Pool News
New York’s Central Park Public Pool Is Back—And It’s Going Viral
After a four-year hiatus, swimming has officially returned to the heart of Manhattan with the opening of the Gottesman Pool, a sprawling public pool at the north end of Central Park. Located within the newly constructed Shirley Chisholm Recreation and Davis Center, the pool opened to the public on June 27, immediately drawing thousands of New Yorkers eager to cool off—and generating as much buzz for its architectural beauty as for the overwhelming crowds and a viral TikTok video that has since taken on a life of its own.
The Gottesman Pool replaces the old Lasker Rink and Pool, which closed in 2021 after decades of use and growing disrepair. The new pool is part of a $160 million renovation project led by the Central Park Conservancy, with support from public funding and a significant $50 million donation from philanthropist David Gottesman’s family. The revamped space features not only a massive outdoor pool, but also community spaces, classrooms, and year-round recreational facilities.
A Pool Designed for the People
The centerpiece of the new Davis Center is the pool itself—a 285-by-120-foot oval basin, which makes it larger than an Olympic-sized pool. With capacity for up to 1,000 swimmers, the Gottesman Pool was designed to handle New York’s summer surge. Its modern look and eco-conscious features, including a green roof and glass walls that blend into the surrounding Harlem Meer landscape, reflect the city’s growing emphasis on sustainable urban design.
“This project is about more than swimming,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It’s about restoring access to nature, creating year-round recreational opportunities, and honoring the original vision of Central Park as a place for all New Yorkers.”
In the winter, the pool area will be converted into an ice rink, continuing a longstanding Central Park tradition while improving access and aesthetics.
Demand Dwarfs Expectations
Opening weekend drew an immediate and overwhelming response. Crowds lined up early, with reports of wait times stretching as long as three hours. Visitors hoping to secure a spot in the pool were met with long lines, minimal shade, and a palpable sense of anticipation—and, in some cases, frustration.
Social media posts showed tightly packed queues wrapping around the park’s northern edge. While some residents applauded the pool’s return and praised the upgraded amenities, others expressed concern over how the city planned to manage crowd control moving forward.
City officials have so far declined to implement a reservation system, relying instead on a first-come, first-served model. The facility is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a mandatory closure between 3 and 4 p.m. for cleaning.
Viral TikTok Video Sparks Laughter—and Headlines
Not long after the pool’s debut, a video posted by TikTok creator David Voice went viral, casting an unexpected spotlight on the Gottesman Pool. In the video, which quickly racked up millions of views, Voice expresses his disbelief and informs viewers:
“They are pooping in the pool. Adults. Adults are pooping in the pool… This is why we can’t have nice things.”
Though meant as a satirical exaggeration that New Yorkers in general don’t know how to treat nice public places, the video struck a nerve—and a funny bone. It sparked a wave of reaction videos, parody clips, and online commentary, effectively transforming the Central Park public pool into a meme-worthy phenomenon overnight.
While no official incidents matching the video’s claims have been reported, the NYC Parks Department reminded swimmers to follow posted rules, maintain hygiene, and treat the facility with respect.
From Lasker to Legacy: Restoring the Ravine
The Gottesman Pool also represents a significant ecological correction. The former Lasker facility, built in 1966, was notorious for blocking the natural watercourse that once flowed from the Loch to the Harlem Meer. The new Davis Center restores that flow, lifting the pool structure above the stream and allowing the water to move freely once again through the historic Ravine—one of Central Park’s most wooded and naturalistic areas.
The entire design team, led by Susan T. Rodriguez Architecture & Design and Mitchell Giurgola, aimed to not only bring back a community pool, but also repair the ecological and visual scars left by decades of poor planning.
The surrounding areas have been regraded and re-landscaped to improve accessibility. The new green roof on the Davis Center helps it visually disappear into the park’s landscape, while indoor spaces offer year-round community programming ranging from swim lessons to environmental education.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
Reactions among local residents have been mixed, with many thrilled about the return of a free, public swimming option in Upper Manhattan, and others voicing concern over what they perceive as logistical growing pains.
“I waited two and a half hours just to get in,” said one Harlem resident on opening weekend. “It’s beautiful, but they need to figure out how to manage the crowds better.”
Some suggested implementing timed entry or a digital reservation system. Others took a more philosophical stance, noting that public space in New York is always a shared, sometimes unpredictable experience.
Despite the crowding, many families expressed excitement about having a safe, fun, and cost-free option during the city’s increasingly hot summers. NYC Parks also confirmed that swimming classes and water safety instruction would be available by lottery at no cost, part of the city’s broader effort to increase aquatic literacy and reduce drowning risks.
A Summer Symbol of New York—Messy, Proud, and Full of Character
The reopening of the Central Park public pool is more than just a ribbon-cutting event—it’s a microcosm of life in the city itself. Crowded, colorful, flawed, and at times downright absurd, the Gottesman Pool has quickly become one of the summer’s most talked-about attractions.
City officials are hopeful that, with time, the novelty will fade, crowd control will improve, and the Davis Center will serve as a long-term hub for recreation, education, and community building.
In the meantime, those venturing out for a swim should bring their bathing suits, their patience—and can rest assured that they aren’t pooping in the Central Park Public Pool.
Featured Image: 22tomtom
Blue Wave has issued a recall affecting multiple above-ground swimming pool models after federal safety officials identified a potential drowning hazard involving children.
The recall, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 18, covers approximately 13,400 Blue Wave brand above-ground pools that are 48 inches deep or taller and utilize an exterior compression strap as part of the pool’s frame system.
