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Sava Pool
Category: Active Life Swimming Pools Swimming Pools [Edit]
2699 19th Ave(between Vicente St & Wawona St)
San Francisco, CA 94116
(415) 661-6327
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
59 reviews for Sava Pool
59 reviews in English
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Review from Bernard V.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is where I do my lap swimming on a recreational schedule. (2:30-3:30 M-F) I learned that you are not allowed to use boards during these times, I try to sneak one to the pool, and the young lady took it away from me! yikes! lol
I did improve, since I don't swallow water anymore. I guess the serious look of lifeguards did it for me! -
Review from Kelli M.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2011
The best pool facility for the money! I really don't care if the staff is smiling or not, the place only charges $5 and it's a public pool. The facilities are modern, pool is huge and enough room for all to do laps. Locker rooms are also nice, open showers, changing rooms, and long counters to do hair and makeup.
For those that are complaining about the service or it not being completely immaculate, I say you get what you pay for. If you want impeccable service with immaculate facilities stop being cheapskates and spend the money for the Bay Club or Fitness Club LA, then you have every right to complain. Otherwise pay your $1-$5 and go out and swim in a PUBLIC POOL, and stop complaining! -
Review from Andrew W.
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Before this pool was renovated I was not a fan. The locker rooms used to be dingy and dirty but now they are clean and spacious with a swimsuit spin dryer. The pool looks amazing and the new window makes the pool look so open. If I was not just a guppy swimming I would come here more.
What I recommend:
Whether you are a guppy or shark swim here. -
Review from Yohanna B.
San Francisco, CA
3/31/2011
I come here sporadically. But I always go to lap swim, nothing else. So I can't really say anything about the adult swim lessons, children/rec swim, senior lessons, or any other type there is.
I do adore this pool. I think it's beautiful (John King, the SF Chron's architectural columnist, sang praises about this building), clean, and conveniently located. I never have any trouble finding parking within two-minute walk from the front door. The pool itself is significant in size, making a real workout feasible. The showers are no-frills and fairly clean. The lockers do get their fair share of dust and dirt, but so does my house.
The staff are like the showers: no-frills and fairly clean. Mostly they just look bored as they sit on the elevated lifeguard chairs. I did think they could direct traffic better in the medium and fast lanes. Those lanes are so small, they should have a cap of four people maybe even three. But then again, on crowded days even I might try to sneak in and I wouldn't want to be scolded publicly. So I just keep on swimming, keep on swimming... -
Review from Josh H.
San Francisco, CA
5/10/2011
I had actually heard a lot of bad stuff about the pool so thought I wouldn't like it. I had heard a whole range of random stuff like it's unsafe, really dirty, and horribly overcrowded. But when I went to Lap Swim there last week it was really nice. It's not unsafe at all (the locker room door is electronically locked and you can't even get in if you haven't paid), it wasn't overcrowded (I swam 3 to a lane). I'll have to go a little more to see if the life guards don't control the pace of the lap swim, so I can't comment to that, but I know the lifeguard were really friend.
I think I liked it so much because my expectations were so low and I'm just happy to have a pool on 19th avenue again. -
Review from MacKenzie S.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2011
This is the cleanest most modern swimming facility in san francisco!
PERIOD!
They even have a dryer for your wet swim trunks.
VERY CLEAN!!!!!!!
VERY MODERN!!!!!!! -
Review from Jimmy C.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2011
Five bucks a swim isn't bad, especially if you're prone to skipping workouts, but I'd really like to be able to buy either a book of tickets for a discount or buy a card for a number of swims and just get it punched every time. It's a P.I.T.A. to have to bring $5 cash every time and they can't make change because the cash goes right in a strong box.
The facilities are really good for a municipal pool. Little high on the chlorine, but considering the pool is available to ANYONE in SF... That's just fine by me.
The schedule is online here:
http://sf-recpark.org/...
But be aware that it has been inaccurate. If I'm going to go at a time other than my usual, I'll generally call first. It sucks to ride your bike six miles to get there and find out that the lap swim is actually just ending and it's kiddie swim lessons or old people jumping in the shallow end time. -
Review from Sam T.
