Pegasus Favorite Five: Hip pools for activities of all kinds

The sexy pool, the oasis pool, and more.

Need some summer inspiration? Check out our other Pegasus Favorite Fives here.

Its summertime here in Texas, and you need a way to beat the heat. The days of lying in your own backyard or at a friend’s house are over: Here are five hip pools where you can strut your stuff.

Hotel ZaZa pool

The sexy pool: Nestled in the heart of Uptown Dallas is Hotel ZaZa. You have seen it, heard about it, or been to it. But have you been to the pool? After 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the pool area is transformed into an outdoor nightclub complete with a full bar, restaurant, and DJ. Put on your best look and spend a night under the stars. During the daytime and week, however, the pool is mainly open to hotel guests. A little birdie told us that if you call ahead, they may let non-hotel guests into the pool. Throw your bathing suit in your briefcase and spend lunchtime poolside.

The rustic pool: Deep in the heart of Fort Worth lies Burger’s Lake, a “pool” that is not to miss. With a one-acre, spring-fed lake perfect for swimming and more than 30 acres of park area, this is one huge outdoor environment. It has sandy beaches, shade for the little ones, lifeguards for protection, and diving boards and water slides if you want to get wet and/or wild. Make a day of it by bringing food to cook on their charcoal grills. It's open from Mother's Day through Labor Day; $12 for ages 7 and up and $5 for children under 7. Kids under 1 are free.

The Fairmont Dallas' pool at night

The date night pool: You're still in that phase where you're trying to impress him or her. We remember that. You want to do something a little more fun than a movie, yes? Look to the Fairmont Hotel pool. Weekly, during the summer months, the Fairmont Dallas hosts dive in movie nights. You can grab some food and plop yourself (OK, lounge into) one of their luxurious chairs surrounded by a junior Olympic-sized pool. Admission is free and the events are open to the public.

The up-North pool: On Preston Road near Stonebriar mall in Frisco, there's the boutique hotel Nylo. We recommend their brunch, and while you're at it, check out their chic pool. Open to the public seven days a week, you can grab a drink from the bar or order food off the menu while laying poolside with your friends. If you go at night, enjoy the magnificent fire pit.

Lazy river at Paradise Springs at the Gaylord Texan

The oasis pool: It actually is possible to take a staycation and feel like you've left the city. Check out Paradise Springs at the Gaylord Texan. Located in Grapevine, Paradise Springs is more than a hotel pool. You are instantly transported away from the hustle and bustle of busy day-to-day life and thrown into a resort setting that will have you relaxed and ready for Monday. This pool is open to hotel guests only, although guests can bring friends. The pool has a spectacular view of lake Grapevine and a 27-foot water slide your kids will love. Reserve a private cabana for some quality alone time or snag one of their 1,200 chaise lounge chairs for that tan you’ve been working on. Lazy river, here we come.