Whidbey Island Pools Guide: Oak Harbor Pool, Lessons & Community Pools

Pools on Whidbey Island:

Public, Private & Neighborhood Options

Living on Whidbey Island means water is always nearby, but warm, predictable swimming is a different story. Saltwater swims can be magical (and bracing), but water temperatures and safe access points make ocean swimming more of a short-season adventure or a one-off polar plunge than an everyday option. We’ve also got a few lakes that shine in summer (a lakes guide is coming soon), but if you’re looking for reliable swim time, lessons, lap lanes, or family splash sessions, pools are often the most practical choice.

Here’s a clear guide to pool options on Whidbey Island, including what’s public, what’s private, and which neighborhoods offer pool amenities.

Whidbey Island Pools at a Glance

Best year-round public option (open to everyone):
✅ John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool (Oak Harbor) — indoor, year-round

Swim lessons (organized programs):
✅ Oak Harbor Pool

✅ Fort Casey YMCA
✅ Admirals Cove Beach Club
✅ Island Athletic Club (mostly private)
✅ Useless Bay Golf & Country Club

Neighborhood/community pools (typically seasonal + membership-based):
Admirals Cove • Rolling Hills • Sierra Country Club • Bon Air • Sandy Hook • Scatchet Head • Sunlight Shores • Honeymoon Lake

The Only Public Pool on Whidbey (Year-Round)

John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool (Oak Harbor)

The John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool is the only publicly funded pool on Whidbey Island and it’s located in Oak Harbor on the north end. It’s entirely indoors, which makes it the most dependable option for year-round swimming on the island.

Amenities include:

• 6-lane, 25-meter main pool (great for lap swim + fitness)

• Wading pool for young kids

• Locker rooms, showers, hot tub, and sauna

Schedule and programs:
https://nwpprd.org/jvmpool-information

Swim Lessons on Whidbey Island

If you have kids who need swim instruction (or you’re an adult brushing up on skills), lessons can take some planning — simply because many pools here are community-based and not open to the general public.

Current lesson options include:

• Oak Harbor Pool: https://nwpprd.org/swim-lessons

• YMCA Camp Casey https://www.ymcacampcasey.org/pool

• Admirals Cove Beach Club: https://acbc-whidbey.org/pool.html

• Island Athletic Club (mostly private): https://islandathleticclub.com/programs/swimming-lessons/

• Useless Bay Golf & Country Club: https://www.uselessbaygolf.com/recreation/pool

Tip: availability can change seasonally, so it’s worth checking each site for current sessions and registration windows.

Neighborhood & Community Pools on Whidbey Island

Outside of Oak Harbor’s public pool, most pools on Whidbey fall into one of two categories:

1. Neighborhood/community pools managed by an HOA or community club

2. Private club pools tied to a fitness club, golf club, or beach club

In most cases, access is limited to property owners within the community (or guests of an owner), and many are open only during the summer months.

Here are communities currently known to have pools:

• Admirals Cove: https://acbc-whidbey.org/pool.html

• Rolling Hills: http://rollinghillsglencairn.com/pool-2/

• Sierra Country Club: https://sierracountryclub.net/Pool

• Bon Air: https://www.bonaircommunityclub.org/

• Sandy Hook: https://www.sandyhookyce.org/p/Our-Amenities

• Scatchet Head Community Club: https://www.scatchetheadclub.com/pool-information.html

• Sunlight Shores: https://ssccwhidbey.wixsite.com/website/pool

• Honeymoon Lake Community Club: http://hlakecc.com/index.html

Know a community pool we missed? Please let us know, we’d love to keep this guide up to date.

Buying or Selling in a Neighborhood With a Pool: What to Know

A neighborhood pool can be a real lifestyle upgrade, especially for summer routines, visiting grandkids, or buyers who want a built-in community. But it’s also a feature that deserves a closer look when you’re comparing homes.

Here are a few practical considerations we walk clients through:

• HOA dues and reserve health: Pools are expensive to maintain, insure, and periodically renovate. Dues may be higher in pool communities, and well-managed reserves matter.

• Rules and access: Some pools are strictly for members, some allow guests, and many have quiet hours, key systems, or seasonal schedules.

• Resale appeal: In the right neighborhood, a pool can increase marketability — particularly for buyers prioritizing summer amenities and community connection.

• Maintenance timelines: If a pool is aging, buyers should understand whether major upgrades are planned (or overdue).

If you’re considering a home in a pool community, we’re happy to help you evaluate not just the house but also how the neighborhood amenities function day-to-day. Your real estate advisors for Whidbey Island means you’ll always know what you’re stepping into, with a wealth of knowledge working for you.