The Resorts Gal Guide to the Pool at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
This article previews the pool area at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Studios Orlando. We’ll look at the entire pool area, the swim spa (aka hot tubs), the water slide, and other amenities surrounding the pool area.
We haven’t ventured to the other side of Orlando too often here on Resorts Gal. But we’ve had the opportunity to stay at the Universal Orlando Resort multiple times this last year, and it’s hard to deny–they have impressive resort hotels.
Over the summer, we spent a few nights at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, a preferred resort. For us Disney fans, a preferred resort translates to a moderate. During that stay, I had the opportunity to spend an entire resort day at the pool.
While I had promised myself a day of rest at the resort’s pool, a storm disrupted my plans. The storm emptied the pools, prompting me to grab my camera. I then proceeded to take a couple of pictures of the “almost empty” pool as soon as it reopened.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort only has one pool, which is a whopping 16,000 square feet. So there’s plenty of room for everyone. It’s also the largest pool of Universal Studios Florida Resorts.
Pool hours are between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. daily. However, given the time of year, those hours might be adjusted. So you’ll want to check the exact pool hours during your stay.
For instance, the pool might open later and closer earlier during the cooler months. But the pools at Universal Studios Orlando are heated. Therefore, guests can swim throughout most of the year.
Like the rest of the resort, the pool area is Caribbean-themed. It’s an elongated pool with plenty of lounge chairs surrounding the parameter.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have a pool-view room during our stay, but I can only imagine it would have been a pleasant view.
Several entry points provide steps into the pool area.
Toward the center of the pool, you’ll find an area reminiscent of a sand bar. However, the pool doesn’t have sand. This particular area provides zero entry from both sides of the pool.
A waterslide comes into view as we continue to the opposite end of the pool.
It’s a 100′ (foot) long waterslide that provides plenty of fun for guests.
Here is a view of the pool from the base of the slide. It’s not the worst place to spend a little vacation time.
A whirlpool spa sits in a raised area near the waterslide.
At 226 square feet, it’s a sizeable spa.
As we continue past the spa, a staircase leads up to the slide.
A small cave or tunnel allows guests to continue to the opposite side of the pool. Or you can take the stairs and ride the slide back to the pool.
Here is a view looking back to the pool area from the base of the stairs.
Slide rules are posted. All children under 48″ (inches) must wear a life jacket. Children under 36″(inches) are not permitted on the slide. A lifeguard sits at the slide’s entrance.
It’s a beautiful view.
Life jackets are provided near the slide.
Off you go!
In addition to the incredible pool area, a few poolside activities are also available. Outside the pool area, you’ll find a tremendous fitness center with plenty of exercise equipment. An arcade is also nearby.
A splash pad with pop-up jets sits to one far side of the pool. Between the Hey Mon splash deck and the pool area, there’s a decent barrier of cabanas and landscaping.
A few standard rules are posed outside the splash area.
Here is another view of the splash pad.
Several children’s games are also available around the pool deck.
Additionally, a few white-sand beaches surround the pool area. Below, we see a sand area with a fire pit. In the evening, you might enjoy roasting marshmallows.
While the pool area did get pretty crowded as the day progressed, we didn’t see anyone having trouble finding a chair.
Cabanas are available for rent. From my understanding, they often go quickly.
Dhrum Club Kantine, a poolside bar, offers dining and beverages such as snacks, entrees, salads, pizzas, kids’ meals, desserts, beer, cocktails, and wine. You can preview the Dhrum Club Cabine menu on its website.
The pool wait staff provided excellent service. Every so often, someone would come by to check on us. Tags with QR codes are also provided on the back of each chair. You can scan the code, order an item, and have it delivered to your chair.
Coke Freestyle machines are available near the towel bins and restrooms. If you have a resort refillable mug, you can refill it at the pool. Towels are complimentary.
Around the outskirts of the pool, you’ll find more lounge chairs and a few shaded areas.
Here are a few more photos.
Overall, we enjoyed our time at the pool. My only complaint is that I wish we’d had two pool days instead of one! It is a beautiful pool that feels tropical and relaxing, which is exactly how most of us want to feel while on vacation.
It’s also not the worst place to land after a long day in the theme parks! We have an entire review of our stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. But I can assure you, we would not hesitate to stay at the hotel again in the future.
For more of our coverage of Universal Studios resorts, we also have a room tour of a Volcano Bay view room at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
In the Comments
What do you think of the pool at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort? Have you spent any time there?