Summer is upon us and soon the heat and humidity will make New Orleans hotter than a sauna. What better way to cool off than a day at the pool? While other Gulf Coast cities boast beach views, our relaxing time is spent poolside, sunning the day away with a cocktail, some snacks and some friends. Whether you are just learning to swim, an old pro who loves the laps, or you’re just looking for an excuse to slip on a swimsuit and snap that perfect selfie, we have a list of pools where you can work on that tan and float your troubles away.
For anyone who wants a pool and a cocktail
Above the Grid at NOPSI Hotel
317 Baronne St.
https://www.abovethegridnola.com/event/sunday-swim-society/
Details: It’s Sunday Funday at Above the Grid, NOPSI Hotel’s rooftop pool! Get your swim on starting at 11:00 a.m. and hang out to enjoy a DJ from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can also swim during the week, if you prefer. Grab a $ 50-day pass which includes towels, food and drink service, and wifi.
Alto at Ace Hotel
600 Carondolet St.
https://www.acehotel.com/neworleans/food-and-drink/alto/main/
Details: Alto is the rooftop oasis at the Ace Hotel where you can swim your cares away daily from 11:00 a.m. There is a $40 facility fee (including towel service), or if you want to book a little later, the price drops to $30 after 3:00 p.m. There is also food and Alto’s inspired bar offers a rotating tap, frozen drinks, craft beer and fine wine.
The Chloe
4125 St. Charles Ave.
https://www.thechloenola.com/pool
Details: The Chloe is a beautiful boutique hotel with gorgeous views. The pool is open to the public daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with pool reservations for the day opening at 8:00 a.m. Reservations are $25. Light bites and festive drinks are also available, so there’s no excuse to not make a day of it.
The Country Club
634 Louisa St.
https://thecountryclubneworleans.com
Details: For 40 years, The Country Club has been one of Bywater’s cool destinations. The pool is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (last entry at 9:00 p.m.) The Country Club also serves food and drinks, so you can enjoy a lovely day relaxing poolside with your favorite cocktail. This spot is still being cautious about COVID-19, so check out their guidelines before you head over.
The Drifter Hotel
3522 Tulane Ave.
https://thedrifterhotel.com/swim-club
Details: The Drifter is one of the more popular swimming destinations in town and, this year, they’re taking reservations in 2-hour blocks for $10. This is their way of making sure everyone stays safe and still has a good time. You can also get an annual membership if you plan on spending a lot of time at the pool.
Hyatt Centric Hotel French Quarter
800 Iberville St.
View website here
Details: Swim the day away in a French Quarter courtyard at the Hyatt Centric Hotel. Day passes for adults start at $20 and include lounge chairs, towel service, food and drink access, and a DJ on the weekends, making this the perfect place for a “daycation”. You can book your visiting time here.
The Pool Club at Virgin Hotel New Orleans
550 Baronne St.
View Website Here
Details: Virgin Hotel is one of the newest hotels in town and the hotel’s Pool Club offers access to non-hotel visitors Monday through Thursday with the purchase of a Pool Pass. In addition to pool access, amenities include a gorgeous view of the New Orleans skyline and a food and drink menu.
Roosevelt Hotel
130 Roosevelt Way
https://www.therooseveltneworleans.com/health/rooftop-pool.html
Details: The Roosevelt Hotel is all about old-school glamour and the hotel rooftop pool is no exception. Featuring sun loungers and a whirlpool tub, the pool space is the perfect place to relax your day away. While this is one of the pricier options on the list (you have to rent a cabana in order to swim), it makes for a great excuse to get some friends together and make a day of it. Pool hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and half-day cabana rentals are available.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
300 Bourbon St.
View website here
Details: This year, Royal Sonesta on Bourbon St. has your Sundays booked! From now until October 9, the hotel is hosting Sonesta Sundays, poolside from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The $50 fee gets you pool access, live entertainment, access to food and a full bar complete with daiquiri machines (including 1 free 16 oz. daquiri with ticket purchase), and complimentary valet parking. There’s no reason to pass on Sunday Funday at this spot, so book your tickets here.
For the kids
Cool Zoo at Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine St.
https://coolzoo.audubonnatureinstitute.org/
Details: While it’s not a pool in the traditional sense, this is an awesome place to bring the kids for a cool down. Located in Audubon Zoo, the fun starts on June 16th, with a 750-foot lazy river and continues with a huge alligator water slide, spider monkey soakers, water-spitting snakes and more. Cool Zoo has two daily sessions: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and reservations are required. Admission is $8 for zoo members and $10 for non-members. Zoo admission is $25 on most days.
Lyons Recreation Center
624 Louisiana Ave.
https://nordc.org/parks/lyons/
Details: If you’re looking for a place to work out and get some laps in, Lyons Recreation Center might be the pool for you. This spot also offers swimming lessons and water aerobics. The pool is open Monday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For the pro swimmer
UNO Aquatic Center
6801 Franklin Ave.
https://unoaquatics.com/
Details: Did you know that UNO Lakefront Arena has a pool for all of you lap swimmers out there? With facilities that feature a 50-meter indoor pool with 8 lanes, and a 25-yard outdoor pool with 6 lanes, this is a great spot to work on your butterfly stroke. This pool also offers swimming lessons and has open reservations, if you’re looking to practice a team sport. Monthly membership is $20 and annual membership is $200. Reservations are required, so get your name in the books before you head to the pool.
