Public pool usage as adaptation against urban heat

Published in Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 2026

As cities become hotter due to climate change and urbanization, effective strategies to protect residents from extreme heat are increasingly important. While much attention has focused on air conditioning and green infrastructure, relatively little is known about the role of blue infrastructure - water-based amenities such as public pools, rivers, and lakes - in helping urban populations cope with heat.

This study examines how public swimming pools contribute to climate adaptation in New York City, one of the largest and most socioeconomically diverse cities in the world. Using detailed data on pool attendance, weather conditions, demographics, and emergency medical service (EMS) incidents between 2017 and 2022, the study evaluates both the demand for public pools during hot weather and their potential health benefits.

The analysis reveals a strong relationship between heat and pool usage. A one-degree Celsius increase in the heat index leads to an approximately eight percent increase in daily attendance, equivalent to about 30 additional visitors per pool. Demand rises particularly sharply during extreme heat events, with attendance more than quadrupling on the hottest summer days compared with mild summer conditions.

The results further show that public pools play a particularly important role for economically disadvantaged communities. Pools located in low-income neighborhoods experience substantially larger increases in attendance during hot weather than pools in wealthier areas. This suggests that residents with fewer private adaptation options rely more heavily on public infrastructure to cope with extreme temperatures. The findings therefore highlight the importance of public amenities in reducing inequalities in climate vulnerability and adaptive capacity.

Beyond documenting behavioral responses, the study also examines whether public pools influence health outcomes during hot weather. Exploiting variation in pool operating status across time and space, we find that access to public pools reduces the sensitivity of heat-related emergency medical incidents to rising temperatures. During extreme heat events, public pool availability is associated with a meaningful reduction in heat-related emergency calls, indicating that blue infrastructure can help alleviate pressure on healthcare and emergency response systems.