New Orleans' oppressive summer heat has begun to set in, and it's got us looking for places to swim where we're not having to invent fake hotel room numbers or wear out our welcome again and again at friends' homes. It's been a tough year in terms of New Orleans pools: the Country Club shed its clothing-optional policy, weird tropical-themed gym/cafe/bro bar Indulge Island Grill and its pool closed, and the W Hotel on Poydras Street, which hosted a summer "Adults/Swim" series, is now the Le Meridien, which will not host any pool events. But we did get a new lazy river at Audubon Zoo's Cool Zoo, and the W Hotel's French Quarter location will be hosting pool events. We've mapped these and other spots after the jump. Are we missing anything? Please tell us in the comments, or send us an email.
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Mapping Places to Take a Dip in New Orleans
Cool Zoo and Gator Run
Geared toward the kiddies, this "splash park" in Audubon Zoo has "jumping water spouts, a huge alligator water slide, a spider monkey soaker, water-spitting snakes, and more." The zoo recently added to its water attractions Gator Run, a 750-feet "lazy river" where you can float past the animals. Admission is $12, $10 for Audubon members, in addition to the zoo ticket. [photo: Audubon Institute]
The Country Club
While no longer clothing-optional, this gay-friendly Bywater spot is still without the stuffy demeanor "country club" suggests. The beautiful cottage has a saltwater pool, hot tub, sauna, bar, restaurant, and a Sunday "Drag Brunch." Admission is $10 Monday through Friday, $15 on weekends and $8 after 5 p.m. daily. [photo: The Country Club]
W French Quarter
The hotel hosts pool events like "Dive-In" movies nights, where attendees can swim while taking in a movie on the big screen. The hotel will host similar events through the summer; check the hotel's event page for details. [photo: W French Quarter
UNO Aquatic Center
Open 7 days a week, the University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena Aquatic Center has an 8-lane indoor pool and an outdoor pool with a deck and seating. Admission is $5.[photo: UNO]
Joe Brown Aquatic Center
This indoor pool in the rec center at Joe Brown Memorial Park in New Orleans East is open year-round, seven days a week and is operated by the New Orleans Recreation Department. [photo: Friends of Joe Brown Park
Whitney Young Pool
Also known as the Audubon Pool (it's across the street from Audubon Park), this pool is operated by the New Orleans Recreation Department. From June-September it's open seven days a week and swimming lessons and adult water aerobic classes are available. [photo: Audubon Institute
Lyons Pool
This New Orleans Recreation Department-run swimming pool has swimming lessons for children and adults, a "learn to lifeguard" program, and water aerobics. [photo: Lyons Center]
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