Dive On In.

How To Sneak Into Dallas' Most Luxurious Hotel Pools.

Tired of our apartment complex pool's Cabo San Lucas spring break atmosphere, we recently struck out on the town to find some better vibes pool.

But not just any vibes. We wanted aquatic opulence. We wanted to lounge in the lap of luxury, to feel doted upon, to feel like we'd found an oasis within our city. So it makes sense, then, that we gravitated toward the high-end pools of Dallas' many luxury hotels.

Except, well, there's one major problem with these places. Getting into them can often be an expensive undertaking. And we just don't have that kind of money.

So, over the past few weeks, we simply decided to sneak our way into these places — or to at least try to do so. And, as we're not ones to keep the information we find on our reconnaissance missions to ourselves, we've compiled our findings here for you to also use.

Before we get into the specifics, let's start off by talking overall strategy.

First of all, it's imperative that you look the part. If you're wearing frayed jorts and carrying a tote full of floaties, know that you're going to arouse front desk suspicions and have security on your tail in no time.

Second, you need to learn to walk with a purpose. Fake it till you make it. If you look even the least bit cautious or guilty, you're going to get turned away. But if you walk in with your head held high and acting you belong there, even a keycard-guarded elevator won't stand in your way.

Third, if you are forced to talk with a staff member, maintain eye contact and kindly explain that you forgot your key — that it's back in your room with your significant other, or you're meeting your brother at the pool. Act well enough and, hell, they might even personally show you the way to the deck.

Lastly, do not abuse this information. These pools we're about to tell you about are pretty awesome the way they are, far removed from the just-graduated frat boys and babies in water diapers. Don't show up with a crew in tow every weekend, forcing the pool to adopt more strict entry rules.

Basically? Don't ruin it for the rest of us.

The Joule
Ease of Entry: 2 out of 5.
Ambiance: 5 out of 5.
Amenities: 5 out of 5.
Pool: 4.5 out of 5.
What you need to know: Last year, Forbes ranked the Joule “Poule” among the world's Top 20 swimming pools. That's some high praise, but it's definitely worth checking out.

Should you pass the street-level — comprised of a keycard-operated elevator and a picky front desk staff — you'll be rewarded with the best swimming experience in the DFW area. The large deck is graced by day beds, so you can nap your day away, frying like a strip of bacon.

If you prefer the shade, there's a large, full-service bar with shaded seating, plus two TVs so you never miss a home run. Unfortunately, the prices at the bar will make you want to pull your hair out.

But the pool, renowned for its overhang above the street below, is totally “coule.” Sure, it would be way cooler if the bottom of the pool were transparent, so that one could see the street below, but whatever.

The Rosewood Crescent Hotel
Ease of Entry: 4 out of 5.
Ambiance: 3 out of 5.
Amenities: 5 out of 5.
Pool: 2 out of 5.
What you need to know: Follow the signs in the elevator and hallways to the Crescent pool, which is hidden down a series of corridors, but well worth the journey.

Sure, the pool and its accompanying deck are pretty small, but an intimate experience can be nice. So, too, can a quiet one, which is the way the Crescent pool's attendees prefer it.

Open to hotel guests and health club members alike, this spot is particularly delightful given the bright, amazingly cushy turquoise chairs that line the deck. They alone might make sneaking into this pool worthwhile. Seriously, they are so comfortable.

If you're looking for a place for an afternoon nap, tan and dip, look no farther.

No, the view's not great. But who needs a view when your eyes are closed?

Hotel Palomar
Ease of Entry: 4 out of 5.
Ambiance: 4 out of 5.
Amenities: 4 out of 5.
Pool: 4 out of 5.
What you need to know: The Palomar's pool is found on the second level of the hotel.

Technically, you need a key card to enter the pool deck, but there's always an attendant on the other side of the doors, so just politely tap, and you should be let in with no problem.

While probably the largest pool on the list, it's also one of the most poorly positioned. By 3 p.m., most of the pool is covered with the shadows cast by its building.

But if you get there before late afternoon, you'll find ample sunshine, an attentive staff, drinks that won't entirely break the bank and a handful of high-demand, luxurious cabanas.

All around, it might be your best bet.

The Ritz-Carlton
Ease of Entry: 3 out of 5.
Ambiance: 4 out of 5.
Amenities: 4 out of 5.
Pool: 4 out of 5.
What you need to know: Are you interested in seeing and being seen? How about classy pool partying? Then the Ritz is the place for you.

You'll need to go up several floors and find someone with a key card to let you onto the deck. But, once you're there, you're golden.

The deck is lacking in chair count, but the action is in the pool.

By now, you've probably lived enough life to know that rich people stay and live at the Ritz. The good news is these rich folk are both old and young — so, no matter what your age is, chances are you'll find a soft-tummied man looking to buy you a drink or two.

Oh you're a guy? Time to network.

The W
Ease of Entry: 3 out of 5.
Ambiance: 3 out of 5.
Amenities: 3 out of 5.
Pool: 5 out of 5.
What you need to know: You'd think The W — what with it being the former residence of esteemed celebrities Khloe and Lamar and all — would be the apex of liquid luxury. It isn't.

I mean, it's nice, but not as nice a complete package as some other pools on this list.

But that doesn't mean it's easy to get into. This sucker's guarded with a keycard-controlled door that lacks an affable attendant on the other side waiting to let you in.

Still, if you tap long enough, someone will come, and you'll find yourself on a sprawling deck — one that is covered almost entirely by a roof. Um, how are we supposed to get our nap tan on?

Still, the pool itself is nice. It's big, just the right temperature and lined with a sitting shelve. It's the perfect place to nurse a drink and beat the heat. The only thing we have qualms with is the view. As beautiful as some may find I-35…

Hotel ZaZa
Ease of Entry: 5 out of 5.
Ambiance: 3 out of 5.
Amenities: 3.5 out of 5.
Pool: 3 out of 5.
What you need to know: Honestly, this is by far the easiest pool to sneak into in town.

We're not even going to give you a hint here; if you can't figure it out, you don't deserve to be there.

It's nice, though — even if it's hard to shake our memories of many a drunken night spent at the Dragonfly outdoor bar, which, turns out, is actually the pool deck.

If you can ignore the weird specters of blackouts past, you can enjoy the fountain streams inside the pool. It's like a constant shower.

Meanwhile, the chairs are comfortable, but not life-changing. Nonetheless, a couple of shaded couch nooks look like they could be the launch point for one hell of a Saturday.

Besides, this pool is so easy to sneak into, there's no way we're going to start complaining.