If I had a bucket list for this summer in Dallas, swimming in one of the glass-bottomed swimming pools jutting out from the 33rd floor penthouses of the Bleu Ciel building would be the first item of business. They’re so alluring, so out of reach, so daring! I’m pretty sure that whoever decides to live there won’t be inviting me for a dip anytime soon, though, so I’m making alternate plans for my summer swimming schedule.
Fortunately, not all the fancy pools in Dallas are quite so exclusive. Hotels like The Adolphus, Hotel Zaza, and the W open their resort-style amenities to locals often–you just have to know when to go if you want to get poolside.
If you’re thinking of planning a summer staycation, check out The Joule for its glass-walled infinity pool, or The Mansion for its dreamy pool, where you can order truffle fries and spritzes all day long (the latter is my personal favorite). The Omni’s pool has a nice view, too. Sadly, these watering holes are only open to hotel guests. But there are plenty of the city’s best pools you can access without a keycard.
There are some pools in places you wouldn’t expect them–like an Italian Restaurant (Circo), and a nightclub (Sisu). Honestly, you should start carrying around a swimsuit at all times just in case.
Read on for the definitive guide to pool season in Dallas and beating the Texas heat.
The Adolphus
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.
Waterproof at The Statler
The rooftop pool is the size of a postage stamp, but the view of the Dallas skyline is so dang good. The Statler’s top-floor lounge Waterproof is very trendy, often crowded, and pretty expensive. It’s a place to see and be seen, somewhere where bottle service is always available and you can wear your cheekiest neon bikini without feeling “extra.” Keep an eye out for parties with DJs like Blake Ward and Spinderella (RSVP is usually required).
Hotel Zaza
The pool area at Hotel Zaza is technically part of the hotel’s bar, so it’s open to the public anytime that drinks are flowing. Located just off McKinney Ave, Zaza is like a quirky little oasis in Uptown. The drinks are like $16 and the size of a small dixie cup, but the people watching is priceless.
Canvas Dallas
Remember Soda Bar, the pretty rooftop at NYLO South Side? Well it’s now the Rooftop Gallery at Canvas Dallas, and it’s had some work done. The bar is a little cooler, and more lounge-y than it once was, and there’s a new menu, too. The deck has great views of Downtown Dallas from the Cedars, but it doesn’t get as crowded as spots like Waterproof or The Adolphus. The hotel hosts yoga classes and pool parties periodically, but you can always stop by for a sip and a dip.
W Dallas
Now that Victory Park is making a comeback, you might want to pay a visit to the neighborhood’s original hotspot. The W Hotel’s Wet Deck has a heated infinity pool overlooking nearby high rises and lots of places to lounge. There are yoga classes with GRIT Fitness every Saturday morning, and a special event series with Dallas Girl Gang on June 22, July 20, and August 17. Resort passes start at $25 and are required for entry (unless you have a room).
The Belmont
The hippest little hotel in Dallas teamed up with mezcaleria Las Almas Rotas for pool parties this summer. The bar is taking over programming at the pool, serving frozen drinks and exotic vibes. The Belmont gets lively, but it always feels pretty chill and casual. Bring a towel to sprawl out on the spacious lawn overlooking Dallas.
Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE)
Swimming at the FOE is a quintessential part of summer in Dallas. It feels like being in your friend’s friend’s backyard. There’s a pool, there’s a bar, there’s a concessions stand, there’s a sand volleyball court. What else do you need?
Heights Family Aquatic Center
This Richardson pool is the perfect spot for families with small or big kids. It boasts a lazy river, a whirlpool, a water playground, water slides, a lap pool, a baby pool, and more. It’s $4 per day for Richardson residents and $8 for non residents. Find hours and more info here.
Honorable Mentions
Hotel Crescent Court, Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas, Hilton Anatole, and The Stoneleigh each offer day passes to their hotel pools via Resort Pass.
