Where to swim indoors on Long Island

Dakota Lacey, 28, of Shoreham, swims laps in the indoor... — Dakota Lacey, 28, of Shoreham, swims laps in the indoor heated pool at the Brookhaven Aquatic Center in Mastic Beach. (Jan. 7, 2014). Credit: Jeffrey Basinger

By STACEY ALTHERRstacey.altherr@newsday.comJanuary 23, 2014

Take out the swim goggles, but leave the sunglasses at home. Indoor pools are a great way to get in a swim no matter how low the thermometer dips.

"It's the biggest bargain in town," says Sheila Isaacs, 77, of Shoreham, who swims at least twice a week at the Brookhaven Aquatics pool in Mastic Beach. Isaacs is a triathlete on Team USA, a national triathlon organization that competes internationally. "It's a great way to get in exercise when you can't get it outside otherwise," she says.

Others agree that swimming indoors can help fight the winter blahs.

"I needed a workout," says Joe Pantaleo 66, of East Moriches after doing some laps there. "Winter is a tough time."

At the Town of Brookhaven facility, the water is a balmy 85 degrees in the 25-meter pool. There are plenty of open swim times and lanes for lap swimming. The facility also holds Aqua Zumba classes and swim lessons in the winter months. A new competitive swim team has just been formed there, too, says facility manager Justin Martin, and family swim Sundays are a great time to bring the kids.

At the Nassau County indoor pool in Eisenhower Park, mammoth is the word. Built for the 1998 Goodwill Games, the complex includes a heated Olympic-sized (50-meter) pool combined with a 25-meter lap pool surrounded by windows that make it feel cheery even on a blustery winter's day. There's also two 1-meter and two 3-meter diving boards and a 2,000-seat balcony looking over the pool area for those who want to stay dry but watch the fun.

At Suffolk Community College, a $10 day pass gets a swimmer into the 25-meter, eight lane pool. Water aerobics and a sauna are available.

"We have everyone -- from Iron Man triathletes to beginner swimmers," says James Dello-Iacono, director of aquatics and fitness at the college. "We have kids to a 92-year-old guy who swims laps every day."

Portions of pools or the entire pool area can be rented for private use, so it's best to check the website or call ahead to check on open swim times. Many high schools have pools open to the public on weekends and some health clubs have day passes for nonmembers.

Eisenhower County Park, East Meadow

516-572-0501, bit.ly/1awyY6p

Nassau and Roosevelt boulevards, West Hempstead

516-483-7400, bit.ly/1cCuRWl

1000 Fulton Ave., Uniondale,

516-463-5081, bit.ly/Ksd39Z

1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park

516-869-6311, northhempstead.com

700 Magnolia Blvd., Long Beach

516-431-3890, longbeachny.gov

130 E. Merrick Rd., Freeport

516-377-2314