Hayley ThomasIf you’ve ever been to Nashville, you’d know that the heat can get a little bit too intense, especially during summer. Fortunately, Music City doesn’t fall short on ways to cool down, from canoeing on Percy Priest Lake to going down twisting slides at water parks.
Personally, I prefer going to swimming pools in Nashville, whether they be inside hotels, public resorts, private villas, or anything in between. Plus, it offers a more controlled environment—not to say that I don’t enjoy the occasional slides here and there, of course.
As many pools as I’ve visited, however, only a handful come to mind that are worth recommending, so I sought help from my team to get a definitive list of the best swimming pools in Nashville and why they’re worth visiting.
Grab your swimsuits and let’s get started!
Centennial Sportsplex
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Address: 222 25th Ave N
Contact details: +1 615-862-8480
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost:
- Adults (18 to 61 years): $10
- Children, seniors, students: $9
- Children 4 years and under: Free
The Centennial Sportsplex is a fantastic option if you want to get some laps in, thanks to its two indoor Olympic-sized pools. The first one is more of a recreational pool, featuring three to five-foot depths with climate-controlled temperatures.
Meanwhile, the second features a competition size of 50 x 25 metres, complete with lap lanes, perfect for body conditioning and, if you’re the competitive type, racing! It also features a diving well that reaches down to a whopping 14-foot depth.
With that said, it’s worth keeping in mind that this is a training facility through and through, so be mindful of its rules. These include wearing the proper swimwear and accompanying children aged four or younger.
| Pro tip: Check out the calendar on their official website to see whether your planned swimming dates are reserved by the Nashville Aquatic Club for training. |
Wave Country
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Address: 2320 Two Rivers Pkwy
Contact details: +1 615-885-1092
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Only opens during summer)
Cost:
- Adults (13 years and older): $10
- Children (3 to 12 years): $9
- Seniors and military: $8
- 2 years and younger: Free
Since Nashville is a landlocked city, visiting the only wave-action pool at Waver Country is one of the few (and best) ways to experience the ocean’s relaxing billows. The waves approximately come every 15 minutes, varying between calm and crazy.
Fortunately, every admission comes with a free floatation device so that you can enjoy a canopy-like experience and go where the waves take you. Meanwhile, adrenaline-seekers can up the ante and use the park’s two speed slides and water flumes.
There is a height requirement of 48 inches for the waver pool, but don’t worry! Kiddos can enjoy the kiddie pool, complete with water playground features, including sprays, small slides, and showers.
| Pro tip: Consider visiting from Tuesday to Friday at around 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM to enjoy half prices on children’s admission (not applicable during holidays). Furthermore, these timeframes are non-peak, so expect fewer people on your visit! |
Downtown YMCA
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Address: 1000 Church St
Contact details: +1 615-254-0631
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost (membership only):
- Adults (31 to 64): $70 per month (one-time joining fee of $75)
- Young adults (19 to 30): $59 per month (one-time joining fee of $50)
- Senior: $67 per month (one-time joining fee of $75)
The Downtown YMCA is one of the best pools to check out if you want to get serious about learning how to swim. For starters, they offer in-depth lessons helmed by experts that can cater to adults, children, and even parent-kid tandems!
Furthermore, the Downtown YMCA is fully equipped with facilities to help hone swimming skills. Starting with the pool itself, it features more room than required, measuring 25 yards and depths reaching down to five feet.
With that said, the pool may be open for recreational swimming, but be mindful of the strict rules and leave items such as cameras, water guns, and large floatation devices at home. These are best brought at resorts, which the YMCA isn’t, as it’s more of a training facility.
| Pro tip: Pack your own lunch and snacks to save money! The building features a designated picnic area, where you and your loved ones can enjoy your home-cooked meals after a gruelling training session. |
Omni Nashville Hotel Rooftop Pool
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Address: 250 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Contact details: +1 615-782-5300
Operating hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $65 (Day pass)
Hotel pools are always a 50-50, as they can either be the most relaxing spot or the one with the most chaos. Fortunately, Omni Nashville Hotel’s rooftop pool manages to handle multiple guests while maintaining a fun and relaxing vibe, with its premium cabanas and lounge chairs.
One of the best things about this rooftop pool is that it’s heated, making night swimming possible without freezing your nostrils off. Furthermore, we recommend swimming at night, as it offers the most spectacular views of the Nashville skyline.
