It is hot outside and pools are the hottest thing in Atlanta. Pool pros have reported an uptick in private pool maintenance and installations, even as limited funding for some public pools has resulted in reduced hours or increased fees. If you're not fortunate enough to have a pool in your own backyard and you're willing to travel if necessary, there are still some affordable ways to take a quick dip this summer. Here are some of our favorite options for outdoor pools and splash areas where you can catch a few rays and waves.
Family Friendly
Piedmont Park Aquatic Center, Piedmont & 14th. 404-875-7275. The newish (it re-opened in 2009) aquatic center features lap lanes, beach entry and a splash area for toddlers. There are ramps and a wheelchair lift for disabled patrons. The concessions and landscaped deck might make you feel like you're at a ritzy pool, until the squeals of pint-sized patrons bring you back to reality. Members have late access. Public pays nominal fees for entry ($4 for adults). Free hours, 3 -- 5 p.m., Mon. -- Fri. Free parking is limited.
Grant Park Pool, 625 Park Avenue S.E. (at Berne Street). 404-622-3041. Formed in 2004, the Friends of Grant Park Pool has been instrumental in bringing this neighborhood pool to its current glory. The children's pool was transformed into zero-entry pool with a splash area and the bathhouse interior was renovated. There are no concessions available. Public pays nominal entry fees ($4 for adults). Free swim is 1:30 -- 4 p.m., Mon. -- Fri. Ample free parking.
Mountain Park Aquatic Center, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain. 770-564-4650. One of nine aquatic centers in the county, this features an indoor as well as outdoor pool. The outdoor area has a leisure pool with beach entry, two giant water slides, and water play structures. Fees top out at $10 for adults ($5 for Gwinnett residents) and hours are noon -- 6 p.m., Mon. -- Sat. and 1 -- 6 p.m., Sun.
Stylish Swimmers
The Sol Deck at Melia Hotel, 590 West Peachtree St. N.W. 404-877-9000. One of the newest rooftop pools in the city promises a taste of Miami in Atlanta. Beginning in July, a Miami-style poolside brunch is planned for 11 a.m. -- 3 p.m., Sundays. On Tuesdays, Cinema at Sol will feature foreign films along with food and drink selections from the highlighted country. Events are open to the public some fees may apply. Call for more information.
W Atlanta Downtown, 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. 404-582-5800. Wet and WETBAR, the W-centric names for the pool and poolside bar areas at W Hotels (which has three metro area locations) offer several programs this summer. The downtown location has the "Wet Series" held the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m., featuring beverage releases from the likes of Three Olives Vodka and Miller/Coors beer. Sundays at 1 p.m., "Elevate" features sangria, make your own Bloody Mary and DJs. On Thursdays, local DJs play music from around the world and on Friday evening and Saturday beginning at 2 p.m., the pool area is the hot spot for catching sun and networking at a regular poolside party. Invites are generally posted on Facebook. Guests must RSVP for free admittance to some events or pay a per event cover.
Splash Pads
The Fountain of Rings at Centennial Olympic Park, 285 International Blvd. N.W. 404-223-4636. Built by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is now owned and operated by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. The Fountain of Rings is never without kids splashing through the spray. The fountain also stages four shows a day, every three hours beginning at 12:30 p.m. with the last show at 9 p.m. Open 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily. Free. Limited free parking.
Mall of Georgia, 3333 Buford Drive, Buford. 770-271-9458. Located in the Village Courtyard just off the food court, the fountain at the Mall of Georgia is another fun landing place for kids. We can't say how many mall-goers are there just to let their kids take a dip in the fountain, but judging from some of the comments online, we would guess more than a handful. Mall is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mon. -- Sat. and 12 -- 6 p.m., Sun. Free. Ample free parking.
Splash 'n Play at Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. 770-594-6158. Roswell has two spraygrounds with a variety of spray features and concessions. This one is open 10 a.m to 7 p.m. daily except Tuesday when it is closed for maintenance and private rentals. The fee is $1 for kids and free for adults staying on deck ($1 if you join the kiddies in the water).
Big Splash Interactive Fountain at Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee. 770-945-8996. The largest interactive fountain in Gwinnett County is generally open 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. seven days a week. Water quality of the 43 jets pumping 1,400 gallons per minute of recycled water is checked regularly. Free.
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