Atlanta Things To See category interest

It's not uncommon to hide away under the cover of AC when the weather pushes toward sweltering each summer. There are some cities in the South that like to stay inside during the dog days of summer, then there’s Atlanta. We're used to it, afterall—it's not called Hotlanta for nothing.

As the weather begins to warm up, we all head outside to splash around the pool—from swimming spots in our own backyards to hotels in Atlanta and public pools around town. Wherever you decide to swim, just know that the options here in the 404 are truly second to none. So grab your best bathing suit and dive into one of these amazing pools in Atlanta.

Hotel pools in Atlanta

Cumberland

You can do so much more at Battery Park than just watch baseball. Along with fine dining options and retail stores, you can spend those beautiful summer evenings by Omni Hotel’s luxurious pool thanks to the $60 day passes available via ResortPass. Sit back and relax with the establishment’s convenient food and beverage service, enjoy a live DJ on Saturdays from noon to 4 pm, get your meditation on during their Sunday morning yoga sessions, and hang with friends and family at the Lawn Games starting at 5 pm.

Buckhead

Even though outdoor pools get the love during the summer; indoor pools offer even more shelter from Atlanta’s sweltering heat. The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta is offering its luxurious indoor pool to both its guests and pool-deprived locals. If you fall into the latter category, you just need to purchase a day pass from the hotel for $75 and reserve a time to go enjoy a refreshing indoor swim.

Buckhead

The fact that The W Atlanta Downtown’s pool is called the “Wet Deck” should already let you know that you’re in for something special. Offering unparalleled views of the downtown skyline, The W’s rooftop pool is a sight to behold. In contrast to other rooftop pools, the Wet Deck is still covered to protect you from the sun, and there is plenty of lavishly designed poolside furniture. Plus, it’s one of the few local hotels that is still welcoming guests to enjoy its amenities without committing to a full stay with $25 day passes via ResortPass.

Water parks in Atlanta

Powder Springs

If you’re in Cobb County this summer, Seven Springs is definitely a spot you have to hit. This water park accommodates the young, old, and everybody in between. For just $6, you'll have access to two water slides and a splash pad for the kiddies, along with a large pool area for family fun. You can also bring your appetite because the facility also has a full-service concession stand.

Marietta

Sure, Six Flags White Water isn’t a pool tucked away in a local neighborhood park, but it does boast one of the coolest pools in the city. In addition to several water-based attractions, the amusement park houses the Atlanta Ocean Wave Pool, a 700,000-gallon that will cool you off while hitting you with ocean-size waves.

Public pools in Atlanta

Jonesboro

The all-purpose aquatic center on Tara Boulevard has become a popular place for anyone who lives in the Atlanta area. It has an open area for recreational swimming, a lap pool for exercise, and they’ve even got a warm water hydro-therapy pool. The center is open from 8 am to 9 pm during the week, and 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays.

Candler Park

The Candler Park pool is now open for the summer season Friday to Sunday from 12:30 to 7 pm. People will be rushing to get here as the weather continues to warm up, so head out early. Its surrounding golf course, playground, tennis courts, and picnic area, coupled with free admission, make the CPPC the perfect place to bring the whole family for a swim.

Midtown

The city-wide pastime of swimming in Piedmont Park dates back to before its original bath house was built in 1911. As the name suggests, it’s located right at Piedmont Park, making for an easily accessible outdoor pool. The pristine aquatic center features four lap lanes, a little lazy river-style channel, and a large beach entry. Admission is $5 but for all the deal hunters out there, free swim takes place weekdays from 3 to 5 pm.

Peachtree Heights

On a super hot day in the summer, the last thing you want to do is stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other sweaty people in a pool. Garden Hills Pool avoids that tragic scenario by offering time-slot reservations for $5 per person. Simply pick a two-hour swim session and book your spot online. You’ll be doing laps and splashing around before you know it.

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Okla Jones is an Atlanta-based journalist who writes about food, fine arts, and entertainment. His work also appears in ESSENCE, Creative Loafing Atlanta, and Consequence of Sound. Follow him on Instagram at @coolhandoak.