Outdoor Swimming Pools in Florence

Outdoor pools in Florence

When Florence temperatures climb above 34 degrees Celsius in July and August, a swimming pool becomes less of a luxury and more of a practical necessity, especially for families with children.

Florence has three main outdoor public pools, all run by the city’s sports authority (Centro Sportivo Italiano and the Comune di Firenze). They are open from approximately early June through mid-September. These are functional public pools rather than resort facilities, but they are clean, well-supervised, and reasonably priced.

This guide covers each of the three main outdoor pools, what they offer for children, entry prices and opening hours for 2026, how to book, and what to bring for a full pool day.

Public pools in the city

The three outdoor pools available to the public in Florence in 2026 are Piscine Le Cascine, Piscina Costoli, and Piscina Bellariva.

Piscine Le Cascine is the largest and most centrally located outdoor pool complex in Florence. It is inside Le Cascine park, approximately 2 km west of the historic centre along the Arno. The complex has a 50-metre competition pool, a 25-metre recreational pool, and a paddling pool area for children under approximately 5 years. The paddling pool is shallow (around 30 to 40 cm) and fenced from the main pool area.

Costoli is located near Campo di Marte on the eastern side of the city, at Viale Paoli 3. The complex has a 50-metre outdoor pool, a second pool for general recreation, and a children’s section. It is a slightly larger facility than Le Cascine and tends to attract a local residential crowd. Reachable by bus line 17 from the city centre in approximately 20 minutes.

Piscina Bellariva is a smaller facility at Lungarno Aldo Moro 6, further east along the Arno. It has a main pool and a dedicated children’s section. It is the quietest of the three on most days. Reachable by bus line 14 from the centre in approximately 25 minutes.

Pools with slides for children

Of the three main public pools, Piscine Le Cascine has the most family-oriented infrastructure. The complex includes a small water slide section for children, with two slides of different sizes suitable for children between approximately 5 and 12 years. A minimum height requirement of approximately 110 cm applies for the larger slide; the smaller slide has no height restriction.

The Costoli complex also has some recreational water features in the children’s section, including a small slide and water sprays. This section is separate from the main competition pool.

For families specifically seeking a more developed water slide experience in the Florence area, the nearest dedicated water park options are covered in a separate article. The public pools in Florence prioritise swimming capacity over entertainment features.

2026 prices and hours

The following prices are approximate and based on available information for the 2026 season. Confirm current rates at the official pool website or by telephone before visiting.

Piscine Le Cascine: adult entry approximately 7 euros per session. Children between 6 and 12 approximately 4 euros. Children under 6 free. Seasonal pass (abbonamento) for adults approximately 90 euros for unlimited summer entry. Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 19:00, Sunday 09:00 to 19:00. The pool complex typically opens in early June and closes around 15 September.

Piscina Costoli: adult entry approximately 7 euros per session. Children between 6 and 12 approximately 4.50 euros. Children under 6 free. Open weekdays 10:00 to 19:00, weekends 09:00 to 19:00. Seasonal pass approximately 100 euros for adults.

Piscina Bellariva: adult entry approximately 6 euros per session. Children between 6 and 12 approximately 3.50 euros. Children under 6 free. Open weekdays from 12:00 to 19:00, weekends from 10:00 to 19:00.

All three pools charge reduced rates for late entry (typically after 16:00): around 1 to 2 euros less than the full-session price. This is a useful option for families who want a late-afternoon pool session without paying for the full day.

Sun lounger rental is available at all three pools. Prices are approximately 3 euros per lounger per session. Umbrellas are typically rented separately for 2 to 3 euros.

How to book and what to bring

None of the three Florence public pools require advance booking for individual or family entry in 2026. You can arrive, pay at the entrance kiosk, and enter when capacity allows. On the hottest summer weekends, particularly Saturdays in July, Le Cascine can reach capacity by around 12:00. Arriving before 10:30 on a Saturday gives you the best chance of immediate entry.

Lockers are available at all three pools. You will need a 1-euro coin as a deposit (returned when you unlock the locker at the end of your visit). Bring a 1-euro coin specifically for this purpose.

What to bring for a pool day: swimwear (briefs or tight shorts for men and boys; bikini or swimsuit for women and girls; board shorts or loose shorts are not permitted in Italian public pools in 2026), a swim cap (required at most public pools for adults, strongly encouraged for children), a towel, sun protection, water (or plan to buy from the pool bar), and a change of clothes.

Swim caps can be purchased at the pool entrance for approximately 2 to 3 euros if you do not have one. They are mandatory at all three pools for all swimmers.

Floatation devices (armbands, swim rings) for children are permitted in the children’s sections. They are not permitted in the main competition pools.

Photography policy: most public pools in Florence prohibit photography in the pool area. This is standard Italian pool practice. Keep cameras and phones in the locker.

Where to stay

Charlotte guesthouse in Florence is centrally located, with easy public transport access to all three outdoor pools. The tram to Le Cascine takes approximately 15 minutes from the centre. Bus connections to Costoli and Bellariva add around 20 to 25 minutes.

For a summer family trip where pool days are an important part of the itinerary, the Charlotte location provides the flexibility to reach all options without a car.

Find more about accommodation and availability at Charlotte.