Most of Arizona is known for long hot summers. But in the Colorado River Valley summer temperatures soar to often astounding triple digit levels. Finding creative ways to beat the heat becomes a quest.
And so it should come as no surprise to learn that Arizona innovators and entrepreneurs have come up with some rather interesting and unusual swimming pools. And, of course, there are some very special places for those that prefer beating the heat surrounded by natural wonders.
The Wave Pool at Big Surf
Big Surf is a water park in Tempe that is promoted as having the first wave pool in the United States. The pool was built in 1969 by Phil Dexter, an engineer who envisioned a desert oasis with artificial waves for surfing. It uses an innovative hydraulic system that generates waves up to five feet high every three minutes. Covering 2.5 acres it can hold up to 2,400 people. Enhancing its attraction are slides, an assorted of rides, and a simple playground for the younger set.
The Biltmore Pool at Arizona Biltmore
The Arizona Biltmore is an historic luxury resort in Phoenix. It was designed by Albert Chase McArthur, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.
It opened in 1929 and has hosted many celebrities and dignitaries over the years. The swimming pool shaped like a butterfly that has a mosaic bottom made of tiles put the resort in a league of its own during the years of the Great Depression.
The Havasu Falls Pool at Supai
The village of Supai and the stunning natural beauty of the series of waterfalls in Havasu Canyon is one of the most stunning and unique attractions in Arizona. Located off Route 66, this is the most remote community in America. The mail is still delivered by mule train as the village is more than eight miles from the nearest road!
The first waterfall in the series drops more than 100 feet into a turquoise pool that is surrounded by red rock cliffs and lush vegetation. The pool is also sacred to the Havasupai people, who believe that the water has healing powers.
The Lazy River Pool at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is a family-friendly resort in Scottsdale. One of the most popular features of the resort, especially during the month of summer, is the Lazy River Pool. This is 900-foot-long winding river meanders through the landscped property that fosters the illusion it is desert oasis.
Guests can relax on inner tubes or rafts and enjoy the scenery and the water jets along the way. The resort also has other pools, such as an adult-only pool, a kids’ pool, and even a surf simulator.
There is another option for beating the heat for people fortunate enough to live in Bullhead City, Arizona on the Colorado River. Baron Services is the area leader in swimming pool design, installation, and maintenance. And we are landscaping specialists. That means we can transform your home into a true deseert oasis where friends and family gather to beat the heat.
Written by Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America