10 Best Pools in Metro Phoenix

There are plenty of reasons to love Phoenix in the summer, many of which begin and end at the pool – or at the very least a reservable cabana.

From wave pools to whirlpools, water slides to waterfalls, lazy rivers to high-energy dance parties, the Valley offers a top-notch selection of outdoor oases. Step out of your plastic kiddie pool and slather on the sunscreen because we're about to dive into the 10 best pools in metro Phoenix.

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
2400 East Missouri Avenue
602-955-6600
You don't have to have a degree in design or harbor a love of Arizona history to appreciate the water-based amenities the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa has to offer. This luxury oasis in central Phoenix features stunning architecture, a swim-up bar, a 92-foot water slide, poolside cabanas with Wi-Fi, poolside movies, and a total of eight pools. From the large-scale Paradise Pool to the private Catalina Pool (which happened to be one of Marilyn Monroe’s favorite dipping spots), the Arizona Biltmore ranks high on the list of poolside staycation destinations.

Big Surf Waterpark
1500 North McClintock Drive, Tempe
480-994-2297
Since 1969, Big Surf has been bringing in the big crowds with water-based attractions that are few and far between in the Valley, including the Waikiki Beach Wave Pool, a 2.5-million-gallon wave pool that serves as a surf substitute for landlocked locals. Whether you're testing the water with the kids at Bora Bora Bay and the Otter Slides or taking your adrenaline to the next level with high-speed rides like the Hurricane Slides, the Black Hole, Tornado Twisters, or the White Serpentine Slide, Big Surf serves up a little something for everyone in the summer. Splash around from May to September.

The Clarendon Hotel & Spa
401 West Clarendon Avenue
602-252-7363
Central Phoenicians have a certain soft spot for the cozy poolside accommodations at The Clarendon. Located in the center of the boutique hotel, the Oasis Pool serves as a strong focal point for guests and visitors alike. This is thanks to the bright mosaic tiling with 24-karat gold and platinum accents, decorative fountains, blooming foliage, and a silver-coated water wall. Here, guests can enjoy a refreshing margarita while they alternate between taking dips in the main pool complete with underwater illuminated stars, speakers, and water jets, or the 50-person Hydro Spa.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
7500 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale
480-444-1234
This Hyatt Regency Scottsdale hotel has held onto its reputation for being one of the best pools in the Valley for quite some time now, no doubt because of its 2.5-acre water playground – consisting of 45 waterfalls, 20 fountains, 10 swimming pools, a three-story waterslide, and the poolside bar H2Oasis, offering drinks, al fresco dining, and a little bit of shopping. You can also reserve an adult cabana, which includes internet access, a flat screen with Direct TV, refrigerator, and ceiling fans. Pack your bags, Scottsdale staycationers, you just found your home away from home.

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
5350 East Marriott Drive
480-293-5000
With the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, north Phoenicians in the know never have to sweat the summer heat. This hotel pool verging on water park is the kind of place where you can spend your whole day with poolside drinks, dining, and daybeds, plus two whirlpools, the Lazy River Outdoor Pool, the Serpentine Waterslide, and the heated Mesa Pool and Wildfire Pool. They also offer the Griffin Bay – “Our Exclusive Pool Experience” – another outdoor, heated pool with towels provided.

Kimpton Palomar Hotel Phoenix
2 East Jefferson Street
602-253-6633
When downtowners want to take a dip, they look to the Lustre Rooftop Bar at the Hotel Palomar. Located on the third floor of this CityScape hotel, the urban watering hole overlooks the downtown city skyline and features weekend LUSTRE pool parties with DJs and other forms of live entertainment and festive events. Pair such to-dos with rooftop cabanas, day beds, a full bar, outdoor eats, TVs, games, and music. It’s also pet friendly. Thanks to this Kimpton hotel, finding ways to keep cool in downtown Phoenix no longer gets us hot and bothered.

Maya Day & Nightclub
7333 East Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
480-625-0528
Since it opened its doors in April 2013, Maya Day & Nightclub has been making a big splash in the Scottsdale club scene thanks to world-renowned music acts, massive parties, scantily clad staff, and more alcohol than you can shake a pool noodle at. The Day Club calls itself the “biggest Vegas-style pool party in Arizona,” just to give you some context. Whether you're shelling out cash for exclusive bottle service, sipping their signature Deep Blue Fishbowl cocktail, or hanging out in a skimpy bikini, a meetup at Maya is all about making waves. For a look at upcoming parties and events, visit the Maya Day & Nightclub website.

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
7677 North 16th Street
602-997-2626
We wouldn't put it past you to pick the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort for your poolside getaway. This Sunnyslope-adjacent resort is sort of an unspoken favorite of Phoenix natives. While it may not be as shiny and new as some of the other poolside retreats in the Valley, it still reels in its fair share of locals and out-of-towners seeking underwater entertainment with the four-acre River Ranch Water Park, featuring a 130-foot waterslide, three pools for sport and relaxation, day beds, poolside service, and a sprawling lazy river – where, yes, you can take in your piña colada daiquiri.

The Saguaro Scottsdale
4000 North Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale
480-308-1100
Despite its name, the poolside digs at The Saguaro Scottsdale are remarkably comfortable. Vibrant, yet relaxing, this brightly colored oasis features two pools – heated Picante and chilled Calma – featuring cabanas, daybeds, lounge chairs, outdoor dining daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., cocktails by the pitcher (try the signature Saguaro cocktail). There’s also Paddleboard Yoga at Picante from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, and weekly sets of live music during Live and Local Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m.

Talking Stick Resort
9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale
480-850-7777
Talking Stick Resort keeps the 21-and-over crowd coming thanks to Release, its seasonal weekly pool party. This Saturday and Sunday social event happening at the Resort Main Pool is the place to get tanned and tipsy thanks to private cabanas and daybeds with bottle service, and some very famous DJs on the calendar. For those looking to let off steam in a more subdued environment, Talking Stick also offers the shallow Lounge Pool with poolside service 16 surrounding lounge chairs, and the more family-friendly West Pool.

Editor's note: This post has been updated from its original version, which first appeared in July 2014.