Last Splash! When Do Hotel Pools Close?

After a long day of business meetings or sightseeing, few things can be as relaxing as taking a dip in the hotel pool. But what happens when you try to go for a night swim only to find the gate locked? Understanding hotel pool hours helps ensure you can take full advantage of this popular amenity.

Average Closing Times for Hotel Pools

Hotel pool closing times can range anywhere from 8 p.m. to midnight, with the most common window being 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. Here are some general guidelines:

• Resort pools: 10 p.m. to midnight
• Urban hotels: 10 p.m.
• Suburban hotels: 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Motels: 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

High-end resorts and casinos in party destinations like Las Vegas tend to have the latest hours. Meanwhile, smaller motels and highway hotels have much earlier shutdowns.

Weekends, holidays, and summers also often have extended closings of an hour or two later than on weeknights.

Why Close Hotel Pools So Early?

Unlike standalone community pools, hotel pools typically close earlier in the evening for several key reasons:

Noise Control

Late night noise from the pool area can disturb guests trying to sleep in rooms nearby. Music, yelling, splashing – it all travels upwards easily.

Staff Availability

Late hours would require staffing additional lifeguards and attendants just to monitor a handful of swimmers. Most hotels cannot justify these costs.

Child Safety

In the interest of preventing unsupervised late night swimming, most hotels mandate children be out of the pools by 8 or 9 p.m. for safety.

Liability Concerns

Poorly lit pools pose increased risks at night of accidental injuries. Limited staffing also raises liability issues if an incident occurred.

Local Regulations

Some cities prohibit outdoor pool activity during quiet hours, which can start as early as 10 p.m. Hotels must comply with these noise ordinances.

While not ideal for night owls, early closings do help hotels maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

Night Swimming Policies at Hotels

If you simply can’t resist a late night dip, be aware of hotel pool rules during closed hours:

• Entry is usually prohibited – gates are locked. Scaling fences could lead to hotel eviction or police calls.
• No lifeguard will be on duty, so health emergencies present high risks.
• Noise must still be kept low to avoid disturbing other guests.
• Using pool lighting and speakers is often not allowed.
• Pool hours are strictly enforced for legal and liability reasons.
• Some hotels may allow 24-hour access for VIP club members only.

Night swimming when the pool is closed is typically not permitted and carries safety hazards if attempted.

Insider Tips to Swim Late

If you hope to squeeze in pool time after hours, these tactics could help:

• Ask the front desk if later hours are possible for special events or occasions. Some will accommodate requests.
• Book a room right next to the pool so you can jump in quickly once open.
• Join hotel guest loyalty programs to earn VIP pool access at certain chains.
• Stay at modern party-oriented hotels geared toward late night entertainment and amenities.
• Travel to hotels in urban districts with 24-hour pool clubs for guests and locals.
• Check schedules in advance and aim for stays on weekends when hours go later.

With proper planning or negotiation, late night hotel pool access can still happen in many cases.

Family Pool Time

For families with kids, late nights in the pool are seldom an option. Here are some ways to maximize pool time with children before evening closing:

• Arrive early – right at opening time to get the most hours in.
• Take occasional breaks so kids last the full duration before closing.
• Bring snacks/drinks to avoid losing pool time to meals.
• Use indoor pools to extend swim time into the evening before bed.
• Check if kid-friendly movies or events happen poolside after closing.
• Stay at hotels with kids pools open an hour later than adult pools.

With daytime hours so limited, families need to be strategic in scheduling pool time.

Pools at Resorts vs. Other Hotels

Why do resort pools stay open later than counterparts at hotels in major cities? A few reasons account for this discrepancy:

Resorts

• More activities like pool parties organized to run into the night.
• Guests expect late pool access on vacation at resort destinations.
• Lower surrounding urban density means less noise impact.

Urban Hotels

• Nearby residents complain about pool noise at night.
• Limited special events held due to smaller pool capacity.
• Tourists on short stays often turn in earlier than resort vacationers.
• Tighter staffing budgets cannot support late lifeguards and attendants.

Both types of hotels set hours based on guest habits and environmental factors unique to their settings.

Ask About Schedules To Avoid Disappointment

One of the biggest frustrations is showing up ready for a swim only to discover the pool is closed for the day. Be sure to stay in the loop by:

• Checking hours posted on signs near the pool entrance.
• Looking on hotel website or amenity guides left in your room.
• Calling the front desk or concierge to ask about schedules.
• Noting if maintenance closure days occur each week.

With multiple ways to confirm, there’s no reason to be caught off guard by pool closings during your stay.

Enjoying the pool at hotels can be a favorite part of travel. Knowing when the last splash occurs keeps you in on all the refreshing fun pools offer.