
Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool
Dive into the largest spring-fed pool in the US! Enjoy vast, clear waters, family fun, and a nostalgic summer vibe with vigilant lifeguards.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space

Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into the largest spring-fed pool in the US! Enjoy vast, clear waters, family fun, and a nostalgic summer vibe with vigilant lifeguards.
"This pool has a nostalgic feeling you can’t find anywhere else. I’m so thankful my kids are able to have a place this fun to spend time on hot summer days."

🪑 Bring Your Own Seating
Pack chairs and canopies for ultimate comfort on the grassy banks.
🍎 Pack a Picnic
Outside food and non-glass drinks are welcome, making it budget-friendly.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 589 reviews
Type
Swimming Pool
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Spring-Fed Pool
The entire pool area
The largest spring-fed pool in the US, offering vast space and a gradual depth for all swimmers.

Toddler Splash Area
Designated shallow zone
A safe and fun zone for little ones to splash and play in shallow water.

Central Island
Middle of the main pool
A fun island feature perfect for jumping into the cool water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pack Smart for a Sunny Day
Embrace the Nostalgia
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Summer swimming options
With the outdoor pool at the West Side YMCA being closed for renovations this summer, does anyone have recommendations for an alternative? Mainly interested in outdoor lap swimming in the vicinity of West Knox/Hardin Valley/Karns, but any ideas welcome since others might be…
🪑 Bring Your Own Seating
Pack chairs and canopies for ultimate comfort on the grassy banks.
🍎 Pack a Picnic
Outside food and non-glass drinks are welcome, making it budget-friendly.
Great swim spots around Knoxville?
I'm not super knowledgeable about the area, and I'm looking for places to swim with friends. Rivers/lakes/ponds preferred but in my desperation I'll take a nice quarry or pool too.
Swimming
I’m new to the area and wondered where folks go to take their family swimming (ideally west Knox area). Looks like there is a water park out in the mountains and I see some local membership based pools (seems sort of late in the year to buy a membership), but any other…
🏊♀️ Lifeguards are Top-Notch
Highly vigilant lifeguards ensure safety for all swimmers.
💧 Gradual Depth Entry
Perfect for all ages, the pool slowly gets deeper.
Pool memberships for non-residents in a neighborhood or condo?
Does anyone know of any neighborhood associations or condominium/ apartment complexes with pools that would allow a non-resident to purchase a pool membership? I’m looking for a pool with a relaxing adult vibe. I am especially interested in ones located in downtown Knoxville.
Tips
from all over the internet
🪑 Bring Your Own Seating
Pack chairs and canopies for ultimate comfort on the grassy banks.
🍎 Pack a Picnic
Outside food and non-glass drinks are welcome, making it budget-friendly.
🏊♀️ Lifeguards are Top-Notch
Highly vigilant lifeguards ensure safety for all swimmers.
💧 Gradual Depth Entry
Perfect for all ages, the pool slowly gets deeper.
🧸 Toys & Floats Allowed
Bring your favorite pool toys and floats for extra fun.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool's vast, spring-fed waters and family-friendly atmosphere. The vigilant lifeguards and ability to bring personal comforts like chairs and food are major highlights, creating a nostalgic and enjoyable summer experience for all ages. Some wish for more shaded areas or seating options, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
"Lots of parking and plenty of room even at full capacity.you can bring your own chairs and canopies,food and drinks..”no glass”. The life guards are so on point!! Like prime lifeguards that do fabulous.i heard the alarm twice and both times they were so fast to get people pulled to safety.biggest spring fed pool in the US."
Travis Knox
"We absolutely love the Oak Ridge Pool. Even on a crowded day there is plenty of room to enjoy the pool or grassy bank with my family of 5! This pool has a nostalgic feeling you can’t find anywhere else. I’m so thankful my kids are able to have a place this fun to spend time on hot summer days.
We have visited this pool many times and always have witnessed vigilante life guards taking their job very seriously. Thankful for that!
I simply cannot say enough wonderful things about this pool. ❤️"
TrioMomma
"We had SOOO much fun! It is perfect for all ages! You just walk right into the water and it slowly gets deeper as you go and has ropes showing when it gets a lot deeper. It was wonderful!!!"
Betty King-Campbell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool is located in the west Knox area. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is the most common method. Ample parking is available, even on busy days.
Yes, it's a well-known local spot. Use GPS navigation for the most direct route to the facility.
There's plenty of parking available, and it's usually not an issue even when the pool is at full capacity.
While not explicitly mentioned, biking is an option for locals. Ensure you have a secure place to lock your bike.
The pool itself is a destination, but its location in the west Knox area means you're not far from other local amenities and parks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is generally considered a good price for the experience. Specific pricing details are best confirmed directly with the pool, but reviews suggest it's affordable.
Advance ticket purchase is not typically mentioned as a requirement. You can usually pay upon arrival.
The pool is a popular summer destination, so hours are generally aligned with typical swimming season. It's best to check their official schedule for the most up-to-date hours.
While some local pools are membership-based, Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool seems to operate more on a per-visit admission fee, making it accessible without a long-term commitment.
Absolutely! Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs and canopies to set up on the grassy areas.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
The pool is spring-fed, meaning the water is naturally sourced and typically very clean and refreshing.
Yes, it's highly recommended for families. There's a dedicated toddler splash area and the main pool has a gradual depth entry, making it safe and enjoyable for all ages.
Yes, the lifeguards are frequently praised for being vigilant and highly effective in ensuring swimmer safety.
Beyond the pool itself, there are grassy areas for lounging, a toddler splash zone, and a central island for jumping. Restrooms are also available.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own toys and floats to enhance their swimming experience.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks, with the exception of glass containers. This is a great way to save money.
While specific concessions aren't detailed, the ability to bring your own food suggests that on-site options might be limited or basic. Packing a picnic is a safe bet.
There aren't many tables mentioned, so it's recommended to bring your own seating like chairs or blankets for the grassy areas.
You can bring non-glass drinks. Water bottles and other beverage containers are fine.
Being in the west Knox area, there are likely various dining options available a short drive from the pool.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the expansive view of the large spring-fed pool, the fun of the toddler splash area, and the joy of people jumping from the central island. The grassy banks also offer scenic backdrops.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other guests' privacy.
Focus on the sheer size of the pool, families enjoying themselves, and the nostalgic, classic summer vibe.
Drone usage is typically restricted at public facilities for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless otherwise stated.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing clear shots. Late afternoons can also provide beautiful lighting.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit