Do Any Planet Fitness Locations Have Pools? Many fitness enthusiasts ask this question when they search for detailed workout facilities with swimming options.
Planet Fitness, a 30-year old gym chain, stands as one of America’s largest fitness centers. Their pool situation needs a simple explanation. This piece covers everything about Planet Fitness pools and their amenities. You’ll learn if their facilities align with your fitness goals.
Let’s get into their business model and compare alternatives. A breakdown of membership options will help you decide where to start your fitness experience.
Understanding Planet Fitness’s Business Model
Planet Fitness’s facility choices reflect their unique business approach. The company has become a game-changer in the fitness industry by prioritizing budget-friendly options and availability above everything else.
Focus on budget-friendly fitness
Planet Fitness’s strategy centers on affordable fitness for everyone. Their simple membership costs just $10 monthly, a price they’ve maintained for 30 years despite inflation. This isn’t merely a marketing strategy – it represents their core business philosophy of making fitness available to everyone.
The company thrives on a high-volume, low-price model. They focus on attracting many members instead of charging premium rates. This strategy has led to a soaring win, with their membership reaching a record-high 16.6 million.
Core amenities and services
A Planet Fitness membership includes:
- Over 20,000 square feet of cardio and strength equipment
- Simple training equipment and machines
- Free fitness training with certified trainers
- Standardized facility layouts for consistent experience
- Additional amenities for Black Card members
The company maintains efficient amenities by focusing on essential equipment rather than luxury features. This strategy keeps operational costs low while providing everything members need.
Target demographic analysis
Planet Fitness targets all but one of these Americans who currently have a gym membership. Their business model attracts:
- First-time gym users
- Casual exercisers
- Budget-conscious individuals
- People who feel intimidated by traditional gyms
Their targeting strategy works remarkably well. Members visit about five to six times monthly, and 60% don’t visit within a 30-day period. The affordable $10 monthly fee keeps members enrolled even with irregular attendance.
The “Judgment Free Zone®” philosophy serves as more than just a slogan. It’s a carefully crafted business strategy that welcomes people who might feel uncomfortable in traditional gyms. This approach has helped Planet Fitness expand beyond 2,300 locations nationwide, proving the success of their inclusive, budget-friendly model.
The Truth About Planet Fitness and Pools
The answer might surprise you – no Planet Fitness location has a swimming pool. Recent surveys reveal that almost 60% of gym-goers prioritize pool access when selecting a fitness center.
Official company stance
Planet Fitness made a calculated decision to skip pools in their facilities. This choice matches their business approach perfectly. The company keeps membership costs low and maximizes workout space through careful amenity selection. Their expansion to 2,575 locations proves this strategy works well.
Survey of all locations
The numbers tell a clear story:
- Planet Fitness boasts approximately 18.7 million members
- The year 2023 saw 165 new locations added
- None of these locations feature swimming pools
This pattern holds true everywhere because it forms the foundation of their business approach. Other gyms report 56% of their members use pools weekly. Planet Fitness chose a different path by focusing on essential fitness equipment and their signature “Judgment Free Zone®” atmosphere.
Future facility plans
Planet Fitness’s growth path builds on what already works. The company revealed plans that include:
- New Growth Model expansion
- Better store-level returns
- Long-term green practices
Swimming pools don’t feature in their plans for existing or new locations. The company stays focused on their winning formula: economical, available fitness options without expensive extras like pools.
This strategy helped Planet Fitness become one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing fitness chains. Members might miss having pools, but lower membership costs and broader community access make up the difference.
The company’s pool policy matters a lot when you pick your ideal gym. Traditional gyms with pools face unexpected closures 24% of the time. Planet Fitness avoids these headaches by sticking to dependable, basic fitness equipment and services.
Why Planet Fitness Doesn’t Offer Pools
Planet Fitness’s decision not to include pools makes perfect sense once you look at the economics and logistics behind it. Let’s explore why your local club sticks to traditional gym equipment instead of adding aquatic facilities.
Cost considerations
The numbers paint a clear picture of the financial reality. A single pool installation at Planet Fitness would cost up to $100,000. That’s just the start. The club would need to spend $150 to $260 each month during swim season. Chemical supplies add another $50 monthly to the bill.
Planet Fitness would have no choice but to raise their membership fees. This goes against their mission to keep fitness affordable. A pool needs special staff members, expensive chemicals, and constant pH level testing.
