The Best Pools Riverside Locals Recommend in 2026
Looking for the best way to cool off in Riverside in 2026? There are great public pools, awesome waterparks, and six award-winning private pools you can rent by the hour. Choosing the right spot depends on your vibe and your group’s needs.
Private pools through Swimply offer privacy, no crowds, and totally flexible timing. Public pools work for lessons and affordable swims. There’s an option for every type of pool day!
1. Hesperia Paradise: The 2025 Swimply Ultimate Host Award Winner
Hesperia Paradise keeps it simple for anyone looking for a top private pool near Riverside. This spot earned the Ultimate Host Award in 2025 for its incredible guest experience and high-quality hosting standards.
You can count on a pool house with a bar and fridge, karaoke stereo, WiFi, a grill, and a fire pit. Over 135 reviews back up the host’s hospitality since March 2024. Check the Swimply listing for rates, rules, and availability before booking.
2. Riverside Aquatics Complex
The Riverside Aquatics Complex at Riverside City College is the go-to spot for lap swimmers and competitive practice. The huge 65-meter all-deep pool includes a diving tower up to 10 meters.
The pool had a significant leak in late 2024. As of 2026, repairs are underway. Always check current hours before you visit. Public pools like this are fantastic for laps and structured programs, not for private lounging or parties, so just keep that in mind!
3. Solar-Heated Tiki Oasis Pool with Hot Tub: The2025 Swimply Family's Choice Award Winner
This Solar-Heated Tiki Oasis Pool in Murrieta is a favorite for families. It won the Family's Choice Award at the 2025 Swimply Awards, based on guest reviews and bookings.
The hosts, Shawn and Shartelle, earned 253 positive reviews since August 2020. Enjoy a solar-heated pool, hot tub, Bluetooth speakers, pool basketball, cornhole, Jenga, Tiki Toss, an outdoor shower, and great WiFi. Families enjoy no crowds, no awkward bathrooms, and zero lifeguard whistles. Check the listing for specific open dates and current pricing.
4. Shamel Park Pool
Shamel Park Pool is one of Riverside’s seven public pools. Locals appreciate its simplicity and affordability. The pool features eight 25-yard lanes and swim lessons Monday through Thursday.
The park also has a playground and picnic areas, so it’s easy to pair swimming with outdoor fun. Swim sessions follow a set schedule. Rules on floaties, food, and swim diapers can change, so double-check before you go. It’s a budget-friendly choice for a classic summer swim.
5. Backyard Getaway: The 2025 Swimply Pet Paradise Award Winner
The Backyard Getaway in Rancho Cucamonga is the best pick for pet owners. It won the Pet Paradise Award in 2025 for being pet-friendly and highly rated by guests.
Dogs usually aren’t allowed at public or hotel pools. This one rolls out the welcome mat. The pool offers a hot tub, towels, toys, WiFi, fire pit, grill, plus tennis and pickleball courts with gear provided. Read the listing for pet rules, guest limits, and cleanup policies before booking.
6. Reid Park Pool
Reid Park Pool at 701 Orange St. provides another public swim option for summer. It’s easy, local, and affordable. Saturday swims run from 1 to 4 p.m. Evening sessions happen on select weeknights.
The park also has baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts, and picnic spots. You can turn your swim into a full afternoon outing. Confirm open swim hours, admission fees, and outside food or floaties rules before arrival. Public pools share the space, so expect set schedules and other guests.
7. Tranquil Atmosphere
Tranquil Atmosphere in Moreno Valley stands out as another Swimply Choice Awards pick. Guests love the private, flexible setup, plus the host’s 118 five-star reviews and speedy replies.
Amenities include a hot tub, a heated pool (for an extra fee), smart TV, grill, toys, float chairs, basketball net, WiFi, Bluetooth speakers, and a fireplace with heaters. Renting this pool for a few hours saves more than booking an entire house for a night. Always review pricing and dates before booking.
8. The Cove Waterpark in Jurupa Valley
The Cove Waterpark at 4310 Camino Real is ideal for families wanting slides, a lazy river, and plenty of excitement. The park includes the Ne’er Endin’ River, Crow’s Nest Slides, and the Riptide Reef FlowRider.
- Daily admission is $22-$28, depending on height
- Season passes available for frequent visits
- No outside food unless you pay a cooler fee
- No floaties allowed, but lifejackets are free on site
The waterpark gets busiest on weekends, so check their official site for hours and height requirements before planning your trip.
9. Great Heated Pool and Spa
This top-rated private pool is the ultimate hassle-free escape near Riverside for your next sunny afternoon. Book it by the hour for a quiet group hangout, an after-work dip, or a fun day with the kids. You get a completely private oasis away from crowded public swimming spots. Plus, this listing comes with extras like:
- Hot tub
- BBQ grill
- Shaded spots
- TV
- Pool basketball
10. The Joshua Tree Swim Club
The Joshua Tree Swim Club is another Swimply Choice Award winner for Riverside. The pool works well for relaxed, all-day use, small gatherings, parties, or a creative day filming with friends.
Everyone gets a towel and cup for drinks. You’ll find an outdoor shower, pool floats, WiFi, a vintage Coleman cooler, and an optional propane grill. The host, with 93 reviews and quick replies, helps create the perfect vibe. Always check availability and rates upfront.
How to Choose the Right Riverside Pool Day
Choosing the best pool day depends on your plans and your group. It’s easy once you know your options. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Book a Swimply private pool for parties, family swims, dog playdates, birthdays, or when you want space all to yourself. Choose pools with hot tubs, grills, or pet-friendly setups.
- Go to a public pool for affordable lap swims, lessons, or easy open swim with a set schedule.
On Swimply, compare listings, see real photos, and book the hours that fit your plans. Most private pools cost about $45 per hour. Average bookings run two hours for five to eight guests, so it’s really affordable when you split the price.
Riverside's Pool Day Is Ready When You Are
Riverside has tons of ways to beat the heat. Public pools work for lessons and laps. The Cove Waterpark keeps families busy all day. But private Swimply pools give you a tailored experience any day of the week.
The six Swimply pools here all earned 2025 Swimply Choice Awards, thanks to real feedback and high bookings. These aren’t just random spots. The awards mean these pools actually deliver for Riverside swimmers.
Snag a 2026 Swimply Summer Pass for $67 to skip most service fees and get 10% back on each reservation through September 15, 2026. That’s a solid deal for anyone booking more than once this summer.
Browse private pool rentals in Riverside on Swimply and set up the pool day that’s right for you!