pool

Pools are one of the top amenities in Philadelphia luxury condos. Find out some of the nicest ones here.

For a big city in the Northeast, Philadelphia has some pretty epic pools. The key thing, obviously, is that almost all of them are indoors, or at least heated year-round. In my home state of Florida, every homeowner dreams of a sparkling pool in the backyard. Philadelphia property owners are a bit different: they own posh condos that come with fancy amenities, including luxuriant community pools. You may be thinking: it’s freezing cold out, Shannon, why the hell would I think about swimming? Well, have you ever bathed in a warm pool seven stories above the ground, with a mindblowing view of Center City spread out beneath you? For lucky Philadelphians with deep pockets, this dream is a reality. Presented for your approval are some of the most desirable pools in the City of Brotherly Love. Dumpster pools are obviously not in contention. 😉

1.) Parc Rittenhouse

You can’t beat the location of the Parc Rittenhouse building – it’s right on Rittenhouse Square, the toniest address in Philly. The building’s units are modern and gorgeous, with hardwood floors and ample amounts of natural light. But the cherry on top is the vividly clear swimming pool, which is situated on the grounds, ensconced on all sides by skyscrapers, which makes for a very cozy swim experience. It’s a bit chilly to swim in right now, but check out the jacuzzi for a toasty, bubbly escape from your worldly cares.

2.) Symphony House

Symphony House enjoys an outstanding reputation due to its prominent Avenue of the Arts location and the spaciousness of its condos – there are just nine units per floor. You’ll feel like you stepped backwards in time with the fantastic Art Deco decor, with arched openings, high ceilings, dramatic setbacks and Mansard roofs. The building’s indoor pool is located on the eighth floor, with shimmering floor-to-ceiling windows providing an amazing view of the city around you. Lie back on a lounge chair and catch up in your reading, or dip into the spa between swimming laps. The very definition of urban elegance, the Symphony House can’t be beat.

3.)  Residences at the Ritz Carlton

For those who desire the pampering of a five-star resort in their everyday lives, there are the Residences at Ritz Carlton. The Philadelphia outpost features the signature elegance that defines the Ritz’s brand, and that opulence is reflected in their amenities. The 3,000-square-foot fitness center features a large, sparkling indoor lap pool with outstanding window views of the city. There is also a relaxing hot tub adjacent to the pool, with convenient men’s and women’s changing rooms right on site for effortless enjoyment of the facilities.

4.) Hopkinson House

Are you ready to experience the only rooftop pool on Washington Square? It’s located at Hopkinson House, a luxury condo building, and the pool is set aside for the exclusive use of owners and residents. The brilliant, shimmering L-shaped pool is open seasonally between Memorial Day and mid-October, making it an amenity that can only be enjoyed when the weather is balmy. There are abundant lounge chairs so that you can sunbathe between bracing laps swum in the designated lanes. The overall city views are glorious, and one bonus is that the William Penn statue is so close that you can practically give him a high-five.

5.) The Dorchester

With its postcard-perfect views, The Dorchester rivals all comers in Rittenhouse Square for the best views in Center City. When the heat of summer leaves Philly a sweaty, sweltering hellhole, you can ascend to the rooftop retreat of the turquoise pool, which is close enough to the ocean that sea breezes will waft your way even in the heart of the city. The Dorchester is one of Rittenhouse Square’s most exclusive buildings, so only the chosen few can actually experience the cooling waters of this oasis.

6.) 10 Rittenhouse

One of the newer comers on the Ritt’s social scene, 10 Rittenhouse defines gradeur with modern flair. A key component of the building’s many amenities is the gorgeous saltwater pool, which is situated at the garden level with a picture-perfect view of the lushly landscaped grounds. Abundant greenery brings the outdoors in, even in the dead of winter. The fitness center also features steam showers and a dry sauna to relax and refresh every inch of your body.