The best heated pools in Melbourne

Open since 1908, Fitzroy Pool is a northside institution. Thanks to its big 50-metre heated outdoor swimming pool, lap swimmers can stick to their fitness routines all year round. Come summer though, it’s a much more happening and is the perfect place for people watching. Sunday afternoons are where the party’s at; DJs and live bands get the mood pumping. There’s also a gym, spa, sauna and a toddler’s pool for the little kids. Fitzroy.

The restored St Kilda Sea Baths exude that eclectic but easy-going ambience typical of St Kilda. The 25-metre seawater swimming pool is heated, but only uses a small amount of chlorine so you get less of that itchy feeling on your skin once you get out. If you really need to unwind, head to the hydrotherapy spa or the aromatherapy steam room, both will soothe tired muscles. St Kilda.

Prahran Pool is where to go if you want to see and be seen. The 50 metre outdoor lap pool is open year round – and it’s heated, so you don’t let the thought of icy cold water put you off in winter. Just off Chapel Street, summer at the Prahran Pool draws a mixed crowd, check out the beautiful people preening on the stairs, the cool kids lounging on the lawns or the families running around the toddler’s pool. Prahran.

The Adelphi Pool is just too cool for school. Sitting on a rooftop nine stories high, the heated salt-water pool juts out over Flinders Lane. The pool has Perspex floors, so bring your goggles if you want to check out the street below you. Yellow and white sun lounges dot the decking, and bar staff will deliver your drinks poolside. You can also hire the venue out for private functions. Melbourne.

The Carlton Baths have undergone major renovations, and now sit firmly in the 21st century. The inside is now sleek and modern, but the vibe still retains some of that old Carlton charm. The heated 25-metre pool is outside, and because of its shorter length, there tends to be fewer hardcore swimmers doing laps, so it’s a lot less intimidating. Carlton.

Nestled within the leafy streets of Glen Iris, Harold Holt (strangely named after our ill-fated Prime Minister) is a suburban haven for southside fitness junkies. Both the mosaic tiled indoor 25 metre pool and 50 metre outdoor pool are heated, so there’s no excuse not get your Thorpedo on. There’s also a gym, swim classes and a big shady area to loll about in the sun in the warmer months. Glen Iris.