Ginny Smithers Pool

alfred jones a month ago

I do not recommend the tot swim lessons here or really this pool in general. Tot lessons: We did the same 3 things for 6 classes. 30min class more consistently 25min, with 10min of loose instruction and 15min free time. Coaches are college students who aren’t very confident giving directions. Some of the toys provided were moldy squirty toys and rusty toys (the weighted fish). Not good for babies. Some pool noodles very weathered. It would cost like $20 to replace it all so I don’t know why they don’t. Meanwhile older kids taking lessons were disruptive at the other side of the pool. I also don’t love the wide age range (<2y11m) in the tot class. Kids over 2yo are extremely different than babies under 1yo and I would like a separate infant class or at least <18m. Overall: you have to take multiple flights of stairs to get to pool. women’s locker area is not that clean or well maintained. I never want to shower here. The water comes out extremely harshly. Stuff is broken. Sometimes smells like urine. Hand written signage. Overall kinda ghetto.

Anni CHEN 2 months ago

I only give respect to the 2 young male coaches for their kindness. However, the other coaches are unprofessional and ignorant of my son. Even though he’s scared of water/ pool at the beginning, but the swim class changes coaches frequently and never bond with the kids, even though the last class the coach didn’t remember my son’s name. To be honest, my son learned nothing at all here and be treated like an outsider. Is it bias or unprofessional? I’m doubtful and feel very unsatisfied. We won’t sign up for the kid’s swim class anymore.

James 5 months ago

Really nice to have an affordable local pool. The only problem is that the lifeguards do not enforce the rule that you need to shower before using the pool. About half the people just get in while still gross and sweaty from a day at work 🤢 The rule is posted in large signage multiple places in the locker rooms.

Julia Wise 8 months ago

Price is great, $3 for adult Somerville residents and $1 for children. Warm pool with ramp is great for kids. But I would gladly pay more for showers that reliably had hot water. For family swim, they make you get out 15 minutes before the end of the posted hours, so expect to leave the water at 7:45 even though the schedule says it's open until 8:00.

Tiff a year ago

If only they had morning lap swim hours! They used to, but it seems there’s a shortage of lifeguards and some tension between the school system and the Somerville recreation department. This pool is fabulous and the new staff are really nice and friendly. Great job Arnie!