The ultimate guide to desert pools: 7 getaways during a scorching Fourth of July weekend
Hate that temperatures could exceed 110 degrees this Fourth of July weekend? Looking for a place where you can cool off and have fun while celebrating the holiday?
The Desert Sun searched for the best public and resort pools in the desert. Here's what we found.
PUBLIC POOLS
If you and your friends or family are in need of an inexpensive way to cool off, head to one of the Coachella Valley's various public pools, some of which are hosting special events for Fourth of July weekend.
Palm Springs Swim Center
Take your pick of fun ways to celebrate the Fourth at this classic Palm Springs venue. On Saturday, the pool will host a dive-in movie night screening of "In the Heights." Open swim starts at 7 p.m. and the movie will start at dusk. Best part — it's a free family event.
Then, on Tuesday, the swim center will host a pool party with toys, games and food from the 3 p.m. until the grand finale of the city's fireworks show, which begins at 9:30 p.m. You can watch the fireworks from the pool.
Just looking to cool off? Take advantage of the pool's regular recreational swim hours every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 1 for the "In the Heights" screening; 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 4 for the Independence Day pool party; otherwise open for recreational swim 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Sunday (check website for occasional closures)
Where: Palm Springs Swim Center, Sunrise Park, 405 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs
Cost: Free for movie event and July Fourth pool party, otherwise $5 per day for Palm Springs residents 13 and over or $3 per day for Palm Springs residents ages 4 to 12; $16 per day for non-Palm Springs residents over 13 or $11 per day for non-Palm Springs residents ages 4 to 12.
More info: palmspringsca.gov
Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Looking for something more centrally located in the valley? Try the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
When: Open for recreational swim from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Tuesday, July 4, the center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate the holiday.
Where: 73-751 Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: Rates very based on city residency and age, check website for specifics.
More info: pdpool.com
Note: The following Coachella Valley cool-off zones are not currently operating:
The Splash Pad at La Quinta Park is currently closed, and according to the city's website, there are plans for a new Splash Pad to become available mid summer
Whitewater Pond (Whitewater Preserve currently has no operating swim areas, and it's considered trespassing and highly dangerous to enter the Whitewater River Channel at any access point)
Due to potential structural issues, deterioration and the associated risk with it being an interactive, climbable feature, the Mayor Gregory S. Pettis Fountain of Life in Cathedral City is now closed off to patrons and only available to enjoy as a work of art
The Furbee Aquatic Center in Desert Hot Springs is closed for repairs until further notice
RESORT POOLS
Caliente Tropics Pool & Spa
Looking for a pool large enough to accommodate you and your big family? At over 100,000 gallons in size, the Caliente Tropics Pool allows you to freestyle, butterfly, backstroke or doggy paddle to your heart’s content, as their website puts it. Plus, no hotel reservation is necessary to hang poolside at the resort. Daily pool passes must be purchased at the front desk, and are available to anybody over the age of 10. Make sure to bring your own towel, and you can even bring your floaties (as long as they're deflatable). Outside food and beverages are not allowed. However, tropical-themed goodies and libations can be purchased on site at the Reef Bar.
Don't care too much for swimming? No sweat. The daily pool pass also gets you access to the 12-person outdoor spa and big green lawn. Bonus: Pets are welcome!
When: Open 8 a.m.-midnight daily
Where: Caliente Tropics Pool & Spa, 411 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $20/person (over age 10)
More info: calientetropics.com or 760-327-1391
Hotel Paseo
A luxury boutique hotel under the Marriott umbrella, Hotel Paseo's crystal-blue outdoor pool is a great place to be on a hot summer day. Soak in views of the San Jacinto Mountains with access to the pool and hot tub, food and drink service, poolside putting green, fitness center, complimentary wifi and valet parking. Go on Saturday for poolside entertainment.
When: Open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Where: Hotel Paseo, 45-400 Larkspur Lane, Palm Desert
Cost: $25 per adult, $15 per child, with cabanas available for $250
More info: resortpass.com or 760-340-9001
The Paloma Resort
A retro mid-century modern escape in Cathedral City, this resort is a great choice for a couples getaway. Sorry kids, day passes are only available to adults 18 and over. A day pass, $25, grants access to the pool, hot tub, fitness center, mini golf, wifi, towel service and parking. Food and libations are available for purchase from the poolside bar or Sol y Sombra restaurant featuring indoor, patio and poolside dining options with Spanish-style tapas.
A luxury boutique hotel under the Marriott umbrella, Hotel Paseo's crystal blue outdoor pool is a great place to be on a hot summer day. Soak in views of the San Jacinto Mountains with access to the pool and hot tub, food and drink service, poolside putting green, fitness center, complimentary wifi and valet parking. Go on Saturday for poolside entertainment.
Enjoy live music from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and a live DJ set from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday.
When: Open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Where: The Paloma Resort, 67-670 Carey Road, Cathedral City
Cost: $25 per adult (first-come, first-serve lounge chair) or $200 per daybed (shaded, cushioned, up to two people) or $500 per cabana (up to eight people, private poolside suite with full kitchen and bar, TV, eight reserved lounge chairs from noon to 8 p.m.)
More info: resortpass.com or (760) 864-1177
Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa
The 11-acre resort known for its olive trees, citrus groves, rose, herb and vegetable gardens offers one of the more relaxing and family-friendly poolside escapes in the desert. A day pass grants access to two pools, a hot tub, poolside food and drink service, fitness center, complimentary wifi and parking.
When: Open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Where: Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, 45-000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells
Cost: $35 per adult, $15 per child, with cabanas available for $350 for six people
More info: resortpass.com (442) 305-4500
AN EVEN MORE PRIVATE OPTION
Book a private pool on Swimply
This option might be more expensive for single families, but it could be a bargain for larger parties. Rally your squad and roll together to a Swimply pool.
On Swimply, you can reserve someone's private pool and yard by the hour for parties of up to 15 to 30 guests. Rates for some of the most popular options in greater Palm Springs tend to range from $30 to $50 per hour. Use the Swimply website to filter for desired amenities like the number outdoor grills, fire pits, shade, showers, ADA compliance, pet friendliness and the number of guests allowed. You can even search for pickleball and tennis courts (if you're into that in the heat).
It should be noted that some cities in the valley, notably Palm Springs and La Quinta, have tried to go after people who rent out their pools through Swimply without a permit. But as a visitor, you'll be fine, so go for a dip.
When/where: Time and locations vary, check out the website below
Cost: $30 to $50 (or more) per hour
More info: swimply.com
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 7 Palm Springs-area pools to escape the scorching summer heat
