Richmond’s oldest, grandest swimming destination, the Richmond Plunge, is open for classes and some recreation family swim hours for Spring 2023, with summer hours coming soon!
It’s a HUGE, warm water (chilly air!), indoor, semi-salty, affordable, rec-swim-friendly pool off of 580 at the Canal/Garrard Blvd. exit in Richmond (technically Point Richmond). The huge indoor pool has no fountains, toys, water slides, or baby zone, but it does have nice warm-ish water, beautiful wall murals, and clean locker rooms.
Look for a popular Zumba class, junior lifeguard classes, and tot splashers for little ones 6 and younger (though older children are also allowed).
As my friend Sarah says, “It rocks! Be sure to keep it in the back of your brain if you’re hunting for a place to swim in the cooler months, as I always am.”
Tot Splash Time
Children 6 and younger can partake in Tot Splash. It’s a special time when just little ones and their caregivers can play in the shallow end of the pool, which has a toddler-friendly depth starting at 2 feet. Tot Splash is offered several times a week in the morning and afternoon. Older children are allowed too, but you must follow the pool’s adult-child ratio rules — no more than 2 children (8 & under) per adult.
I visited with my preschooler on a Monday morning; we had the shallow area to ourselves. It was really fun to move and splash in the huge pool. The water is kept at 83 degrees F, but may feel a bit cold to little ones. The facility itself is extremely clean and well kept. It’s probably the nicest pool I’ve visited in the Bay Area.
Free 2 hour street parking made the visit even easier. Next visit, we may tack on the nearby Fairy House hike prior to swimming.
Plan your visit to the Plunge
Fees: $5 per Youth, $8.75 per Adult; with discounts for Richmond residents.
Hours vary. It’s best to call ahead (510)Â 620-6820 or check out the current schedule. Due to strict occupancy restrictions, you will want to head there on the early side of the open swimming hours to guarantee swimming time.
Address: 1 E. Richmond Ave, Richmond
The Richmond Swim Center has similar programs with more offerings for tots and families.
[Photos as indicated]
2 thoughts on “Take the Richmond Plunge”
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It’s an old school giant pool with no frills. Warm, clean locker rooms, and a couple of swim noodles. You got it.
The shallow end is two feet. The deep end is seven feet.