How to Swim at Sellwood Pool Portland

Swimming at Sellwood Pool in Portland, Oregon, is more than just a physical activity—it’s a community ritual, a wellness practice, and a way to connect with the city’s rich aquatic culture. Nestled in the heart of the Sellwood neighborhood, this historic outdoor pool has served residents since 1939 and remains one of Portland’s most beloved public swimming destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer, a parent introducing your child to water for the first time, or someone seeking a refreshing escape from summer heat, knowing how to navigate the pool’s schedule, rules, and amenities is essential to making the most of your experience.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of swimming at Sellwood Pool—from planning your visit to mastering pool etiquette—ensuring you arrive prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy the water safely and respectfully. With clear, actionable advice and real-world insights, this tutorial empowers both newcomers and regular visitors to fully engage with this iconic Portland landmark.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Operating Hours and Seasonal Schedule

Sellwood Pool is an outdoor facility, meaning its availability is tied to Portland’s seasonal weather patterns. The pool typically opens in late May or early June and closes in early September, depending on temperature and public demand. Hours vary by day and age group, with designated lap swim times, family swim sessions, and adult-only periods.

To avoid disappointment, always check the official City of Portland Parks & Recreation website for the current season’s schedule. Hours are often structured as follows:

• Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (family swim), with lap swim from 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
• Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (family swim), with lap swim from 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM

These times are subject to change due to holidays, maintenance, or weather. Always verify the schedule the day before your visit via the Portland Parks & Recreation website or by calling the facility directly.

Step 2: Plan Your Transportation and Parking

Sellwood Pool is located at 11500 SE 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202. It’s easily accessible by car, bike, or public transit, but planning ahead ensures a smooth arrival.

By Car: Free parking is available on-site in a dedicated lot with approximately 80 spaces. Arrive early—especially on weekends or hot days—as the lot fills quickly. Overflow parking is permitted along SE 13th Avenue, but avoid blocking driveways or fire hydrants.

By Bike: The pool is on the Portland Bikeway network. Secure bike racks are available near the entrance. Consider using a lock, as theft, while rare, does occur.

By Public Transit: The

20 and #21 bus lines stop within a 5-minute walk. Use TriMet’s Trip Planner tool to map your route. Note that bus schedules may be reduced during early morning or late evening hours.

Step 3: Prepare Your Swim Gear

What you bring can significantly impact your comfort and safety. Here’s a checklist:

• Swimsuit: One-piece for women, trunks or jammers for men. Avoid baggy clothing or cotton materials, which absorb water and slow you down.
• Goggles: Essential for clear underwater vision and eye protection from chlorine.
• Swim Cap: Required during lap swim sessions for hygiene and to reduce drag. Bring your own or purchase a disposable one at the concession stand.
• Towel and Change of Clothes: Locker space is limited. Bring a small bag to carry wet items.
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated. There’s no drinking fountain near the pool deck, but water fountains are available in the adjacent restroom building.
• Lock: If you plan to use a locker, bring a small padlock. Lockers are not provided with locks.

Pro tip: Avoid bringing valuables. The pool does not offer secure storage for electronics or wallets.

Step 4: Arrive Early and Check In

Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before your intended swim time. This allows you to:

• Find parking
• Use restrooms and change
• Locate the pool entrance and staff
• Review posted rules and lane assignments

There is no admission fee to swim at Sellwood Pool—it’s free and open to the public. However, you must follow posted guidelines and respect lifeguard instructions. Upon arrival, check the information board near the entrance for any last-minute changes, such as lane closures or scheduled maintenance.

Step 5: Understand Lane Etiquette and Swim Groups

Sellwood Pool is divided into multiple lanes for different swim speeds and purposes. Lane assignments are strictly enforced during lap swim hours to ensure safety and efficiency.

Speed-Based Lane Groupings:

• Fast Lane (Lane 1): For experienced swimmers who can maintain a continuous pace of 1:30 per 50 yards or faster.
• Medium Lane (Lanes 2–3): For swimmers averaging 1:45–2:00 per 50 yards.
• Slow Lane (Lanes 4–5): For beginners, recreational swimmers, or those using fins or kickboards.
• Family/Recreational Zone (Lanes 6–7): Designated during family swim hours only. No lap swimming permitted.

Swimming Etiquette Rules:

• Always swim on the right side of your lane to allow others to pass on the left.
• When passing another swimmer, tap their foot gently to signal your intent.
• Do not stop in the middle of the lane to rest. Use the wall to pause.
• Never dive into shallow areas. The pool is 3.5 feet deep at the shallow end and 12 feet at the deep end. Diving is only permitted in the designated diving area, which is closed during lap swim hours.
• Do not use pool noodles, inflatable devices, or water wings during lap swim. These are only allowed during family swim.

