Make a Splash at These Cool Atlanta Pools (2/3)

The summer months may be winding down in Atlanta, but that doesn’t mean we will be saying goodbye to hot and humid weather – at least not anytime soon. With temperatures pushing close to 90-degrees and an average relative humidity of 75%, spending time outside in the hot August sun can be challenging. Fortunately, Atlanta offers a variety of options for cooling off, including a number of swimming pools that provide a reprieve from the heat and offer a chance to enjoy some luxurious rest and relaxation or aquatic fun before it is time to pack up the floats and pool toys for the season.

While many neighborhoods, country clubs, health clubs, condominium communities, apartment complexes and hotels in Atlanta have private swimming pools, there are a number of fabulous pools that can be enjoyed by anyone right up through Labor Day weekend and beyond. From vibrant aquatic centers to community-focused facilities to posh hotel pools, they cater to a range of preferences and budgets, offering a variety of amenities. Whether you’re looking for a place to cool off, socialize, revitalize or engage in water-based activities, these pools provide fantastic opportunities for a memorable and refreshing experience.

• Piedmont Park Aquatic Center – Nestled within iconic Piedmont Park, this aquatic center is an inviting destination that provides a refreshing oasis in the heart of Atlanta. Featuring a lap pool, a leisure pool with water slides, a children’s play area, a poolside cafe and shaded lounge areas, you can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and relax in the shadows of some of the city’s most spectacular skyscrapers. Take your book, grab some friends and spend the day cooling off at this Piedmont Park gem. Admission is only $5, and the hours of operation during the month of August are from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Grant Park Pool – Situated in historic Grant Park, The Friends of Grant Park Pool is a public outdoor aquatics facility operated by the City of Atlanta. Opened in 1974, the 50-meter main pool has a depth of approximately 4 feet and has lap lanes for exercise. A smaller beach-entry kiddie pool is adjacent to the main pool, with a shaded splash pad. The pool’s bathroom facilities include both men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers. Admission is free, and the hours of operation during August are from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday only. Its central location and family-friendly amenities make it a popular choice for residents and visitors looking to make a big splash.

• Rooftop L.O.A. – Treat yourself to a tropical paradise and experience some 21+ fun at the popular L.O.A. at the Interlock in Atlanta’s West Midtown. Part beach club, part restaurant and part stunning pool, it has a perfectly crafted atmosphere reminiscent of locations in coastal Europe, where guests can experience an ambiance that emulates a true overseas getaway. And its rooftop location has no shortage of views – Atlanta’s skyline is on full display! One of the hottest locations to enjoy the “dog days” of summer, it offers a unique food and beverage menu and provides wood benches cushioned by lush pillows along the perimeter of the pool area, allowing guests to soak in the views of the skyline. Admission requires that you reserve a pool chair or cabana to enjoy L.O.A.’s incredible amenities.

• Ebster Pool – A summer oasis located on Atlanta Avenue and West Trinity Place in Decatur, Ebster Pool is one of the area’s best. Lounge on the huge pool deck and enjoy the sun, grab a chair in the snack area or enjoy the shade shelter. There is also a splash pad for kids and lap swimmers will appreciate the dedicated lanes available throughout the day. Home to the Decatur Gators swim team and built in 1981, it is open to both residents and non-residents. Admission costs $6 or less, depending on age and resident status. 

• Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta – Experience the ultimate daycation at the Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta. For a fee, you can purchase a pass to relax and recharge near the luxurious pool surrounded by the sights, sounds and tastes of America’s favorite pastime and delight in culinary bites for every taste. Enjoy poolside food and beverage service and key-card access to pool events while soaking in the views of The Battery Atlanta entertainment district. Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta serves as the official hotel of the Atlanta Braves, offering guests unparalleled locality within The Battery Atlanta situated directly adjacent to Truist Park Stadium.

• Garden Hills Pool – A hidden gem tucked into the charming community of Garden Hills and located at 335 Pinetree Drive, the Garden Hills Pool is open to non-residents for $5 during specific times throughout the summer, including late afternoons during the week and all afternoon on weekends in August. This incredible facility offers a large pool and pool deck, a splash pool, a pool house with locker facilities and a snack bar, as well as a play field and recreational areas that can be rented for private events. If you are looking to beat the heat, this is a wonderful Intown place to visit.   

• W Atlanta Downtown – Quintessential Southern charm meets cosmopolitan at W Atlanta-Downtown, located in the heart of the city. For a fee, you can purchase a pass to lounge poolside, listen to live music Friday and Saturday and enjoy bold bites and creative cocktails from the poolside bar, WETBAR, on the weekends. Enjoy a luxurious experience basking in the stunning skyline views on the 16th floor. Rain showers will not ruin your day with a partially covered pool and indoor bar. The stylish and modern pool at this urban oasis is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy the good life.

• Chastain Park Pool – Once a condemned, broken and defunded 1940s era swimming pool in the Chastain Park area of Buckhead, the Chastain Park Pool has come a long way. Now offering a state-of-the-art complex featuring a main pool, a children’s pool, diving boards and shaded lounging areas, it is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a serene environment for both relaxation and recreational activities. It is also home to the champion Tidal Waves summer swim team! Admission is $5 and the pool is open for public swimming during the afternoon on weekends in August.