Holmes Run Pool invites the community to ‘join our summer family’

The family pool at Holmes Run Pool.

By Heidi Gallacher


Memberships are available at Holmes Run Pool, conveniently located on Gallows Road, just inside the Beltway, next to Woodburn Elementary School. 


In 2018, the pool is celebrating 65 glorious years, though the current pool would be unrecognizable to folks from the 1950s. Over the years, it has evolved from a simple lap pool and toddler splash pool, into a beautiful campus with three pools, mature trees, two bath houses, three party decks, picnic area, playground, and basketball court. 



There are several features that make Holmes Run Pool unique from other neighborhood pools: We have three pools: a baby pool for our youngest members (and their parents), a four-lane lap pool that is perfect for those wanting some afternoon or evening exercise, and a 25-yard family pool ready for games of marco polo and sharks-and-minnows. The family pool has diving boards and a brand-new pool deck.


The pool grounds are set in a gorgeous cove of trees, providing visual and sound privacy from the main road and nearby neighborhood. It benefits from a perfect combination of sunshine and shade, gentle breezes, and fresh air. It just feels comfortable; it’s a place where members will often “work from home,” as they can connect their laptop through the pool’s free WiFi and type away by the side of the pool.


Members are welcome to arrange private parties (birthdays, end-of-season sports banquets, Sweet 16s) at no additional charge. There are three large decks on the pool grounds, available by reservation, and each has access to tables and chairs. Members of the pool are provided a generous number of guest passes and are encouraged to bring in non-member friends for events so that they, too, can experience the fun and relaxation of Holmes Run Pool.

The picnic area at Holmes Run Pool.

Like most community pools in Northern Virginia, Holmes Run proudly sponsors a swim team.  Children ages 4-18 are invited to participate on the Hurricanes team, which is a great way to gain friendships, learn teamwork, improve physical fitness, work with coaches, and reach personal goals. Beginning swimmers and those who are less competitive are encouraged to swim in recreational meets; those who are more accomplished may be selected for competition meets.  


Swim lessons are important to many Holmes Run Pool families. The pool has arranged for private lessons for individuals and groups with qualified instructors. Morning, daytime, and evening lesson slots are offered to fit any schedule. Whether your swimmer is just getting used to the water, learning the basic strokes, or refining technique – lessons are a great way to gain confidence in the water.


Organized activities happen almost every day, all summer long. There are Sunday evening Steak Nights (you bring the meat to grill, the pool provides the sides and drinks), water aerobics, food trucks, ice cream socials, wine and cheese night, a crab feast, summer festival, and much more.  Most of those events are free and they offer a great opportunity to make new friends and renew friendships with people you see less frequently.  


Greenspace is a treasure inside the Beltway. Holmes Run Pool is proud of its trees and picnic lawn, realizing that these are unique features that add to the “resort-like” setting that is uncommon at other area pools. 


Most adults grew up playing in friends’ backyards, riding bikes in the streets, and spending all day outdoors.  Many lament that we cannot offer that same freedom and independence to children nowadays because we don’t know our neighbors, cars drive too fast down neighborhood streets, and the kids might find trouble. Holmes Run Pool is an oasis of fun where kids can just be kids: running, playing, exploring, learning – but all within a safe environment with adults within reasonable reach.


Conveniently located on Gallows Road, Holmes Run Pool is a short drive for most members who live in Annandale, Falls Church, and Merrifield – though many members also come from Arlington, Fairfax, and Vienna (even easier with the new 495 express lanes!). While some pools are reducing their hours of operation, Holmes Run Pool is actually expanding its services and staffing all three of its pools until 9 p.m. every evening.  It truly is a destination for couples and families to enjoy outdoor time all summer long.


Affordable memberships are available for individuals, couples, seniors, and families. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit www.holmesrunpool.org.