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As the temperature drops, it’s time to break out the mid-season jackets, sharpen the pumpkin-carving knives, and, sadly, close up the pool for the winter. Lucky Arlingtonians have access to three indoor pools to swim laps or take classes. The List checked in with Arlington’s public indoor pools to assess their aesthetics, atmosphere, and toy selection.

1. Yorktown

   Atmosphere: Utilitarian design and parents on the bleachers give it neighborhood feel
   Temperature: Downright tropic
   Aesthetic: No-frills small gray tiles and soft lighting
   Chlorine smell intensity: 8/10
   Lifeguards: One in a chair
   Fun fact: Olympian Tom Dolan swam here
   Loses points for: Ladies locker room leaves something to be desired

2. Washington and Lee

   Atmosphere: Cavernous, high-energy temple to swimming complete with house music
   Temperature: Warm with a breeze circulating
   Aesthetics: Walls checkered in pale yellow and gray; large latte-colored tiles on the floor
   Chlorine smell intensity: 6/10
   Lifeguards: One in a chair, one on foot between the two pools
   Toys: Kickboards, noodles
   Fun fact: According to employee: “We have birthday parties that rock.”
   Loses points for: School is huge! Pool is hard to find.

3. Wakefield

   Atmosphere: Vintage without feeling dingy
   Temperature: Balmy
   Aesthetics: Late ‘60s color scheme of gray, pistachio and vanilla
   Chlorine smell intensity: 7/10
   Lifeguards: One stern guard in a chair (“Walk, please”)
   Toys: Excellent selection, including noodles, fins, kickboards, and hand paddles
   Fun fact: Staff says this is the last winter to use the Wakefield pool, which is the oldest of the three and will be replaced by two soon to be constructed pools
   Loses points for: Its clocks aren't as big or numerous as the other pools'