Reason for the Recall
The affected pools feature a compression strap positioned around the outside of the vertical support poles. While the strap is designed to provide structural stability, the CPSC determined that its placement may unintentionally create a foothold.
According to the agency, this foothold could allow children to climb into the pool, even when the ladder has been removed, creating a risk of unsupervised access and potential drowning.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with the recalled products at the time of the announcement.
Affected Models
The recall applies to the following Blue Wave above-ground pool models:
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Rd 48-In Active Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Active Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 24-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool
• Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Gray Rattan Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Espresso Wicker Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Aspen Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 24-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Laguna 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Laguna 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
All affected models share a common design feature: an exterior compression strap that encircles the pool’s vertical supports.
Sales Channels and Distribution
The recalled pools were sold nationwide from January 2021 through July 2025 through a mix of big-box retailers, sporting goods stores, and online marketplaces, including:
• The Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Dunham’s Sports
• Amazon
• Walmart
• Wayfair
Retailers have been notified to halt sales of affected models and to direct customers to the manufacturer’s recall remedy.
What Dealers and Retailers Should Know
For dealers and retail partners, the recall highlights the importance of prompt inventory review and customer outreach. Any remaining unsold stock matching the recalled models should be removed from the sales floor and distribution channels immediately.
Retailers that sold affected units during the recall period may see an increase in customer inquiries regarding eligibility, repair kits, and interim safety measures. Clear communication at the point of contact will be critical, particularly around the distinction between structural components and ladders, which many consumers assume are the primary access risk.
Service professionals and retail staff should also be prepared to explain that the recall does not involve a full product replacement, but rather a manufacturer-provided modification designed to eliminate the foothold while maintaining frame integrity.
Manufacturer Remedy
Blue Wave is offering a free repair kit to affected pool owners. The kit replaces the exterior compression strap with a lower-profile system installed closer to ground level. Once the repair is completed, the original strap can be removed.
Until the repair is installed, the manufacturer and CPSC recommend that pool owners prevent unsupervised access to the pool area or drain the pool temporarily.
Dealers and service professionals should advise customers not to remove or cut the compression strap prior to installing the repair kit, as doing so could compromise the pool’s structural stability.
Poolsafe LLC, offers new mesh, removable safety fencing designed to be installed around any pool shape or size. Uses patented, transparent, large-hole ClearGuard™ Mesh for better visibility into the pool area, while also blending the fence into backyard. Lockable, self-closing Triton™ gate features a curved top bar to help prevent climbing. Unique Tri-Pod Truss system keeps gate aligned with daily usage. Available in 4ft and 5ft heights, in black, brown, beige, or gray colors.
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Latham Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWIM), the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, appoints Sean Gadd as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer as part of a CEO transition that will take effect on January 5, 2026. The appointment follows a comprehensive search as part of a succession planning process led by the Board and current CEO Scott Rajeski, who will be retiring from Latham and will serve as a special advisor to the company.
Sean Gadd comes to Latham following a 21-year career at James Hardie. He most recently served as President of North America since 2022, where he has had full P&L responsibility for James Hardie’s largest regional business. Prior to his role as President of North America, Sean served as Executive Vice President, North America, Commercial (2018-2022) and Executive Vice President, Markets and Segments, North America (2015-2018) at James Hardie, leading the front end of the business across product, marketing, and sales. Sean has been instrumental in spearheading James Hardie’s substantial organic net sales growth since 2022, driving material conversion and deeper market penetration through a refined go-to-market strategy targeting end-users via channel partners. Sean brings experience that is directly comparable to Latham’s material conversion and Sand State initiatives, and his demonstrated success in driving strategic growth will be invaluable for Latham and its shareholders.
James E. Cline, Chairman, commented, “Sean is known as a strong leader and brand-builder and has an impressive track record of driving growth at James Hardie. We are thrilled that he has accepted the CEO role at Latham, and the Board believes Sean will be able to leverage his robust commercial experience, sector knowledge, and branding expertise to accelerate our ability to continue to gain share and further the conversion to fiberglass from concrete pools.”
“I am pleased to be joining Latham and am looking forward to building on its achievements to date. This is an excellent opportunity for me to utilize my experience in the building products category to drive further market penetration and adoption of Latham’s top-quality products and greater recognition for its superior service standards,” Mr. Gadd commented.
Mr. Gadd will also become a member of Latham’s Board of Directors, replacing Mr. Rajeski, who is resigning from the Board concurrently with his retirement.
Mr. Cline commented, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our deep appreciation for the contributions that Scott Rajeski has made to Latham during his long tenure at the company, first as Chief Financial Officer and, since 2017, as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership and that of his executive and operating teams, the company went public in April of 2021 and has experienced substantial growth, demonstrated resilience within a difficult industry environment, and built a strong financial position.”
Mr. Rajeski noted, “It has been a privilege to serve as the President & CEO of Latham alongside the talented executive and operating teams that we have at the company. Together, we have advanced the awareness and adoption of fiberglass pools and autocovers, while implementing production and related efficiencies that have streamlined our operations. I am proud to be retiring as CEO of Latham with the company in a strong financial position and in very capable hands. Throughout my conversations with Sean, I have been very impressed with his leadership capabilities and background, and I am confident that he will bring a unique skillset that will allow Latham to continue to outperform the industry, gain further traction in the important Sand States, and remain an acquirer of choice.”
About Latham Group, Inc.
Latham Group, Inc., headquartered in Latham, NY, is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Latham has a coast-to-coast operations platform consisting of approximately 1,850 employees across around 30 locations.
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