Dive into Luxury this Summer: Chicago’s Best Apartments with Pools

Searching for an apartment in Chicago? There’s a good chance that snagging an apartment with a pool is on your radar. With 73% of renters ranking a swimming pool at the top of their “pretty-please” list of amenities, our leasing agents know Chicago’s best apartment pools! And they don’t just know which buildings have pools—they know each pool’s vibe, bonus amenities, and even which gets the most sun. 

Why are pools such a hot commodity? First off, they’re a total party. If you love a good time, a pool is the ultimate spot for hanging out with neighbors and friends. Being able to say “Let’s hang at my pool!” instantly levels up your social game. But if chasing zen is more your style, think of your pool as a personal spa—perfect for de-stressing after a long day. Plus, let’s not forget that there’s no better way to enjoy Chicago’s fleeting summer season than by lounging poolside with a cold margarita. 

So, let’s dive in. We surveyed our team (35 agents with more than a combined 160 years of experience in the city’s rental market), as well as the city’s best luxury apartment buildings, to bring you the ultimate guide to Chicago apartment pools. 

Table of Contents

• What are the Most Common Features of Apartments with Pools in Chicago?
  • Resident Events at the Pool
  • Guest Policies
  • Free On-Site Food and Drink
• What Pool Features Do Renters Want Most?
  • Longer Pool Season and Hours
  • Generous Guest Policies for Tenants
  • Maximum Sun Exposure
• How do the most common vs. popular pool features for Chicago apartments stack up?
• Which Chicago Apartment Buildings Have the Best Pool Experiences?
  • Best Overall Pool: 500 Lake Shore Drive
  • Best Pools for Sun Worshippers: Parq Fulton and Gateway West Loop
    • Parq Fulton
    • Gateway West Loop
  • Best Pool for (Almost) Year-Round Swimming: The Residences at 8 East Huron
  • Best Pool for Entertaining Guests: Cassidy on Canal
  • Our Apartment Comparison Chart for Chicago’s Best Pools
• Let’s Find the Apartment Pool That Suits You Best! 

What are the Most Common Features of Apartments with Pools in Chicago?

If you think all apartment pools are built the same, think again. In Chicago, apartment pools come with more bells and whistles than you might imagine. To get the lowdown on Chicago’s most commonly offered pool features and amenities, we surveyed 65 buildings, encompassing a whopping 15,000+ apartment units. The result? A treasure trove of insights that reveal just how much Chicago’s best apartment pools have to offer.

Resident Events at the Pool

What’s better than a pool? How about a poolside party? The best apartment managers know that creating a sense of community in their buildings is crucial, which is why 77% of the buildings we surveyed host poolside events for their residents. 

These events provide the perfect opportunity for residents to mingle, make friends, and feel more settled in their new home. And for newcomers to the city, it’s a fantastic way to break the ice and meet your neighbors.

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill gatherings either. We’re talking DJs, Cinco De Mayo with a live Mariachi band, pool volleyball tournaments, and themed parties that make you feel like you’re at a summer festival without ever leaving your building.

Guest Policies

Building managers know that part of the appeal of having a pool is the ability to invite friends over to enjoy it with you. An impressive 91% of buildings we surveyed allow residents to invite guests for poolside fun. Only five of the buildings we spoke with don’t allow guests, which means most places get that sharing is caring. 

There are some restrictions to keep in mind, though. Around 72% of buildings cap the number of guests at two, with some having stricter policies on weekends to keep the pool from getting too crowded. However, a lucky few do allow more guests, and some even offer cabanas for larger gatherings. For instance, One Chicago has a cabana that can accommodate up to 10 guests, making it the perfect spot to host your besties. 

Free On-Site Food and Drink

Chicago’s best apartment buildings know what it takes to create a luxury lifestyle experience. Having their residents feel pampered (without having to reach into their wallets) is the key to their hearts. 

65% of the buildings we surveyed offer complimentary food and drink during building events. Freebies make these gatherings more appealing, ensuring a great turnout and close-knit apartment community. Whether it’s a casual BBQ or a more sophisticated wine and cheese evening, free on-site food and drink is a definite crowd-pleaser.

