There are only two real ways to survive summer's brutal Texas heat — park it at a theater for a double matinee or lug a laptop to the nearest San Antonio swimming pool. There's only so many times one can see Tom Cruise get sucked into a jet engine, so we have a stack of beach towels by the door.

Thankfully, taking a dip no longer involves jumping over an apartment gate. Thanks to services like ResortPass, locals can enjoy a splash in Alamo City's swankiest hotel pools. And some of the area's grandest to take a plunge don't require a smartphone.

Still, the cabana life is just as much about vibes as avoiding heat stroke. We've done a deep dive into which San Antonio pools are making the biggest splash this summer.

Elian Hotel & Spa
If you're craving Venice but budgeted for Boerne, this Euro-style resort hits the sweet spot. The pool is flanked by palm trees, a bubbling hot tub, and lounge setups that are fit for the international jet set. Inside, a quieter indoor pool with towering arched windows offers a soothing retreat for those who want spa vibes without the spa bill. Although the property's immersive treatments might be worth a larger credit card bill. Outdoor Pool & Bar: Daily, 11 am–7 pm; Indoor Pool: Daily, 10 am–7 pm. Day passes are $40 for children and adults.

A charming van serves as Hotel Emma's pool bar.Hotel Emma/ Facebook

Hotel Emma
Surrounded by understated landscaping and the historic bones of a former brewery, this pool feels like an 1800s health resort. Don't expect loud music or packed lounge chairs — this is where polished travelers sip Park Swizzles, flip through well-worn hardcovers, and soak up the calm. Order grilled pimento cheese sandwiches without leaving your lounger and enjoy the luxury of this iconic San Antonio stay. Daily, 7 am–10 pm. Day passes are $100.

Joshua Creek Ranch
This complex is the kind of place a kid might imagine building when they grow up, filled with deer mounts on the walls, rich wood interiors, and wide-open land for daydreaming. The outdoor pool and hot tub sit just steps from the river, instantly slowing the pulse. But don't mistake "relaxed" for boring. When ready to swap lounging for adventure, the Guadalupe River is calling. Float it. Kayak it. Then dry off and try your hand at sporting clays, fly fishing, or field sports. Hours vary by season. Day passes are $65 for adults and $30 for kids.

JW Marriot San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
The star attraction at this resort is a 1,100-foot lazy river that winds through oaks and tall grass, delivering river float vibes without bugs or beer cans. The pool scene is next level: four big, twisty waterslides, an expansive main pool perfect for families, and an adults-only infinity pool that seems to melt into the Hill Country views. Private cabanas add a splash of luxury, and there's no shortage of space to lounge, float, or fully zone out. Daily, 8 am–10 pm; slides and lazy river, 11 am–6 pm. Day passes start at $75, with cabana upgrades available.

Kimpton Santo offers breathtaking city views.Kimpton Santo/ Facebook

Kimpton Santo
With clean-lined architecture and refined interiors, this sky-high hotel offers some of the best skyline views in downtown San Antonio. The vistas continue on the 10th-floor pool. With poolside service and cushy loungers, the private cabanas are worth the splurge — and a sure-fire way to make a boring Monday feel like a weekend. Daily, 11 am – 9 pm, poolside service, 11 am-7 pm. Day passes cost $55 for adults and $25 for children.

La Cantera Resort and Spa
If the great Jay Gatsbyhad wanted to throw a pool party in the Hill Country, he might have chosen this North Austin resort. This retreat is all arches, ivory stone, and swanky palm-lined courtyards. Naturally, guests will want to keep the bubbles flowing. Linger past sunset and soak in the romantic lighting and laid-back luxury. If a splashy flirtation becomes a long-term commitment, the property also boasts one of the prettiest wedding venues around. 9 am–7 pm, kids' pool, 11 am–6 pm. Day passes start at $65, with access to all five pools, waterslides, splash pad, and resort amenities.

Omni La Mansión del Rio
Don oversized shades and a comically large hat. This intimate courtyard pool demands the largess of midcentury South America. Wrought-iron balconies frame the space, while tropical flora and a gurgling stone make it easy to imagine an ocean beyond. It could be just the River Walk humming behind the ivy-covered walls. The cocktail umbrellas are definitely real. Daily, 8 am–7 pm. Day passes run $50–$55 and include access to the heated courtyard pool and wet and dry saunas.

The sun-dappled deck of Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa. Photo courtesy of Plaza San Antonio Hotell & Spa

The Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa
Straddling downtown and Southtown, this huge pool is perfect for friends looking for a chic afternoon escape. Neutral white canopies provide stylish shade, while the surrounding mature oak trees further dapple the sun. The outdoor eats keep the vacation vibes going. Try an avocado dip with yuzu espuma or a hydrating jicama salad tossed with carrots, papaya, and mango. Daily, 11 am–5 pm. Day passes start at $40.

Ranch Motel
Part Marfa, part Palm Springs, this pool is all slow-summer magic. Once a 1940s roadside stop, this boutique property is one of San Antonio's most unexpected pleasures. Native plants edge the narrow aquamarine pool, giving the right amount of overgrown charm. The bar turns out citrusy margaritas that practically demand a poolside selfie. Expect a cozy, romantic atmosphere tailor-made for couples, solo escape artists, or anyone chasing that "desert daze" energy. The pool is open daily in two four-hour blocks: 11 am–3 pm and 3 pm–7 pm. Day passes start at $20 on weekdays and $35 on weekends.

San Pedro Springs Park Pool
The biggest flex at this public pool is showing up early enough to claim shade under one of the massive live oaks. The oldest public pool in Texas (and the second oldest in the country!) still hums with backyard barbecue energy. It's where locals bring folding chairs, cousins chase footballs barefoot, and someone's grilling fajitas after church. Bring your dog and a cooler filled with nonalcoholic drinks. This is where memories get made — loud, messy, joyful ones. Daily, 5 am– 11 pm. Free.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk
The sleek infinity pool atop the Thompson feels especially chic after sunset when lights from the Tobin Center sparkle on the water. Break the bank on a Balenciaga swimsuit and rent a luxury cabana. A couple of Pacific Pixie cocktails — topped with edible glitter — will keep the mood sparkling until you descend to explore the nearby nightlife. Daily, 7 am–10 pm. $80 pool passes include complimentary sunscreen and discounted valet parking.