Making a Splash in WNC Your Guide to Public Pools Open This Summer

WNC --  As summer heats up in Western North Carolina, residents and visitors are eager to cool off at public pools. While the region continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene, many community pools have successfully opened their doors for the 2025 season.

However, due to the storm's lingering impact, and the dynamic nature of pool operations, it's more crucial than ever to confirm operating hours and status before you dive in.

Here's a comprehensive guide to public parks and facilities with pools currently open or expected to be open this summer, along with their locations and key details.

Buncombe County: Five Pools Ready for Swimmers

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation has confirmed that all five of its outdoor pools are open daily as of June 11, 2025. Daily admission is $4 per person.

Cane Creek Pool

Location: 590 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher, NC 28732
General Hours (starting June 11): Sat 11 AM – 6 PM, Sun 1 PM – 6 PM, Mon-Fri 11:30 AM – 5 PM. (Tuesdays and Thursdays, Cane Creek, Erwin, and Hominy Valley pools extend to 7 PM).

Erwin Pool
Location: 58 Lees Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28806
General Hours: Same as Cane Creek Pool.

Hominy Valley Pool
Location: 25 Twin Lakes Road, Candler, NC 28715
General Hours: Same as Cane Creek Pool.

North Buncombe Pool

Location: 892 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville, NC 28787
General Hours: Sat 11 AM – 6 PM, Sun 1 PM – 6 PM, Mon-Fri 11:30 AM – 5 PM.

Owen Pool

Location: 117 Stone Drive, Swannanoa, NC 28778
General Hours: Same as North Buncombe Pool.
City of Asheville's Aquatic Offerings:

Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center Pool

Location: 285 Livingston Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Note: This outdoor pool is open. For the most current schedule, visit ashevillecitypools.com or call 828-348-4770.

Black Mountain's Community Pool:

Black Mountain Pool

Location: 401 Laurel Circle Drive, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Status: Confirmed open for the summer season. For detailed hours and pass information, contact Black Mountain Recreation & Parks at 828-669-2052 or visit their RecDesk website.

Beyond Buncombe: Pools Across Western NC
Several other counties in Western North Carolina also boast public pools ready for summer enjoyment:

Haywood County:

Champion Credit Union Aquatic Center
Location: 147 Park St, Canton, NC 28716
Status: Open for the summer season, typically starting Memorial Day weekend.
Regular Hours: Mon-Sat 11 AM – 5 PM, Sun 1 PM – 5 PM. Lap swim Mon-Fri 10 AM – 11 AM.
Admission: Canton Resident $5, Non-Resident $8.

Jackson County:

Jackson County Recreation Center Aquatic Center
Location: 76 Land Use Park Rd, Sylva, NC 28779
Status: This newly opened facility (early 2025) features a competition pool and a recreation pool. Call Jackson County Parks and Recreation at 828-293-3053 for the most current schedule and rates.

Macon County:

Macon County Parks & Recreation Pool (at Allman Drive)
Location: 365 Allman Drive, Franklin, NC 28734
Status for 2025: OPEN. The pool opened for the season on May 24, 2025, and runs through September 1, 2025.
Regular Season Hours (currently in effect as of June 11, 2025): Monday through Friday 10 AM – 7 PM, Saturdays 11 AM – 7 PM, and Sundays 12 PM – 7 PM. Weekend-only operation will resume after August 17.
Contact: For the most current status and any updates, call Macon County Parks & Recreation directly at (828) 349-2090 or (828) 349-3107.

McDowell County:

Marion Pool
Location: 25 Academy St, Marion, NC
Status: Confirmed open as of June 7th.
Hours: Tues-Fri 12 PM – 5 PM, Sat 11 AM – 5 PM, Sun 1 PM – 5 PM (Closed Mondays).
Pricing: Adults $3, Students $2, Seniors/Children $1.50.

Old Fort Pool
Location: 1124 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC
Status: Confirmed open as of June 9th.
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 12 PM – 5 PM, Sat 11 AM – 5 PM, Sun 1 PM – 5 PM (Closed Tuesdays and Thursdays).
Pricing: Same as Marion Pool.
Mitchell County:

Brad Ragan Park Pool

Location: 293 Laurel Creek Ct, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
City/Town/Area: Spruce Pine (Mitchell County)
Status for 2025: OPEN for the summer season with a nominal fee. While park hours are 8 AM to dusk, specific pool operating hours are best confirmed directly.
Contact: Town of Spruce Pine Parks & Recreation (via townofsprucepine.com) for current pool hours.

Mitchell County YMCA (at Three Peaks Enrichment Center)

Location: 203 Pinebridge Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777
City/Town/Area: Spruce Pine (Mitchell County)
Status for 2025: This brand-new facility, with a 6-lane competition pool and a recreational splash pool, was scheduled to open in June 2025. Given today's date, it is likely open or opening very soon.
Contact: Williams YMCA of Avery County or their website for the precise opening date, operating hours, and membership/day pass information.

Polk County

Gibson Pool
Location: 236 Park Street, Columbus, NC
Status: Expected to have opened the first week of June 2025. It's advisable to contact the Polk County Parks and Recreation Department for precise operating hours.
Watauga County:

Robbins Pool (at Broyhill Park)
Location: 173 Lakeside Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Status: Open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, serving as Watauga County's only outdoor public pool.
Contact: Town of Blowing Rock Parks & Recreation or call 828-295-5200 for current schedule.
Indoor Public Pools (Year-Round Options):

Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center
Location: 1031 Landfill Rd SW, Lenoir, NC 28645 (Caldwell County)
Note: An indoor public facility, open year-round. Check the City of Lenoir Parks & Recreation website for swim schedules.

Morganton Aquatic Center Indoor Pool
Location: 117 Alphabet Lane, Morganton, NC 28655 (Burke County)
Note: An indoor public facility, open year-round. Check the City of Morganton Parks & Recreation website.

Important Considerations Post-Helene:
It is vital to remember the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. Some facilities sustained significant damage, leading to prolonged closures:

For the most up-to-date and accurate information on any public pool in Western North Carolina, always call the specific park or recreation department directly or check their official website before planning your visit. Enjoy your summer swims!