Step 6: Use the Locker Room and Facilities

The pool features a modern, ADA-accessible restroom and shower facility adjacent to the pool deck. These are open during all operating hours.

Showering Before Swimming: City health regulations require all swimmers to rinse off before entering the pool. This reduces contaminants and helps maintain water quality.

Lockers: There are 24 metal lockers available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your own lock. Do not leave items unattended.

Concession Stand: Open daily during family swim hours. Offers snacks, bottled water, sunscreen, and swim caps. Cash and credit cards accepted.

Step 7: Swim Safely and Respectfully

Swimming at Sellwood Pool is a shared experience. Lifeguards are on duty at all times and have full authority to enforce rules for safety.

Key Safety Reminders:

• Never swim alone. Even experienced swimmers should have a buddy.
• Supervise children at all times. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a guardian within arm’s reach.
• Do not run on the deck. Wet surfaces are slippery.
• Report any unsafe conditions to a lifeguard immediately—broken tiles, cloudy water, or malfunctioning equipment.
• Stay within designated swim zones. Do not enter the diving area during lap swim.

Step 8: Exit and Clean Up

Before leaving:

• Rinse off again in the showers to remove chlorine residue.
• Take all personal belongings with you.
• Dispose of trash in designated bins. Recycling is available.
• Return any borrowed equipment (e.g., kickboards) to the designated rack.

Leaving the pool area clean and orderly helps maintain the facility for the next group of swimmers.

Best Practices

Optimize Your Swim for Performance and Enjoyment

Whether you’re training for a race or simply unwinding, following best practices ensures your time at Sellwood Pool is productive and safe.

• Warm Up and Cool Down: Even a 5-minute walk around the pool deck and light stretching before and after swimming reduces injury risk.
• Hydrate Before and After: Chlorinated water can dehydrate you faster than you realize. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Use the Right Technique: If you’re new to lap swimming, consider practicing drills like catch-up drill or fingertip drag to improve efficiency. The pool occasionally hosts free clinics—check the schedule.
• Track Your Progress: Use a waterproof swim watch or a simple notebook to log laps, times, and how you felt. This helps you set goals and measure improvement.
• Protect Your Skin and Hair: Rinse immediately after swimming. Apply moisturizer and use a leave-in conditioner if you have long hair. Chlorine can be harsh.

Respect the Community

Sellwood Pool is a public space, and its longevity depends on collective respect.

• Keep noise levels appropriate. Loud conversations or music disrupt others.
• Do not bring glass containers, alcohol, or pets (except service animals).
• Teach children to follow rules. If they’re disruptive, step away from the pool until they calm down.
• Be patient with others. Not everyone swims at the same pace or skill level.

Weather and Water Quality Awareness

Portland’s weather can change quickly. If thunderstorms are forecast, the pool will close for safety. Lifeguards will clear the deck and post closure notices.

Water quality is tested daily by the City of Portland’s Environmental Services. If the water appears cloudy, has an unusual odor, or if a “Pool Closed” sign is posted, do not enter. These are signs of potential contamination or maintenance issues.

Plan for Crowds

Weekend afternoons, especially between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, are the busiest. To avoid congestion:

• Swim early in the morning (6:00 AM–8:00 AM) for quiet lap lanes.
• Choose weekdays over weekends if possible.
• Use the slow lane during family swim if you’re a beginner and want space to practice.

Tools and Resources

Official City of Portland Parks & Recreation Website

www.portland.gov/parks is your primary source for:

• Current pool schedules
• Seasonal closures and weather updates
• Special events (e.g., swim lessons, water aerobics)
• Accessibility information

TriMet Trip Planner

www.trimet.org helps you plan transit routes to Sellwood Pool using real-time bus data. Download the TriMet app for alerts and schedule changes.

Portland Swim Club (PSC) Community Events

The Portland Swim Club, a local nonprofit, occasionally hosts free open swim nights and beginner clinics at Sellwood Pool. Visit www.portlandswimclub.org for event calendars and volunteer opportunities.

Swim Training Apps

Use these apps to track your progress:

• MySwimPro: Offers custom workout plans, stroke analysis, and lap tracking.
• Swim.com: Syncs with wearable devices to log swims and share progress.
• PoolMate: Simple, no-frills lap counter for Android and iOS.

Local Swim Shops

For gear recommendations and repairs:

• Portland Swim Shop – 1222 NE 45th Ave, Portland, OR 97218. Offers goggles, caps, fins, and expert advice.
• SwimOutlet.com – Online retailer with free shipping on orders over $50. Great for bulk purchases.

Water Safety and Swim Lessons

Portland Parks & Recreation offers affordable swim lessons year-round at multiple locations. While Sellwood Pool does not host regular lessons, nearby facilities like the Clackamas Aquatic Center and Laurelhurst Pool do. Visit www.portland.gov/parks/recreation/learn-to-swim to register.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Beginner’s First Swim at Sellwood Pool

Maya, a 32-year-old software developer, had never swum laps before. She wanted to improve her fitness but felt intimidated by competitive swimmers. She decided to try Sellwood Pool during a weekday morning.

