Best Hotel Pools in Atlanta and Beyond
Wild Vortex at Wilderness in the Smokies
Summer is around the corner and so are the long, hot days! Joining a community pool is a fun and — believe it or not — affordable way to stay active and make memories this summer.
You can elevate your pool day experience by purchasing day or spa passes to some of Atlanta’s best hotels; depending on your budget and what the hotel offers, you can get access to the fitness center and spa, along with the pool. If you have a big group, consider splurging on a cabana to guarantee space for your stuff and chairs for your crew during snack and rest times.
Many parks and rec departments run pools at parks, complete with lifeguards, with summer membership options. Some private community and fitness centers also offer summer-only packages you can take advantage of. Find more about pools, water parks and splash pads here.
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Get the Most Out of Your Experience:
- Join early. Most pools in the area open around Memorial Day, so commit early to get as much swim time in as possible. Plus, early bird rates are available at some pools if you sign up before their deadline.
- Do your research. Find a pool that’s close to you and has the right amenities for your family. Some options have baby pools or splash pads for younger children. Others offer snack bars, slides and shower facilities.
- Be aware of hours and holidays. Many pools have different hours on the weekends versus during the week and are closed on certain holidays. Pay attention to these dates on the pool’s website to avoid disappointment if you show up and can’t get in.
- Have a dedicated pool bag. Chances are, pool outings will become a family favorite, so be prepared to save yourself time and stress. Keep a bag ready with goggles, sunscreen, towels, pool toys, snacks and water. This way, you can be pool ready in a jiffy!
- Recruit friends. Swimming is always more fun with friends! Reach out to a neighbor who has kids the same ages as yours to see if they will join a pool with you. Your kids will appreciate the playmates, and you’ll be glad there are other adults around to chat with (and to keep watch if you need to make a quick phone call or run to the restroom).
Atlanta Hotel Pools We Love:
Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort
This day spa is super affordable, starting at $30 and gives you the perfect excuse for a full staycation since it’s located inside Stone Mountain Park. The pool itself is set among the trees, for a beautiful and natural view.
Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta
If you’re a Braves fan, this rooftop pool is the perfect option as you can see parts of Truist Park from the pool and its surrounding deck. Day passes start at $60 and can be $100 or more on game days.
Downtown and Buckhead Atlanta
There are also pools Downtown and in Buckhead that offer day and spa passes, including adults-only options if you need a summer staycation. You can find all the details on these hotel pools and purchase passes at resortpass.com.
Great Wolf Lodge
Go on a Family Getaway:
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney World may be an easy walk or ride from this resort, but families may never feel like leaving the water recreation area of this beautiful locale, which stretches across three acres and includes pools and slides for all ages. Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Dunes Village Resort
Find an indoor water park and an outdoor, beachside pool for an awesome family getaway at this Myrtle Beach spot. Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Great Wolf Lodge
Visit this resort for a stay and play at their indoor water park, featuring structures like Fort Mackenzie, River Canyon Run, Whooping Hollow and Cub Paw Pool. LaGrange, Ga.
Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island
With an oceanfront view and a playground right outside the pool fence, parents can relax poolside while the kids splash in the water and climb the play structures. Jekyll Island, Ga.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Twelve waterfalls, two whirlpools, a rock cave, a rope bridge, a waterjet splash zone and a waterslide tower pavilion. What more could a family want in a hotel pool? Orlando, Fla.
Peachtree City Hotel and Conference Center
A pool with two levels connected by a waterfall, as well as a toddler area, make this pool great for a staycation for Atlanta residents! Peachtree City, Ga.
Splash Resort
Boasting a water park with a beachfront lazy river, multiple pools and play areas for all ages, this resort also has partially covered areas to help keep little ones out of the brightest sun. Panama City Beach, Fla.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Between the Cabana Bay Courtyard and Pool and the Lazy River Courtyard and Pool, families can relax, float or slide on the amazing, dive-tower themed slide. Orlando, Fla.
Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel
Indoor and outdoor pool options are available here, and of course the kiddos will love watching the planes flying in and out while they play at the pool. Atlanta, Ga.
Wilderness at the Smokies
This exclusive resort in the Tennessee mountains features not one, not two, but three waterparks! And access to the parks is only available to guests staying in the hotel. With one indoor and two outdoor waterparks, this is a major upgrade to the typical hotel pool. Sevierville, Tenn.
Pool Party!
Even if you don’t have your own backyard pool, you can still host a private pool party thanks to a new platform called Swimply. Think of it like Airbnb or Vrbo, but it’s just for pools and you rent by the hour. You can search by various criteria, including heated, indoors, outdoors and price range. We think it’s worth a try!
You pay based on the date you select and how many adults, children and pets will be with you. Kids younger than 2 are free for most pools. Resort-style pools with views of the Chattahoochee River can go for $200/hour on a Saturday in the summer for a family of four while a more homey pool in the ‘burbs will run you around $55.
Stay tuned for other backyard services like basketball and racquetball coming from this online platform. Learn more at swimply.com.
Tali Benjamin and Shelly Gable contributed to this story.
