Philadelphia's outdoor pools to open on rolling basis beginning June 30

Sixteen public pools in Philadelphia are expected to open by the weekend. An additional 31 pools scheduled will open on a rolling basis over the next few weeks.

PHILADELPHIA - Officials announced Monday that the city’s outdoor pools will open on a rolling basis beginning Wednesday, June 30.

As such, 16 public pools are expected to open by the weekend. An additional 31 pools scheduled will open on a rolling basis over the next few weeks.

All of the pools will offer daily open swim and free swim lessons.

"Philadelphia public pools are a great way to cool down, have fun, and stay active this summer," said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. "We're pleased to be able to provide residents, and especially young people, with the chance to make some great summer memories as we continue to safely emerge from this pandemic."

The Department of Parks and Recreation reports only 47 outdoor pools will be filled because they couldn’t find enough lifeguards-despite bumping the starting pay to $15.25 an hour.

"If you could sit home and make more money people do that. I don’t know every person’s circumstance, it’s been shown every place that’s short workers that’s the problem. Make more staying in the air condition than standing by the pool, " Mayor Jim Kenney said.

Parks and Rec says it’s made the call on openings based on "equity" and the ability for many in a community to take a dip.

Residents can stay cool and have fun this summer by visiting any of the 90 plus spraygrounds, open seven days a week through Labor Day.