The municipal pools at Clifton, Druid Hill and Patterson Parks were opened early this week as the first heat wave of summer hit the city. Neighborhood walk-to pools were also opened four days before the start of the regular season.

The remaining park pools and splash pads will begin daily operations on Saturday.

“Now that school is out, we felt it was important to provide additional opportunities for the youth and their families to keep cool,” said Ernest Burkeen, the recreation and parks director.

The park pools will operate from 12 noon to 7 p.m. and the walk-to pools 2:30-6 p.m. Admission is $2 at the park pools and $1 at the walk-to pools. Admission to splash pads is free.

Last year, the number of pool visitors in the city increased by over 200,000, according to Burkeen.