Updated - 9/27/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I can't think of a better way to cool off from the 90 degree weather than to hit the swimming pool, especially after the gym!!
So, I noticed this time that the pool deepens from 3 feet to 6 feet as you reach the far length of the pool.
A lot of Chinese out today. I guess we do love to get our swim on whenever we can.
I think we should use our tax money to install a retractable roof just for these type of gorgeous days. It will be sooo useful for 2 weeks out of the year.
Who's with me?!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/25/2010
It has been about 20 years since I last swam at Sava Pool.
The building is now a lot brighter and the… Read more »
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Review from Leslie R.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2011
For lap swimming on a Wednesday night- I appreciate the slow, medium, and fast lane designation. Because of this, I don't feel like an idiot with my paddle boards and flotation devices.I had a 9 year old girl version of Michael Phelps swimming in the fast lane as I gave her a thumbs up from my slow lane. Lap swims are not overcrowded so I can really concentrate on my form. The water itself has salt in it, which helps in keeping me afloat. I am training for my first mini tri. This place is clean and the water temp is just right.
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Review from Dom L.
9/10/2010
I'm not a big swim guy, but my son seems to like swimming more and more so I decided to hit this place for rec swim on a friday night. Thought it might become a weekly event, but after tonight's visit, doubt I'll be back.
Pros: somewhat new, the fact that it's even open due to budget cuts
Cons: Staff is not only unfriendly but seemed almost resentful that they had to work. No smiles, no hellos, I maybe got a snort at the front desk but that's about it. Also you MUST BRING EXACT CHANGE. I talked to several people (ok this is technically hearsay) but they don't give change so if you don't have it, then sol. I believe it too since you stuff your money down a little hole at the counter.
Lockers were dirty and wet inside. Shower stalls had shower heads that were broken and/or not spraying correctly. NO SOAP in the stalls.
Pool was super crowded and all the kids seemed rowdy; I keep getting bumped into and having all the kids kick huge amounts of water in my face as they kept playing. I realize it is rec swim and everyone is out to have some fun but it just seemed overly disorganized. And my son who is just learning how to swim just didn't feel comfortable. Can't they section it off so one part is just for younger (i.e. under 5) kids? Just wondering.
Last but not least - the water was cold. Online says 80 degrees but there is no fricking way it is 80. More like 65. Hey, budgets cuts, I get it. Just don't lie about it on your website.
2 stars for the 2 pro points listed above, and I'm feeling generous. Call me a grinch. -
Review from Jimi G.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2011
No-nonsense lap swimming. Clean, bright, and tons of equipment (ie kickboards up for grabs) I am so elated that I live a short walk from this pool.
The lanes are set up by speed and people seem to be very good about gauging themselves. There is a suit/body dryer in the changing rooms which is kind of space-age and awesome.
The customer service is pretty no-frills and straightforward but I actually find that refreshing. I would definitely recommend it. -
Review from Jia J.
6/29/2010
This pool is as good as it gets in a city like San Francisco, where one might refrain from even trying one out for the fear of what, and who, is floating in the water.
But this glass-house natatorium, which was plenty beautiful even before the outrageous renovation it underwent circa '07, banishes many fears of The Public Pool.
In fact, this is the place I credit with training me for my first 1 mile swim race...this is where I learned how to flip turn, this is where I started going from 10 laps to 50.
The best things about this place: a sweet weave through the quiet streets of the Sunset District to get there on foot, natural light going all the way to the bottom of an immaculate pool, the 100 ft. length (so 53 laps, rather than 71, makes a mile), nice lifeguards.
The worst things: Antiquated ticketing system (and $4.50 a swim; ouch), aggressive assholes in the lane who pass you then go slow; like driving in the South...though this behavior is not unique to this pool by many means, I've found it here many-a-morning.Listed in: SWIMMING
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Review from Robert K.
San Francisco, CA
6/1/2010
The Sava Pool is no longer new.
The arrogant Senior Swimming Instructor is incompetent.
Swimming today was totally disorganized and he was nowhere to be seen.
