Swimmin' Holes

It’s just not summertime until you’ve jumped in a cold body of water, floated on your back and watched the clouds drift overhead while absorbing some Vitamin D to replenish your soul. With its proximity to the mountains and several lakes, the surrounding area offers plenty of swimming spots, including several public pools.

Here’s a random rundown:

LOCAL PUBLIC POOLS:

Ed Cothren Pool (outdoor)
1737 Reynolds St.
Season: Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend
Cost: $1/person/visit
Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
865-544-7840

Inskip Pool (outdoor)
4204 Bruhin Rd.
Season: Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend
Cost: $3/person/visit
Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m to 6 p.m.
865-687-9919

E.V. Davidson Community Center Carl Cowan Pool (indoor)
3124 Wilson Ave.
Cost: $3/person/visit
Family Swim: Monday, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Aqua Aerobics: Tuesday and Thursday, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Water Walking/Cardio: Tuesday and Thursday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Teen Swim: Wednesday, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Lap Swim: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
865-971-4746

South Knoxville Community Pool (indoor)
Old Maryville Pike
Cost: $3/person/visit
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday and Thursday 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
865-577-7591

Adaptive Center Pool (indoor)
2235 Dandridge Ave.
Cost: $3/person/visit
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
865-525-9080

Oak Ridge Outdoor Swimming Pool
172 Providence Rd.
Oak Ridge
Cost: Adults, $3 / Children under 18, $1.50
Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Hours: Through Aug. 17, Monday through Friday noon to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
865-425-0554

AREA PARKS:

Norris Dam State Park swimming pool
On Highway 441, off exit 128 on Interstate 75
Hours: Through Aug. 3, seven days a week
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Season passes available

Panther Creek State Park swimming pool
2010 Panther Creek Park Rd.
Morristown
Hours: Through Aug. 5, Monday and Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed Wednesday and Thursday
Open Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Open Sunday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The fan-shaped pool has a high dive, a low dive and a wading pool for small children, with grassy and shady areas. A lifeguard is on duty during pool hours.

And of course, you can also jump in any of the neighboring lakes, quarries, rivers and streams if you dare. For the adventurous seeking a more natural swimming experience, ask around about the Townsend Y, the Steps and the Natural Water Slide near Cades Cove in the Smokies or visit www.swimmingholes.org/tn for maps and information on spots that are off the beaten path and potentially filled with snakes. Happy swimming.