Discovering mid-workout that the pool closed early or the sauna’s locked for cleaning can derail your whole recovery plan. At clubs that have them, LA Fitness typically offers a Junior Olympic-sized pool with three lap lanes, water kept between 80°F and 84°F, and a dry-heat sauna for recovery — though which amenities are actually on-site depends entirely on the specific club, not your membership tier.
This guide covers the rules, access details, dress code, practical tips, and benefits of these facilities.
What Amenities Are Actually Available?
Where available, LA Fitness pool and sauna setups usually include an indoor heated pool, a dry sauna, and sometimes a whirlpool spa or hot tub.
- Indoor lap pool — many clubs have one, with lifeguards on duty during scheduled hours and lanes set aside for continuous lap swimming
- Dry sauna — typically located near the locker rooms, used mainly for post-workout relaxation and recovery
- Steam room — offered at fewer locations, and treated as a separate facility from the sauna
- Aqua fitness space — in clubs with pools, the shallow end sometimes doubles as space for water aerobics and group aqua classes
Pro tip: Since these amenities vary so much by location, it’s worth checking your specific club before making the trip.
Confirming What Your Club Has
A few ways to check before you head over:
- Use the “Club Finder” or amenities filter on the LA Fitness website
- Check the amenities list for your home club in the mobile app
- Call the front desk directly to ask about pool and sauna hours
- Ask a membership advisor in person — online listings aren’t always current
Pool Size, Length, and Design
Most pools are built for fitness swimming, recovery, and aqua classes rather than competitive racing. Exact dimensions shift by building, but clubs generally follow a similar layout:
| Dimension | Range |
|---|---|
| Length | ~25 yards |
| Lap lanes | 3 to 5 |
| Depth | ~3.5 to 5 feet in most sections |
| Water temperature | 80–84°F, varies by club |
Pool Dress Code
Proper swimwear is required — everyday clothing, cut-offs, or standard cotton shorts aren’t allowed in the pool area.
Approved: – Swim trunks or swim shorts made for water use – One-piece or two-piece swimsuits – Athletic swimwear built for lap swimming – Rash guards paired with proper swim bottoms – Swim caps for long hair
Not allowed: – Regular gym shorts or cotton clothing – Jeans or street clothes – Underwear worn as swimwear – Soiled or heavily worn attire
Age Rules and Guest Access
There are two separate age thresholds worth keeping straight — one for general club/pool access, and one for guests specifically.
For members and their kids: – Young children need direct adult supervision in the pool area at all times – Many clubs set an age threshold around 12–13, at which kids may get limited independent pool access – Full independent access (no supervision required) generally starts at 16 – Some clubs run parent-child swim sessions or youth swim programs – Lifeguard staff can require any child to stay supervised if there’s a safety concern
For guests: – Guests must be at least 16 to use the pool independently, or 13+ if accompanied by a guardian – A signed waiver, photo ID, and a member escorting them are required
Guest access to the pool also depends on the host member’s specific plan and guest privileges, so it’s worth confirming with the club beforehand.
Pool Hygiene and Safety
Pools are shared spaces, so hygiene and safety rules matter as much as the facility itself. Clubs with staffed aquatic areas keep a certified lifeguard on duty during scheduled hours.
- Shower before entering the pool
- Skip swimming if you’re feeling unwell or have an open wound
- No running poolside, no diving in shallow areas, no glass containers
- Follow the lifeguard’s instructions and lane-sharing etiquette
- Keep a close eye on kids at all times, even in the shallow end
- Dry off thoroughly before heading back into the main gym area
Sauna Rules and Safety
- Sit on a towel, and leave phones and food outside
- Limit sessions to roughly 10–15 minutes, one or two per visit
- Never use the sauna after drinking alcohol
- If you’re pregnant, have low blood pressure, or have heart disease, check with a doctor before using it
Why Pair the Pool and Sauna?
Together, they’re a solid recovery combo — better blood circulation, reduced muscle tension, and genuine stress relief. Swimming gives you low-impact aerobic exercise that builds endurance; the dry heat afterward helps relax tight tissue and flush out tension.
- Full-body training — swimming works arms, legs, and core together without the joint strain running causes
- Faster recovery — time in the sauna after swimming or lifting helps muscles relax before you head home
- Better sleep — the combined relaxation effect can make it easier to unwind at night
Example:
A 30-minute lap swim followed by 10–15 minutes in the sauna gets you a cardio workout, some calorie burn, and an active recovery period — all in about 45 minutes.
Does Every Membership Include Pool and Sauna Access?
Not exactly — access comes down to which club you’re at and which plan you hold, not a blanket rule across all memberships.How LA Fitness Compares to Other Gyms
| Membership Type | Pool Access | Sauna Access |
|---|---|---|
| Single Club | Home club only | Home club only |
| Multi-Club | Any LA Fitness club with one | Any LA Fitness club with one |
| Signature Club Add-on | Signature clubs included | Signature clubs included |
| Day Pass | Yes | Yes |
LA Fitness Pool and Sauna vs Other Gyms: Key Differences
Here is a general comparison to help you set expectations. Exact amenities still vary by specific club and region for every brand listed.
| Gym | Pool | Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| LA Fitness | Some locations | Some locations |
| Planet Fitness | Rare | Rare |
| YMCA | Common | Less common |
| Equinox | Common at larger clubs | Common |
Tips for First-Time Pool Users
- Pack swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops for the locker room
- Shower before getting in
- Check your club’s current pool hours online or at the front desk
- Ask about lane etiquette if you’re sharing lap lanes with others
- Bring goggles, and a swim cap if you have long hair
- Stay hydrated, especially if you’re planning to hit the sauna afterwarde.Start with shorter sessions and build up stamina over time
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every LA Fitness location have a pool and sauna?
No — it varies significantly by branch, and isn’t tied to a specific membership tier.
How long is the pool?
Most run about 25 yards, categorized as Junior Olympic-size. A few newer or uniquely laid-out clubs have shorter 20-yard pools instead.
Is there an age limit for pool access?
Yes. Kids generally need supervision until around 12–13, when some clubs grant limited independent pool access; full independent access typically starts at 16. Guests specifically need to be 16 alone or 13+ with a guardian.
How warm does the water run?
Between 80°F and 84°F (28–29°C), a range meant to work for both lap swimmers and water fitness classes.
Do I need to reserve a lap lane?
it’s first-come, first-served. There’s no lane reservation system.
Final Thoughts
A structured pool-and-sauna routine turns two shared amenities into a real recovery habit — low-impact swimming followed by dry heat, all within a single membership. With water kept between 80°F and 84°F, dedicated lap lanes, and sauna access at participating clubs, the combination supports fitness, joint health, and stress management alike.
Michael Reynolds is a U.S.-based fitness writer and gym membership analyst with over 7 years of experience reviewing health clubs and workout programs. He specializes in breaking down pricing structures of major gym chains like LA Fitness, helping readers understand real costs, hidden fees, and the best membership options. When he’s not writing, Michael focuses on strength training and gym-based fitness routines.