Brentwood, TN

I'm not counting private clubs and subdivision pools, unless membership is open to the public.

Williamson County Residents have three great swimming options, but they do require the purchase of an annual pool pass:

• The Williamson Co. Indoor Recreation Complex on Heritage Way, just off Concord Road


• The Williamson Co. Recreation Center on Hillsboro Road in Franklin


• The Williamson Co. Recreation Center in Fairview

For cost and convenience, the YMCA pools are hard to beat. There are three swimming locations near Brentwood:

• Maryland Farms YMCA (formerly Maryland Farms Country Club)


• Brentwood YMCA on Concord Road


• Franklin YMCA on S. Royal Oaks Blvd.


• (Cool Springs YMCA on Seaboard Lane does not have a pool.)

--->Here's a link to all YMCA pools in the Middle Tennessee area.

The traditional Brentwood swimming spot is the Brentwood Dolphin Club on Wilson Pike. It looks a little rough around the edges compared to newer pools, but its location makes it convenient to many of Brentwood's older subdivisions. Membership required.

Feel like an adventure? You can head to public beaches on Percy Priest Lake, within a half hour of Brentwood. Public beaches cost $4 a carload:

• Cook Recreation Area, 12231 Old Hickory Blvd., Hermitage TN. (615) 889-1096


• Anderson Road Recreation Area, 4010 Anderson Rd, Nashville, TN. (615) 361-1980

--->I just explored the Anderson Road beach with my family. Read all about our Nashville beach trip here.

Of course, there is always Percy Priest Lake's Nashville Shores, which combines slides, pools, and sandy beaches. The $21.95 adult admission may not be worth it if your children aren't old enough to enjoy the slides.

Metro Parks and Recreation also operates Wave Country Pool near Opry Mills, if you'd like a cheaper water-park option. I've heard that the newly renovated Wave Country is much improved, and children under 4 are free.

Metro Parks also offers swimming in public park pools at no cost to Davidson County residents. Check the hours carefully before you set out, as public pools open and close at odd times.

If you know of another great place to swim in Nashville or Brentwood, leave me a comment and let me know!