What Pool Features Do Renters Want Most?

We polled 35 of our incredibly knowledgeable leasing agents to gather insights from thousands of renters. We wanted to know if Chicago’s common pool features align with what tenants actually want. The goal was to pinpoint what’s most important to renters seeking apartments in Chicago with outdoor pools. Let’s see what they want! 

Longer Pool Season and Hours

A Memorial Day to Labor Day pool season and limited hours? Hard pass. 

If Chicagoans are lucky enough to score early or extended summer weather, we want to enjoy every single moment! And 97% of our surveyed agents agree. 

Apartment buildings, listen up: your tenants seek a longer pool season and extended pool hours. 

Tenants want Mother Nature to determine their pool season, not a meaningless policy. Daily hours are also important. Early morning hours for lap swimming are a huge plus for the fitness-focused crowd. Late-night access is equally important for those looking to enjoy summer nights and our brag-worthy late sunsets. With over 15 hours of daylight at summer’s peak, we want to make every sun-drenched moment count.

Generous Guest Policies for Tenants

Imagine moving into an apartment with a sparkling rooftop pool. Now imagine being told, “Sorry, you can’t invite your friends over.” It’s no wonder that 83% of renters rate generous guest policies as a top priority. 

Remember, the majority of apartment buildings do have policies that allow 2+ guests, getting a big thumbs-up from potential renters.

Maximum Sun Exposure

Lastly, let’s talk about sunshine! After months of winter gloom, a shaded pool deck is a real buzzkill. From hardcore sun worshippers to those wanting a little extra Vitamin D, a pool bathed in sunshine is huge. 72% of renters agree, listing maximum sun exposure on their list of must-haves. 

How do the most common vs. popular pool features for Chicago apartments stack up?

Chicago’s luxury apartment buildings tapped into residents’ poolside dreams and made them into a reality. They exceed pool expectations in all the right ways: longer hours, allowing generous guest policies, and serving u ample sunshine.

Which Chicago Apartment Buildings Have the Best Pool Experiences?

Now that we know what the people want, let’s get to the good stuff—the crème de la crème of Chicago’s luxury apartment pools. We’ve analyzed our survey data and pinpointed the apartments that offer all the pool features you’re looking for (and more). 

Best Overall Pool: 500 Lake Shore Drive

If you want the best pool experience in Chicago, look no further than 500 Lake Shore Drive. Located in downtown’s Streeterville neighborhood, this building is a stunner!

“My clients are always wowed when they tour this really well-designed pool area and deck space.”

Dan from Hotspot Rentals

• Sun Exposure: The 12th-floor pool basks in the sun for an impressive 10+ hours a day.
• Longest Season Possible: Operates on a weather-based season, meaning it stays open as long as the weather permits. Some years, the hot tub is open into November! 
• Generous Daily Hours: With hours from 5am to 11pm, you can enjoy an early morning swim or a late-night dip under the stars.
• Guests Welcome: Bring up to two guests per apartment unit. 
• Poolside Events: Regularly hosts resident events featuring DJs, live music, games, and on-site food and drink—free of charge!
• Heated: The pool is heated to a toasty 78 degrees and above at all times, so you can take a dip even when the temperatures start to drop.
• Firework Views: Residents rave about floating in the pool while taking in Navy Pier’s bi-weekly summer fireworks. This view cannot be beat! 

But that’s not all. A rep from 500 Lake Shore Drive boasts, “Our deck is serviced by an amenity host to cater to all resident needs. We provide complimentary grilling and private event needs such as dinnerware, drinkware, and grilling utensils. There is also an amenity porter to service the grills.” Talk about service!

Best Pools for Sun Worshippers: Parq Fulton and Gateway West Loop

If you see a pool as merely a pretty accessory to a sun-soaked pool deck…we have not one, but two winners for you. Our agents were deadlocked on these buildings, voting Parq Fulton and Gateway West Loop as the best pools for sun worshippers. The buildings are both located in the West Loop neighborhood, and these pools were made for sun lovers!

