him anytime at 828-337-8190.

Search: Real Estate in Asheville

Explore: Asheville Neighborhoods