SUMMER IS here, and what’s the best way to cool down during those hot sultry days? Perhaps by taking a dip in a public pool.

Belmont County has four public pools that will be open this season: Allen Pool in St. Clairsville, Barnesville Memorial Park Pool, Martins Ferry Park and Pool District and the Village of Powhatan Point Pool and Splash Pad. Each pool offers single day passes or annual passes, as well as passes for the entire family.

Allen Pool is open daily, weather permitting, from noon until 6 p.m. Daily rates are: ages 2 and under — free; ages 3-17 — $3; ages 18-59 — $5; and ages 60 and older — $3. A family season pass costs $130 while an individual pass is priced at $75. For a senior citizen, a pass costs $50.

The pool is located at 200 Walnut Ave. in St. Clairsville.

Barnesville Memorial Park Pool is open noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. General admission costs $3 for students under 18, $4 for adults 18 and over. Children age 5 and under are admitted for free. Pool passes will also be for sale at the pool.

To inquire about passes, call 740-425-1172 or 740-425-3012.

The pool is located at 130 Fair St. in Barnesville.

Martins Ferry Park and Pool District is open daily from noon until 7:30 p.m. Day passes are $3 for adults, $2 for youth and $2 for seniors; children 4 and under are admitted for free.

Pool passes cost $50 for adults 18 and older and $30 for students 5-17 years old. Family passes are $130 for two adults and four students. Each additional student on a family pass costs $15, and each additional adult on a family pass costs $30.

The pool is located at 401 S. Fourth St. in Martins Ferry.

The Village of Powhatan Point Pool and Splash Pad is the only public pool in the county that isn’t currently open, but it is set to open Tuesday. Its hours will be from noon until 6 p.m. daily. Day passes are free for children 3 and under, $3 for children 4-17 years old, and $5 for adults 18 and older. Personal annual passes are $60 each, and family annual passes are $125 for a family of five to use for unlimited days at the pool and splash pad. Additional family members cost $10 per person.

The pool is located at ​147 Allen Ave. in Powhatan Point.

In addition to the four public pools, Belmont County also features a beach at Barkcamp State Park, located at 65330 Barkcamp Park Road, Belmont. The 700-foot beach on the east side of Belmont Lake provides enjoyment for swimmers and sunbathers. Swimming is permitted only in designated areas. Pets are not permitted on the swimming beach, but admission is free for everyone.