Pool 101: Beat the heat with a Las Vegas pool experience

Ready for some fun in the sun? It doesn’t get any better than a relaxing pool day. From cabanas and drink options to specific pool itineraries, here’s everything you need to know for the ultimate Las Vegas pool experience.

What are the typical hours for pools?
Pools usually open around 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., just before sunset. Pool clubs, like Venus Pool Club at Caesars Palace and The Voo at Rio tend to open around 11 a.m. - noon. 

So, what do I need to bring with me?
Your fun self, of course!

No, seriously. 
Well, you won’t need towels because the pool provides them for you. We do suggest asking for two – one to dry off with and one to put across your chair - these seats can get really hot. 

What are my drink options to cool down from the summer heat? 
Plenty. There’s a refreshing array of alcoholic drinks. Caesars Palace’s Garden of the Gods offers Neptune’s Tea with Belvedere lemon tea vodka. Or for a fruitier drink, try the crème de banana with pineapple juice. If you’re staying at Flamingo’s GO Pool or Beach Club, sip on a ginger beer with mint. Get a fun kick at Rio’s The Voo: The Rio ‘Rita on the Rocks comes with Hornitos Resposado tequila, triple sec, lemon and lime juices. 

Even if you don’t drink alcohol, water, juice and soda are available. If you don’t want to walk to the bar, there are servers who make their rounds around the lounge area. Just remember to tip.

What if I get hungry?
Most of these places have pool or nearby cafes. You’ll find a variety of salads, wraps, burgers and all your favorite comfort food. Servers come around with a food menu, so you can order this way too. 

Any tips on pool gear?
Other than the obvious – swim trunks, bathing suit, flip-flops and sunglasses – hats are a must. The scorching sun beaming down on you is no joke! You can always score a hat at Goorin Bros. at The LINQ, which offers a bunch of stylish straw hats for men and women. To jazz up your sunglass look, head to Chilli Beans, also at The LINQ. They have every style, from cat-eye to John Lennon-inspired frames. If you’re walking through a casino before or after your trip excursion, bring a cover-up. The air-conditioned gaming areas will be a harsh transition. One more thing: Personal water misters come in handy; you can find them at any sundries store.

I’m hearing security is pretty strict - friends told me I have to be careful what to bring to the pool. What’s safe and not safe?
Items that AREN’T allowed include: Eye drops; mints; gum; compact mirrors; and bottled water (or any liquids). If you have a prescription bottle, it must be unexpired. The name on the bottle must also match the name on your ID. 

If I want to live it up with all my friends, how does the cabana / daybed situation work? 
Well, well, well…you’ve come to Vegas to party during the day? Good choice. Cabanas typically offer the following:

• Fan and/or air-conditioning
• Flat-screen TVs
• Stocked refrigerators with bottled water
• Refreshments / fruit
• Iced towels
• Personal cabana host

How much do daybeds and cabanas usually cost?

Daybeds start at $75 per day, with increasing prices on weekends; cabanas range from $100-500, depending if you get a bottle and reserve one in a 21 and older area.  Rates may fluctuate, so it’s best to call and get the specific prices you need.

• Planet Hollywood’s Pleasure Pools: (702) 785-9106
• The Pool at Harrah’s, Beach Club Pool and GO Pool at Flamingo: (702) 697-2888
• Soleil Pool at Paris Las Vegas: (702) 946-3393, Ext. 73393
• VooDoo Beach at the Rio: (702)-777-6773
• Bally’s Blu Pool: (702) 967-4111

Let’s talk about pampering. Are spa services available poolside?  
Yes. You would need to coordinate these with your hotel’s concierge in advance.  They’re typically standard poolside massages. Massages are done in a remote area, ensuring the ultimate relaxation.

Can anyone just go to these hotel pools?
Hotel pools are for guests only, but if you’re staying in any of the eight Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment properties, you can travel from one pool to the other. Some pools may offer an entry fee. Pool clubs, however, are open to the general public with admission. 

I understand your hotels are pet-friendly; can I bring Fido to the pool?
As adorable as Fido would look doggy paddling, pets are not permitted and only allowed in the resort’s designated areas.

Anything Else I Need To Know About Vegas Pools? 

Have the time of your life! While Sin City has its share of scorching temps, think about it: You won’t be shivering when you jump out of the pool. As a matter of fact, you’ll probably already be dry! Don’t forget your sunscreen – that’s essential. But if you end up getting a sun burn, don’t fret. There are cooling spa treatment to help with that. Also, give yourself time to rest. That sun will take a toll on your energy so sneak in a snooze before your evening festivities.

Here are a few of our own Las Vegas pool recommendations.

A tropical respite

If you head to Flamingo, the Beach Club pool seems miles away from Vegas. Before heading to the pool, stroll through the Wildlife Habitat, with live flamingos and exotic birds. Cool off in the pool, complete with palm trees and waterfalls. Sip on island-inspired cocktails and admire the gorgeous setting around you.  Or, if you go to Rio’s VooDoo Beach, this Las Vegas pool has a white sand beach. The tropics aren’t too far from the desert, after all.

Live like the Romans

Garden of the Gods is your best bet. There are six distinct pools, each offering a different kind of experience. Looking for a quiet getaway? Head to Neptune Pool. Craving an upbeat, European-style experience? Venus Pool Club is your one.  Plus, with all the Roman architectures and pools, you’ll feel like you’re in the heart of Italy. Read more about Garden of the Gods and see which pool suits your fancy.

Family-friendly

The Flamingo’s Beach Club Pool has a slide. You can have fun sharing the space with live flamingos. Palm trees, pools, flamingos and slides – who wouldn’t love that?

An adult adventure

In town to party? There’s something for you as well. There are 21 and up pool areas at our Las Vegas properties. Flamingo GO Pool’s 15-acre tropical retreat hosts special events, celebrity appearances and resident DJs. The Voo at The Rio is a non-stop party with flair bartenders and live DJ music. Venus Pool Club at Caesars Palace offers a European-style retreat and decadent fare like sushi rolls, salads and sandwiches.  Last but not least, the Pleasure Pools at Planet Hollywood showcases its wildly popular summer-long bikini contests.

Drai’s Beach Club is the newest pool club to hit the Strip. You can either lay poolside and soak up the sun or dance the day away to live DJ-spun music. There are two main pools on the lower level, both complete with central wet decks and seating. Amenities include VIP bungalows, luxury cabanas, private pool with five private VIP bungalows overlooking Strip with own shower and restroom and daybeds. 

Get ready, get set for pool season in Las Vegas!