It’s Time to Cool Off Again!

During the summer months, it can get a little hot and humid. Okay, it’s a lot hot and humid. There’s no better way to beat the heat than to take a dip in a local pool, such as at the Fort Myers Aquatic Center. 

“The pool is open daily, although the hours and operations may vary, depending on the weather,” explains Fort Myers’ Director of Parks & Recreation Elgin Hicks. The pool offers a kiddie pool and slides, and a lap pool area. 

The pool is heated in the winter and chilled in the summer to help keep a comfortable 83-degree temperature. The hours are Monday through Friday 9 am–5 pm; Tuesday & Thursday 6 am–9 am (Lap Swimming Only); Saturday 10 am–5 pm; Sunday 12pm – 5 pm. Adults (18+): $3.00/$5.00*, Children (3-17): $2.00/$4.00*, two and under: FREE (Fees apply upon entry, regardless of water use). Fees are applied when the kiddie pool and slides are open*  Fort Myers Aquatic Center, located at the Sam Fleishman Regional Sports Complex, 1750 Matthew Drive, Fort Myers. 239-321-7553.

There are other local pools for public use located throughout SW Florida. Lee County Parks & Recreation offers a chance to swim, take swim lessons, and enjoy a variety of water exercise classes at four year-round pools. 

“All classes are 45 minutes in length and do not require any registration. All water exercise classes are included with either a membership or daily admission. Feel free to drop into a class at any time,” says Senior Recreation Specialist Paul Rapp. Classes include Aqua Aerobics (Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers, Pine Island, and San Carlos), Balance and Flexibility (North Fort Myers, Pine Island, and San Carlos), and Water Walking (San Carlos). 

The pools include Lehigh Acres Community Pool, 1400 W. 5th St., Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers Community Pool, 5170 Orange Grove Blvd., North Fort Myers, Pine Island Community Pool, 5675 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia, San Carlos Community Pool, 8002 Sanibel Blvd., Fort Myers. Daily admission is $2-3 per person. Tice Community Pool is open June 11- July 31, 2025. A free open swim is offered Monday through Friday from Noon-4 pm at 15 Glenwood Ave., Fort Myers. Always call first to check for possible weather and event closures. For more information, visit www.leeparks.org/swimmingpools.

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.