This roof deck also features a whirlpool that provides a soothing massage experience with its gentle and warm bubbles. Speaking of soothing, guests can also enjoy great food and refreshing cocktails while basking in the relaxing ambience at the roof deck’s bar and grill.
| Pro tip: Stop by Omni Nashville Hotel’s Offers page before booking your stay to get a chance to enjoy exclusive discounts on your stay! Furthermore, check out Resort Pass to find day pass tickets and great deals. |
Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort
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Address: 4001 Bell Rd, Hermitage
Contact details: +1 615-889-7050
Operating hours: Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost:
- Gold Pass: $119.99
- Platinum Pass: $149.99
Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort is one of the most exciting waterparks in Music City, so it would be an injustice not to include its pools. The first is Suntan Lagoon, which is the largest out of the bunch, measuring at a whopping 8,000 square feet.
Suntan Lagoon offers a more relaxing experience, and it offers guests panoramic views of Percy Priest Lake. Meanwhile, children can enjoy the shallower Lily Pad Pool, which features kid-friendly obstacles, including a tightrope.
The main highlight is Barefootin’ Bay, which is every definition of a children’s water playground, with its mini slides, tipping buckets, and 30 more attractions. However, since this is indeed a children’s area, individuals taller than 48 inches aren’t permitted.
| Pro tip: Consider purchasing your season pass before or after summer on their official website to enjoy non-peak rates! |
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland
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Address: 2800 Opryland Dr
Contact details: +1 615-889-1000
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Cost: Starts at $499
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland is at the top of several people’s must-visit places in Nashville because of its wide array of relaxing and thrilling swimming pools. Among these is the Groovin’ Lagoon, which features inflatable basketball hoops and a 30-foot shower curtain.
The place also offers an adults-only infinity pool and bar called the “Status Cymbal”, where 18 and older guests can simultaneously enjoy good food, tasty cocktails, and fun vibes. Meanwhile, children can enjoy the Quarter Note Cove, which is a splash pad pool designed for little ones.
These aforementioned pools just cover the indoors, as the main attraction awaits outside in the form of a 6-foot deep wave pool. If you prefer a much more laid-back experience where you won’t be bombarded by waves every 15 seconds, the Diamond Pool is located just beside it.
| Pro tip: If you think you’ve already established a budget, double that amount. Any consumables inside have a resort price tag, and outside food and drinks aren’t allowed. |
Margaritaville Hotel Nashville Rooftop Pool
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Address: 425 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Contact details: +1 615-986-9300
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $35 (Day pass)
Margaritaville Hotel Nashville’s Rooftop Pool offers a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Music City’s buzzing Downtown area. Fitted with lounge chairs and an exclusive bar, there’s a strong case that this is one of the coolest spots to hang out in the city centre.
The main pool is beautifully designed, with dedicated shallow parts to accommodate lounge chairs and bar tables for drinking while soaking. Meanwhile, a well-maintained hot tub is located just right next to the pool, which offers patrons a relaxing and warm bubble massage.
Keep in mind, however, that the aforementioned lounge chairs are on a first-come, first-served basis, so they’re not always guaranteed. Furthermore, pool access is exclusive to hotel guests, but day passes are available for individuals aged 21 and above only.
| Pro tip: We recommend stopping by the hotel’s rooftop pool from Thursdays to Sundays to enjoy live music while swimming. |
Four Seasons Nashville Infinity Pool
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Address: 100 Demonbreun St
Contact details: +1 615-610-5001
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM until sunset
Cost: $40 (Day pass)
Four Seasons Nashville’s pool is arguably the most Instaworthy entry on this list, as it overlooks the Cumberland River and John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. The pool itself looks like it belongs in a classy resort with its elegant white lounge chairs and mirror-like infinity illusion.
The overall ambience here feels upscale and relaxing at the same time. A huge contributing factor to this is the lavish rooftop restaurant and bar, and the well-maintained garden located on the same terrace.
Aside from the infinity pool, this roof deck also features a heated whirlpool that’s open all year round. If the bubbles’ massages aren’t up to your standards, you can also visit the hotel’s spa, where you can enjoy a variety of body and face treatments.
| Pro tip: When purchasing a day pass from Resort Pass, we recommend opting for the 50-Minute Massage with CBD Antara Oil + Spa Access for a more complete relaxing experience. |
Williamson County Indoor Sports Complex
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Address: 920 Heritage Way
Contact details: +1 615-370-3471
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cost (Annual pass):
- Adults: $185
- Seniors and children: $135
Williamson County Indoor Sports Complex is widely regarded as one of the best places for swimming lessons. Aside from offering lessons for people of all ages, the place is also equipped with a teaching pool that’s shallower compared to the main one.
The main pool is an Olympic-size indoor competition swimming pool where rigorous training is usually done across its seven lanes. However, the area can vary at times from 25 metres to 50 metres, depending on whether it’s been reserved for the day.
Aside from the pool, the complex also offers sports and wellness facilities such as tennis courts and gymnasiums.
| Pro tip: If you’re not planning on visiting this place that often, you can opt for a day pass instead, which only costs around $5. |