The locker rooms are filthy.
The restrooms are filthy.
The showers are filthy.
There are numerous health code violations, such as expectoration at poolside and in the men's showers.
There are no rules and regulations posted.
If the pool were properly managed it would be much better. -
Review from Jennifer C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 8/23/2010
I went swimming for the first time recently since I injured myself four months ago, and it seems someone must have cleaned the showers because the funky smell and drain/moth flies are gone. But did they use steel wool on the shower heads? Because it saddens me how they're rusty already.
It appears their Fall 2010 schedule has more time allotted for swim lessons and other structured activities and fewer lap swim sessions. It is as if one good thing just negated another.
On the plus side, the swimsuit dryer still works and summer is over so the pool is not as crowded.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/23/2010
To compare this, or any other SF public pool, to Koret or UCSF would simply be unfair. It isn't… Read more »
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Review from Call Me Z.
San Francisco, CA
7/14/2011
I grew up swimming competitively so I've been in a lot of pools. This pool is pretty nice and pretty clean. For $5 a pop it's not a bad deal and allows you to swim when you want as opposed to sign up for a monthly contract or something. I like all the windows that allows tons of natural light in. My only gripes are that there a lot of kids here and that most people disregard the designated lane speeds for lap swimming. People will just swim in the lane that's least empty. The lifeguards should enforce this. Oh, and it's exact change only!
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Review from Karla B.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2010
I'm slow. I get it. That's why I swim in the slow lane. But come on, Saturday morning Sava People...please don't do water aerobics in the slow lane! And Sava Lifeguards, care to say anything to all these people hanging off the sides of the pool doing exercises? I really don't enjoy getting kicked in the side as I swim by. I mean, sorry for wanting to swim laps during LAP SWIM, but can't you come back during recreational swim to do your exercises?
I know, I know. It's not Sava messing up Lap Swim, but it is the life guards doing NOTHING to monitor pool activity. At least at North Beach and Rossi they'll call you out if you're doing something wrong so you can get on track with pool etiquette.
On a happy note, nice renovations! I haven't been here in about 20 years and the place is beautiful hence the 2 stars. -
Review from Cassie J.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2010 4 photos
In an attempt to get my long distance swimming up-to-par prior to getting scuba certified in a few months, I made my way here to Sava Pool during the Lap Swim session this afternoon.
I haven't been back here to Sava since it was a dark, gloomy, dirty facility that it was when I first swam here learning how to swim years and years ago was a little tot.
The new remodel is amazing. Gone are those dark, gloomy rooms, molded floors and walls, and in place of all that is a very nice modern new facility with a great open space, well lite from the floor to ceiling walls surrounding. The pool itself is also a whole lot bigger than it used to be.
The locker room area is also spacious and comfortable, with an abundance available lockers, private dressing rooms for the modest, and a 5 head shower area. This area is definitely such a great change to the old locker room which was cramped, and dark from the lack of lights.
As for the pool, Lap Swim was separated into three sections--Slow, Medium, Fast. 1 big lane for the Slow swimmers, and 2-3 lanes for the Medium and Fast.
I made my way to the Slow lane as I'm am no where near being competitively swift in swimming. It would've been nice to have a bit more space in the Slow lane as some folks were actually extremely slow. Understandable and fine...but 1 big lane is just not enough. Eventually, I will slowly get back up there in the faster swimming aress!
Overall, the new remodel of Sava is great! Spacious and well-lite, and definitely a lot cleaner than it used to be. Use for adult admission is $5.00.Listed in: Water Water Everywhere!, Get Active!
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Review from Ravena F.
1/17/2010
In search of a backup pool for when my beautiful Koret center pool is under maintenance or otherwise not an option for me, I found Sava Pool.
While I agree that the huge windows allow for a gorgeous pool area full of natural light and clear water, I also have to concur with some major gripes that others have mentioned about the lap swim.
1. What is up with the circle-swim clockwise instead of counter-clockwise as is done in every other pool in the USA? The lifeguard did mention that they'd be changing to the more conventional style in Mid-February, though I couldn't glean exactly why the wait is needed.