Space requirements
A typical Planet Fitness takes up about 20,000 square feet. Adding a pool facility would need double that space – around 40,000 square feet. This creates some big challenges:
- Current locations can’t fit a pool
- Building structures don’t allow pool construction
- Floor plans work best with regular gym equipment
Maintenance challenges
Pool maintenance isn’t just about keeping water clean. A public pool demands:
- Regular checks of chemical levels and pH balance
- Daily cleaning of walls, floors, and stairs
- New filters, pipes, and liners as needed
- Special ventilation systems
- Humidity control systems that cost up to $5,000
Public pools need more frequent cleaning because many people use them. Gym users’ sweat and other contaminants change the water quality fast, so the pool needs extra chemicals and monitoring.
Planet Fitness would need to hire special staff and train them regularly. Pool operators must have certifications and know pool chemistry to keep swimmers safe. These requirements would drive up operating costs and your membership fees would go up too.
Current Planet Fitness Amenities
Planet Fitness doesn’t have pools, but you’ll find an impressive range of fitness equipment and amenities that support your workout goals. Let me walk you through what your membership actually has.
Standard equipment offerings
A Planet Fitness membership gives you access to a complete selection of fitness equipment. The gym has modern cardio and strength machines, and certified fitness trainers are ready to show you how to use them properly. You’ll find:
- Extensive cardio equipment
- Free weights including dumbbells and barbells
- Smith machines for compound movements
- Leg machines including leg press and extension equipment
- Multiple cable-based strength training stations
Black Card exclusive features
A Black Card membership at $24.99 per month is a chance to discover the full potential of your fitness experience:
- Access to any Planet Fitness location worldwide (2,600+ clubs) without limits
- Bring guests free on every visit
- Access to HydroMassage beds that help your muscles recover
- Use massage chairs as much as you want
- Tanning facilities
- Total Body Enhancement booth with red light therapy
- Half-price drinks from the cooler
- Exclusive PF+ app workouts
Specialized zones and areas
The gym has specialized training zones that go beyond regular equipment. The PF360 area, available at select locations, lets you try functional training with unique features:
A distinctive yellow rig divides into multiple sections so several members can work out at once. The equipment here includes:
- Battle ropes for full-body conditioning
- Adjustable dip bars for upper body training
- TRX suspension training systems
- Kettlebells and slam balls for dynamic workouts
- Cable machines for versatile strength training
You’ll also find a dedicated stretching zone and a 30-minute express circuit area for quick workouts. Certified trainers are available to create customized exercise programs that help you reach your goals.
Planet Fitness has committed to making its equipment accessible to more people. The company added dual cable strength machines for wheelchair users and cardio machines with raised tactile buttons and audible instructions to their new clubs.
Comparing Planet Fitness to Pool-equipped Gyms
Making an informed choice about fitness facilities means understanding what each gym offers. Let’s see how Planet Fitness matches up with gyms that have pools.
Membership cost differences
Planet Fitness and pool-equipped gyms have a big price gap. Planet Fitness memberships start at just $10.00 monthly. Pool-equipped facilities charge by a lot more:
- LA Fitness: Starting at $40.00 monthly
- 24 Hour Fitness: $51.99-$56.99 monthly
- Equinox: $100.00-$300.00 monthly (varies by location)
- Life Time Fitness: Premium pricing with extensive aquatic facilities
A year’s commitment at Planet Fitness costs between $188.00 and $315.00 with all fees included. Pool-equipped competitors need more money. To name just one example, World Gym’s yearly costs range from $221.88 to $473.88.
Facility size comparison
Each gym’s size and layout shows its unique business approach:
Planet Fitness locations have:
- A layout that puts essential equipment first
- Smart space use for cardio and strength training
- Special zones for equipment and recovery
Pool-equipped competitors like Life Time Fitness and LA Fitness need bigger spaces for:
- Indoor lap pools
- Locker rooms with showers
- Saunas and hot tubs
- Basketball courts and group exercise studios
Service level analysis
Your gym experience changes a lot between Planet Fitness and pool-equipped gyms. Planet Fitness gives you:
- Free fitness training through their PE@PF program
- Digital classes through the Planet Fitness App
- 24-hour access at many locations
- Clean locker rooms and shower facilities
Pool-equipped competitors provide extra services:
- OneFile Fitness has premium features like saltwater pools and hydro-massage
- Gold’s Gym keeps standard-sized pools with strict cleaning rules
- Life Time Fitness offers premium pool areas
Services differ based on amenities. Planet Fitness focuses on simple fitness equipment and core services. Gyms like 24 Hour Fitness add features such as:
- Group fitness classes
- Childcare services
- Advanced HIIT facilities
- Specialized training programs
Your fitness goals should guide your choice. LA Fitness has pools and saunas at most locations. But if you want traditional workout equipment and like saving money, Planet Fitness gives you the core fitness services without paying extra for pools and premium features.
