Key Highlights:
- The Timeline: The official season runs from mid-March to late October.
- Best for Families: Mandalay Bay Beach (lazy river and wave pool) or The Tank at Golden Nugget (swim with sharks).
- Best for Adults: Stadium Swim at Circa (6 pools + massive sports screen) or Encore Beach Club for the ultimate party.
- Pro Tip: If you aren’t staying at the hotel, you can often gain entry by renting a daybed or cabana—it frequently costs less than individual cover charges for a group!
When the desert sun starts to sizzle, there is only one place to be: submerged in a turquoise oasis with a frozen drink in your hand. Las Vegas pool season is more than just a calendar window; it’s a lifestyle that transforms the Strip into the world’s most glamorous backyard.
We have spent many afternoons lounging in cabanas and braving the wave pools, and we can tell you: if you don’t have a “pool plan,” you’re going to spend your vacation wandering through a hot maze of concrete. From the high-energy dayclubs to the quiet, family-friendly lagoons, here is our honest, expert-led Las Vegas pool season guide.
When Does Las Vegas Pool Season Start and End?
The “big opening” usually happens in mid-March, timed perfectly for the Spring Break crowds. While a few pools stay open year-round—including those at Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Wynn—the full tropical experience with live DJs and poolside service officially hits its stride in April.
Most resorts begin to “winterize” and close their pools by mid-October. However, if the desert heat lingers (which it often does), many properties keep at least one pool heated and open until the first real frost.
Direct Answer: Las Vegas pool season typically runs from March through October. While specific dates vary by resort, most pools are fully operational by April and offer heated water to ensure comfort during the cooler spring and autumn mornings.
Top Pools for Every Vibe: Where Should You Dip?
Not all pools are created equal. Depending on whether you want to read a book in peace or dance on a daybed, your “perfect” pool will look very different.
Best for Families: Mandalay Bay Beach
This is less of a pool and more of an 11-acre aquatic playground. It features a massive wave pool, a quarter-mile lazy river, and 2,700 tons of real white sand. Kids love the “beach” feel, and parents love that there’s enough space to actually find a quiet corner away from the splash zone.
Best for Sports Fans: Stadium Swim at Circa
Located Downtown, this is a massive “aqua-theater.” It features six tiered pools all facing a 143-foot high-definition screen playing the day’s biggest games. It is 21+ only, so you can enjoy the game without worrying about splashing toddlers.
Best for Luxury: Garden of the Gods at Caesars Palace
This complex features seven distinct pools, each with a different Roman theme. If you want to feel like royalty, head to the Bacchus Pool for some of the best people-watching and high-end service on the Strip.
Also Read: Which Las Vegas Hotels Have the Best Pools? Here Are the Top 8
Dayclubs vs. Resort Pools: Know the Difference
One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is walking into a Dayclub—like Marquee or Wet Republic—expecting a quiet swim.
- Resort Pools: These are for hotel guests to relax. They usually have light background music, food service, and are family-friendly.
- Dayclubs (Pool Parties): These are essentially nightclubs in the sun. They have strict dress codes, expensive cover charges, world-famous DJs, and a “see and be seen” atmosphere. We have found that the water in dayclubs is rarely for “swimming”—it’s for standing and socializing.
Summary & Final Helpful Tip
The Las Vegas pool season is the heart of the city’s summer energy. Whether you’re floating down a lazy river or dancing at a dayclub, the pool is where the best memories are made.
Our Best Helpful Tip: Bring your own high-SPF sunscreen! Hotel gift shops charge upwards of $25 for a small bottle of sunblock because they know you’re desperate. Also, remember to tip your pool server—they are working in 100-degree heat to keep those margaritas coming!
❓ FAQ: Las Vegas Pool Season Guide
Can I use the pool if I’m not staying at the hotel?
Usually, no. Most Strip pools are exclusive to hotel guests. However, you can often gain access by booking a cabana or daybed, or by paying a non-guest cover charge at places like The Tank at Golden Nugget or Stadium Swim.
What is the dress code for pool parties?
Dayclubs are strict. You must wear stylish swimwear. Baggy cargo shorts, “street” clothes, athletic gear, and certain types of jewelry are often banned. Always wear a cover-up when walking through the casino—it’s the polite (and often required) thing to do.
How much does a cabana cost?
Prices vary wildly! A cabana at a budget-friendly hotel might be $150, while a grand cabana at Encore Beach Club on a holiday weekend can exceed $5,000. Most cabanas include a food and beverage “minimum,” meaning your rental cost acts as a credit toward your lunch and drinks.
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