2. Speed etiquette awareness is generally lacking in this pool. The lifeguard did try to organize people at the start of lap swim, but about 20 minutes into it, he seemed to have given up. Soon, there were slow breast-strokers idly floating along in the fast lane. (Props to everyone for getting in the water and exercising. I just wish people would be a little more aware of those around them. If someone is coming barreling up behind you, you don't push off of the wall right in front of them!)
3. Many have mentioned a horrifying large/double open lane situation, which does sound spectacularly titanic in likely failure. They seem to have done away with this system, but if not, here's my vote that they keep the lanes to normal size.
The locker-room is new and nice and clean. However, I'm not a fan of the communal shower area with wimpy shower heads. Seems like they could've improved upon that during the renovation everyone is so jazzed about. You have to bring your own lock or bring your stuff out to the deck. Also, bring exact change of $5. The man was kind enough to make change for me on my first visit, but I got the picture that he was making a special arrangement for me. (Maybe they could have a change machine in the lobby area?)
All-in-all, it's a fair back-up pool, but it would never be my first choice because of the weird circle-swimming and poor adherence to basic lane etiquette, making it hard to get a good work-out accomplished.Listed in: Swimming!
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Review from Betty S.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2009
I don't really understand all the negative reviews of this pool. This is a PUBLIC pool...not some country club pool that people pay an arm and a leg to get into. So knowing that it is a PUBLIC pool ,don't go there and expect your own private shower stall, great amentities (i.e. sometimes the toilet tissue and paper towels DO run out), and don't expect the staff to do it all.
I started coming to this pool the 2nd week of it's opening. It's actually a really great pool.Everything is really clean, the locker rooms have a ton of lockers - remember to bring your own lock though! There is 5 shower showers, a swimsuit dryer, 3 changing rooms with curtains for those who like their privacy when changing, and lots of mirrors to check yourself before you leave. The pool is pretty big - the deepest it goes is 10 feet. No need to fear tho, they place a giant orange cone at the edge of the pool at the point where it drops, so if you do not want to venture out to the deep end, just don't go across where the cone sits. They have kickboards for those who just want to kick across the pool.
This pool is used for many of the neighborhood schools swim teams and swim tests/classes. So by the time it comes for the evening lap swims, you tend to see a herd of high schoolers come out. I used to come to their tuesday adult swim class, which was great because there was only like max 6 people in the class ever....but it was taken off the scheudle because the special needs swim (which I think it's great that people with special needs has a great place to swim and be safe) needed the the entire pool because of its popularity. So there is only the wed's adult swim class...which I went to last weds....and it was super unorganized. There was like 30 people in many different levels. I just wanted to learn how to tread...and so I wandered off to the deep end with my friends and learned on my own.
I love coming to the lap swims, because almost everyone follows the rules there...you swim down one side, turn around and swim down the opposite side. Go online and check their scheudule for the swim times. It's $4 dollars to swim, $5 for the adult swim lessons - exact change only. You can go to their website and buy 10 swim tickets for $36 bucks - a $4 dollar savings if you don't want to bother trying to dig up exact change all the time. Overall, its a great clean pool. -
Review from Alice C.
3/10/2010 6 Check-ins Here
I came to lap swim here on a Sunday, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. Both the pool and the locker room seemed newer, and they were both clean! The lighting was bright--but not *too* bright if you're, say, trying to swim off a hangover. (I wasn't this particular morning, but good to know for the future.)
I didn't find it to be annoyingly crowded, which is surprising for a public pool. It's not regulation sized or Olympic sized, but it gets the job done--and at $5, you really can't afford NOT to.
According to the lifeguard, 35 laps = 1 mile (where 1 lap = out and back). -
Review from Vanessa T.
Brooklyn, NY
2/12/2009
I'm writing this review based solely on my experience inside the lobby of Sava. I drove all the way from Foster City at 12pm so that I could make the 12:30 lap swim. I was in my swimsuit already under my sweats and sweater. I had planned this for a long time and I was finally carrying it out.
