Where are the Best Pools at Universal?

Where are the Best Pools at Universal?

Where are the Best Pools at Universal?

This article is your complete guide to the best pools at Universal Orlando! As frequent hotel guests, we would say that Loews Portofino Bay Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls have the best pools on Universal property. However, as you will see, we also love the lazy river at Universal’s Cabana Bay resort or the Hard Rock resort, which has speakers under the water for guests who are okay with something out of the ordinary.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando, check out our Universal Crowd calendar! 

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

Which Universal Orlando Hotel has the Best Pool?

From our experience visiting Universal Orlando, we believe that Loews Portofino Bay Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort have the two best pools on the property. For Portofino Bay, we specifically love the Beach Pool, which is the perfect place for families to spend the day together, which includes a sandy beach, themed water slide, and children’s pool. On the flip side one of the main reasons Loews Sapphire Falls is considered the other best pool is because it’s the biggest coming in  at 16,000 square feet, with a water slide and private cabanas surrounding the outside. It can be said that having the larger pool might not beat some of the amenities at the other Universal Orlando pools such as the lazy river at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. That’s why we are going to compare the Universal hotels in Orlando with the best pools for a Universal vacation!

The Universal Orlando Best Pools Ranked

1. Portofino Bay Hotel
2. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
3. The Hard Rock Hotel
4. Cabana Bay Beach Resort
5. Loews Royal Pacific Resort
6. Aventura Hotel
7. Endless Summer Resort Pools

What is the biggest pool at Universal Orlando Resort?

Not only is Loews Sapphire Falls the largest pool, coming in at 16,000 sq. feet, but there is also a full-service bar, waterslide, and cabana rentals! For a Preferred hotel price, you get Premier hotel perks, and we just think that is an all-around win when deciding the best places to stay at Universal Orlando for your family!

Which Universal Orlando pool has a lazy river?

Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the only Universal Orlando Resort with a lazy river, and many guests choose to stay here because of how wonderful the recreation area is. Guests choosing to hang out in the Lazy River Courtyard can also rent Cabana Bay inner tubes to relax on their journey on the river!

What is the best Universal Orlando pool for families?

From our experience helping out clients we believe the best pools for families can be found at Loews Portofino Bay Resort at Loews Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Portofino Bay does have the main beach pool which includes a themed water slide, sandy beach and children’s pool area while Cabana Bay has the very popular lazy river for families to enjoy.

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#1 – Loews Portofino Bay Resort Pool

The total amount of pools: Three

Typical pool hours: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm based on the pool.

Water slide: Yes

Pool heated: Yes

Pool Pros: If you’re looking for an amazing pool for your family, look no further because Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has 3 pools for guests to enjoy. These are the main beach pool, the Villa pool, and the Hillside pool. The Beach Pool is going to be the main pool at Portofino Bay Hotel with amazing features like a beach entry pool with sand and a Roman aqueduct-themed water slide. The Villa pool is a bit more exclusive, with private cabana rentals and a much smaller, laid-back pool. While it is a more relaxing area, it is one of the best Universal Studios pools because it opens late. The Hillside pool at Portofino Bay is the most private and is located off of the east wing of the hotel. Loews Hillside is a no-frills pool, where if you’re just looking to swim or maybe catch a few hours in the sun.

Related post: Guide to the Universal Hogwarts Express 

#2 – Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Pool

The total amount of pools: One

Typical pool hours: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Water slide: Yes

Pool heated: Yes

Pool Pros: The Loews Sapphire Falls pool is truly a sight to see, as it is the largest pool at Universal Orlando, coming in at 16,000 sq. feet. You can find all you need at the Loews Sapphire Pool, with a full-service bar and waterslide at Preferred Universal hotel pricing. If that isn’t enough, you can dip your toes in the sandy beach or even grab a Loews Sapphire Falls cabana rental for ultimate relaxation. If you have kiddos at your party, don’t worry because there are poolside activities and a children’s play area. Other amenities include a pool concierge, towels, a fire pit, and a zero-entry white sand beach.

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#3 – Hard Rock Resort

The total amount of pools: One

Typical pool hours: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Water slide: Yes

Pool heated: Yes

Pool Pros: The Hard Rock Hotel Orlando pool is unlike any other pool on the property where guests can truly “rock out” while splashing around in the water. This ginormous 12,000 sq. foot Hard Rock Orlando pool has a beautiful sand beach, volleyball court, two hot tubs, and a 260-foot slide! The Hard Rock Hotel Universal pool also has an underwater sound system, so you can listen to all of your favorite tunes while catching some rays. If you do not want to take a plunge down the Hard Rock Hotel water slide, there are other activities for ultimate relaxation. Guests can take advantage of poolside concierge and Hard Rock cabanas, which come with a ceiling fan, fridge, phone, and more. We highly recommend the cabana rental at Hard Rock Hotel where you can comfortably enjoy service from the pool bar, Beachclub.

