10 Vegas Pools Making a Splash

— -- intro: Although summer has come to a close and soon we’ll be trading in our bathing suits for comfy sweaters, the pool parties in Las Vegas are still hopping. From DJ-led poolside dance parties to quiet pools focused on tranquility, there's a wide range of scenes. Many of these hot spots will still be going strong for a few more weeks — thanks to that desert heat! — so here’s a list of the best pools, and what to expect, if you need to squeeze in one more water-filled weekend. If you don’t make it out before the fall weather sets in, don’t fret. These bashes will undoubtedly be back as soon as it’s warm enough to drink a frozen mojito outside.

quicklist: 1title: Encore at Wynn Las Vegasurl: http://www.oyster.com/las-vegas/hotels/encore-at-wynn-las-vegas/text:A five-pearl property, Encore at Wynn is home to huge rooms, fine dining and one of the best pool parties on the Strip. Encore Beach Club, exclusively used for pool parties, is open seven months a year, every Friday through Sunday, beginning in March. The area, which includes Surrender Nightclub, is a whopping 60,000 square feet and includes three tiered pools. It’s home to a wide array of resident DJs, including famous acts like Deadmau5 and David Guetta.

The popular spot includes several bungalows that share an infinity plunge pool, and are always filled with a fun and rowdy crowd. The complex may be pretty large, but still expect to fight through mobs of around 4,000 people to get to the stage or a bar.media:25621629

quicklist: 2title: The Mirageurl: http://www.oyster.com/las-vegas/hotels/the-mirage/text: An elder statesman among the Strip’s megaresorts, the 3,044-room Mirage is less of a party scene, attracting a multigenerational clientele. Head out to the pool before 8 a.m. and you’ll already see a line of guests with their coffee and books eager to be let in. The lagoon-like pool is open and heated all year with cascading waterfalls and palm trees surrounding the complex. There are 16 decked-out cabanas with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and couches, some more quiet and secluded than others.

For a more private experience, they have a Private Oasis with comfortable chaise lounges and poolside service. If you’re looking for a real Vegas experience, head to Bare Pool Lounge, a European-style area just off the main pool where DJs spin music. Mirage guests get free entry before noon, but otherwise there’s a daily fee.media:25621098

quicklist: 3title: Palms Casino Resorturl: http://www.oyster.com/las-vegas/hotels/the-palms-casino-resort/text:The Palms is definitely considered one of the top party hotels in Vegas, even though it’s located far off the Strip. The pool complex isn’t huge, but there’s ample seating and cabanas for those willing to spend some extra cash for extra comfort. It’s home to Ditch Fridays, a pool party led by various music acts (a DJ set while we were there) that starts at noon (for a fee).

Waitresses in red bikinis serve frozen cocktails and beer to patrons in or out of the pool, almost all of whom are dancing. I witnessed some twerking and guests cheering when a remixed version of Lorde’s “Royals” came on. Although some pool parties are much rowdier, it’s still very much a hopping summer spot.media:25621491

quicklist: 4title: Flamingo Las Vegasurl: http://www.oyster.com/las-vegas/hotels/flamingo-las-vegas/text:The historic Flamingo hotel has a retro feel with ‘70s decor, a garden with flamingos and a multigenerational clientele. Although there’s a small Family Pool complete with a yellow water slide manned by a lifeguard, expect to see more of the bachelor and bachelorette party crowd. The Flamingo’s huge Go Pool hosts a DJ seven days a week, bringing a mob of 21-and-over guests.

The tropical vibe continues with a stunning grottos and waterfalls, with shady nooks that are perfect for escaping the hot Vegas sun. Surrounded by sundries and bars serving frozen cocktails in pink cups, the crowded spot is best for guests who want to partake in, or at least watch, the limbo and booty shaking contests the pool hosts. The chairs are quite old and worn, but most guests are more concerned with using the gaming area or catching the waitresses that sometimes dole out free shots.media:25622381

quicklist: 5title: Hard Rock Hotel & Casinourl: http://www.oyster.com/las-vegas/hotels/hard-rock-hotel-and-casino/text: Most recognized for its collection of Rock-n-Roll memorabilia throughout the hotel, Hard Rock is also home to a rockin’ pool party, which was a pioneer in launching the whole daytime party scene in Vegas. The sprawling complex includes three different pool areas, like Nirvana Pool, which is only open to hotel guests. The Breathe Pool consists of a gorgeous circle infinity pool but, alas, it was closed when we visited.

