Swimming is the ultimate “zero-impact” workout. It burns more calories than running, saves your knees from the pounding of the treadmill, and is often the only cardio option for people recovering from injuries.
But let’s be honest: sometimes you don’t search for a gym with pools near me just to swim laps. Sometimes, you just want to sit in a hot tub after a brutal leg day, or sweat out the toxins in a sauna for 15 minutes.
Finding a facility that has all three—a pool, a sauna, and a hot tub—is harder than it sounds. Many budget gyms have cut these amenities to save money on electricity and maintenance.
We did the heavy lifting for you. We analyzed the top 50 gym chains in the USA to help you find the perfect gym with pools near me in 2026.
Important Note: Amenities vary by location. A franchise owner in Texas might install a pool while an owner in New York skips it. Always check the “Club Finder” on the official website before you join.
1. LA Fitness / Esporta Fitness
Best For: Reliable, mid-range pools available almost everywhere.
- Swimming Pools: Yes (Indoor Lap Pools).
- Saunas: Yes (Dry Sauna).
- Steam Rooms: No (Rare).
- Hot Tubs: Yes (Whirlpool Spas).
If you are looking for a reliable gym with pools near me without paying $200/month, LA Fitness is the king. Almost every single one of their 700+ locations features a standard 3-lane lap pool (25 yards) and a heated whirlpool spa right next to it.
The Experience: The pools are functional. They aren’t “resort style,” but they get the job done for lap swimming and water aerobics classes. The saunas are usually located in the locker rooms, while the hot tub is out on the pool deck.
- Pro: Consistent quality. You know what you are getting.
- Con: Can get crowded during “Aqua Fit” class times (usually 9 AM – 11 AM).
Also Read: LA Fitness Prices & Membership Cost
Also Read: LA Fitness Locations Guide
2. Life Time (The Resort Experience)
Best For: Families and luxury seekers who want water slides.
- Swimming Pools: Yes (Indoor & Outdoor).
- Saunas: Yes (Dry & Infrared).
- Steam Rooms: Yes (Eucalyptus Steam Rooms).
- Hot Tubs: Yes (Indoor & Outdoor).
If budget isn’t an issue and you want the best gym with pools near me, Life Time blows everyone else out of the water. They don’t just have “pools”; they have “aquatic centers.” We are talking zero-depth entry pools for kids, massive outdoor leisure pools with waterslides, and dedicated lap pools for serious swimmers.
The Experience: It feels like a vacation. The outdoor decks have bistro tables and umbrellas. The indoor steam rooms often smell like eucalyptus. It is the gold standard for gym amenities in 2026.
- Pro: The cleanest pools in the industry.
- Con: It is expensive ($150 – $300/month).
3. YMCA (The Community Choice)
Best For: Families on a budget and serious swimmers.
- Swimming Pools: Yes (Indoor & Outdoor).
- Saunas: Yes (Varies by location).
- Steam Rooms: Yes (Varies by location).
- Hot Tubs: Yes.
When parents ask, “What is the most family-friendly gym with pools near me?” the answer is usually the YMCA. Because they are non-profits focused on community health, they prioritize pools more than almost any private chain.
The Experience: Amenities vary wildly. A newly renovated YMCA might have a water park, while an older one might just have a 4-lane lap pool. However, they almost always have excellent swim lessons for kids and open swim times for seniors.
- Pro: Very family-friendly and affordable.
- Con: Inconsistent quality. One location is a palace; the next town over might be outdated.
Also Read: YMCA Membership Cost
4. Equinox
Best For: Luxury, saltwater pools, and status.
- Swimming Pools: Yes (Saltwater).
- Saunas: Yes.
- Steam Rooms: Yes (Aromatherapy).
- Hot Tubs: Yes.
If you live in a major city and search for a luxury gym with pools near me, the top result is often Equinox. They famously use saltwater filtration systems which are gentler on your skin and hair than traditional chlorine.
The Experience: You won’t find screaming kids here. It is a spa-like atmosphere. The steam rooms are legendary, often featuring cold eucalyptus towels nearby.
- Pro: Saltwater pools = no “chlorine smell” on your skin.
- Con: Extremely expensive ($300+/month) and limited locations.
Also Read: Equinox Prices & Membership Cost
5. 24 Hour Fitness
Best For: Late-night swimmers.
- Swimming Pools: Yes (Indoor).
- Saunas: Yes.
- Steam Rooms: Yes (In “Super Sport” clubs).
- Hot Tubs: Yes.
24 Hour Fitness is a solid mid-tier option if you need a gym with pools near me that stays open late. Most “Super Sport” or “Ultra Sport” locations have the full wet area trifecta: Pool, Sauna, and Steam Room.
The Experience: The pools are standard lap pools. The biggest advantage used to be the “24 hour” access, though many clubs have reduced hours in 2026. Always check if the pool closes for cleaning overnight.
- Pro: Good value for the price.
- Con: Maintenance can be hit-or-miss compared to Life Time.
6. Gold’s Gym
Best For: Serious lifters who need recovery.
- Swimming Pools: Yes (Select locations).
- Saunas: Yes.
- Steam Rooms: Yes.
- Hot Tubs: Yes.
Gold’s Gym is famous for bodybuilding, but many of their larger “Grand” locations are excellent if you are looking for a gym with pools near me for recovery. If you see a Gold’s Gym in a suburban area (especially in Texas or Virginia), it likely has a pool.
The Experience: These pools are for recovery. You lift heavy iron for 60 minutes, then hit the hot tub or sauna to relax the muscles.
- Pro: Great culture of serious fitness.
- Con: Older “franchise” locations often lack pools.
7. Crunch Fitness (Signature Locations)
Best For: Cheap memberships, but pools are rare.
- Swimming Pools: Only at “Signature” locations.
- Saunas: Yes.
- Steam Rooms: Yes.
- Hot Tubs: Rare.
Crunch Fitness is tricky. If you search for a budget gym with pools near me, Crunch might appear, but be careful. Their base model ($10/month) usually does not include a pool. However, their upgraded “Signature” clubs (often former Bally Total Fitness locations) do have pools. You have to hunt for them.
The “Dry” Gyms: Who DOESN’T Have Pools?
To save you time, here is a list of popular gym chains that almost never have swimming pools or hot tubs in 2026. Their business model is “low cost, low maintenance,” so they cut the wet areas.
- Planet Fitness: (Has HydroMassage beds, but no water pools).
- Anytime Fitness: (Rarely has pools, focused on 24/7 access).
- Snap Fitness: (Small footprint, usually no pool).
- Orangetheory Fitness: (HIIT classes only).
- Blink Fitness: (Budget cardio/weights only).
- SoulCycle / CycleBar: (Classes only).
- Workout Anytime: (Basic 24/7 gym).
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Join?
Finding the right gym with pools near me depends entirely on your budget and goals.
If you want a guaranteed pool and hot tub without needing a mortgage, LA Fitness is the safest bet. It is the “Toyota Camry” of gyms with pools—reliable and everywhere.
If you want a luxury vacation vibe and have the budget, Life Time is unbeatable.
If you are on a tight budget, check your local YMCA or a specific Crunch Signature location.
Ready to swim? Always use a Guest Pass first. A gym pool might look great in photos but be freezing cold or dirty in person. Walk in, dip your hand in the water, and check the sauna temperature before you sign the contract.
