Swim-Up Bars: Elevating the Waterpark Experience

Unforgettable experiences keep guests coming back. Resorts and hotels are always seeking ways to stand out, and one amenity that consistently delights guests while boosting on-site revenue is the swim-up bar.

The concept isn’t new. In the 1950s, Las Vegas resorts experimented with ways to keep poolside guests engaged and spending. By the decade’s end, the Tropicana introduced “swim-up” blackjack tables and tiki drinks, setting the stage for today’s swim-up bar design. Now, decades later, these aquatic amenities have become a hallmark of luxury and leisure, and more than 25 states permit them in commercial pools.

Why Swim-Up Bars Work for Resorts and Waterparks

For resorts, hotels, and waterparks, swim-up bars deliver meaningful benefits for both guests and operators:

• Memorable Guest Experience: Swim-up bars give visitors that “wow” factor. Guests can sip cocktails without leaving the water, creating a sense of indulgence that defines a luxury stay.
• Increased Revenue: Guests linger longer at the pool, boosting food and beverage sales and creating opportunities for upselling premium cocktails or branded drinks.
• Resort Differentiation: In a competitive hospitality market, a swim-up bar sets a property apart, appealing to travelers who prioritize unique, resort-style amenities.
• Social Spaces: Swim-up bars naturally encourage connection, helping turn pool decks into lively hubs of activity.

Design Considerations for Swim-Up Bars

While appealing, swim-up bars require specialized planning to balance hospitality goals with regulatory standards. Successful design includes:

• Petition for Variance: Stools and tables in pools are classified as underwater obstructions, requiring approval and careful design for visibility, shallow depth, and lifeguard oversight.
• Strict Safety Standards: Adult-only use, plastic drinkware with lids, and cocktail mixing kept to the “dry side” of the bar all help ensure safe operation.
• Water Quality & Maintenance: Pools must maintain water temperatures below 95°F, include UV disinfection systems, and have fast recirculation turnover with testing twice daily.
• Staff Training: Bartenders and attendants must be trained to monitor impairment, manage food and drink rules, and enforce safety protocols poolside.

The right aquatic design team can help hospitality leaders navigate these requirements while creating an amenity that looks and feels seamless for guests.

Beyond Swim-Up Bars: The Rise of Leisure Pools

Swim-up bars are just one element of a broader industry trend: leisure-focused pools. Unlike traditional lap pools, leisure pools cater to recreation and relaxation. Resorts and waterparks are blending features like zero-depth entries, lazy rivers, splash zones, water slides, and adult-focused amenities such as spas and bars.

This mix ensures that there’s something for everyone—from families seeking fun to adults looking for relaxation with a cocktail in hand. By investing in diverse aquatic experiences, resorts and waterparks can maximize guest satisfaction while expanding revenue opportunities across demographics.

Partner with Ramaker

At Ramaker, we know that aquatic amenities are a cornerstone of the hospitality experience. Our team has partnered with resorts, hotels, and waterparks nationwide to design innovative aquatic environments that delight guests while meeting safety and operational requirements. From concept and design to regulatory approval and construction support, we’ll help you bring your swim-up bar or leisure pool vision to life.

We’ve incorporated bars into some our aquatics projects, including:

• The Wild West Waterpark at the Wilderness Resort
• The Wild Waterdome Waterpark at the Wilderness Resort
• Emrick Lake
• Evergreen Campground
• Epic Waters in Grand Prairie, TX

Ready to enhance your property’s guest experience? Contact Ramaker today to get started.