With its arid climate, it’s no surprise that Nevada is ranked third nationwide as a “pool-loving” state by Porch, behind only Arizona and Florida. Summer temperatures routinely soar into the 100s in Nevada, the U.S. state that also boasts the most total hours of sunshine and the least amount of rainfall. Such a long swim season makes a pool a must-have essential of the Nevada lifestyle, especially in Las Vegas. Residents and tourists alike have been seeking a refreshing oasis in the Nevada heat for over a century. What began as taking a dip in a natural spring has evolved into a booming pool culture, with dozens of multi-million dollar pools and resorts dotting the Vegas Strip and surrounding area. Many visitors wouldn’t consider a trip to Las Vegas complete without a stop at one of its glamorous urban swimming holes.
Humble Beginnings
Today’s luxurious swim spots have humble beginnings. Air conditioning wasn’t introduced into the area until 1928, at the El Portal Theatre. A popular pastime for early residents and visitors was cooling off at Big Spring/Las Vegas Spring, which also functioned as the area’s only fresh water supply. The early 20th century brought recreational advancements in the form of Vegas Park Resort, or “The Old Ranch.” The first local resort, Vegas Park was part of the Stewart ranching family’s holdings, which was sold to the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad in 1902. Subsequently, the railroad company subdivided the tract, and sold the land as lots in 1905, essentially creating Las Vegas. Amenities of the resort included a café, a brick store that housed the valley’s only billiards table, an open-air dance pavilion, and a concrete “plunge” for swimming, filled with tepid water from Las Vegas Creek. This main attraction was 150 feet long, and as deep as 10 feet at one end.
New Options
A second option for swimming in Las Vegas became available in June 1911 when “Captain” Jim Ladd opened Ladd’s Resort, located near present-day downtown on East Fremont, between Twelfth and Fifteenth streets. Like Vegas Park, in addition to a man-made pool, Ladd’s offered dancing, live music, and a space to relax and picnic in the shade of cottonwood trees. In 1922, David Lorenzi opened a similar facility, upping the ante with two man-made lakes for boating. A very popular destination for Fourth of July celebrations, this resort still exists today as Lorenzi Park.
Modern-Day Luxury
Modern-day Las Vegas offers more variety and sophistication in the form of relaxation and entertainment. One notable pool destination is the 11-acre Mandalay Bay complex, voted by Trip Advisor as one of the best pools in the United States. Features of this world-famous aquatic playground include a “beach” with 2,700 tons of real sand, a lazy river, a 1.6 million gallon wave pool with waves in 90-second intervals and heights between two and four feet, and 100 cabanas, day beds, bungalows, and personalized villas for rent.
Another standout is the pool at the Golden Nugget, “The Tank.” This $30-million, three-story complex features a 200,000-gallon aquarium filled with five species of sharks. For a closer view, swimmers can take a waterslide 30 feet in the air through the shark-infested waters, protected by a 6-inch wall of clear acrylic. Other highlights include waterfalls, 17 private cabanas, and, of course, multiple bars.
Nevada Swimming Pool Financing
Whether you live in Nevada, or you reside in any of the other 49 states, let Lyon Financial be your loan consultant for the best terms, the lowest rates, and a true partner until the construction of your backyard paradise is complete. Call 877-738-4874 today!
