The Philly Dumpster Pool — The Block Party That Made International Headlines
In the summer of 2016, Fishtown resident Justyn Myers called 10 dumpster companies before finding one willing to rent him a unit for $250. He power-washed it, lined it with plywood and plastic, rigged a DIY manifold to a fire hydrant, and filled it with 3,000 gallons of water for the Cedar Street Block Party. About 50 people took a dip. The city responded with what may be the most exasperated official statement ever issued: 'In view of the City's commitment to public health, safety and basic common sense, we will not issue permits for block party dumpster pools. We are not screwing around, Philly.' They banned the entire 2400 block of Cedar Street from future permits. So the next year, Myers got a new permit — which specifically stated 'no dumpster pools allowed' — and built a pool out of orange plastic jersey barriers instead. He calls his philosophy 'Alternative Swimming Solutions,' or A.S.S.
The most famous redneck pool in American history. Made international headlines, prompted an official city statement, got an entire block banned from future permits, and then the creator came back the next year with an even more creative workaround. The 'Alternative Swimming Solutions' philosophy is pure TRWR energy — if they say you can't do it one way, find another way.
| Swimmers | ~50 people |
|---|---|
| Fill Time | ~1.5 hours |
| Water Volume | 3,000 gallons |
| City Response | 'We are not screwing around, Philly.' |
| Year 2 Solution | Jersey barrier pool (after 'no dumpster pools' permit condition) |
| Dumpster Rental Cost | $250 |
| Dumpster Companies Called | 10 (9 said no) |
