The ocean is great. But, sometimes, you just don't want to deal with sand invading your car for months. It's during these moments when there's nothing better than a large pool with a gorgeous backdrop to will make you the envy of the internet.
Ready to take some jaw-dropping pictures of your poolside vacation? From Barton Springs to Mandalay Bay, check out these 10 gorgeous pools around the U.S. that will have you excited to take a plunge.
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10. The Water Club, Borgata Hotel
Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey
Borgata Hotel's Water Club has a pool outdoors and indoors. This means you can enjoy the water even if you're visiting in the dead of winter.
The indoor pool is elegant, creating the illusion of being outside with its row of palm trees. But if the weather is nice, go ahead and swim outdoors with views over Atlantic City.
Where to stay: Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa
* Rankings are based on Bonus Finder's "Most Picturesque Pools in the U.S." report as well as Far & Wide editorial input.
9. Stadium Swim, Circa Resort
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Can't choose between watching the game and lounging by the pool? At Circa Resort & Casino, you don't have to. This thoughtful pool has a 40-foot screen that displays different games simultaneously. It also has rows of chairs facing the screen, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Where to stay: Circa Resort & Casino
8. The Backyard, Red Rock Casino
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Spanning 3 acres, Red Rock Casino's the Backyard is quite impressive. The area has a central pool and a series of smaller pools, so you won't have to fight for the best spots. If you want to catch a game, you can sit at the Sandbar Grille. Or if you're in the mood to rest, order poolside cocktail and food service.
Where to stay: Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa
7. Encore Beach Club, Wynn Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
The Wynn Las Vegas is known as a party hotel, in part because of its hugely popular Encore Beach Club. But the pool isn't always rowdy. When there are no events, you'll find it to be an oasis surrounded by gardens and offering refreshing signature cocktails.
Where to stay: Wynn Las Vegas
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6. Mirage Pool, the Mirage Hotel
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
This pool really does feel like a mirage in the Nevada desert. Waterfalls tumble down large rocks, and palm trees provide shade and a splash of green. The pool is one of the things guests at the Mirage Hotel love the most about the accommodation. And if you're not a guest, you still can rent a daybed or a cabana and spend a morning here.
Where to stay: The Mirage Hotel & Casino
5. The Tank, Golden Nugget Hotel
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Perhaps the most defining feature of the Golden Nugget Hotel is its amazing aquarium-side pool. As you swim or lounge in the water, you can see sharks, fish and other marine animals circling around a gigantic tank.
Feeling adventurous? Go down the glass slide, which goes right through the tank.
Where to stay: Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino
4. Mandalay Bay Beach, Mandalay Bay Resort
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Spanning 11 acres, this gigantic entertainment complex has multiple pools, numerous bars and hundreds of pool chairs and bungalows. Besides the regular pools, you can have fun jumping around the wave pool or playing in the sand that gives this pool its unique name.
Where to stay: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
3. Barton Springs Pool
Location: Austin, Texas
As soon as the weather starts to warm up, crowds swarm this natural pool in the Texan capital to swim, tube and sunbathe. Sure, there are hotels with pools in the city, but none can beat Barton Springs.
Where to stay: The Carpenter Hotel
2. Glenwood Hot Springs
Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, this pool is filled with natural hot spring water. The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is built around it and open to day visitors, though an overnight stay is always recommended. Let your worries soak away at any time of year in this unique pool.
Where to stay: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
1. The Neptune Pool, Hearst Castle
Location: San Simeon, California
Perhaps the most sumptuous pool in the United States, the Neptune Pool is part of the astonishing Hearst Castle. Everything in the early 20th-century estate is lavish, but the outdoor pool, built in classic Roman style, leaves the strongest impression.
The pool received its name from the Roman god of the sea (the equivalent of Poseidon). And it is possible to swim in the pool if you attend one of the summer pool parties thrown at the estate — but you'll have to pay over $1,000 for the privilege.
Where to stay: Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
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