So I arrive around 12:30p and I notice the sign says "exact change only." I only had twenty bucks so when I asked the lady behind the counter, she rudely said "We don't make change. There's a store up the street." Now I have grown up in the Sunset district and I know that around the Vicente area there are no shops. I would have had to park at Taraval find a place willing to give me change, repark at Vicente and then once again walk in. It isn't like I'm going up there with a hundred or even fifty dollar bill. Twenty bucks is a typical bill anyone would have in their pocket.
When I used to go to Sava before the remodeling, it was 0.75 cents. So I understand why they needed exact change. But now that the price is hiked up to $4.00 why wouldn't they adopt a better system? At least have a change machine in the lobby. It's just common sense. They should modernize their business just like they revamped the pool. -
Review from Misha V.
5/8/2010
Do YOU love getting your backstroke, butterfly, and synchronized swim on? If so, strip down to your speedo now.
After years and years, this pool is re-opened and refurbished for the public. It is a simple facility that is well equipped. The locker rooms are nice, and there is ample space to do what you need to do.
The actual pool is usually a bit on the cold side, but the lanes are nice. -
Review from wrecks l.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2007 4 photos
Sava's Open for Business!
Geez, so many whiners! Let me call the whaabulance! Sheesh, It's a public pool in SF. To the person "kim h." If you're that elite of a swimmer go join a masters program. What are you doing in a public pool during community lap swim. Its funny nobody's heard of close proximity swimming. To the person who came from Foster City to swim at Sava. What are you talking about? You actually passed up Burlingame's beautiful 50 meter Olympic sized pool that is closer to you to come to SF's smaller Sava? They should of took your $20 and gave you no change based on that. -
Review from InfodivaMLIS B.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2007
Infodiva here with some local SF West of Twin Peaks SF Park & Rec History. SAVA??? I hated it when they changed the name. This pool will forever be in my memory as Larsen Pool on 19th. Summer fun for the whole neighborhood. Summers 1970+ onward.
Imagine little infodiva B at Commodore Sloat School Kindergarten 1970.
The Red Cross always promotes teaching people to swim. It is a good skill to have. You never know when you might be forced to swim...ok.. Boat accident Cruise accident airplane crash...god forbid but learn to swim. Promote it... I digress as usual..
Commodore 1970. Cats (my middle name) don't really like water, but I gave it a shot for a few terms. I learned how to swim @SFSU
http://www.sfgov.org/s...
Imagine my suprise to see a crater where the pool once sat. Shock AWE! Suprise... ooops holding up traffic on 19th ave in the middle of the day. Not Good!!! I want my pool back!!! I want those funky dressing rooms where I learned about white women's breasts and genital hair.. white women are so free...hahaha It costs .10 cents for entrance.
I never went to Fleishacker. My Bros did. I do remember this white child molester... an old man... I was suckered into his charm. He wanted me to use him as a diving board and he would place my feet on his cock. Watch your kids... I never even knew that existed. Creeep.
FYI Found some history about Larsen... very intertesting read on:
The Larsen Chicken Ranch on 16th-17th Avenues between M and N Streets Taken approximately 1898.
One of the earliest settlers in the Sunset was Carl Larsen, who came to San Francisco from Denmark in 1869. He owned a downtown business, the Tivoli Caf, on Eddy Street. In 1888, he began buying large amounts of land in the dunes of the Sunset. Larsen's Chicken Ranch ran from 16th to 17th Avenues, from M Street to N Street. Each morning, a horse-drawn carriage took eggs from the Larsen Chicken Ranch to the Tivoli Caf, probably along the only through road in the Sunset, the Central Ocean Road.
Carl Larsen never married and he was generous to his adopted city. In 1924, he donated land at the eastern edge of the Sunset, land now known as Golden Gate Heights Park and Larsen's Peak. In 1926, Larsen donated two full blocks from 19th to 20th Avenues, between Ulloa and Wawona. Many Sunset children grew up with memories of playing at Larsen Park, best remembered for the military airplane that children could climb over endlessly and for Larsen Pool (now Charlie Sava pool, named after a beloved swimming instructor and coach of Olympic swimmer Anne Curtis).