The Paradise Beach area is home to the famous Rehab party on Saturdays and Sundays, which has hosted big names like P. Diddy and Jason Derulo. Surrounded by lush palm trees and sandy beach areas, attendees are either dancing by the large stage, throwing around one of the many beach balls or placing bets in the gaming area. The weekend party starts at 10 a.m., so don’t be surprised how wild the crowd is by the afternoon.media:25622431

quicklist: 6title: SLS Las Vegasurl: http://www.oyster.com/las-vegas/hotels/sls-las-vegas-hotel-and-casino/text:'The newest pool on the block is at SLS Las Vegas, which replaced the old Sahara hotel when it opened back in August. The Foxtail Pool Club, a small pool by Vegas standards, sits between the three towers and is bright and modern with white loungers and striped cabanas. Scattered palm trees, a marble-topped bar in the middle of the pool and bikini-clad waitresses are the fixtures.

Like its sister property in Miami, the pool has a rubber ducky theme, including a huge metal duck near the entrance, ducks printed on the towels and yellow rubber duckies sitting on the daybeds. Although music is blaring, the vibe is relaxed (again, by Vegas standards) and, like the hotel, attracts a young crowd.media:25621962

quicklist: 7title: MGM Grand Hotel & Casinourl: http://www.oyster.com/las-vegas/hotels/mgm-grand-hotel-and-casino/text:Much like the interior, the pool complex at MGM Grand is large and expansive. There are five pools (one adult-only) that are color-coded and have entertainment-themed names like “Producer’s Pool” and “Director’s Pool.” You’ll see both kids splashing around and bachelor party groups taking shots between the bustling, landscaped areas.

A crowning feature here is the Backlot River Pool, with a lazy river and guests floating on seafoam green inner tubes. Although some of the main areas already have a party vibe with Top 40 hits blasting through the speakers, extreme revelers can go to the adjacent Wet Republic. Open five days a week, the hit party spot hosts world-class DJs and a lively crowd, which, at times, includes celebs like Lindsay Lohan and Kim Kardashian. Expect pricey drinks and sometimes dirty-seeming water, however.media:25622119

quicklist: 8title: Aria Resort & Casino Las Vegasurl: http://www.oyster.com/las-vegas/hotels/aria-resort-and-casino-las-vegas/text:A 4,004-room mega-resort, Aria stands as the shiny centerpiece of the $11 billion City Center that opened in 2009. An affordable luxury hotel, it includes an upscale vibe that continues outside at the three ellipse-shaped pools; grounds are nicely landscaped with huge white pots filled with colorful flowers and rows of palm trees.

There are few kids, and most guests are simply soaking up the sun on the basic tan lounge chairs or reading their kindles. Having three small- to medium-sized pools allows for a more quiet, relaxing atmosphere as jams like “Billie Jean” play through the speakers. But as you move closer to the back, club music can be heard from the adjacent LIQUID Pool Lounge, the 21-and-over spot with a 50-seat restaurant, DJ-led music, private cabanas, and modern wicker furniture.media:25622668

quicklist: 8title: The Cromwellurl: text:A new boutique hotel on the Vegas Strip, The Cromwell (coming soon to Oyster.com!) has already made a name for itself with its weekend Drai’s Beach Club parties. Taking place Friday through Sunday at the Strip’s only rooftop pool, the hot spot has partygoers filling the small pink and white decorated space so much that it’s difficult to even see the pool.

The three shallow pools are full of hip, young guests dancing to music being played by a DJ, although space for showing off any (elaborate) moves is limited. The deep-pocket crowd can make use of the gorgeous and fully-outfitted, second-floor cabanas, which have private whirlpools with stunning panoramic views that overlook the Bellagio fountains. If you’re staying at the hotel, you’ll gain access to the insanely busy spot for free.media:25622282

quicklist: 10title: Luxor Hotel & Casinourl: http://www.oyster.com/las-vegas/hotels/luxor-hotel-and-casino/text:A colossal, ancient Egypt-themed, pyramid-shaped hotel-casino, Luxor is probably best known for the huge beam of light it shoots from its peak at night. Although it has one of the larger pool decks in Vegas, the area is definitely more Egyptian desert than oasis, with tan concrete everywhere and only a few scattered palm trees.

Guests represent a wide age spectrum and can be seen lounging on the old, worn lounge chairs or the concrete square platforms in the pools. A major draw here is the Temptation Sundays party thrown at the Back Pool; for a fee, guests can enjoy a DJ playing music at this LGBT-friendly spot. Luxor is also the official host of Gay Days Las Vegas 2014; we witnessed pool-goers enjoying the DJ and frozen drinks, but overall it had a relaxed vibe.media: 25622868