Four Seasons Hotel. A celeb favourite, this third-floor dip is an urban oasis, complete with a two-level sundeck, poolside bar, whirlpool and saunas. Flavoured waters and spritz bottles keep guests cool and hydrated, while fresh fruit kebobs and hourly offerings of sorbet are the height of decadence. (Must be at least 13 years old.) 21 Avenue Rd., 416-964-0411. M–F $40, weekends $60; children under 12 M–F $20, weekends $30.

High Park. A short walk from High Park station, this pool’s waterslide, beach-like wading area and splash pad are big draws for families. Two poolside concession stands offer barbecued goodies and ice cream. A swim here provides a hint of pastoral charm in a lush, verdant setting. 1873 Bloor St. W., 416-392-7807. Free.

Sheraton Centre. Take a dip in the sprawling hotel’s indoor-outdoor pool (Toronto’s largest), or relax on the recently refinished deck and download tunes courtesy of on-site WiFi. A poolside bar serves up snacks and beer. 123 Queen St. W., 416-361-1000. $28.

Sunnyside–Gus Ryder Pool. Located beside a Roman-style pavilion, the city’s largest pool (it takes nearly one million gallons to fill it) has a deck that offers a breathtaking view of Lake Ontario. A favourite of those not blessed with air conditioning, the 100-metre pool is open until 11:45 p.m. most nights. 1755 Lake Shore Blvd W., 416-338-7665. Free.

D.D. Summerville. An ideal spot to take the family (or to get away from them), this trio of pools includes a 50-metre Olympic-sized lap pool, a 25-metre pool for the kiddies, and a diving pool with five- and 10-metre-high diving boards (you must be accompanied by a swim coach to use the 10-metre board). Adults have the pool to themselves every night from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Woodbine Beach Park, 1867 Lake Shore Blvd. E., 416-392-7688. Free.

Alex Duff Christie Pitts. A social hub for neighbourhood hipsters, this is also one of the most family friendly pools in the city. Kids have hours of well-supervised fun in the “tank,” a deep-water pool with a slide and diving board; little ones cool off under a massive water-spraying brolly. The 60-person hot tub leaves plenty of elbow room for post-swim soaks. 750 Bloor St. W., 416-392-0910. Free.

Kidstown Water Playground. Aimed firmly at the under-13 set, this complex features a wading pool with a slide, as well as water that sprays from all angles to cool little ones. 3159 Birchmount Rd., 416-396-8325. Free.