Cool pools tour: Arizona

Finishing up our four-part tour of cool pools open to the general public, today we look at Arizona, where Scottsdale seems more and more to be coming the go-to spot:

Arizona is no stranger to summer heat, and Scottsdale is no stranger to hotel pool parties. Like its Hollywood counterpart, the W Scottsdale hosts a weekend party on its second-floor pool deck. The four portholes along the bottom of the pool allow patrons in the lobby below to sneak a peek or two at the festivities. The “Summer Groove” series occurs every Saturday (through the end of August) from 12 p.m. to 5p.m. with DJ Soulman and other guest DJs providing the soundtrack. $25 for non-hotel guests. Day beds from $150 and cabanas from $250. 7277 E. Camelback Road; (480)970-2100, www.wscottsdalehotel.com

The OH Pool at the Hotel Valley Ho is reserved for hotel guests on Saturdays and holiday weekends, but otherwise it is open to the public Sundays-Fridays. The Friday Happy Hour specials include select cocktails starting at $6 and beers for $3. On City Sundays, eight cocktails representing eight cities are $6 each. Cabanas available from $99 Mondays-Thursdays and $149 on weekends. Generally no cover. 6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale; (480) 248-2000; www.hotelvalleyho.com/scottsdalehotels/index.html.

The Saguaro hosts slightly more laid-back “Swim Social Weekends” at its outdoor Picante pool. The “Saturday Swim Meet” kicks off with a free water aerobics class at 11 a.m., and from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. the party gets started with DJ Al Page and guests. Close out the day with the happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. that features drink specials, mermaids and synchronized swimmers. “Sunday Life Aquatic” runs from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. with DJ Sean Watson and guests and happy hour drink specials from 5 p.m. to 7p.m. Make sure to check out the menu created by “Iron Chef” Jose Garces. $5 fee for non-guests. 4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale; (480) 308-1100, www.thesaguaro.com.