Parq Fulton

When it comes to apartments with rooftop pools, Chicago knows what’s up! The pool deck at Parq Fulton is the epitome of relaxation, and the aesthetic is ultra-chic.

“If you are a true sun worshipper, Parq Fulton is like being on vacation in your own city!”

Hotspot agent Dorothy Moody

• Max Sunshine: You’ll get over 10 hours of sunlight on the sprawling pool deck. 
• Long Hours: Open from 6am to 11pm. It’s just you and your lounge chair for a sweet 17 hours. 
• South Views: Parq Fulton’s pool deck is south-facing, providing wide-open sky and sun.
• Pool Parties: The only thing better than getting a tan is doing it with a cocktail in hand! Parq Fulton hosts events with free food and drinks (and live music too)! 
• Lounge Away: Not all lounge chairs are created equal. Parq Fulton’s are luxe and wide enough to fit two! 

Gateway West Loop

Tied with Parq Fulton is Gateway West Loop, another stellar option for sun-seekers.

“If there are two things I love about Gateway, it’s their next-door proximity to Mariano’s and their rooftop pool for glorious sun and sunsets.”

Hotspot agent Stephanie Caine

A rep from Gateway West Loop adds, “Our rooftop pool deck in the West Loop offers unobstructed, 360-degree views of the Chicago skyline. Bathed in sunlight almost all day, it’s the perfect urban oasis for relaxation and breathtaking city views.”

• The Sun and the City: South-facing pool deck with killer views! 
• Ultimate Sun: More than 10 hours of sunlight during the peak of summer.
• Rooftop Location: The pool sits atop the 17th floor of Gateway West Loop. 
• Social Events: Gateway West Loop is known for hosting resident events on the rooftop. From classes on how to make the perfect Old Fashioned to their annual Doggie Dip to close out pool season, this building knows how to have fun! 

Best Pool for (Almost) Year-Round Swimming: The Residences at 8 East Huron

There’s no doubt: The Residences at 8 East Huron is the winner for the longest pool season in Chicago! Located in the bustling River North neighborhood, just on the cusp of Gold Coast, this boutique-style apartment building laughs in the face of Chicago’s unpredictable weather. 

• Spring Through Spooky Season: Opens as soon as weather permits and closes on Halloween.
• Daily Availability: The pool is open from 6am to 11pm. That equates to nearly 3,000 hours of pool time during a typical mid-May to October season! 
• Resort Vibes: Relax with palm trees, greenery, aqua-blue water, and plush embroidered pool towels at this luxury apartment pool. Plus, enjoy peeks at Lake Michigan to boot. 
• Outdoor Office: A rep from 8 Huron shares, “Our residents love to work by the pool during the day as we offer Wi-Fi throughout the entire building.” 
• Chic Events: Residents rave about the building’s staff and their social calendar. Management remarks the 8 Huron community “loves a scenic twilight happy hour in the evening.”

Best Pool for Entertaining Guests: Cassidy on Canal

Looking to host the ultimate pool party? Look no further than Cassidy on Canal, the crown jewel of entertaining pools in Chicago! Forget the standard 2-guest policy: at this Chicago luxury apartment building, you can bring 4 friends per unit. 

This brand-new gem (located in the popular Fulton River District) just opened in 2024 and is already making waves.

• It’s a Party: Bring as many as 4 guests per apartment unit.
• Luxury Features: Enjoy bonus features you won’t find everywhere. Shaded cabanas, a steam room, and a sauna are yours! 
• Weather-Based Season: Open spring through fall, depending on the weather. 
• Generous Hours: The pool is open 16 hours each day, from 7am – 11pm. 

Our Apartment Comparison Chart for Chicago’s Best Pools

Ready to compare? Check out our cheat sheet to discover Chicago’s best apartment pools and their top-notch features.

Let’s Find the Apartment Pool That Suits You Best!

On the lookout for a Chicago apartment with a top-notch pool? Let Hotspot Apartment Rentals’ leasing agents guide you to the right place.

Whether you’re after endless sun, long swimming seasons, or room to invite all your friends, Hotspot has you covered. So, tell us your poolside dreams, and let us help you find the perfect splash-worthy pad. Happy renting!