Houston’s Best Spots to Chill by the Pool

The Texas heat is here and there’s no end in sight. It’s time to grab a big cup of lemonade, put on your swimsuit, pack sunscreen, and head to the pool.

Pools are a great way to enjoy a nice day out while also escaping from this incredibly hot weather, but for those that don’t own a pool, it can be difficult to find the perfect spot to relax.

Thankfully, there are many pools within Buzz neighborhoods that will allow you to cool off without breaking the bank.

Here are some options for local pools:  

Evergreen & Elaine Wood Therapy Pool in Bellaire

4500 Evergreen St.

Hours: Vary. See their website. 

Costs for residents: Age 2 and under: Free; Age 3-59: $5; Age 60+: $4

Cost for non-residents: Age 2 and under: free; Age 3-59: $10; Age 60 and up: $8

Bellaire Town Square Family Aquatic Center

7001 Fifth St.

Hours: Vary. See their website. 

Cost for residents: Age 2 and under: Free; Age 3-59: $8; Age 60+: $7

Cost for non-residents: Age 2 and under: Free; Age 3-59: $16; Age 60+: $14

Colonial Park in West University

4130 Bryon St.

Hours: Vary. See their website. 

Cost for residents: $5

Cost for non-residents: $8

Rule: All non-resident guests must be accompanied by a West University resident.

West University Recreation Center

4210 Bellaire St.

Hours: Vary. See their website. 

Cost for residents: Age 17 and under: $4; Age 18+: $6; Age 65-74: $2

Cost for non-residents: Age 17 and under: $7; Age 18+: $11; Age 65-74: $2

Rule: All non-resident guests must be accompanied by a West University resident when purchasing a guest pass.

Quillian Center

10570 Westpark Dr.

Hours: Vary. See their website. 

Cost: Age 1 and under: Free; Daily Admission: $7.50; Active military and those age 65+: $5; Tuesday evening swim: $5

Weekley Family YMCA

7101 Stella Link Rd.

Hours: Vary. See their website. 

Cost for members: Free

Cost for non-members: $25 day pass

Trotter Family YMCA

1331 Augusta Dr.

Hours: Vary. See their website. 

Cost for members: Free

Cost for non-members: $20 day pass

Rule: If you are visiting from another city, you can access all facilities at the Trotter Family YMCA. Any non-member can come with a member for up to 3 times.

Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA

808 Pease St.

Hours: Vary. See their website. 

Cost for members: Free

Cost for non-members: $25 day pass

Marriott Marquis Downtown

1777 Walker St.

The iconic Texas-shaped pool is open to all hotel guests. If you are not a guest at the hotel, there are two options to gain access to the pool. The first option is to book at least a 50-minute appointment with the spa inside the hotel, which then gives you access to the pool. The other option is for those age 21 and up to purchase a visitor pass. Options for visitor passes include a day pass, which gives access to the pool, the bar, and the fitness center, or purchase a spa pass, which includes the same day pass access along with access to the spa and steam room. Check the Marriott Marquis’ website for more information regarding visitor pass options. 

The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown

1600 West Loop S.

The pool is open to all hotel guests. Anyone can rent a cabana by the pool, which then gives access to the pool as well. Cabanas fit up to 7 people and include a fruit platter, sunscreen, bottled water, and a flatscreen TV. The cost to rent a cabana Monday through Friday is $275 for the day, and Saturday and Sunday rentals are $475 for the day.

Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District

5701 S Main St.

The pool is open to all hotel guests. If you are not a hotel guest, you can purchase a spa treatment for at least $150, which gives you access to the pool.

Hotel ZaZa in Memorial City

9787 Katy Fwy.

The pool is open to all hotel guests. If you are not a hotel guest, you can purchase a spa treatment for at least $150, which gives you access to the pool.

Four Seasons Hotel Houston

1300 Lamar St.

The pool is open to all hotel guests. If you are not a hotel guest, you must book an 80-minute spa treatment at the hotel, which gives you access to the pool for the day. The Four Seasons is also hosting their second annual Summer Music Festival on the third Friday of the month throughout the summer. Each event will feature a different artist along with live concert performances, $5 beers and poolside games. This is complementary admission and open to the public. 

The St. Regis Houston

1919 Briar Oaks Ln.

The pool is open to all hotel guests. If you are not a hotel guest, you must purchase a spa treatment, massage, or facial, which gives you access to the pool.

Hotel Derek

2525 West Loop S.

The pool is open to all hotel guests, however, during the summer, Hotel Derek is hosting a series called Float & Flick, which is open to the public. They are showcasing three movies by the pool on July 6, Aug. 3, and Sept. 7 starting at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20 per person and includes access to the pool, popcorn, and a drink ticket. Tickets for each night is limited so RSVP in advance. 

Whether you’re a Houston resident or an out-of-towner, there are tons of spots around Houston to relax and chill by the pool.

More Ways to Cool Off

Comment below to share your favorite area pools. See this Buzz Baby article by Annie Blaylock McQueen for a list of local splash pads and pools perfect for little ones.