The Pool Question: 5 Surprising Amenities Planet Fitness Offers Instead Of A Swimming Pool

The short and definitive answer to the question "Does Planet Fitness have a pool?" is a resounding no, for the vast majority of its locations worldwide. As of late 2025, Planet Fitness continues to operate on a high-value, low-cost model, which intentionally excludes expensive-to-maintain amenities like swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. This strategic focus allows them to keep their membership fees—starting as low as $10 per month—exceptionally affordable, living up to their "Judgement Free Zone" promise by keeping the focus on cardio, strength training, and a unique set of relaxation perks.

While the absence of a pool might be disappointing for swimmers and those seeking aquatic workouts, the gym chain offers a variety of unique, spa-like amenities through its premium PF Black Card membership, which serve as excellent alternatives for post-workout recovery and relaxation. You’ll find that their investment is focused on high-tech recovery options rather than traditional aquatic centers, offering a different kind of fitness experience for their members today.

Planet Fitness Amenities Profile: What You Get (and Why No Pool)

Planet Fitness is a brand built on accessibility and simplicity. The entire business model is designed to attract first-time gym users and casual exercisers who want a clean, safe, and non-intimidating environment without the high price tag of a full-service health club. This core philosophy directly dictates the amenities list, which is why a swimming pool is almost universally excluded.

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The Cost Factor: Installing and maintaining a swimming pool is one of the most significant expenses for any gym. It requires constant chemical balancing, heating, professional cleaning, liability insurance, and often, certified lifeguards. These costs would force a substantial increase in membership fees, directly undermining the Planet Fitness low-cost value proposition. By skipping the pool, they maintain their ultra-affordable pricing structure.

The Focus on Core Fitness: The gym's primary focus remains on providing ample cardio equipment (treadmills, ellipticals), a wide array of strength machines, and a dedicated free-weight area (dumbbells and barbells). Their signature 30-Minute Express Circuit is another core offering. A pool area would take up valuable real estate that is better used for more workout machines to reduce wait times for members.

While the no-pool rule is nearly absolute, there are extremely rare exceptions. A handful of older, grandfathered "Platinum" or "Signature" locations, often former independent health clubs acquired by a Planet Fitness franchisee, may still have a pool. However, these locations are few and far between, and you should always call your specific club to confirm before signing up if a pool is a must-have amenity for you.

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5 Surprising PF Black Card Amenities Offered as Aquatic Alternatives

If you are looking for post-workout relaxation and recovery, the PF Black Card membership—which typically costs around $24.99 per month—provides access to a unique suite of amenities that replace the traditional gym spa experience. These features focus on muscle recovery, skin care, and overall well-being without the high cost of pool maintenance.

1. HydroMassage Beds and Chairs

The HydroMassage experience is perhaps the closest thing Planet Fitness offers to a water-based amenity. These are stationary beds or chairs that use pressurized water jets to deliver a full-body massage while you remain fully clothed and dry. It's an excellent way to target sore muscles, increase blood circulation, and reduce tension after a strenuous workout, all included with the Black Card membership.

2. Tanning Beds and Booths

For many members, the ability to tan is a significant perk of the Black Card. Planet Fitness locations typically offer stand-up booths and lay-down beds. This amenity is part of the "Black Card Spa" area and is available for unlimited use for Black Card holders.

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3. Total Body Enhancement (Red Light Therapy)

Often referred to as the "Beauty Angel" or Total Body Enhancement machine, this is a unique feature that uses red light therapy. Members stand in a vertical booth while red light waves are used, which is purported to help with skin rejuvenation, collagen production, and muscle recovery. This high-tech recovery option is a popular amenity that you won't find in many other budget gyms.

4. Massage Chairs

Standard massage chairs are a staple in the Black Card Spa area. These are traditional electronic massage chairs that offer various modes and intensities to help members relax and recover. Unlike the HydroMassage, these use mechanical rollers and air compression, providing a more traditional, deep-tissue massage experience.

5. Emerging Amenities: Cold Plunge and Red Light Therapy

In a push to keep their offerings fresh and competitive, Planet Fitness has been actively testing and rolling out new, modern recovery amenities in select locations. Recent reports indicate the testing of features like dry cold plunge and advanced red light therapy (beyond the Total Body Enhancement machine). While not yet a standard amenity across all 2,600+ locations, this shows the company’s commitment to modern, non-aquatic wellness solutions.

Alternatives to Planet Fitness for Swimmers

If a swimming pool is an absolute necessity for your fitness routine, you will need to look beyond the Planet Fitness model. The gyms that typically include aquatic facilities—pools, saunas, and hot tubs—fall into a higher-tier membership category. These full-service health clubs will have a significantly higher monthly fee, often starting at $50 or more, but they provide the comprehensive aquatic experience you are seeking.

• YMCA/YWCA: These community-focused organizations almost always have large indoor pools, offer swimming lessons, and often include lap swimming times. They are an excellent option for year-round aquatic fitness.
• LA Fitness: Most LA Fitness Signature Clubs and larger locations include both indoor and outdoor pools, along with hot tubs and saunas, making them a direct competitor for swimmers.
• Lifetime Fitness: Positioned as a luxury health resort, Lifetime Fitness is known for its extensive aquatic centers, often featuring multiple indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and dedicated lap lanes.
• Local Community Centers: Many municipal or county recreation centers offer affordable day passes or low-cost monthly memberships that include access to a public pool.

In summary, while Planet Fitness remains the champion of the "low-cost, no-frills" gym model, its focus is on providing a comfortable, non-intimidating environment with unique recovery perks like HydroMassage and Total Body Enhancement. For the vast majority of members, the trade-off of no pool for a $10 monthly membership is a worthwhile exchange, but those dedicated to water-based exercise should explore the higher-tier alternatives.