Officially, the first day of summer isn’t until June 20. Unofficially, the season kicks off with your first dip in the pool or cannonball — however, you prefer to make an entrance.
While there are plenty of pools around the state, some offer superlative swims thanks to their views, waterpark amenities, and, yes, even a rock climbing wall that juts above the water.
Ahead, discover 10 unique pools for a memorable swim this summer.
Scott Carpenter Pool in Boulder
Scott Carpenter (or “Scotty” as its fans call it) is an all-out fun zone with a lazy river, slides, a high dive, and a lap pool.
But leave it to Boulder’s park and recs team also to install a rock climbing wall that towers above the pool.Built by Colorado’s Eldorado Climbing Walls, it commands a steady line of kids (and kids at heart) waiting to take turns climbing up the wall and plunging into the pool.
1505 30th St., Boulder; bouldercolorado.gov/locations/scott-carpenter-pool
Historic Eldorado Springs Pool in Eldorado Springs
The historic Eldorado Springs Pool opened on the Fourth of July in 1905 and eventually became known as the “Coney Island of Colorado.”
Its ballroom hosted big acts like Glenn Miller and Hot Rize, and Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower honeymooned in a nearby cabin.
After going through a historic designation process and shutting down for improvements in 2019, the spring-fed pool reopens this summer in its prime location at the base of the Rocky Mountains and adjacent to Eldorado Canyon State Park.
“The pool holds a special place in the hearts of many, and we’re committed to ensuring it remains a cherished destination for generations to come,” says Erica Larson, director of HR and Resort Operations.
294 Artesian Drive, Eldorado Springs; eldoradosprings.com/swimming-pool
Water World in Federal Heights
Colorado may be landlocked, but don’t let that stop you from boogie-boarding or surfing. At 70 acres, Water World is one of the largest water parks in the country.
In addition to the dozens of tube rides and slides, the park has two wave pools. Cowabunga Bay, near the park’s entrance, is for body surfers who can launch from a platform into a steady set of gentle waves. Thunder Bay is the main wave pool, which has a giant Pepsi logo and churns out a steady stream of ocean-like waves for a few minutes several times each hour.
Other ways to beat the heat include laps in the lazy river (steer your inner-tube underneath a waterfall) or by catching some waves on the surf simulators.
Water World celebrates its 45th anniversary this summer.
8801 N. Pecos St., Federal Heights; waterworldcolorado.com
The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs
Every nature-loving Coloradoan has a favorite hot spring destination, and the state has so many of these geothermal tubs bubbling up that a historic loop connects some of the famous ones.
In the southern part of the state, The Springs Resort’s two dozen pools sit on the banks of the San Juan River.What sets these pools apart is that visitors can enjoy unique experiences in them, like a floating aqua massage and morning yoga sessions in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
Overnight guests get 24/7 access to the pools, which means soaking under the stars.
323 Hot Springs Blvd., Pagosa Springs; pagosahotsprings.com
Garden of the Gods Resort & Club in Colorado Springs
Hiking, segway tours, and horseback riding are popular ways to see the impressive sandstone rock formations that make up the Garden of the Gods.
But when it’s time to unwind, check into the Garden of the Gods Resort & Club and head to the infinity pool for front-row views of the rocks that jut towards the sky. From your lounge chair, you can spot the Kissing Camels formation. In the summer, the infinity pool is an adults-only hangout.
3320 Mesa Road, Colorado Springs; gardenofthegodsresort.com
The Splash at Fossil Trace in Golden
Some of the best municipal pools have evolved into mini water parks.
Explore this assertion at The Splash at Fossil Trace, which has a 25-meter lap pool with eight lap lanes, and when you take off your goggles, you’ll get foothill views. It also has a zero-depth leisure pool with a playground, small water slides, spray fountains, and tube and body slides.
When it’s scorching hot, position yourself near the 500-gallon dump bucket called the “Tipper,” which brings cool relief. Entry to this 10-acre aquatic center is $11 for Golden residents and $13 for non-residents.
3151 Illinois St., Golden; splashingolden.com
Clayton Hotel & Member’s Club in Denver
Staycationers and members can lounge at the Clayton Hotel & Member’s Club’s rooftop pool in Cherry Creek.The pool, lined with blue-striped daybeds, offers a European beach club vibe.
It’s adjacent to the Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, which serves refreshing cocktails like the Queen Bee, a gin libation with lavender, sage, and honey syrup.
233 Clayton St., Denver; claytondenver.com
Pirate’s Cove in Englewood
Pirate’s Cove has a 35-foot tower with three slides.Your challenge: Figure out which one is the fastest.Or, for a more leisurely pace, plop down in an inner-tube and enjoy a ride along the lazy river.
The waterpark also has pools, a diving board, a spray garden, and a sand area for building sandcastles.Throughout the summer, Pirate’s Cove hosts adults-only nights with live music. This summer’s dates are June 19, July 10, July 24, and Aug. 8.
1225 W. Belleview Ave., Englewood; englewoodco.gov/parks-recreation-library-golf/pirates-cove
The Bay Aquatic Park in Broomfield
Broomfield’s Bay Aquatic Park is a hit with both kids and adults, boasting a tot pool with mini slides for kids 6 and under. It also has a leisure pool, more slides, an interactive water play structure, and plenty of lawn space for a picnic.The aquatic park also hosts water aerobics classes.
250 Spader Way, Broomfield; broomfield.org/2651/The-Bay-Aquatic-Park
Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center in Thornton
If lightning or rain shuts down your go-to outdoor pool, or you need a break from the sun, the Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center has a great indoor pool for families.
The pool got a facelift a few years ago, and the most exciting features are a NinjaCross obstacle course system and a climbing wall.The pool has a mini wave pool, a play structure, and a 20-person hydro-jet spa.
11151 Colorado Blvd., Thornton; thorntonco.gov/recreation/facilities/Pages/carpenter-recreation-center.aspx
