Yeah, the ocean is great and all but sometimes a good pool is king. Whether it’s a trip to a free public pool, a few hours at a hotel pool (yes, even without booking a room) or a day a Tampa Bay resort, face it, you’re going to need to escape this heat somehow. Here’s the rundown on a few great Tampa Bay pools that you should 100% dead ass not sneak into.

WTR Pool and Grill 7700 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, FL 33607, (813) 281-0566 Price: weekdays are free, weekend events are $10-$20 WTR Pool and Grill, located on top of the Godfrey Hotel, throws some of the craziest, scantily clad, parties in town. But if you’re looking for a more family-friendly day, their pool, cabanas and all, are free of charge during the week. Photo via WTR Pool and Grill/Facebook
Epperson Lagoon 31885 Overpass Rd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545, (813) 527-0775 Price: $20 a person, children under 3 are free A man made lagoon is just a gigantic pool, right? This 7.5-acre, crystal blue lake and beach has a little something for all ages and activity levels, featuring a waterslide, swim-up bar, floating obstacle course, concert area and kayak rentals. Photo via Epperson Lagoon/Facebook
Don CeSar 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, (727) 360-1881 Price: $50 day pass A $50 day pass to this iconic, massive pink landmark can give you a taste of the good life without breaking the bank. You can use their pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, fitness center, and even utilize the Don CeSar’s private beach access. Photo via Josh Hallett via Flickr/CC2.0
The Epicurean 1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, (813) 999-8700 Price: price of spa treatment of choice Alright, so The Epicurean doesn’t offer day passes, but if you buy any spa treatment at the Evageline Spa, you can use the pool all you want, for as long as you want. Their cheapest thing on the spa menu is a hand scrub for $40. Photo via The Epicurean/Facebook
Hillsborough River State Park 15402 US-301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592, (813) 987-6771 Price: $4 per person, children under 5 free Hillsborough State Park offers biking, canoeing, kayaking and pretty much all the other nature-oriented activities that Florida’s other state parks have. But one thing that makes it stick out is it’s half acre pool, surrounded by a large deck and grassy area to relax in. Photo via floridastateparks.org
Hollander Hotel 421 4th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, (727) 873-7900 Price: free; requires cabana reservation In the heart of downtown St. Pete, Hollander Hotel has the best weekend pool parties around, with party themes changing every week. It’s a fun (and much less expensive way) to experience their beautiful pool and poolside bar. Photo via Hollander Hotel/Facebook
Saddlebrook Resort and Spa 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 , (813) 907-44190 Price: rooms starting at $150 Okay, Saddlebrook probably the most expensive pool option on this list, but it deserved a spot simply because of the quantity and quality of the pools they have at this massive resort and spa. They have a half-million gallon superpool with water basketball and volleyball, swimming lanes, and hot tubs. Photo via Saddlebrook Resort and Spa/Facebook
Cuscaden Pool 2900 N 15th St, Tampa, FL 33605 , (813) 242-5302 Price: $4 a person A historical public pool cemented (literally) in the middle of Ybor City, Cuscaden Pool has recently reopened after being completely renovated. Swim in a brand new pool with a little bit of that old Tampa feel. Photo via City of Tampa Flickr
South Tampa YMCA 4411 S Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33611, (813) 839-0210 Price: YMCA memberships are $37-$85 a month depending on membership There’s over 13 YMCA’s in the Tampa area alone, with every facility offering tons of activities and amenities, including a brand new pool. They also offer lifeguard training, water safety classes and swimming lessons. Photo via South Tampa Family YMCA/Facebook
Childs Park Pool 1227 43rd St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, (727) 893-7730 Price: $3 ages 13 and up Childs Park pool is one of St.Petersburg’s dozens of public pools scattering the city. With a new pool facility, shaded picnic area, flume slide, and splash pad is definitely worth the $3 entry fee. They even have a twliglight swim Fridays from 6:30-9:30, if swimming in the dark is your thing. Photo via stpeteparksrec.org
Northshore Aquatic Complex 901 N Shore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, (727) 893-7727 Price: $4.50, ages 13 and up The only public St. Petersburg pool that’s more than a $3 entry, probably because of it’s downtown, prime waterfront location and offers more amenities than the other city pools. This premiere aquatic complex features a 50 meter pool with diving board, 25 yard training pool with zero depth entry, and a play pool with a giant flume slide. Photo via stpeteparksrec.org
Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center 05 Beverly Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511, (813) 689-0908 Price: $10 day pass This non-profit organization has been serving the community since 1963, offering swim lessons, swim team, after school programs and youth camps. For only $10 a day, you can have access to their entire facility. Photo via BSAC/Facebook
Sulphur Springs Pool and Park 701 E Bird St, 33604, (813) 931-2156 Price: free This large family pool features four 25-yard lap lanes, zero depth entry, splash pad, and many water slides; and it sits right next to Sulphur Springs historical park, right on the Hillsborough River. The City of Tampa website says that in the right conditions, manatees can be spotted. Photo via CARD-USF/Facebook
Marker 8 on the Water 1420 Bayshore Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698 , (727) 738-5000 Price: food and/drinks This waterfront tiki bar, restaurant, and event space is now equipped with a heated pool, with a perfect view of the Gulf. Whoever said you can’t eat after swimming is a liar. Down some raw oysters and shrimp cocktail hop in the Marker 8’s pool, located in the Beso Del Sol Resort. Photo via Marker 8 on the Water/Facebook
Hula Bay Club 5210 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611 , (813) 837-4852 Price: food and/or drinks Who doesn’t love a semi-cheesy, Florida-themed, outdoor tiki bar and restaurant? Hula Bay Club offers drink specials, fresh seafood, and live music like its counterparts, but their pool (next to a bar, of course) makes them stand out. Photo via Hula Bay Club/Facebook
Courtyard by Marriott 102 E Cass St, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 229-1100 Price: rooms starting at $125 per night This hotel’s heated outdoor pool is listed as a fitness amenity, but it’s totally okay if you just want to lay poolside with a drink in your hand. When you’re looking for a quick city escape without ever leaving the city. Photo via Marriott/Facebook
Walter Fuller Pool 7883 26th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710, (727) 893-7636 Price: $3 ages 13 and up With slides, splash pads, and low and high dive boards, the $3 entry fee is totally worth an afternoon of the kids tiring themselves out while you lay in the shade. We would suggest using the baseball and tennis courts in the Walter Fuller sports complex, but we know it’s way too hot for that. Pool it is. Photo via stpeteparksrec.org
Tahitian Inn 601 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609, (813) 877-6721 Price: food and drink of choice No need to book a night’s stay at this boutique hotel, because anyone who orders food and/or drinks at their outdoor bar and restaurant has access to their pool, poolside lounge chairs, and even their cabanas (so we’ve been told). Photo via Tahitian Inn/Facebook
Tradewinds Island Resort 5500 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, (800) 249-1667 Price: $45 day pass Huge inflatable water slides, banana boat rides, beach bars, mini golf, paddle boats––Tradewinds Island Resort offers various types of aquatic fun that won’t make you think twice about coughing up $45 for a day pass. Oh, and they have pools too. Photo via Tradewinds/Facebook
Bobby Hicks Pool 4120 W Mango Ave, Tampa, FL 33616, (813) 832-1216 Price: free Because it is the only Olympic sized public pool in Tampa, Bobby Hicks pool is probably one of the most popular public pools in the Tampa Bay area. This pool is open year round, with free entry, unless your taking one of their many swimming lessons and water safety courses. Photo via tampagov.net
Roy Jenkins Pool 154 Columbia Dr, 33606 (813) 250-3355 Price: $4 adult/ $2 child Roy Jenkins was renovated in 2014 and is one of the more kid friendly public pools in this list, with a zero-entry children’s activity pool with a variety of water features. It’s also one of the few public Tampa pools, along with Williams Park, Bobby Hicks, and Cuscaden pool that have an ADA lift and ramp. Photo via City of Tampa/Facebook
Loretta Ingraham Pool 1611 N Hubert Ave, 33607, (813) 348-2080 Price: $4 adult/ $2 child One of the only public Tampa pools with a waterslide for the kids, as well as a big one for the adults. Open year round, this pool is located in the massive Loretta Ingraham Center, which has a gym, weight room, computer lab, and playground ( if swimming isn’t your thing). Photo via Tampa Parks and Recreation/Facebook
Highlander Pool 1937 Ed Eckert Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698 , (727) 298-3266 Price: $3 a person With a 25 yd x 25 yd Meter Pool, spring diving boards, a children’s training pool, FUNbrellas & Picnic Tables, and Kona Ice Concession––Highlander Pool is one of Dunedin’s most popular public pools. It’s even available for party rentals. Having an adult birthday party at a pool isn’t that weird. Photo via dunedingov.com