Moscow is currently experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach +30 to +35°C until July 14, according to the Hydrometeorological Center. As the city swelters, many are looking for ways to cool off. Here`s a guide on where Muscovites can find a place to swim during these sweltering days.
The Bassein, located in Sokolniki Park, offers a resort-like experience complete with a beach, restaurant, bar, bungalows, and even day beds. While luxury options like beds (10,000-16,000 rubles per session, 20,000 full day), bungalows (50,000 rubles per day), and jacuzzis (25,000 rubles) are available, more affordable options exist. Prices remain the same on weekdays and weekends. There are three four-hour sessions daily, with the first starting at 9:00 AM and the last ending at 9:45 PM. An administrator from The Bassein shared details:
«There are standard and VIP sun loungers, the difference being a mattress and proximity to the pool. Standard is 1,500 rubles, VIP is 2,000 rubles per person. Children under two are free. Children under 12 can enter without a lounger for 1,000 rubles per session. We see a large flow of people on weekdays and weekends, especially during the second session from 1 PM to 3:45 PM. People come with children to swim around lunchtime and then leave.»
Akvatoria ZIL is one of Moscow`s four 50-meter outdoor pools, located in the ZIL area. It`s primarily a sports facility with stricter rules: children must be over seven, and a medical certificate and swimming cap are mandatory. Towels, slippers, and shower gel are also needed. The pool operates from 7 AM to 11 PM, with no food allowed inside. Loungers have been added for the summer, and the schedule adjusted. An operator explained the timing and costs:
«Our schedule has changed slightly for the summer period. For a 45-minute swim, you can come at 7 AM, 7:45 AM, or later at 8:30 PM. The cost is 700 rubles per session. In between these, we have three-hour sets for 1,500 rubles. The first starts at nine in the morning, ending at 12:15 PM. The second is from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. And then at 4:45 PM.»
— Do prices change on weekdays vs. weekends?
— On weekends, the three-hour set is 1,800 rubles. The shorter sessions, at 700 rubles, remain the same price.
As part of the «Summer in Moscow» project, over 30 outdoor heated pools are available at festival venues and in parks. Advance booking through the mos.ru website is required. Prices vary by time and day of the week, with higher costs on weekends. Loungers and umbrellas are included in the price. All pools are heated to around 27°C. An operator provided details:
«Swimming is done in sessions. The first session is shorter: from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. The price for an adult is 400 rubles on weekdays, 750 rubles on weekends. All subsequent sessions are three hours long. The adult price on weekdays is 800 rubles, 1,500 on weekends. There`s a discount for children under 12: 200 rubles for the first session on weekdays, 350 on weekends; subsequent three-hour sessions are 400 rubles on weekdays, 700 on weekends. You can bring your own towel and change of shoes or rent them. Towel rental is 100 rubles per session with a 1000 ruble deposit. We also sell armbands for children and disposable slippers for 50 rubles.»
The bathing season is also open at city water bodies. Rospotrebnadzor has approved four out of 14 recreational areas for swimming: White Lake in Kosino, Meshcherskoye near Skolkovo, Pioneer Pond in Gorky Park, and Troparyovo. Four other areas – Levoberezhye, Dynamo beach, Golovinsky Ponds, and Bolshoi Sadovy Pond – are open for recreation but not swimming, due to water and sand quality not meeting standards. The agency noted that swimming might be permitted later if water quality improves.
