The best apartment pools in Columbia
Is It just me, or is this summer just flying by? Even with the summer of my dreams in the city of dreams coming to a close – the temperatures are far from cooling down. It’s often a little bit uncomfortable (even unsafe) to be in this heat for too long without cooling down.

So, as you move back to Columbia for school or into a new place with your significant other – find you an apartment with a (baller) pool.

Vista Towers pool | Photo by @vistatowerscolumbia

We asked you for your favorite apartment pools in Cola – and then organized them based on location + amenities, ranging in the type of residence (student apartments vs. non-student apartments).
Student apartments:
Hub at Columbia | 1426 Main St.

Being in the heart of Main St., this student apartment complex offers great views of the city from its rooftop pool. The pool deck even has a big screen TV, a grilling area + enough seating options to never want to leave.

The Hub pool | Photo by @wtmt

The Mills | 510 Heyward St.

This pool is shared with three student apartments: The Mills, Granby + Olympia, so you know it’s always gonna be a fun place to hang. What makes it even more fun? The pool deck has wifi – so you can post the perfect Insta of that darty.

The Mills Pool | Photo by @baptiste.3

The Retreat | 1929 Bluff Rd.

Not too far from Williams-Brice Stadium (poolside tailgate, anyone?), this student apartment complex has two pools – double the sun, double the fun.

The Retreat pool | Photo by @retreat_columbia

Greene Crossing | 708 Pulaski St.

The apartment’s pool sits in the middle of the main complex, so residents never miss any of the action from their balconies. Also, the student apartment complex is within walking distance from the Vista if you’re trying to keep the party going in + out of the water.

Green Crossing pool | Photo by @gldfngr

Station at Five Points | 2025 Gervais St.

The student apartment pool in Five Points has a grill + fire pit. What more could you ask for for a back-to-school pool bash spot?

Station at Five Points pool | Photo by @jeanneaeverett

**Non-student apartments*:**

(*not like they’re banning students, but you know what we mean – more young professionals + families live here)

CanalSide Lofts | 383 Taylor St.

The apartment is close enough to downtown that you can see the city’s skyline from the saltwater pool. You can also experience ultimate poolside comfort in a hammock or lounging in the cabana. Plus, CanalSide has an additional kiddie pool with fountains for the little ones.

CanalSide Lofts pool | Photo by @kenstagramm

Vista Towers | 2001 Vista Towers Dr.

This resort-style pool has great views of the city skyline. The apartment complex has been open for less than a year, which means newer infrastructure + lounge chairs.

Vista Towers pool | Photo by @vistatowerscolumbia

Vista Commons | 1100 Pulaski St.

Not only does this apartment have a great pool, but it’s literally right off of Gervais St. – so you can take a quick Chipotle break + be back poolside in a jiffy.

Vista Commons pool | Photo by @marisa_martini

42 Magnolia | 5150 Forest Dr.

42 Magnolia has a great pool – shared with new(er) apartment complex 5000 Forest – with a grilling + dining area. This neighborhood is right down the road from Trenholm Plaza (hello, Tazza brunch).

Photo by @cath_yyyluk

Abberly Village Apartments | 1000 Abberly Village Cir., West Columbia

This apartment complex is located in West Columbia, but just a few minutes driving distance from downtown. The pool features wifi + a cabana for lounging in the shade.

Abberly Village pool | Photo by @missemilyspice

An honorable mention goes out to the newest luxury student apartment complex downtown ft. a rooftop pool + jumbotron – Empire Columbia – which just opened for the 2018-2019 academic year at 1015 Assembly St. Yes, we plan on sneaking in before all 👏 the 👏 students 👏 are back in town.

We hope you have a friend who lives at one of these amazing local apartments (or make one real soon).

Have an awesome pool in your backyard + don’t see your complex on our list? Tell us about it over on Instagram or Facebook, or leave a comment in the comments section at the bottom of this story.

I can speak from experience that the best way to relax from the stress of starting a new school year or a new job is to lay out the pool and cherish that tan for as long as you can.

You might even find a new place to live out of a day in the water.

Party on, pool people,

–Adena + Katie, COLAtoday summer interns, and Beth