Infodiva here with some local flava for ya. I love water.. I swim on occasion. I want my own pool. 94132 Driving her White '98 Blazer OMI Childhood Memories The Sunset. Swimmin I love you Yelp. Happy Turkey Day... Audi.... Thankful Hallelujah hahahhaListed in: Health Wellness Alternative…
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Review from ben s.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2009
Beautiful pool. I'm not a great swimmer, and lap swimming here is a blast. The fast lanes are smaller while the medium and slow speed lanes are larger and allow me to pass and be passed comfortably.
The building is clean and gorgeous. The view from the water of Stern Grove's Eucalyptus and Monterey Cypress/Pine trees is a really great escape.1
Edit: In the months since Sava Pool has opened, it has become (understandably so) a big hit. It's oftentimes overcrowded now.
Still a lovely place for a swim. -
Review from Maru L.
San Francisco, CA
5/4/2011
Women locker room showers are full of hair and restrooms lack paper toilet and smell like urine.
I have two kids and I was not allow to swim with both of them at the same time during rec swimming because they measure less than the safety 48". I had to leave one of my children in a bench while playing with the other one and then switch.... very disappointing because you pay an entrance fee and they are bodyguards on duty and they still consider unsafe for a widow to have a nice time with her two children who by the way are 4 and 6.
So I had a terrible time in the swimming pool and I was disgusted by the lockers..... very disappointed! -
Review from Jeremy W.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2009 1 photo
I swam here when i was on the Lincoln swim team. good memories of getting off class early and swimming in the lane closest to the windows. Unfortunately, like my review of the academy of sciences, an attempt on a LEED building and the stress on architecture has led this pool to be just ok.
The pool area is great; much wider with more benches for swim meets. Water line is aligned with the ground, so getting out is easier as well. No more counting the bricks above you; exposed HVAC is fine with me. However, during the lap swim, it seems that the guards were a bit too lazy to put in additional lane lines. Lab swimming in double-wide lanes felt weird, even though it allowed people to pass others easily. If it's a lane for lap swim, put in lane lines to make it a real lap swim!
Shower stalls outside in the pool area is nice; two additional showerheads as well as more spacing in the shower area in the locker rooms makes people less claustraphobic.
The locker area itself horrible. This is where I think the architects really f'ed up. The E-shape layout cannot accomodate half the pool capacity at all! The old layout was much better with all the lockers at the perimeter. Locker rooms are all about function and open space, especially after a full pool of swimmers coming out after practice. Even during lap swim I felt uncomfortable with the 12+ people in there.
I'm sure during swim meets this is THE go-to venue. For those working here, it's a dream come true. But word of advice: change before you get here, not in the locker rooms. Scheduling is a bit wack and even though they have breaks in between, the locker room is still crowded. No way around that, even if you go during low crowd times. I bought a ten-pass to this place, so might as well use it up. But seriously, again having a high-profile architect design a pool usually means the area in which function is needed the most is put aside for asthetics instead. -
Review from The F.
San Francisco, CA
6/28/2009
I arrived with twenty minutes left of recreational swim and the attendant allowed me and my partner-in-crime to swim for free. We showered off and dove right into the deep end.
The pool was packed on the shallow side with children and their funnoodles, while their parents watched from the sidelines. We were lucky that there weren't many people in the deep end, probably because the children aren't as experienced swimmers. The children that were using the deep end to do canon balls were raised well enough that they were courteous enough not to jump while we passed by. It's expected, though, that you might accidentally run into someone. As long as everyone plays nice.
I wanted to go cool off from the warm weather San Francisco was having and found that in twenty minutes time, I was able to get a pretty good workout despite the commotion around me.
I have yet to try out the lap sessions, though I trust they're much more organized from other people's reviews. The pool area is clean and the floor is non-slip. It tends to get very crowded in the afternoon, but that is expected since this is San Francisco and when it's warm out, the kids have every right to want to splash in the pool. I have no qualms about a crowded community pool; I was just glad to get a swim in and cool off a bit.
Minus one star for the fact that they accept exact change only. It is really inconvenient when I have the hankering to go swimming but I have to walk up to Taraval to get change, and then back down to Vicente. Boo. -
Review from Joc V.
