Let’s face it, nothing beats lounging about in an infinity pool, floating down a lazy river or (our personal favourite) propping up a pool bar.

But when we want to actually get some swimming done (funny how swimming comes fourth on the pool activity list) all of the above are basically just massive hindrances. Try and get some laps done in one of those pools and no doubt you’ll repeatedly head-butt some schmuck who keeps floating past on his Day-Glo lilo.

This list is for serious swimmers, if you like your lanes well spaced and you’re sick of inflatable distractions then read on to find out the best pools near you.

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10. The Address, Dubai Marina

You will definitely get people relaxing around this pool but the sheer size of it means there’s space for everyone. At 45 metres long and 25 metres wide this outdoor pool is definitely big enough to get a serious swim in. A beautiful pool in a great location but they lose a few points due to the lack of swimming lanes.

If you’re not a guest you’ll pay AED 200 for a weekday pass and AED 300 for a weekend day pass.

9. Fitness First, Mirdif City Centre

This pool belongs to Fitness First gym so you need to be a member to use it. This indoor pool is 25 metres long, five lanes wide and has a depth of 1.2 metres throughout. The handy thing about Fitness First (if you decide to join) is there are gyms littered all over the city so you’re never stuck to one location.

8. Mövenpick Hotel, Ibn Battuta Gate

This 30-metre long pool sits on the eight floor, it’s never too crowded so it’s a handy spot to know for getting your laps done. We really recommend this spot for an evening swim. Outdoors, eight floors up, you could do a lot worse!

7. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi

Not only is this pool well kitted out with five lanes but if it’s ever crowded (the weekends in particular can be quite busy) you’re only footsteps away from the sea. That’s right, you can take a dip in one of nature’s biggest pools instead!

AED 225 on weekdays AED 350 on weekends.

6. Fitness First, Dubai Media City

Another Fitness First option, this pool is 25 metres long and five lanes wide too. It pips the Mirdif City Centre at the post because it’s an outdoor pool (who doesn’t prefer swimming in the sun, or even under the stars of an evening). Check out the rest of The Fitness First pools here.

5. The Aviation Club Pool, Jumeirah Creekside

This two-tier pool system is great, one part is sectioned off, so swimmers can enjoy three lanes in a 25-metre pool, while those not doing laps can splash about in the rest of the water. So everybody is happy!

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4. Talise Fitness, Madinat Jumeriah

If you’ve ever found yourself lost in the Madinat Maze (guilty) you’ve probably stumbled across this amazing gym. The pool within boasts a 25-metre pool with six lanes, and we know it shouldn’t matter, but the hip layout of the whole facility definitely gives this spot an edge.

A day pass for the entire club will set you back AED 495 but that includes a food and beverage voucher worth AED 150.

3. Hamdan Sports Complex, Emirates Road, Global Village

This incredible swimming pool and complex is open to the public (above the age of 18) six days a week. It charges an hourly rate of AED 25 which for the facilities available is incredible value.

This is probably the most high-tech pool you will ever see. It can transform from a 50-metre pool into two 25-metre pools at the touch of a button (check out the cool time lapse video below).

*Spoiler alert: it transforms the Olympic-sized pool into a basket ball court… seriously cool stuff!

2. Ahasees Spa and Club, Grand Hyatt Dubai

This spa and fitness club has got both indoor and outdoor facilities. The outdoor pools are more chilled but the serious swimmer will really appreciate their indoor pool; a 20-metre, temperature-controlled indoor lap pool with underwater sound system (nice).

(Check out these takeaway options that are both tasty AND guilt-free)

Non-members pay AED 300 on weekdays and AED 400 on weekends.

1. Fit Republik, Sports City

This Olympic size swimming pool (50 metres) is surrounded on three sides by floor to ceiling windows and it’s got an actual grandstand viewing platform (just in case you want to prove you don’t need armbands to your watching mates). They also put on a range of classes so if you’re a beginner or just looking to improve these guys will definitely be able to help.

This is one of the best gyms in Dubai and for the serious swimmer the pool is definitely the place to go. You’re about as far away from cocktail-swigging holidaymakers as you can get.

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