Related post: Guide to Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando with Free Shuttle

#4 Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort

The total amount of pools: Two

Typical pool hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Water slide: Yes

Pool heated: Yes

Pool Pros: The Cabana Bay Beach Resort pool is truly one of the best on the property, with all of the incredible features that come with Prime Value pricing. There are two different courtyards you can enjoy at the Cabana Bay Pool, The Cabana Courtyard and the Lazy River Courtyard. At the Cabana Courtyard, there are many different family activities you can do, including a Cabana Bay Splash pad. If you’re looking for more of a rush, there is also a Cabana Bay pool slide in the Cabana Courtyard. While the Lazy River Courtyard has the iconic lazy river, it does not have a Cabana Bay water slide, which makes it a bit slower-paced. Lastly, if you’re feeling like splurging and getting your own Cabana Bay Cabana Rental, you can do so! The Universal Cabanas are the perfect way to get out of the hot sun, enjoy your fridge, relax on comfortable chairs and so much more!

Related post: The Best Universal Orlando Hotel: Complete Pros and Cons Guide

#5 – Loews Royal Pacific Resort Pool

The total amount of pools: Two

Typical pool hours: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm

Water slide: No

Pool heated: Yes

Pool Pros: The Royal Pacific pool is a true Pacific paradise with a white-sand beach and lagoon-style pool. Even though there is no waterslide at the Loews Royal Pacific pool, we feel it is more about relaxation with the lush palm tree vegetation and two separate hot tubs. We also believe many guests don’t mind the pool as they are trying to take advantage of the free express passes that come with this resort. If you’re looking for the ultimate pool day, you can rent cabanas at Loews Royal Pacific to enjoy some time in the shade and your amenities.

Related post:  Guide to Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando

#6 – Aventura Resort

The total amount of pools: One

Typical pool hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Water slide: No

Pool heated: Yes

Pool Pros: The Universal Aventura hotel pool is an elegant and sleek recreation area with sparkling blue waters and a South Beach style. If the 2024 Aventura pool doesn’t satisfy for swimming needs, guests will be delighted to know that Volcano Bay is just a 5-minute walk away! We assure you that you will love the Aventura Universal Pool for many different reasons. There is also a Splash Pad for kids, a hot tub and a fire put for those looking for extras.

Related post: Universal Cabana Bay vs Endless Summer Resort Guide

 #7 – Endless Summer Resort Pools

The total amount of pools: Three between the two resorts

Typical pool hours: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm

Water slide: No

Pool heated: Yes

Pool Pros: The Endless Summer Resort pool areas are split up between the two hotels that share the property. If you’re looking for a cheap hotel with a simple pool to take a dip in, the Endless Summer Universal pools are for you. There are no frills with either of these Endless Summer pools, with no slides, cabanas, or concierge, just a sparkling hotel pool in the Florida sun. We would say that the Dockside Inn Resort does have a kid’s splash area, which can be great for families with younger children.

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Best Pool at Universal Orlando FAQ

Is there a lazy river at Universal Endless Summer Resort?

You will not find a lazy river at Endless Summer Dockside pool, but there is a small splash area for kids to play on in the hot sun. There is also not a lazy river at the Surfside pool area, just plenty of water and room to relax.

Is there a Loews Royal Pacific Resort pool slide?

The pool at Loews Royal Pacific Resort does not have a waterslide and is the only Premier hotel without one. Instead, guests can enjoy the Royal Bali Sea interactive water play area for kids or even watch a torch-lighting ceremony on select nights.

Is there a lazy river at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?

There is not a lazy river at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Instead, you can find many other water features at the main Beach Pool like a water slide, pool bar, and even poolside activities. From ping pong tournaments to pool basketball to hula hoop contests and arts & crafts, you’ll find something fun to do poolside for the whole family.

What pools are heated at Universal Orlando?

All of the pools at Universal Orlando are heated year-round for guests to enjoy. That means no matter which hotel you end up staying at, you don’t have to worry about it being too cold on a chillier night in Central Florida!

Is pool hopping allowed at Universal Orlando Resort?

Yes! One of our favorite things about Universal Orlando Resort pools is that you can pool hop. If you are a hotel guest at any Universal Orlando Resort hotel, you have access to pool hop at almost any Universal Studios hotel pool. The only exceptions are the Endless Summer Resorts, Surfside, and Dockside Inn and Suites pools, which you have to be staying at those two resorts to use.

Can you use the Cabana Bay pool?

If you are a guest at Cabana Bay or a guest at any other Universal Orlando hotel, you have access to the Cabana Bay pool and recreation. Just make sure you have your room key with you when you travel between Universal Studios pools. Just know that if you’re looking to use the lazy river, you will have to rent one of the Cabana Bay pool floats!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! All Park Prodigy Universal Orlando tickets will get you into the park one hour before regular park guests with Universal Early Park Admission! And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!