Alternative Gyms with Swimming Pools
Looking to find a gym that comes with a pool? Many fitness chains throughout the country have great swimming facilities. Let me help you find the perfect pool-equipped gym that matches your needs.
National chains with pools
The big fitness chains take pride in their swimming facilities. Life Time Fitness really shines with its resort-style pools. You’ll find both indoor and outdoor options, and many locations even have water slides and separate pools for kids. These places feel more like vacation spots than your typical gym.
Here are some other great chains to check out:
- LA Fitness: You’ll find Junior Olympic-size pools kept at 80°F – 84°F
- YMCA: The whole family can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, plus some locations have slides
- 24 Hour Fitness: Members get full access to swimming facilities
- Equinox: Premium indoor pools are standard, and some spots even have outdoor swimming
Local fitness centers
Local gyms often give you a more customized experience. The Gatesville Fitness Center serves as a great example with its:
- Heated indoor pool and hot tub
- Complete set of cardio machines
- More than 30 group classes each week
- Private shower rooms that lock
Chelsea Piers Fitness and similar local spots often surprise people with amazing features like 75-foot indoor pools and waterfront sundecks. These smaller gyms tend to create a closer community feel than the big chains.
Membership price comparison
The monthly cost of a pool-equipped gym varies quite a bit based on what you’re looking for:
Budget-Friendly Options:
- LA Fitness: Plans start at $40.00 monthly
- 24 Hour Fitness: $51.99-$56.99 each month with a yearly contract
- YMCA: Prices change by location, usually $90.00-$109.00 monthly
Mid-Range Facilities:
- Life Time Fitness: Higher pricing comes with extensive pool amenities
- OneLife Fitness: Members get access to saltwater pools and water classes
- New York Sports Club: $142.00-$180.00 per month
Luxury Options:
- Equinox: Monthly fees run $100.00-$300.00 depending on location
- Premium Athletic Clubs: Top-tier pricing at $277.00-$299.00 monthly
Most places that have pools throw in extras like saunas, hot tubs, and water fitness classes. OneLife Fitness shows this well – they run aqua classes almost daily, with options like Aqua Fitness and Aqua Circuit that come with your membership.
The monthly fees might be higher than Planet Fitness, but you get access to complete pool facilities and premium features. Parents will love that many locations offer childcare, so they can work out while their kids have supervised pool time.
Making the Right Choice for Your Fitness Goals
You need to think over your fitness goals and lifestyle needs to pick the right gym. Planet Fitness gives you an affordable way to start your fitness journey, but you should know if not having a pool will affect your goals.
Evaluating your workout needs
Here’s everything you need to think about before you decide:
- Your current fitness level and experience
- Health and wellness goals you want to achieve
- Best times for your workouts and schedule flexibility
- How close and convenient the location is
- Equipment and amenities you’ll need
- Social aspects of working out
- What you need to recover and relax
Planet Fitness has amenities that go together with one another to help your muscles recover and relax. The gym calls itself a “Judgment Free Zone” for casual gym-goers. This makes it perfect if you’re new to fitness or want a less intimidating place to work out.
Cost-benefit analysis
The financial side shows Planet Fitness memberships start at just $10.00 monthly, which is nowhere near the $37.71 monthly average at gyms with pools. These factors should help you decide:
Original Costs:
- Planet Fitness has a $29.00 initiation fee for Classic members
- All membership types pay a $39.00 annual fee
- Your first year costs between $188.00 and $315.00
Long-term Value: Planet Fitness keeps its prices low because it doesn’t have premium amenities like pools. You get all the essential fitness equipment and services at steady prices. Your monthly cost stays at $10.00, so you can spend money on other parts of your fitness experience.
Alternative cardio options
Planet Fitness has many effective options if swimming was your main cardio choice. Studies show you can replace every 500 meters of swimming with:
- 10 minutes on the bike
- 10 minutes on the elliptical
- 10 minutes of rowing
These options give you similar heart health benefits while being easy on your joints. You can get the same resistance that water provides through:
Equipment-based alternatives:
- Elliptical machines that work your whole body without impact
- Stationary bikes to focus on your lower body
- Rowing machines that combine cardio and strength training
Benefits of land-based cardio: These alternatives can be just as effective as pool workouts and offer unique benefits:
- Better tracking of calories burned
- More control over resistance levels
- Easier to keep your workout intensity steady
- Available no matter what the weather’s like
Note that pool workouts are great for low-impact exercise, but they’re not the only way to reach your fitness goals. Planet Fitness has plenty of cardio equipment options to give you an effective cardiovascular workout while keeping costs down.
