hit the pool

USAGE SUMMARY

"hit the pool" is a correct phrase used in written English, and it can be used to mean to go swimming in a pool.
For example, "Let's hit the pool and get some exercise!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"I like to read the newspapers and hit the pool," Mr. Golden said.

The New York Times

Saturday afternoon, Sun will hit the pool in London for the fifteen-hundred metre freestyle, the marathon of swimming.

The New Yorker

[ image: /photos/59095308ebe912338a372f53] Saturday afternoon, Sun will hit the pool in London for the fifteen-hundred metre freestyle, the marathon of swimming.

The New Yorker

The ride was seven seconds long, uncomfortable, and without danger or pleasure, but women's bikini tops sometimes popped off when they hit the pool and, for a while, the Cannonball worked.

The New Yorker

Mr. Xi — the joke-cracking, farm-visiting, 58-year-old statesman who told a classroom filled with students on Friday that he likes to hit the pool for a swim — presents a sharp contrast to Mr. Hu.

The New York Times

You simply don a wristband each time you hit the pool, and afterwards you can go online to check out your stats – for example, how many lengths of which stroke you did, your stroke count and average length speed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Alright, I'm hitting the pool and getting some beer.

TechCrunch

La Rose opened for Fifth Harmony on Thursday night at the Pearl Concert Theatre before hitting the pool party the next afternoon.

Los Angeles Times

Grease the slide down with the suntan oil from your backpack; when he hits the pool of balls, Fregley will pop out.

WikiHow

They put on their silly goggles, wave to the lifeguards and hit the hot pool first.

The New York Times - Travel

Somehow they'd turned into a company that acquired a series of nonsensical entities, launched half baked products that eventually hit the dead pool or just got into some really weird shit.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hit the pool" when you want to convey a casual intention to go swimming, especially for leisure or exercise. For example, "After work, I plan to hit the pool to unwind."

Common error

While "hit the pool" is acceptable in casual conversation, it may be too informal for professional or academic writing. Consider using phrases like "go swimming" or "use the pool" in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit the pool" functions as an idiomatic expression, specifically a verb phrase indicating the intention to go swimming. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to express this activity. The phrase implies a casual or recreational intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hit the pool" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to express the intention of going swimming, usually for leisure or exercise. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English. The phrase is mostly used in informal contexts, so avoid it in formal or professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "go swimming" or "visit the pool" in those settings. Top sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go for a swim

This alternative directly replaces the idiomatic expression with a more literal description of the activity.

take a dip in the pool

Replaces "hit" with "take a dip", maintaining the casual and recreational tone.

jump into the pool

Emphasizes the action of entering the pool, suggesting a quick or spontaneous swim.

go swimming

A simple and direct alternative that conveys the activity of swimming.

have a swim

Similar to "go swimming", but with a slightly different phrasing.

spend time at the pool

Focuses on the duration and location of the activity, rather than the act of swimming itself.

take a plunge

Implies a more dramatic or adventurous entry into the pool.

enjoy the pool

Highlights the enjoyment aspect of using the pool.

make use of the pool

Suggests a more practical or functional use of the pool.

frequent the swimming pool

Implies a habit or regular use of the pool.

FAQs

What does "hit the pool" mean?

"Hit the pool" is an informal expression that means to go swimming, often for recreation or exercise.

Is it appropriate to use "hit the pool" in formal writing?

No, "hit the pool" is generally considered too informal for academic or professional writing. Use more formal alternatives such as "go swimming" or "visit the pool".

What can I say instead of "hit the pool"?

You can use alternatives like "go for a swim", "take a dip in the pool", or simply "go swimming" depending on the context.

How can I use "hit the pool" in a sentence?

You can use "hit the pool" in sentences like: "I'm going to hit the pool after work" or "Let's hit the pool this weekend to cool off".