Soaking Pool

At Kennedy School

5736 N.E. 33rd Ave., Portland, OR 97211
(503) 249-3983
(888) 249-3983
Contact Us
NOT OPEN AT THIS TIME – Many of our pubs and hotels are open with limited capacity. Other parts of McMenamins remained closed at this time as we carefully reopen step-by-step following state guidelines.

Our hotel soaking pools are filled with chlorinated saltwater – it is more buoyant and relaxing!

About Soaking Pool

A ceramic work of art, this heated pool is located in a private outdoor courtyard surrounded by gardens (formerly where the old Teacher's Lounge was located). Hotel guests have complimentary use of the pool as part of their overnight package.

Open to the Public
The general public is invited to enjoy the soaking pool for $6 per person, per hour, any day.
18 & over (with photo ID) are welcome between 10 am and 8 pm
Minors with parent or guardian are welcome between 11 am and 6 pm

Free Neighborhood Soakers – Please be aware that the only form of proof we accept for a free soak is a valid Oregon State ID with your current address. This address must be within the boundaries of Northeast 22nd Avenue, Northeast 42nd Avenue, Northeast Columbia Boulevard, and Northeast Prescott Street; excluding the small area starting on the south side of NE Alberta Ct. and to the east of NE 33rd Ave. The address must be on your photo ID or it will cost you 6 dollars to get into the pool.

  • All Soakers must be signed in at the front desk and admission paid when applicable
  • A valid photo ID is required for all adults entering the pool
  • Towels not provided

Soaking Pool Rules

  • Minors (persons under 18 years) must be with a parent or guardian at all times 
  • No minors permitted in pool after 6 p.m. (supervised minors of hotel guests are welcome until 11 p.m.)
  • No smoking in the pool
  • No Glass containers
  • Please be respectful of other guests
  • No horseplay, jumping or diving
  • No pool toys or recreational flotation devices
  • Swimsuits are required & swim diaper required for any child not potty trained, NO EXCEPTIONS
  • Do not add bubble bath, soaps or fragrance into the water
  • No outside beverages or containers are allowed
  • The Hotel cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items

Items left behind in the soaking pool will be kept for 30 days before being donated.

Failure to comply with these rules and regulations is grounds for us to deny access to the soaking pool,

Thank you,
Management

About Our Soaking Pools

It is important to know that chlorine is present in our soaking pools. All of our pools (Edgefield, Kennedy School, Old St. Francis School, Grand Lodge, Crystal Hotel) utilize salt cells that convert low levels of salt (sodium chloride) to chlorine. This means that a saltwater pool is not actually chlorine-free – it simply utilizes a chlorine generator instead of a direct addition of chlorine.

To meet health department requirements, we also add granulated chlorine to break down and release contaminants from the pool.

The benefits of our saltwater spa systems include:

  • Smoother, softer-feeling water
  • Diminished chloramines formation
  • Less odor
  • Eco- & earth-friendly
  • Gentle to hair, even colored or blonde
  • Reduced eye irritation
  • Soothing to skin
  • Health benefits when using mineral salts
  • Easily adjusted sanitizer level

Many people previously convinced that they had an allergic or other aversion to chlorine found no such problems after experiencing a salt-based system. A salt system allows us to more precisely control the sanitizer output, often requiring lower levels to achieve water purity. The mineral salts have many health benefits of their own.

Additional chemicals that we use to maintain proper chemical balance for bathers include: sodium bicarbonate, soda ash, calcium chloride, sodium bisulfate, muriatic acid, and monopersulfate (commonly referred to as MPS).

Salinity Levels: Lower Than You Think
When we think of saltwater, the ocean comes to mind. Seawater has a strong salty taste, and it can cause metal corrosion. Fortunately, the levels of salt used in our systems are very low by comparison. The table below give you some perspective:

Salinity Comparison (parts per million) 
Ocean water: 35,000 ppm 
Human tears: 9,000 ppm 
Ability to taste salt: 5,000 ppm 
Saltwater spas: 3,000 ppm

Anderson School
Adults
Children
Rate

  • NOT OPEN AT THIS TIME – Many of our pubs and hotels are open with limited capacity. Other parts of McMenamins remained closed at this time as we carefully reopen step-by-step following state guidelines.

