1 / 3Richard Alatorre Aquatic Center
📍 Northeast Los Angeles, CA
Year-round indoor heated pool operated by LA Parks and Recreation, featuring designated children's play areas, lap swimming lanes, and aquatic programs including swim lessons, water polo, and synchronized swimming.
I’m pleasantly surprised by how nice the Alatorre pool is. Firstly, it’s SUPER affordable—just $4 for recreational swimming! Compare that to Rose Bowl Aquatics, which charges $20! Even though the neighborhood is a little sketchy, don’t be turned off by that. This pool is very clean and relatively empty, even on the weekends. It’s a great place for lap swimming. The pool is indoors and kept at the perfect temperature. Everyone is very friendly, and you’re welcome to use any of the equipment (e.g., boards, buoys). Just be aware, there are no lockers, so you’ll need to “check in” your items with an employee at a special window. It’s not a problem, though—they give you a pin with a number and hang your stuff on a rack in their office. As I mentioned, I used to go to Rose Bowl for lap swimming, but I was turned off by the ridiculous price they charge. Plus, I was disgusted by the temperature of their pool—way too warm. It was also much busier. Overall, I highly recommend this public pool for swimming! It will be my “go-to” pool from now on.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for budget-conscious families seeking an accessible indoor swimming option with structured programs and play zones for children. The extremely low entry fee makes frequent visits practical. Bring your own soap and check in valuables with staff — no lockers available on the pool deck.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →180 Google reviews
Paulina Stanczak
a year ago
“I’m pleasantly surprised by how nice the Alatorre pool is. Firstly, it’s SUPER affordable—just $4 for recreational swimming! Compare that to Rose Bowl Aquatics, which charges $20! Even though the neighborhood is a little sketchy, don’t be turned off by that. This pool is very clean and relatively empty, even on the weekends. It’s a great place for lap swimming. The pool is indoors and kept at the perfect temperature. Everyone is very friendly, and you’re welcome to use any of the equipment (e.g., boards, buoys). Just be aware, there are no lockers, so you’ll need to “check in” your items with an employee at a special window. It’s not a problem, though—they give you a pin with a number and hang your stuff on a rack in their office. As I mentioned, I used to go to Rose Bowl for lap swimming, but I was turned off by the ridiculous price they charge. Plus, I was disgusted by the temperature of their pool—way too warm. It was also much busier. Overall, I highly recommend this public pool for swimming! It will be my “go-to” pool from now on.”
Henry Chang
a year ago
“Floaters for kids will be checked by lifeguards. No inflatable toys like those pool duckies. There’s pool noodles and balls you can borrow to use in the free play area. There are steps on the side for the free play area compared to no steps at the Echo Park Pool. Parking during summer time will definitely be a walk. The showers in the men’s restroom was SMOKING hot.”
Christian Luna
a year ago
“Pool is indoors helpful staff, and a chill atmosphere, there are two playgrounds specific for children and preteens. You can find electric car chargers (free to use solar powered) in the parking lot. but if not functional or busy you can find a charger(amp up network) near the park entrance on Klamath st.”
Alex Berns
3 months ago
“Great place. Take my daughter there while I do laps.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Richard Alatorre Aquatic Center runs year-round with a heated indoor pool, children's free play areas stocked with borrowable noodles and balls, and structured programs including dive team, water polo, and synchronized swimming. The facility includes change rooms, free parking with solar-powered EV chargers, and lifeguard supervision. No traditional lockers — staff hold valuables with numbered pins. Parents commonly bring children to the free play zones as using lap lanes themselves.