Planet Fitness Membership Options
Let’s help you make a smart choice about your fitness experience by breaking down Planet Fitness membership options. Here’s everything you need to know about different tiers and what they offer.
Basic membership features
The Classic membership is your starting point at Planet Fitness, which costs $15.00 monthly plus taxes and fees. This simple tier has:
- Unlimited access to your home club
- Free fitness training
- Free WiFi access
- Basic app workouts
- Partner rewards and discounts
You’ll need to commit to 12 months with this membership and pay a $49.00 annual fee. If you’d rather pay all at once, you can go for the $229.00 annual option with no monthly payments.
Black Card benefits
The PF Black Card® membership raises your gym experience to the next level at $24.99 monthly. This premium membership has:
- Access to any Planet Fitness location worldwide
- Premium PF+ app workouts
- Unlimited use of massage chairs
- Access to HydroMassage™ beds
- Tanning facilities
- Total Body Enhancement booth
- Half-price drinks from coolers
- Premium partner rewards and discounts
Black Card members pay just a $1.00 startup fee with no long-term commitment. The standard $49.00 annual fee still applies, but the extra perks often make up for the higher monthly cost.
Guest privileges and restrictions
The guest privilege system stands out as one of the best Black Card perks. Here’s what you should know:
Guest Policy Details:
- You can bring one guest per visit at no extra cost
- Guests must be 18 years or older
- The same guest can join you each time
- Your guest needs to stay with you during the visit
- Guests can use basic amenities
These guest privileges work at any Planet Fitness location. This feature works great for:
- Workout partners
- Family members
- Friends who want to try the gym
- Travel companions
Note that guests can’t use premium amenities like tanning or Hydro Massage. While you can bring someone anytime, they must exercise when you do – no solo visits allowed.
Think about how you’ll use the gym when picking your membership. The Black Card’s extra $14.99 monthly cost over the Classic membership might be worth it if you travel often or love working out with friends. Having access to any Planet Fitness worldwide really helps if you travel for business or split your time between different places.
The guest privilege feature makes the Black Card membership budget-friendly for couples or roommates. But remember, both people must visit together, which might not work with different schedules.
Your fitness routine and budget should guide your membership choice. The Classic membership might be right if you:
- Use just one location
- Work out alone
- Don’t need premium amenities
- Want lower monthly payments
The Black Card membership becomes a better choice if you:
- Need flexibility in gym location
- Love post-workout recovery amenities
- Exercise with a partner regularly
- Travel a lot
Both options give you access to Planet Fitness’s core strength – a judgment-free space with all the essential fitness equipment. The real difference lies in the extra perks and flexibility that come with the Black Card upgrade.
FAQs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkiRVdQlc-w
Why are there no saunas at most Planet Fitness locations?
Planet Fitness generally does not include saunas or steam rooms in their gyms. The primary reason is the high cost associated with installing and maintaining these facilities, which would likely lead to an increase in membership fees.
Can I bring any size water bottle to Planet Fitness?
Yes, you can bring water bottles of any size to Planet Fitness, provided they have a screw-on top. Water bottles with press-on tops are not permitted due to the risk of spills.
What exactly is a fitness pool?
A fitness pool is designed to allow for a variety of aquatic workouts in a compact space. These pools support activities aimed at achieving fitness goals, including cardiovascular exercises, muscle-building routines, and comprehensive full-body workouts.
Does a Planet Fitness membership grant access to multiple locations?
Yes, the PF Black Card® membership offers several benefits, including the ability to access any of the over 2,600 Planet Fitness locations worldwide. This membership also allows you to bring a guest each time you visit.
Has Planet Fitness introduced swimming pools at their locations?
No, Planet Fitness does not typically have swimming pools at their locations. This aligns with their business model focused on providing budget-friendly fitness options without extensive additional amenities like pools.
Conclusion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkiRVdQlc-w
Planet Fitness excels as a budget-friendly gym that focuses on quality workout equipment instead of premium amenities like pools. The gym keeps membership costs low and provides quality workout experiences with its well-managed facilities and supportive staff.
A choice between Planet Fitness and gyms with pools depends on your fitness goals and budget. The gym delivers great value through its $10 basic membership or $24.99 Black Card option. You’ll need to explore other options if swimming is significant to your workout routine.
Getting fit doesn’t require premium amenities. Planet Fitness has many cardio alternatives and strength training options that help you achieve results like aquatic workouts. The judgment-free environment, paired with quality equipment and helpful trainers, gives you everything you need to succeed – minus the pool.
