This Popular Lake in Texas Hill Country Has a Floating Pool Inside of It — and It’s the First of Its Kind in North America

There’s no need to choose between a day at the pool or one at the lake anymore. Over Memorial Day weekend, Horseshoe Bay Resort debuted its floating pool, a 70,000-gallon pool entirely hovering inside of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson in Horseshoe Bay, about an hour northwest of Austin in Texas Hill Country.

Calling itself the first of its kind in North America, the new feature designed by Texan Tim Greeson, covers a 2,850-square-foot area, including a deck that’s, well, totally decked out. Lined with lounge chairs and private cabanas, the poolside service includes drink and snack service from the resort’s The Shack, Sand Bar, and H20 Bar. 

“We are setting a new standard for lakeside fun and demonstrating our dedication to truly enhancing the guest experience with elevated thoughtful on-property offerings,” Randy Zupanski, the resort’s managing director, said in a release shared with Travel + Leisure. 

Another new addition to Horseshoe Bay Resort this summer season is the Splash Safari Aqua Park, a floating obstacle course right on the lake as well. Open Wednesdays through Sundays upon advance reservation for guests and members, the lake-top playground includes climbing walls, balance beams, and slides. It “guarantees adrenaline-pumping excitement with a floating obstacle course, perfect for testing both agility and endurance,” the release said.

Back on the land, the resort also has a beach area, including beach volleyball courts and a marina, which rents out boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and Sea-Doos. On Summer Saturdays, the space dials up the liveliness with music, cocktails, beach games, and even sandcastle contests.

The resort is also home to elevated sports experiences, like the new Mouratoglou Tennis Center, the first American partnership with the Nice, France, program with famous alumni like Serena Williams and Coco Gauff.  There are also three golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and one by Jack Nicklaus, which is reserved for members. Also on the property is the Whitewater Putting Course, with 18 holes suitable for families. 

While the debut of the floating pool is the resort’s headline attraction this summer, features of this kind have been more prevalent in Europe, like at the Grand Hotel Tremezzzo and Villa D’Este, both at Lake Como, Italy, as well as the Allas Sea Pool in Helsinki. A new take on New York City’s historic floating baths also brings free swimming on The Floating Pool Lady.