City Celebrates Oliver Bath House’s Grand Re-Opening and Launches Lifeguard Recruitment for 2026 Season
Pittsburgh, PA — The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Parks and Recreation (CitiParks) is excited to announce the long-awaited return of the Oliver Bath House (38 South 10th Street, Pittsburgh, PA), located in the historic Southside neighborhood, on Saturday, March 7, 2026 after a seven year closure due to renovations.
“We are thrilled to reopen the Oliver Bath House after seven years,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “Families will choose Pittsburgh first when we invest in recreation spaces like this. The Oliver Bath House was opened in 1915 and now has upgraded modern features that the next generation of Pittsburghers can enjoy. Thank you to Parks and Recreation, Public Works and their partners for the hard work in restoring the only city-owned indoor pool for our local families.”
In 2019, the City’s Department of Public Works began the process of evaluating the facility for renovations, which originally included a need for updated shower facilities, changing rooms, full window replacements, updated mechanical systems, and a new roof. The following year in March, the Oliver Bath House closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the closure, it was determined that more work was needed to bring the building up to code before it could reopen to the public.
The full scope of work included:
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Full replacement of the basement steel structure, including sidewalk replacement and new guardrail
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Complete roof replacement, including the roof deck
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Repair and preservation, not replacement, of the historic window frames and new glass throughout
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Demolition of the caretaker’s rooftop apartment and installation of a new rooftop HVAC unit with integral pool dehumidification
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Brick and limestone facade cleaning and repointing
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Repairs to the pool walls and deck, including: new gutter system and drains, total replacement of the filtration and water chemistry system, and updated lighting
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Repairs to the mezzanine level structure and railing
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Hazardous materials remediation
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Additional exterior restoration and conservation to retain historic character
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Accessibility & inclusivity improvements, like modifications to allow for ADA access
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Features to make the building as functional, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient as possible
The Oliver Bath House was designated a historic site in 2017, so the necessary repairs balanced operational safety while ensuring the historic architecture and features remained intact.
“This project reflects our commitment to preserving Pittsburgh’s historic treasures while investing in spaces that support health, wellness, and connection,” said Eric Sloan, Director of CitiParks. “The Oliver Bath House has served generations of residents, and after years of careful restoration, we’re proud to welcome the community back to a facility that honors its past while meeting today’s standards for safety, accessibility, and sustainability.”
The highly anticipated grand reopening of the Bath House was completed in partnership with contractors Allegheny Construction Group, East West Manufacturing & Supply, Wheels Mechanical Contracting, and Westmoreland Electric Services, as well as architecture firm Buchart Horn Architects and construction management firm SB Thomas.
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About the Oliver Bath House
The Henry W. Oliver Bath House was first conceived as the "South Side Bath House" by industrialist and Civil War veteran Henry W. Oliver in 1903. In a time where indoor plumbing was still rare, Oliver wished to create a public swimming and bathing house for working-class mill workers on Pittsburgh's South Side. Oliver hired renowned Chicago architect Daniel Burnham to create initial designs, but the project was stalled after Oliver's death in 1904.
Years later, Oliver's widow and daughter revived the project. The Oliver estate donated the land and hired architects MacClure and Spahr to finalize the plans. They designed a monumental structure in the Tudor Revival and Gothic Collegiate style with a 40' x 80' pool. The Oliver estate supervised the building's construction before donating the completed $80,000 dollar Bath House to the City of Pittsburgh in 1915. Mayor Joseph Armstrong, City Council, and the South Pittsburgh Board of Trade dedicated the new Henry W. Oliver Bath House on June 17, 1915.
The Oliver Bath House is operated by CitiParks, the City of Pittsburgh's Department of Parks and Recreation.
The reopening of the Oliver Bath House comes as CitiParks prepares for the summer pool season by launching lifeguard recruitment efforts. Lifeguards are trained and certified by the CitiParks Aquatics team and are essential for a successful and safe outdoor pool season for residents.
“As the City plans opening outdoor pools for the summer, one of the factors is how many lifeguards we have to staff them,” said Mayor O’Connor. “Lifeguarding is a rewarding job where you are trained in life-saving techniques and get to interact and connect with residents and families at our pools. You don’t have to have experience – the Aquatics team will train and certify new lifeguards.”
Lifeguards receive free training and CPR instruction and certification, giving them opportunities to learn and grow within CitiParks Aquatics, which may lead to other City employment opportunities. Many city employees have gotten their start in service as a lifeguard.
“We’re thrilled to kick off the 2026 lifeguard season and welcome new and returning guards to our pools,” said Director Sloan. “Our returning lifeguards bring amazing energy each year, and we love sharing that excitement with every new team member. If you or someone you know is interested in joining, fill out our 2026 Lifeguard Interest Form. Our staff will guide you with training and practice to get ready for certification. Lifeguard wages for 2026 will range from $18 to $20.76 per hour, based on experience. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in your community while gaining skills that can last a lifetime.”
Lifeguards must be City of Pittsburgh residents, at least 15 years old, and willing to work at any CitiParks Outdoor Pool. Anyone interested in becoming a CitiParks lifeguard, whether a new candidate or a returning guard should fill out the 2026 Lifeguard Interest Form, and our CitiParks Aquatics team will contact them.
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