Make a Splash in Rome: Best pools to beat the heat

Romans beat the heat poolside. Photo: davepatten

By Nicole Arriaga in Rome—

When the “going gets hot” in the Ancient City, the (untough) locals and tourists get going—to escape the sweltering heat in seaside towns like Ostia and Fregene. That’s because Rome doesn’t offer many options to escape the steaming sun.

Yes, the city is, um, overflowing with tempting waterworks, but the Trevi Fountain, the fountains at Piazza Navona and all others scattered about the city are not swimming holes. In fact, dipping your feet (or yourself) into one is a surefire way to win the “Ugly Tourist Award,” and it may even get you arrested or slapped with a hefty fine. (Don’t do it.)

But before you pack your bags and head for the sea, try one of these fun pools where it’s legal, and affordable, to take the plunge.

RivaNord
Ponte Milvio
Tel.: +33 138 89 438
Web site
Open: Mondays – Sundays 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: €10 for the entire day

Transport: Tram 2 from Piazzale Flaminio to Pinturicchio (the sixth stop)

The slick RivaNord lounge bar is located along the Tiber River near the Ponte Milvio, the bridge famous for inspiring lovebirds to “lock up their love” with a padlock and throw the key into the river.

Whether or not you have a key to throw, you’ll likely start a love affair with the uber-sleek temporary pool that’s set up shop at  RivaNord. There are cushy lounge chairs on hand, and a slick bar and lounge for when all that splashing around works up an appetite.

Note that this hip spot fills up quickly. If there’s no space at the RivaNord, try one of these other reasonably priced pools:

La Piscina delle Rose
Viale America, 20
Tel.:  +06 59 23 306
Web site
Open: Mondays – Fridays 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: €8 (weekdays); €10 (Saturdays); €15 (Sundays)

Transport: Metro A to Termini, transfer to Metro B to EUR Palasport

The La Piscina della Rose health club operates an Olympic-size swimming pool that the public can use for nominal fee. Visit on weekdays to get the most bang for your buck.

Blue Wave Team – Sporting Club Ostiense (Marconi)
Via del Mare, 128
Tel.: +06 59 26 717
Open: Mondays – Sundays 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: €16 for the entire day, €14 after 1 p.m.

Transport: Metro B to Marconi

The Blue Wave Team is another outdoor pool that’s part of a larger sports club, Sporting Club Ostiense. Save yourself a couple of euros by waiting until afternoon to visit.

Monteverde Club
Via Santorre di Santarosa, 68
Tel.: 06.55285662
Open: Mondays – Sundays 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: €10 (Mondays – Saturdays); €15 (Sundays)

Transport: Tram 8 from Largo Argentina to Gianicolense/San Camillo (10th stop)

Yet another health club with a public(-ish) pool. If you have the felxibility, avoid Sundays when the fees go up.