Pool decks in luxury buildings are very different from building to building. Some offer lounge pools, others offer lap pools, some have cabannas, others are laid out with different setup.
In the era of COVID buyers of San Diego luxury condos demand a good selection amenities, specially outdoor spaces such as pool decks, community lounges and hangout areas. Here I review the best pools and pool decks in downtown San Diego.
#1 – The Grande North Tower – Columbia District
The pool at The Grande is lap pool size so you can swim laps with ease. Another great feature on this luxury condo building is the deck area around the pool that is very spacious. You won’t feel that the person laying next to you is right in your face.
This pool gets sun most of the day. This is pretty significant and it makes it one of the few pool decks among all downtown san diego condos that offer such an open and tropical setting with the amazing lush landscaping that surrounds it. There is also a BBQ areas with nicely built-out bar and sitting areas with fire pits. The gym, locker room, steam room and sauna are on the same level as the pool.
#2 – Savina – Columbia District
The pool deck at Savina by BOSA has a cool design and layout with nice and trendy loungers and cabanas, a BBQ area, a ping pong table, TV / Bar area and fire pit.
The actual pool is not lap sized but has a pretty decent size for cooling down in the water and just hanging around. There is also an outdoor shower to rinse off after using the pool or spa.
Most of Savina’s amenities (gym, locker room, sauna, steam room) are all on the same level as the pool.
#3 – Sapphire Tower – Columbia District
The pool deck at Sapphire Tower offers a lap sized pool, cabanas, loungers and a hangout area.
Remodeled in 2021 the pool deck has been brought up to today’s standards and ranks as one of the best in all downtown San Diego.
Most of Sapphire Tower amenities (gym, locker room, sauna, community room) are all on the same level as the pool.
Because of the buildings around it the pool will lose sunshine during the late afternoon hours when the sun is setting west.
#4 – Cityfront Terrace – Marina District
Cityfront Terrace has two pools. One is a lap sized pool and the other one a dipping pool just to hang out. This is a great feature about this San Diego luxury condo building.
The common grounds around the pool at Cityfront Terrace make you feel like you are in a resort, with lush landscaping, seating areas and beautiful manicured grounds.
This building has some of the best common areas in downtown and they recently did an extensive remodel which looks amazing.
#5 – Harbor Club – Marina District
The pool at Harbor Club Condos in San Diego is an actual lap sized pool as well with a great deck around it filed with loungers, chairs and a very cool fire pit. The lush landscaping around the pool makes it feel like you are lounging at a resort.
The gym is right on the same level and just a few steps away from the pool which is a plus. The community lounge is also on the same level as the pool.
Because the pool is surrounded by the two Harbor Club towers you might notice that you lose a bit of sun specially in the late afternoon.
#6 – Pacific Gate – Columbia District
The pool deck at Pacific Gate by BOSA has a great layout setup with cool furniture, BBQ area and a fire pit hangout. There are also seating areas scattered around the pool deck.
The pool is a lounge style pool not really ideal for swimming laps but it offers a decent size to spread out and lounge. There are cabanas and an outdoor shower.
Most of Pacific Gate amenities (gym, locker room, sauna, steam room and community room) are all on the same level as the pool.
#7 – The Pinnacle Museum Tower – Marina District
The Pinnacle’s pool is just as long as one at The Grande towers so it’s an actual lap pool where you can get your exercise done.
It also has a very spacious deck around the pool with BBQ area.
The gym, Locker room, Steam room, Sauna & community room for private functions are all on the same level as the pool.
The only drawback that I find at The Pinnacle’s pool is that the actual tower is west of the pool so in the afternoon half the pool loses sun pretty early on.
#8 – Electra – Columbia District
The pool at Electra luxury condos in downtown San Diego is certainly not lap sized but a pretty good size overall. The spacious deck around the pool makes it very comfortable for people to spread out and not be so close to each other.
The gym, locker room, sauna and steam room are on the same level. There is a very nice green space with fire pits and BBQ area on the same level as the pool. This is great for entertaining.
Electra’s condo tower is located north of the pool so here you’ll get sun most of the day. The pool is located on the 5th floor so you get pretty nice San Diego bay and city views from the pool deck.
#9 – Discovery – Cortez Hill District
The pool at Discovery is like no other in downtown San Diego.
Its located on the 10th floor of the building and because the building is already elevated on the hills of Cortez Hill, the pool deck at discovery offer some incredible sunset views of the bay.
The pool is also a lap sized pool great for swimmers. There are also cabanas and a fire pit area. The gym, sauna and steam room are located on the same floor level.