Atrium Athletic Club

Tipco Tower, Rama 6 Rd., 02-271-4200. Open daily 6am-10pm

The Scene: The pool itself is simple, but the area is impressive. Housed in the atrium of the club, you could take a dip while overlooking traffic congested on expressways and residential areas with a sunset backdrop. This is a small temperature-controlled pool, so it’s limited to only five swimmers at one time.

The Price: B4,280 for one month and B17,000 for three month memberships. No day passes.

Best For... Low-profile, (very) high-profit residents of the area.

Benjasiri Garden

Sukhumvit Rd., beside The Emporium, 02-258-2377. Open daily 10am-8pm

The Scene: On your left is a well-decorated garden, on your right is the flashy Emporium Tower. No, you’re not in a hiso sport club—believe it or not, this is a BMA-owned pool featuring simple but perfect surroundings.

The Price: One-year membership: B10 for children, B40 for adults. B5-15 entrance fee to use the pool for 90 minutes. You’ll need to present a medical certificate when applying for membership.

Best For...Those who have limited budget but love to say, “Where do I swim? Well, around the Emporium.”

Lumpini Park

Rama 4 Rd., 02-252-8035. Open daily 7am-8pm

The Scene: This is the older version of the Benjasiri pool, but most importantly it’s populated by ah mah and ah sor with their little nieces and nephews. People here know they’ll have to queue if they want to go swimming, so if you’re a new kid on the block, watch and learn.

The Price: One-year membership: B10 for children, B40 for adults. B5-15 entrance fee to use the pool for 90 minutes. You’ll need to present a medical certificate when applying for membership.

Best For... Ah muays and ah tees that need to bring their elderly relatives for poolside social activities.

Millennium Hilton

123 Charoen Nakorn Rd., Klongsan, Si Phraya pier, 02-442-2000. Open daily 7am-10pm

The Scene: Is this a view to die for or what? While you’re dipping your tummy, you can also enjoying the astonishing scenery. Forget hard, cold tiles: This luxurious hotel pool gives you white sand—yes, white, soft sand. There are also pool beds along the side of the pool and even in the pool. Five-star everything, so you can get whatever you desire—drinks, snacks, towels or a pool boy with nice abs.

The Price: It hasn’t “officially” opened yet, but you can bet the price won’t be cheap. Call for info.

Best For... Ladies who lunch, posh Thai yuppies, foreigners, tourists, wannabes, lottery winners, and umm… maybe some BK readers.

Nai Lert Park Hotel

2 Wireless Road, 02-253-0123. Open daily 7am-7pm

The Scene: Here’s an oasis in the middle of the city. The overall size is big but the shape is not Olympic, so if you’re thinking of doing laps, forget it. You can expect every service here that a luxurious hotel can offer.

The Price: Various flexible memberships are available for individuals, couples, corporate members and for off-peak times, too. Prices range from B5,000-33,000 and B500 for a day pass. Membership gets you a 20-25% discount on some facilities and outlets.

Best For... Greenpeace members, Jane and Tarzan or the kind of people who want to feel like them, people who love to have afternoon tea or cocktails.

The Olympic Club

Pathumwan Princess Hotel, Rama 1 Rd., 02-216-3700. Open daily Mon-Fri 6am-11pm, weekend and public holidays 7am-10pm. www.theolympic-club.com

The Scene: This outdoor, 25m long pool is in one of the most popular fitness centers in Bangkok, which means showing off your breast stroke is a must. But the major highlight is the water: The pool is treated with sodium chlorinate that doesn’t spoil your hair and skin.

The Price: Day pass is B550. Membership ranges from B2,500 (one month off-peak) to B35,000 (one year full-time).

Best For... Baby boys or girls whose skin is purer than a gold bar, serious swimmers or elderly folks who don’t want to spoil their skin and what hair they have left. 

Sports City

20/262-4 Moo 9, Prachachuen Rd., Bangtalad, Pakkred, 02-575-0078/-86. Open Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat-Sun 8am-9pm. www.sportscity2002.com

The Scene: Located in the mega Sport City complex with lagoon scenery next to the lake. Worth driving to even if you don’t live or work nearby.

The Price: General fitness memberships, which include pool access, range from B26,750 to B32,100 for one year. Day pass is B650.

Best For... Suburbanites who have escaped the inner city, big families with fat wallets, kids being groomed for athletic greatness.