Ten swimming facilities across New Jersey made this list, located in Union City, Newark, Jersey City, Secaucus, South Orange Village, Maplewood, and Summit. These venues include community pools, aquatic centers, a swim school, and a tennis club. Ratings for these locations range from 4.2 to 4.8 stars, based on a combined total of over 2,700 user reviews.
Rankings are determined by multiplying the star rating by the logarithm of the review count, with no paid placements.
1. Firefighter’s Memorial Park
Located in Union City, this park maintains a 4.6 rating from 529 reviews. A recent visitor noted that the pool is free for at least two hours, ensuring people can enjoy the facility regardless of their financial situation.
2. John F. Kennedy Recreation & Aquatic Center
This Newark facility has a 4.3 rating based on 686 reviews. One reviewer described it as a very good gym for a cost of 5 dollars a year.
3. Lafayette Pool
Jersey City residents can access this pool for free. With a 4.4 rating from 482 reviews, the venue offers dedicated adult swimming time and one or two lanes for lap swimming during family hours. It includes bike parking and dedicated parking spaces.
4. British Swim School at Home2 Suites – Newark Hotel Zone
Holding a 4.8 rating from 160 reviews, this Newark swim school focuses on skill development. One student reported becoming a more confident and safer swimmer through classes with Brandon, allowing them to visit water parks without a life vest.
5. Secaucus Swim Center
This center in Secaucus is rated 4.3 stars by 244 reviewers. Feedback highlights the quality of the staff and lifeguards, with one guest stating the lifeguards are heroes who save kids from drowning.
6. Orange Lawn Tennis Club
Located in South Orange Village, this club has a 4.6 rating from 170 reviews. A guest who held a 75-person class reunion here praised the delicious food and the communication and service provided by the staff.
7. Maplewood Community Pool
This Maplewood venue has a 4.3 rating based on 199 reviews. One local reviewer noted that the facility is loud throughout the day.
8. Ironbound Aquatic Center
This Newark complex features an indoor swimming pool alongside an ice rink and various sports fields for soccer, football, baseball, and volleyball. It has a 4.2 rating from 192 reviews. On-site security is provided, though guests are advised to arrive early due to parking challenges.
9. Summit Family Aquatic Center
Rated 4.4 stars by 150 reviewers, this Summit facility is described as super-clean and friendly. It features two large curly slides for children, ample shade, various seating options, and weekly float nights.
10. South Orange Community Pool
This South Orange Village pool has a 4.5 rating from 101 reviews. A reviewer mentioned the facility is very clean and expressed hope that renovations will be completed for the 2026 season.
How we ranked these
Our rankings are based on a calculation of user ratings and review volume to ensure popularity and quality are balanced. For more details, see our methodology.