For the quieter side of Dallas, head to Four Seasons Resort and Club at Las Colinas. An oasis in the ’burbs, this luxury resort has four pools from which to choose, available only to hotel guests and Four Seasons members. The flagship water feature is a winding pool accented by tropical landscaping and a waterfall. There’s a sandy beach at the family pool, where the maximum depth is 4 feet. Sun shy? Then head to the indoor pool or the spa. 

The Gaylord Texan is practically its own town, and it’s worth booking an overnight excursion in Grapevine just to swim. (Pools are for resort guests only.) There’s a lazy river that winds for 600 feet, two horse-shoe-shaped hot tubs that feed into a general swimming area replete with slides and a whirlpool, and a lap-style pool. The lazy river boasts 1,200 lounge chairs along its route, so there’s room for everybody. 

Although it’s one of the newer infinity pools on the Dallas hotel scene, NYLO South Side is making waves. It’s a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown, but it still offers an incredible view of the skyline. Seating may be sparse, but the limited lounging just makes it all the more desirable. Hotel guests can take a dip in the pool and enjoy delicious food and drinks from the rooftop bar and restaurant.

The Omni Dallas infinity pool and hot tub offers a stunning, up-close view of downtown. Shaded and in-the-sun chairs provide ample lounging from which to take in the sights. The Omni pool is heated in the wintertime, making it a relaxing dip any time of year. The full-service bar doesn’t hurt, either. The Omni pool is for guests only. No day passes available. 

If you’re looking for a birds-eye view of Dallas, then the 16th floor pool at the W Hotel is it. A glass enclosure allows guests to safely swim up to the skyline from dusk to dawn. The W’s signature food and drink service is available poolside, so you won’t have to lift a finger while you lounge on top of the world. The pool is open only to guests — but that’s an incentive to stay there, right?

Hotel Palomar has pool time down to an art. The heated infinity pool is perfect for swimming laps any time of year. Seating options ranging from traditional lounge chairs to outdoor couches provide a more relaxing pool experience for those averse to physical exertion. The pool is accessible only to hotel guests. 

The Joule Dallas has a real gem in its glass-fronted pool, which hangs off the edge of the building by 8 feet. Hotel guests have complimentary use of the pool, and they can purchase day passes for outside guests. People unaffliated with Joule guests can use the pool and bar area after 6 pm. Once you get in the door, take advantage of the private cabanas and enjoy swimming until 9 pm, at which point the pool area has a “chic” dress code and is for your viewing pleasure only. 

The pool at Hotel ZaZa allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without ever leaving it. Nestled among skyscrapers is a perfectly landscaped lap-style pool, with comfortable lounge chairs and the peaceful sound of a waterfall. It’s like being in your own backyard – if your backyard were an urban oasis packed with people much prettier than you are.