Oakland, CA
7/4/2006
Warning: This review is part experience, part reconstructed memory from 16 years ago.
Passing the swim test was a requirement for high school graduation at SF schools a decade and more ago. Swim 2 lengths of the pool and tread water for 1 minute or else. I still remember the guy who came to graduation ceremony dripping wet in his cap and gown 'coz he had just passed the swim test (after failing it repeatedly at previous attempts) moments before. Sava was the closest pool to Lowell and in the Sunset, an indoor pool is an absolute must.
Try this equation on for size: FOG + 7:30 AM SWIM CLASS = PNEUMONIA
Sava was a bit like that pool scene in Cocoon. All those Don Ameches and Hume Cronyn types floating around--it was all very peaceful. -
Review from Jim H.
San Francisco, CA
8/5/2010
I swam competitively for years. Sava is a nice facility and though it's that weird length I've come to like it. Here's my take on public pools in SF, they are full of weirdos who can't seem to understand swim etiquette. Butterfly stroke in a shared lane, are you kidding me? How about the folks doing wounded bird backstroke down the middle of the fast lane? What the hell are the lifeguards there for? Every time I go to a public pool in SF I leave frustrated because I have to enforce lane etiquette or implore the lifeguards to do so. There are some good swimmers but we are outnumbered by kooks. Someday I'll be 75 and I'll know what lane to swim in.
Here's another thing, the layout of the locker room is funky. There is NO chance of any semblance of privacy because it's set up weird and I've been going in locker rooms for a long time and i'm no prude but one day I was at Sava I felt like a piece of meat. There is just a weird vibe there. TBH I'd rather go to Balboa because at least it's not overcrowded.
In this age of no public funds I am thankful that SF has pools. They could be exponentially better if the lifeguards would establish order. -
Review from Remko R.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2011
The staff here were super friendly and helpful! Always a plus. The pool and locker rooms were clean. $5 bucks to swim is a deal. Pool isn't cold lol but I can imagine if it wasn't heated burrr.. Will def.. go back!
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Review from Denise C.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2010
It's okay. It's expensive and the schedule is confusing. It's on 19th, so that makes it convenient.
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Review from Elijah W.
East Palo Alto, CA
3/6/2009
Really SFUSD? Really guys?? In order to be successful in my future work life, I'mma need to know math, english, and be able to swim 6 laps and tread water for 2 minutes?? Really? Reeeeeally?
Personally, I blamed my mom for not taking us to Raging Waters on a consistent basis so I could fly through the water with and Amanda Beard-esque grace (I mean I think I got the legs to match...oohh yeaah!). Then she didn't even TRY and let me find a way to get a doc to doctor me a note saying "Samoans and chlorine don't mix. Please excuse." But nooooooo..we had to do this the Christian way and tell the truth (OVER RATED).
I didn't take the class but came in for the test. CROWD full of people watch'n me so damn close I thought I was Greg Luganis (except the gay part.........or the HIV) or something. So I dive in and let my heritage take over. Thousands of years of my people living, dying, breathing with the ocean.
Then everything went to hell. I think I must've choked on the heritage or something along lap 4, b/c my left leg cramped. I don't want to stop and have to start all over so I start swimming kinda award like...but if you swim with the right leg strong, you'll veer right. Well some idiot decided to put the deep-end there. I know this, but keep going, cuz it's only 1 more lap..but I guess i musta been swimming so weird by this time it looks like I'm drowning. So my homeboii jumps in and tries to do a Baywatch on me. We only end up wrestling, and then I stop and start yellin in the middle of the 10 ft "WTF are ya doing! Now I gotta start all over!"
The instructor was laughing so damn hard, and decided to pass me anyways.
No worries though folks, i did thank my friend cuz his heart was in the right place. But cmon now! I'mma big boy! I woulda floated if I needed to. HAHAHAH!
Yea..good times..good times. -
Review from Kevin H.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2010
For a number of summers I worked at a children's camp that took the kids to Sava Pool on Friday's. I can say from experience that the quality at Sava Pool is top notch. The staff was dedicated and friendly and the facilities were clean. I highly recommend using Sava Pool as your spot to swim.
