Summer heat in Texas can last anywhere from May to November to a much more reasonable June through mid-September. But that heat means we’re all seeking some kind of refreshing refuge—preferably in pool form. Here are a few places where you can dip in and submerge yourself in cool water. While most of these pools require a membership or hotel stay, some also accept ResortPass reservations. (Looking for something for the littles? Check out this guide to Dallas’ spraygrounds.)
The Texas Pool
The scene: Texans love their pools. We also love things shaped like Texas. Put those passions together at the Texas Pool in Plano—the 63-year-old, 168,000-gallon saltwater pool is pretty much a perfect map of the Lone Star State. Wade around in the shallow ‘South Texas’ area, dive into the 10-foot deep-end—er—panhandle, take in the sun on the ‘North Texas’ island, and free swim in three-to-four-feet deep waters “from Houston to El Paso.”
Food and drink: The Texas Pool doesn’t offer much in the food and drink department, but guests are welcome to bring their own meals with them. Order a pizza for the family or use one of the two barbeque grills provided by the pool to make the perfect Texas-style poolside snack.
Special events: The Texas Pool claims to be the only mermaid monofin-friendly pool in the area, so bring your tail to a Mermaid Meetup, which takes place every Sunday from 12-6 p.m. and Tuesday from 6-8 p.m.
Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Sun.
Cost: $10 per person over age 2; members get in free
Lee Harvey’s Dive In
The scene: Across the street from its sister Cedars patio bar, the Dive In is a brand-new swimming pool club featuring a 30-by-60-foot pool and plenty of cabana seating. Guests can enjoy sips from the outdoor bar or order bites from Lee Harvey’s kitchen across the street
Food and drink: The pool is accompanied by a full outdoor bar equipped with cocktail, beer, and wine options for everyone. Patrons can order food from Dallas-staple Lee Harvey’s Bar, which sits across the street, and waiters will deliver it directly to the pool.
Special events: Attend a Mindful Water Fitness Class on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:45 a.m.
Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m. -10 p.m., Thurs.- Sun.
Cost: $5-$20 for a day pass. $350-$500 for a season membership
Ritz-Carlton – Las Colinas
The scene: The new pool at the Ritz-Carlton in Las Colinas was unveiled in May as a part of a $55 million renovation that turned what was the Four Seasons into a Ritz-Carlton. The unique looking pool winds its way through the resort, passing by umbrella-shaded chairs and shaded cabanas. The poolside Agave Bar and Grill offers snacks and drinks to enjoy as you float.
Food and drink: Find the Agave Bar and Grill adjacent to the pool, flush with entrées, appetizers and plenty of drink options.
Cost and hours: The pool is for guests, but go ahead and treat yourself. You deserve it.
W Dallas
The scene: Head up to the 16th floor for a swim with a downtown view. If you plan your trip accordingly, the WET Deck hosts local DJs each week to get the good vibes going. After a day in the sun, you’ll work up an appetite—try the poolside menu with a craft cocktail on the side.
Food and drink: The poolside menu features both craft cocktails and classic American bites with a twist available Wednesday through Sunday.
Special events: From live DJ sets, to special seasonal events, there is plenty of activity to explore at the WET Deck.
Cost and hours: Thursday from 11 a.m.-7p.m., Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for $49
Canvas Dallas
The scene: Soak in the sun and a beautiful view of the Dallas skyline, while staying cool in the comfortable, heated water of the CANVAS Hotel rooftop pool. Depending on the day you head up to the rooftop, expect to hear live music, or sip on cocktails from the bar.
Food and drink: The Gallery Rooftop Lounge serves up small bites and drinks of all kinds to supplement your pool visit.
Special events: From rooftop yoga to Industry Mondays pool parties with drink specials, the CANVAS rooftop pool has you covered.
Cost and hours: 12 p.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for $20
JadeWaters Resort Pools at the Hilton Anatole
The scene: The Hilton Anatole offers a little something for everyone with its JadeWaters Resort pool complex, from a leisure pool with a swim-up bar to a kids’ splash and play area, a lazy river, cabanas, 180-foot slides, and more. A separate 4,000-square-foot pool with a hot tub sits in the Leisure Cove.
Food and drink: The JadeWaters Bar & Grill offers summer dining options, but there is also a grab-and-go menu for poolside or cabana noshing. Don’t miss a Watermelon Hurricane from the swim-up bar, either.
Special events: The pool offers a variety of special events—so bookmark the site and check regularly.
Cost and hours: Summer hours are generally 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and fall/winter hours are slightly shorter and only on the weekends. The pool complex is open to hotel guests, and also accepts ResortPass.
The Pool Club at the Virgin Hotel
The scene: The Pool Club at the Virgin Hotel boasts a rooftop view, as well as a great happy hour each weeknight.
Food and drink: That happy hour? It’s one of the longest we’ve seen: noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. Enjoy seasonal cocktails, drink specials, delicious bites, and the Dallas skyline. (Note: Entry to the bar at the Pool Club does not automatically include pool access.)
Special events: A DJ spins tunes every weekend evening, and Saturday morning offers rooftop yoga sessions.
Cost and hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for hotel guests and for non-guests with reservations, which start at $25. Bookings are available up to 30 days in advance.
The Adolphus
The scene: Downtown Dallas’ landmark hotel The Adolphus has one of the most eventful pools in town. The seventh-floor sundeck includes private cabanas, sunny lounge chairs, and a good pool bar and grill. There are movies every Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m., pool parties every Friday night at 8 p.m., and pool parties every Sunday at 11 a.m. Order a piña colada; they’re super fresh here.
Food and drink: The pool has its own menu with a wide selection of both food and drink options, including two frozen cocktails – a piña colada and a mango-rita.
Special events: There are movies every Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m., pool parties every Friday night at 8 p.m., and pool parties every Sunday at 11 a.m.
Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: $35 for a day pass
The Beeman Hotel
The scene: The renovated hotel is close to SMU, Mockingbird Station, and more. Its indoor, heated Pegasus Pool means aquatic fun throughout the year, and there’s an adjacent outdoor patio for kicking back between splashes.
Food and drink: Order food and drink from the hotel restaurant.
Special events: The hotel has events throughout the year, including the occasional yoga and mediation sessions, which are posted on Eventbrite or Facebook.
Cost and hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The pool is primarily for hotel guests, but day passes are available on ResortPass.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles Pool
The scene: A laidback pool for any age, with no frills and plenty of affordable, family-friendly fun.
Food and drink: Simple cocktails and beers and burgers, wings, and hot dogs make up the regular menu, but there are almost always some delicious surprises on the weekends.
Special events: Monday-Friday is $10 for everybody!
Cost and hours: Monday-Sunday from 12 p.m.-11 p.m., Sat-Sun $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under
JW Marriott, Dallas Arts District
The scene: Rooftop fun, surrounded by Dallas’ iconic skyscrapers and high rises.
Food and drink: Vincent’s Sky Bar offers plenty of seasonal and unique cocktail options, and great small bites. (Don’t sleep on the smoked wagyu brisket quesadilla.)
Special events: Keep your eyes peeled on the hotel’s Instagram for details on special events.
Cost and hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The pool is primarily for hotel guests, but day passes and cabanas are available on ResortPass.
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