Summer is almost over, but time and time again, São Paulo residents still suffer from the high temperatures. As the years go by, the heatwaves are hitting the capital hard, and in this hot climate, there’s nothing better than a swim to cool off. a dip to cool off isn’t there? That’s why we’ve put together a list of public swimming pools in São Paulo to help you escape the heat on weekends.
Public swimming pools for free in São Paulo
Pacaembu Arena
After years of waiting, the famous Pacaembu pool is open again! The venue’s new manager, Allegra Pacaembu, has said it will keep the space free throughout the concession period, as it did before the renovation.
So if you want to take a dip in the West Zone, just pop into the stadium. But be aware that you will soon need to register with the Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu app to schedule your visit. In addition, you’ll need to wear a bathing suit and swimming cap to go swimming.
📍 Capivari Street – Pacaembu
Balneário Ipiranga
The club is currently under renovation, but is scheduled to reopen in May 2025. After the reopening, visitors will be able to enjoy the outdoor pool, which has been there for years, and a new heated pool. In other words, you can swim in summer or winter!
📍 Nami Jafet Square, 45 – Ipiranga
Sports centers
One of the ways to take a dip is in the capital’s sports centers. Twenty of São Paulo’s ECs currently have swimming pools that are free for the public to use. To take advantage of them, you need to show your registration card.
The process is very simple. Just show up at the office of any unit with an official photo ID, proof of residence and a 3×4 photo. The card is ready on the spot and gives you access to all the city’s sports centers.
Swimming pool opening hours are the same for all centers: Tuesday to Saturday from 8am to 12pm, and on Sundays and holidays from 1pm to 5pm. Check out all the ECs in São Paulo here!
Unified Educational Centers
In addition to sports centers, unified educational centers (CEUs) are another option for enjoying public swimming pools in São Paulo.
To take advantage of the plunge, all you need to do is sign up for a free card at the CEU. To do this, you will need a personal photo ID, a 3×4 photo and your proof of residence.
More than thirty CEUs in the capital have swimming pools. Opening hours are from 8am to 10pm from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 10pm at weekends and from 8am to 6pm on public holidays. Check out all the CEUs in the capital here.
Sesc
The Sesc units are another option for cooling off in the heat. Unlike the CEs and CEUs, however, the space is only open to accredited Sesc members. To do this, you must work or be dependent on someone who works in the areas of trade in goods, services or tourism.
Some of the units with swimming pools are Sescs 24 de Maio, Itaquera and Pompeia. Check them all out in this article.
