Samuel Pool is at 3539 Gaul St., 19134.
Phone Number: (215) 685-1246
Samuel Rec Facebook

Rectangular pool
Ladders for water entry/exit
Depth: 3-7 feet
Belongings stored behind wall in separate seating area
Changing in porta-potty
Direct sun/warm water
Was told by the lifeguard that the water is heated for senior programming

#MyPhillyPoolTour2024
Today started off with rain and threat of thunderstorms, so I almost wrote this day off, but was still kind of hopeful that the weather would turn around for Aqua Zumba, especially since I just was forwarded the aqua fitness schedule:

It really didn’t rain very much, though, so I called both playgrounds that had Friday Aqua Zumba classes on the listed schedule, neither of which (Samuel Rec in Port Richmond and Lee Cultural Center in West Philly) called me back.
I am headed to Princeton, New Jersey for a hike, so I decided to take a chance and drive to Samuel Playground in Northeast Philly rather than Lee Playground in West Philly since it is in the direction, generally speaking, of Princeton. This is my first visit to Samuel Playground, so I figure I can get a pool reviewed and also get a workout. At least that is what I had hoped.

Turns out I’m the only visitor here and the pool staff does not know anything about Aqua Zumba except that maybe a class had already happened earlier in the week? This is contrary to the City schedule and a personal recommendation from the Facebook monitor of Lawncrest Rec Center when I asked on FB if anyone knew of a Friday class (frustrating AF as I did try calling ahead of time as the City Health Department suggested). Sadly, this is the way the Aqua Zumba classes have happened ever since I first learned of them, so a level of frustration is nothing new.
I’ve never been to this playground or pool before. It is a smallish pool that is nicely tucked away behind a very tall wall so you would not know that it is there.
You cannot bring your bags inside the pool area, even when you are the only visitor for adult swim or a fitness class. But there is a separate seating area also behind the wall where you can leave your personal effects.
Lap lines, but no roped off or dedicated lanes.
Porta-Johns to change in or use toilet, including one ADA size.
As I am the only patron and it’s not especially hot I pretty much jump in and jump right out to go and check out Scanlon Pool, which I had passed on my way here.
Except I didn’t realize my glasses came off my head when I jumped in, so I had to go back and jump in a second time to grab my glasses.
Staff were really friendly about two speedy visits. I did notice that some of the paint is peeling on the bottom of the pool, but otherwise this a clean and calm pool that is probably very needed right where it is.
As I get in my car, I look around and take in the oxymoronic feng shui of this neighborhood —on one corner, brand new boxy townhouse/apartment buildings while along the pool-side entrance stretch the bowels of the Aramingo Avenue discount strip mall.
It’s good that Samuel Pool is an oasis between these two clashing worlds.

#JumpInPhillyPools2025

JULY 11,2025 Now that I follow all of the Facebook pages for the various playground poolsI got a message weeks ahead of time indicating that Friday Aqua Zumba classes would begin after 4 July. So I bought a friend.  lots of participants, plus my favorite Aqua Zumba teacher… A great time was had by all.