Finding an Olympic-size pool you can actually swim in is harder than it sounds. Most public pools are 25 yards rather than 50 meters, and the true 50-meter pools in any given city tend to belong to a university, a city aquatics program, or — occasionally — a hotel.
The ten below split fairly evenly between the two. Five are college and public aquatic centers, the kind of facility that hosts meets and trials and usually sets aside public lap swim hours. The other five are hotels and resorts, where a day pass gets you the pool without an overnight stay.
Here’s where to find them, what each one is like, and how to work out which are realistically open to you.
1. IU Natatorium
??The IU Natatorium in Indianapolis is one of the best indoor aquatic centers in the country. This world-class facility has a 50-meter competition pool, a separate diving pool, and a teaching and training pool.
Built in 1982, the facility got a $20 million renovation in 2016. It has hosted many national and international swimming and diving events, including 14 U.S. Olympic Trials. It’s considered one of the fastest pools, with numerous U.S. and world records being broken at the facility.
The Natatorium is open to the public for lap swimming and offers the Olympic experience for swimmers of all levels. It’s $6 for a day pass, but people can buy multiple visits for an adjusted fee.
2. Dream South Beach
Dream South Beach offers a sophisticated rooftop getaway in Miami’s bustling South Beach. This outdoor heated rooftop pool provides a luxurious retreat with stunning ocean views.
The Day Pass on ResortPass is $25 and includes access to lounge chairs and towel service. Guests can also enjoy poolside food and drinks from Highbar or indulge in the menu at Naked Taco.
This trendy spot is ideal for those seeking a chic pool experience during the day in Miami. You may not be lap swimming, but Dream South Beach’s rooftop pool is the place to splash and unwind before participating in Miami’s vibrant nightlife or visiting a nice restaurant.
3. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Koloa offers a stunning outdoor aquatic experience. The pool is set against the backdrop of Poipu’s white sands and tropical mountains.
The award-winning multi-level pool complex provides guests with an unforgettable experience. The centerpiece is a lava-rock-lined lazy river that sprawls past waterfalls, seating nooks, and secret caves, complemented by a 150-foot waterslide.
There’s also a quiet, adults-only outdoor pool for swimming laps or relaxing. If you want to feel like you’re swimming in the ocean, there’s a saltwater lagoon, plus three jacuzzis to unwind in and beach access. A Day Pass to this resort is $150, but it’s well worth every penny.
4. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Golf Resort Palm Springs
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Golf Resort Palm Springs offers an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool with views of the San Jacinto Mountains. This desert oasis in Cathedral City, CA, features a stunning 50-meter pool, perfect for those wanting to swim or just cool off.
There’s a 5,000-square-foot pool deck, providing a lot of space for sunbathing. The resort has two hot tubs for post-swim relaxation and offers Day Pass holders a 20% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks.
A Day Pass costs $44, and a Cabana Pass is $163. Cabana rentals include premium seating and Day Passes for two people. There’s also a fully stocked mini-fridge with complimentary beverages and snacks.
5. Herb McAuley Aquatic Center
The Herb McAuley Aquatic Center is a world-class indoor facility on the west side of Georgia Tech’s campus in Atlanta, GA. It hosted swimming events during the 1996 Olympic Games.
This aquatics center features a 50-meter competition pool with ten lanes and two movable bulkheads, allowing for flexible course setups. The pool’s innovative movable floor can be adjusted from zero depth to over seven feet for various swimming needs.
The facility is consistently ranked among the top collegiate competition swimming pools in the U.S. Memberships are available at a range of prices for students, employees, retirees, affiliates, and family members.
6. The Plunge San Diego
The Historic Plunge San Diego pool is located in Mission Beach. The indoor aquatics center was recently renovated to include modern amenities.
This facility features a large heated pool with seven lap lanes, making it one of the largest public pools in Southern California. The Plunge also has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that maximize ocean views and a retractable roof, creating a unique, climate-controlled swimming environment.
There’s a separate shallow area with a giant floating obstacle course for family fun. After you swim, unwind in the sauna or work out in the functional fitness area. There are also men’s and women’s locker rooms. The average pass rate is $27 for a Day Pass, $76 for a Family Pass (up to 4 people), and $217 for a Daybed (up to 8 people).
7. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Binghamton
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Binghamton offers a newly renovated indoor aquatic facility. The full-sized saltwater indoor lap pool is an excellent option for swimmers maintaining their training regimen or those looking to enjoy a nice swim. The indoor setting ensures year-round accessibility in Binghamton, NY, making it a reliable choice.
