Pool rules and choosing between the Main Pool and the Commune Pool

Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs has two outdoor pools: the Main Pool (Swim Club) is adults-only (18+) and tends to host weekend DJs; the Commune Pool is family-friendly and open to guests of all ages. Both pools are open daily for hotel guests from 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM and are included with the property's daily resort fee.
In this guide
Which pool should I pick: Main Pool vs Commune Pool?
Choose the Main Pool (Swim Club) if you want an adults-only environment. The Main Pool enforces an 18+ age limit and often features weekend DJ programming, giving it a livelier, party-oriented vibe.
Choose the Commune Pool if you’re traveling with children or if you prefer a quieter, all-ages atmosphere. The Commune Pool is open to guests of all ages and is better suited for families or anyone who wants a more relaxed swim.
If you’re traveling with teens or a mix of ages, plan to use the Commune Pool — the hotel enforces the adult-only rule at the Main Pool, so children and teens under 18 are not permitted there.
- Main Pool (Swim Club): 18+ only, weekend DJs, adult-oriented atmosphere
- Commune Pool: all ages welcome, family-friendly environment
- Both pools: open daily 7:00 AM–2:00 AM for hotel guests and covered by the resort fee
| Pool | Age Policy | Typical Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Main Pool (Swim Club) | 18+ only | Livelier, DJs on weekends |
| Commune Pool | All ages | Laid-back, family-friendly |

Official pool hours, access and who can use them
Both pools are available to registered hotel guests daily from 7:00 AM until 2:00 AM. Access to the Swim Club pools is included in the hotel's daily resort fee.
Non-hotel guests may be able to buy day passes via third-party services (for example, ResortPass) — check availability and event notices before you go, since special or ticketed events can change access rules.
- Hotel guests: both pools included with resort fee and open 7:00 AM–2:00 AM
- Main Pool: enforced 18+ age restriction (no minors)
- Commune Pool: open to guests of all ages
- Special events (pool parties/DJs) may affect access or atmosphere
| Who | Access |
|---|---|
| Registered hotel guest | Both pools (included in resort fee) |
| Non-hotel guest | Day passes sold via third parties (availability varies) |
| Minors under 18 | Allowed at Commune Pool; not allowed at Main Pool |

Pool rules and common on-site policies
The hotel enforces the Main Pool's 18+ rule. The room-booking guest must be 21 or older to check in; minors may stay when accompanied by a parent or official guardian.
Pools and surrounding areas can host DJs and events, especially at the Main Pool on weekends. Special or ticketed events may change normal pool access and the resort may restrict pool use during private events.
- Bring photo ID if asked — age policies are enforced at the Main Pool
- Pool hours for guests: 7:00 AM–2:00 AM
- Resort fee covers pool access for hotel guests; day passes sold separately
- Private or ticketed events may limit access to one or both pools
| Policy | What to expect |
|---|---|
| ID check | May be required at Main Pool to verify 18+ |
| Resort fee | Covers pool access (fee charged per night to rooms) |
| Events/DJs | Main Pool often has weekend DJs; noise and crowd sizes can increase |

Families and children — practical tips
Families should use the Commune Pool. It is explicitly family-friendly and welcomes children of all ages while the Main Pool is restricted to guests 18 and older.
The hotel’s booking and check-in rules require the person who books and checks into a room to be at least 21; children 12 and older are typically charged at the adult rate, per the property’s policies.
- If traveling with kids, plan Commune Pool time for swimming and daytime lounging
- Bring any needed child supplies — the hotel does not advertise supervised childcare at the pools
- For multi-generation travel, confirm which adults will handle check-in (must be 21+ with photo ID and a credit card)
| Situation | Best pool |
|---|---|
| Parents with young children | Commune Pool |
| Adults traveling without children | Main Pool (18+), or Commune Pool for quieter time |
| Guests under 21 staying with guardian | Use Commune Pool unless all adults in party are 18+ and meet check-in rules |
What to bring and poolside services
The hotel provides poolside food and drink service; King's Highway and the Swim Club area offer dining and cocktails nearby. The resort fee includes pool access but not meals or drinks.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a towel if you prefer — the property provides rolled towels at loungers, but policies on towel service or cabana reservations can vary by day or event.
- Essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, refillable water bottle
- Towels: rolled towels are commonly available at pool loungers
- Food & drinks: available poolside and via King's Highway/The Amigo Room (these are not covered by the resort fee)
| Item | On-site availability |
|---|---|
| Towels | Usually provided at pool loungers |
| Poolside food & drinks | Available for purchase from pool bar/restaurant |
| Cabanas/daybeds | Present around pool; reservation or fee policies may apply (check with hotel) |
How pool programming affects your stay
Weekend DJs and Swim Club events typically center on the Main Pool and increase noise and crowd levels; if you prefer quieter pool time, try weekdays or earlier mornings at either pool.
If you're planning an event or attending one (private parties, weddings, or ticketed pool days), contact the hotel or check event listings ahead of time — special programming can temporarily change which pools are open to general guests.
- Main Pool: busiest during weekend DJ sessions (Friday–Sunday) — expect a party atmosphere
- Commune Pool: steadier, more family-focused cadence with fewer large DJ-driven parties
- Check with front desk or event calendar if attending during holiday weekends or local festival dates
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Weekends (Fri–Sun) | Main Pool often hosts DJs and larger crowds |
| Weekdays | Both pools tend to be calmer; mornings are quietest |
| Event days | Possible restricted access or private reservations |


