Gert Town Natatorium

Great Louisiana community pool

It’s been a few months since I last added a pool to the list, visiting a conference in New Orleans (Ironically, the Pool, Spa and Patio show!) and the first time in Louisiana, so taking the opportunity to tick LA off the US states pool swim list!

I’m staying in the New Orleans downtown area; it’s November, so most outdoor pools are closed, and there are only a few indoor venues. I’ve set out in the hire car to tackle the UNO Aquatic Center at the University of New Orleans but find the pool closed on arrival! Keen to get a swim in, Google suggests the Gert Town Natatorium is my next closest option; double check the online timetable and head over to Gert Town.

Pass through what seems to be NOLA University student accommodation, follow Apple maps through side streets and initially taken aback as I arrive at the pool. More than fourteen years after Hurricane Katrina, the area is still recovering. Gert Town was hit hard and, like many areas of New Orleans, was flooded with several feet of water following the storm surge from the Gulf of Mexico.

Park up and head into the building; the guy on reception was completely surprised by an English accent; at first, we had some trouble communicating! I’m probably the first tourist to visit Gert Town for a swim! After a few odd questions, ‘You’ll need some swimming shorts,’ which I assured him I did have (I think he thought I was some nutter about to jump in the pool naked!) I’m through to the pool deck and into the changing rooms. I tried to follow the instructions on which door to take but must have misheard as I found out, only after I had changed, in the mother and baby block! On to the pool deck with a few surprised looks.

Into the 25-yard, six-lane pool, run through a straight 1,200 yards and make a quick exit!


Swim Stats

  • Length: 1200 yards total swim
  • 1:23 pace / 100y
  • Garmin Swim Watch

Review

(50/100)

Great community pool, well maintained and fully featured.


Pool Details

  • Length: 25 yards
  • 6-lane pool
  • Indoor

Gert Town Natatorium
411 Broadway St, New Orleans, LA 70125, United States


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