She arrived at 6:30 AM, parked near the entrance, and used the restroom to change. She wore a one-piece swimsuit, goggles, and a disposable cap. The slow lane was empty. She started with 10 lengths using a kickboard, resting at the wall between sets. A lifeguard smiled and asked if she needed help. Maya learned how to turn properly at the wall and was encouraged to try again the next day.

By week three, she was swimming 20 continuous laps. She now swims every Tuesday and Thursday. “I didn’t think I could do it,” she says. “But the staff and other swimmers made it feel welcoming.”

Example 2: A Family’s Weekend Swim

The Chen family—parents and two kids ages 6 and 9—visited Sellwood Pool on a Saturday afternoon. They brought towels, sunscreen, and snacks. The kids wore floaties during family swim hours, which were allowed in the designated lanes.

The parents used the opportunity to teach their children basic water safety: “Never swim alone,” “Don’t splash near others,” and “Listen to the lifeguard.” After swimming, they ate sandwiches under the shade of a nearby tree and walked through the Sellwood Park trail.

“It’s not just about swimming,” said Mr. Chen. “It’s about teaching our kids how to be safe, respectful, and active in public spaces.”

Example 3: A Competitive Swimmer’s Routine

James, a 45-year-old triathlete, swims at Sellwood Pool every morning at 6:00 AM. He uses the fast lane and follows a structured workout: 1000 meters warm-up, 20 x 100 meters interval sets, 500 meters cooldown.

He brings a waterproof watch, a pull buoy, and a kickboard. He tracks every workout in MySwimPro and shares his progress with his coach. He’s been swimming at Sellwood for 8 years.

“It’s the consistency that matters,” he says. “The pool is clean, the staff is professional, and the community is quiet and focused. It’s the perfect place to train.”

Example 4: A Senior Citizen’s Wellness Routine

After retiring, Eleanor, 71, began swimming at Sellwood Pool to manage arthritis pain. She swims in the slow lane during family swim hours, using a noodle for support. She swims 15 minutes three times a week, alternating with water aerobics classes offered nearby.

“The water takes the pressure off my joints,” she explains. “And I’ve made friends here. We chat while we wait for the lane to open. It’s become my favorite part of the week.”

FAQs

Is there a fee to swim at Sellwood Pool?

No. Swim access is free and open to the public. There are no membership requirements.

Can I bring my dog to the pool?

No. Pets are not allowed on the pool deck or in the water, except for certified service animals.

Are swim lessons offered at Sellwood Pool?

Regular swim lessons are not held at Sellwood Pool, but they are available at other City of Portland pools. Check the Parks & Recreation website for schedules.

Can I use a snorkel or fins at Sellwood Pool?

Snorkels and fins are permitted only during family swim hours and in the slow lane. They are not allowed during lap swim sessions.

Is the pool heated?

No. Sellwood Pool is an outdoor, unheated facility. Water temperature typically ranges from 68°F to 78°F during summer months.

What happens if it rains or storms?

The pool closes immediately during thunderstorms or lightning. It may remain closed for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap. Check the website or call ahead if weather is uncertain.

Are there changing rooms and showers?

Yes. ADA-accessible restrooms and showers are available adjacent to the pool deck. Lockers are provided but require your own lock.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes, but only non-glass containers. Food and drinks are allowed on the grassy areas outside the pool deck, not on the concrete surface.

Is the pool open in the winter?

No. Sellwood Pool operates seasonally, typically from late May through early September.

What if I lose something at the pool?

Check with the lifeguard station or call the Parks & Recreation office at (503) 823-7529. Unclaimed items are held for 30 days.

Can I rent the pool for a private event?

Yes. Private rentals are available for groups of 25 or more. Contact Portland Parks & Recreation at least two weeks in advance for availability and pricing.

Conclusion

Swimming at Sellwood Pool in Portland is more than a physical activity—it’s a ritual rooted in community, health, and history. From its Art Deco architecture to its quiet, early-morning lanes and lively weekend family sessions, the pool offers something for every age, ability, and intention.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—checking schedules, preparing your gear, respecting lane etiquette, and embracing pool safety—you transform a simple visit into a meaningful, rewarding experience. Whether you’re swimming for fitness, fun, or peace of mind, Sellwood Pool provides a sanctuary where the water welcomes you without judgment.

The true value of this place lies not in its size or amenities, but in its consistency: the same pool that welcomed swimmers in 1939 still does today. That continuity is rare. That reliability is priceless.

So lace up your shoes, pack your goggles, and head to SE 13th Avenue. The water is waiting. And once you take that first dive, you’ll understand why generations of Portlanders keep coming back.