Update: I have no idea what "Maria R." is referring to when she says "a lawsuit waiting to happen." The lifeguards are attentive, including asking for young swimmers to demonstrate treading water before heading out on their own, and above all, the facilities obviously had been cared for by the city & county. -
Review from Karin H.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/8/2010
So, Sava did switch to counterclockwise swimming, but they also upped the admission fee to $5 a session. A wash. Poor etiquette is still a problem. You know those dick cops who set speed traps and ticket jaywalkers? If I were the manager of this pool, I'd offer them all jobs here. They'd do some real good.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/2/2009
I usually leave here feeling pretty angry at all the slow, disrespectful swimmers who either stand… Read more »
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Review from Bekah P.
Aliso Viejo, CA
7/23/2009
Fantastic pool!! This brand new public pool is beautiful. I used to swim competitively since I was young but haven't been in a pool for over a year because none were near by. I came to the Sava pool for lap swim and really enjoyed it. Everyone in my lane was courteous and shared the lane well. I really enjoyed my experience at this pool and look forward to going to this pool again in the near future.
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Review from Amy C.
7/30/2010
Love, love, love this pool! It was recently remodeled not so long ago, and I have to say that conditions have most definitely improved! The pool dimensions haven't changed but that's okay. I still enjoy my swims nonetheless.
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Review from kim h.
San Rafael, CA
4/10/2009
I have been to sava pool both before and after its renovation. the first time i went, before its renovation, i was so dissatisfied that i never went back-- until today, after its renovation. and now i don't want to go back again.
i have been to the balboa park municipal pool as well, and both pools are pretty miserable experiences for anyone who is actually capable of swimming fairly continuous laps in a recognizable stroke that isn't something like a half-dead sidestroke.
i usually swim at USF, at which pool my speed is a fairly solid medium, occasionally on the fast side of medium. at sava today, i was ridiculously outstripping practically everyone in the pool, which made things a little difficult. there were a few of those strange, giant, double-wide city pool lanes, and a couple of the smaller more typical-sized lanes, which were supposedly the fast lanes. i started out in one of those with one other lady who used a pull buoy the whole time and never went anything faster than slow or a slow medium, and who had no sense of pool etiquette as even when we both reached the end of the lane around the same time (after i'd passed her), she would not let me go ahead of her, thus forcing me to pass her on the side yet again in the other direction.
when i wanted to do backstroke, i had to move over to one of the giant lanes, as the lane i had been in was too narrow for me to do that stroke without having constantly whacked the other lady in the lane and the lane line. unfortunately, the double-wide lane resembled what i've heard the road/car/bicycle/pedestrian situation is like in places like india or china. and of course, there were slow people in the medium lane as well.
ultimately i could only stand to swim there for about half as long as i usually swim.
to respond to yelper "Betty S.", i don't go to a city pool during lap swim hours expecting a "country club pool." i expect to go to a pool during lap swim hours and be able to swim laps. this is apparently too much to ask of a municipal pool. a swim at USF is only $1.20 more per swim (with a 15 swim/use pass) than at a municipal pool, and yet is an infinitely more enjoyable experience (even if it does smell more chlorine-y). anybody want to buy some city of SF municipal pool swim tickets...? cause i've got some.
the only good thing about the facility is its aesthetics, but it is, after all, brand new. tons of natural light in the pool room (some floor to ceiling windows), and the locker room isn't too bad either, save for the communal shower situation (really, would stalls have been that much more difficult?), complete with shower heads that still manage to suck even though they should be brand new. -
Review from Samuel L.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2009
Sava Pool is GREAT! The wife and I have been taking lessons here and the staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. The building is gorgeous with all the architectural details. Love the magic spin dry machine in the locker rooms. Although I think the queuing for the respective lanes can be improved, it's still and nice place to go and get your swimming done. The people are generally friendly and nice. You'll have fun here.
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Review from samantha w.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2009
two points:
-swimsuit dryer
- floor to ceiling windows
