San Diego manages a vast number of community pools year round, and Clairemont is one of them. We swim here occasionally and enjoy its empty lanes and easy access. For $5, water loggers will get 3 to 5 lanes of 25-yard lap swimming with each lane separated by floating lines and bottom stripes. A pace clock is on the wall, and toys are provided, kickboards and pull-buoys.

Directions: I-5 North to Balboa; exit east (away from ocean); up the hill and turn south (right) on Clairemont; drive about a mile, and the pool is on your left. Only the building is visible not the pool, park in adjacent lot.