    Our hotel soaking pools are filled with chlorinated saltwater – it is more buoyant and relaxing!

    A ceramic work of art, this heated pool is located in a private outdoor courtyard surrounded by gardens (formerly where the old Teacher's Lounge was located). Hotel guests have complimentary use of the pool as part of their overnight package.

    Open to the Public
    The general public is invited to enjoy the soaking pool for $6 per person, per hour, any day.
    18 & over (with photo ID) are welcome between 10 am and 8 pm
    Minors with parent or guardian are welcome between 11 am and 6 pm

    Free Neighborhood Soakers – Please be aware that the only form of proof we accept for a free soak is a valid Oregon State ID with your current address. This address must be within the boundaries of Northeast 22nd Avenue, Northeast 42nd Avenue, Northeast Columbia Boulevard, and Northeast Prescott Street; excluding the small area starting on the south side of NE Alberta Ct. and to the east of NE 33rd Ave. The address must be on your photo ID or it will cost you 6 dollars to get into the pool.

    • All Soakers must be signed in at the front desk and admission paid when applicable
    • A valid photo ID is required for all adults entering the pool
    • Towels not provided

  • Soaking Pool Rules

    • Minors (persons under 18 years) must be with a parent or guardian at all times 
    • No minors permitted in pool after 6 p.m. (supervised minors of hotel guests are welcome until 11 p.m.)
    • No smoking in the pool
    • No Glass containers
    • Please be respectful of other guests
    • No horseplay, jumping or diving
    • No pool toys or recreational flotation devices
    • Swimsuits are required & swim diaper required for any child not potty trained, NO EXCEPTIONS
    • Do not add bubble bath, soaps or fragrance into the water
    • No outside beverages or containers are allowed
    • The Hotel cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items

    Items left behind in the soaking pool will be kept for 30 days before being donated.

    Failure to comply with these rules and regulations is grounds for us to deny access to the soaking pool,

    Thank you,
    Management

  • About Our Soaking Pools

    It is important to know that chlorine is present in our soaking pools. All of our pools (Edgefield, Kennedy School, Old St. Francis School, Grand Lodge, Crystal Hotel) utilize salt cells that convert low levels of salt (sodium chloride) to chlorine. This means that a saltwater pool is not actually chlorine-free – it simply utilizes a chlorine generator instead of a direct addition of chlorine.

    To meet health department requirements, we also add granulated chlorine to break down and release contaminants from the pool.

    The benefits of our saltwater spa systems include:

    • Smoother, softer-feeling water
    • Diminished chloramines formation
    • Less odor
    • Eco- & earth-friendly
    • Gentle to hair, even colored or blonde
    • Reduced eye irritation
    • Soothing to skin
    • Health benefits when using mineral salts
    • Easily adjusted sanitizer level

    Many people previously convinced that they had an allergic or other aversion to chlorine found no such problems after experiencing a salt-based system. A salt system allows us to more precisely control the sanitizer output, often requiring lower levels to achieve water purity. The mineral salts have many health benefits of their own.

    Additional chemicals that we use to maintain proper chemical balance for bathers include: sodium bicarbonate, soda ash, calcium chloride, sodium bisulfate, muriatic acid, and monopersulfate (commonly referred to as MPS).

    Salinity Levels: Lower Than You Think
    When we think of saltwater, the ocean comes to mind. Seawater has a strong salty taste, and it can cause metal corrosion. Fortunately, the levels of salt used in our systems are very low by comparison. The table below give you some perspective:

    Salinity Comparison (parts per million) 
    Ocean water: 35,000 ppm 
    Human tears: 9,000 ppm 
    Ability to taste salt: 5,000 ppm 
    Saltwater spas: 3,000 ppm

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