There’s an indoor hot tub, a fully equipped fitness center, fitness classes, and a sauna for post-workout recovery. The combination of aquatic facilities and fitness amenities makes the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Binghamton a fantastic option for visitors looking to stay active. A Day Pass, which gives you access to all the amenities, is just $15.
8. McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion
The McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion is part of Ohio State University’s Recreation and Physical Activity Center in Columbus, OH. It’s a premier indoor Olympic-sized swimming facility featuring a 50-meter competitive pool.
This world-class aquatics center is home to Ohio State’s varsity swimming, diving, and synchronized swim teams. In addition to the competitive pool, there are three water polo courses, a diving pool, and 20-foot decks surrounding the pools.
The facility’s design caters to high-level aquatic competitions, making it a top choice for swimmers. There’s open swimming available for public lap swimming. Using the facility costs $10 a day.
9. Florida’s Aquatic Center
The Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) facility in Ocala is a premier swimming venue in the Southeastern United States. This impressive complex features two Olympic-sized pools.
There’s an indoor swimming pool featuring a 10-lane 50-meter/25-yard option and an outdoor seven-lane 50-meter/25-yard/25-meter competition pool. These world-class pools are for swimmers, competitive training, and large-scale events. It hosts events at local, state, regional, and national levels.
FAST offers swim lessons and programs for swimmers of all levels and ages. Whether you’re an elite athlete training for the Olympics or a recreational swimmer looking for a superior experience, FAST is one of the best places you can go. A membership to the facility costs $60 a month or $612 annually for adults. You can also go for the day for $10.
10. La Casa del Zorro Resort & Spa
Escape to La Casa del Zorro Resort & Spa in Borrego Springs, CA. This desert getaway offers a rejuvenating experience with five outdoor heated swimming pools. There’s an Olympic-style lap pool offering a place for a refreshing swim.
Guests can lounge by the pools while soaking up the California sun. Plush lounge chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Lawn games like shuffleboard, bocce ball, and ping-pong are also available.
The Day Pass is priced at $38 for adults and $11 for children, offering access to all pool areas, the hot tub, and other amenities. The pool hours are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Expect complimentary towel service, Wi-Fi, and self-parking for a hassle-free visit.
What Are the Basics of Lap Swim Etiquette?
When swimming in an Olympic-sized pool or any lap pool, there are a few important things to remember. Sharing lanes can occur at busy pools, and there’s proper etiquette to follow to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience for everyone.
- Circle Swimming: In most public pools, lanes are designated for circle swimming. Swimmers should swim counterclockwise, staying to the right side of the lane. This helps avoid collisions and keeps everyone happy.
- Passing: If you’re swimming faster than the person in front of you, pass on their left side, giving them plenty of space. It’s courteous to tap them on the foot first to let them know when you’re passing to avoid surprises.
- Lane Etiquette: Respect other swimmers by not stopping or hanging out in the middle or ends of a lane. If you need a break, move to designated rest areas. Whenever possible, ask while a swimmer is resting before joining their lane.
Olympic-Sized Pools Near Me
There are many great options for competitive swimmers and individuals starting to learn to swim. Olympic-sized outdoor and indoor pools provide an ideal experience for lap swimming. These pools can be found at colleges, recreation centers, and resorts. There’s bound to be one near you to check out.
ResortPass offers access to some of the best hotel pools in the country.
Frequently asked questions
Which of these can you book for the day? The hotels and resorts — Dream South Beach, Grand Hyatt Kauai, DoubleTree by Hilton Golf Resort Palm Springs, DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton, and La Casa del Zorro. A day pass gets you into the pool without staying the night. The college and public facilities set their own admission and lap swim schedules.
How big is an Olympic-size pool? Fifty meters long, with ten lanes, which is the standard for Olympic competition. If you want the full breakdown of the dimensions and how they compare to a standard pool, we have a separate guide to Olympic-sized swimming pools.
How do you find an Olympic-size pool near you? Start with universities and city aquatics centers, since they hold most of the 50-meter pools in the US. Then look at hotels and resorts — pools that long are rare in hospitality, but the ones that exist are usually the easiest to get into on short notice.
Can you swim laps at a hotel pool? At the resorts on this list, yes — that’s why they’re here. At most hotels, not really: the pools are short and built for lounging rather than lengths. If lap swimming is the point of the trip, check the pool’s dimensions before you book.
Do you need to be a student or member to use the aquatic centers? It varies by facility. Some sell day admission to the public, others limit access to students, members, or club swimmers, and lap swim hours change with the season and the meet schedule. Check the facility’s current timetable before making the trip.
