Getting Wet: McCarren Pool vs. Commodore Barry

The heat is (still) on.

With temps expected , thousands of city residents will be heading to parks and playgrounds to cool off—including Fort Greene's own pool at  and the recently opened McCarren Pool. 

So to help you decide whether it's worth jumping on the G train to hit McCarren's brand-spanking new Olympic-sized pool or stay closer to home to visit our own smaller version at Commodore Barry, here's a head-to-head comparison (just remember to bring a bathing suit (with liner!) and a lock with you):

Size
McCarren: 329' x 151' x 4.6'
Commodore Barry: 75' x 60' x 3' (Intermediate Pool); 24' x 24' x 1' (Wading Pool)

Hours
McCarren: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. closure for pool cleaning. Early bird lap swimming (registration required): 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Commodore Barry: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. closure for pool cleaning.

Safety
McCarren: Safety problems have plagued McCarren Pool since its opening last month, with police arresting three people for disorderly conduct on Tuesday. Two main problems facing the pool's hard-working—and brave—lifeguards: Stopping swimmers from doing back-flips in the shallow pool and poop.
Commodore Barry: With a pool sized for kids and older adults, the vibe is a bit more relaxed at this Fort Greene cool spot than at its larger and more unruly Williamsburg cousin.

Misc.
McCarren: Unique design elements abound in this $50 million restored version of one of Robert Moses' public works masterpieces, including wire baskets on the ceiling of the pool's office and a concrete "beach."
Commodore Barry: The pool is an integral element of this increasingly popular neighborhood greenspace, home to the International African Arts Festival and the upcoming 8th Annual Afropunk Festival.