JUMP IN!

Pools Around Atlanta to Keep You Cool This Summer

by Tali Benjamin

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. Many parks and rec departments run pools at parks, complete with lifeguards, with summer membership options. Some private community and fitness centers also offer summeronly packages you can take advantage of. If you aren’t sure about committing for the season and want to check out your options, you can buy day passes for most pools.

You can also 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.

Get The Most Out Of Your Experience

n 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.

n 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.

n 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.

n 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!

n 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).

COMMUNITY POOLS WE LOVE Piedmont Park Pool

This pool in Midtown features concessions, a landscaped deck, lockers, lap lanes and beach entry. They also have a splash pad for toddlers. Family passes for the season start at $305. Learn more at piedmontpark.org

Wills Park Pool

Located in Alpharetta, this pool was renovated in 2020 and features an interactive splash zone, zero-depth entry and slide. Wills Park also has a competitive pool with 10 lanes and two diving boards. Season passes for a family of four are $300 (non-resident) and $200 (resident). More information is available at alpharetta.ga.us

Garden Hills Pool

In the heart of Buckhead, members to this pool have exclusive access to Movie & Trivia Nights, as well as Adult, Family & Youth Parties. Family pricing begins at $315 for the season, which runs two weeks past Labor Day. Learn more about this pool that offers daily access for $5 at gardenhillspool.com.

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.

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

Browns Mill Aquatic Facility

Featuring a lazy river, over-the-pool climbing nets, slides and more, this Lithonia pool is fun for the whole family. Chairs to relax in and tubes for floating are available. Day passes are available for youth (17 and younger) at $5 and adults for $7. Learn more about this pool and others in DeKalb County at dekalbcountyga.gov/parks/aquatics.

Seven Springs Water Park

Cobb County’s Powder Springs boasts this community water wonderland featuring two water slides, a lazy river and a splash pad area for little ones. The pool has zero depth entry and has a full-service concessions stand. Outside food and drink are not allowed. Family passes are $212 for up to four people. More information can be found at cobbcounty.org/ parks/recreation

Mountain Park Leisure Pool & Aquatic Center

Summertime in Gwinnett County means the outdoor leisure pool is open! It features a zero-depth entry, two giant waterslides, river channel, bubble bench, vortex and water play structures. Reservations are recommended for daily entry, which averages $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents. Find out more at gwinnettcounty.com.

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.