Best Swimming Pool in Laughlin?

Quote: MrV

Never been to Laughlin.

How is the water quality in the Colorado River>'

Does it move, or is it slow and stagnant?

Naegleria fowler (brain eating amoebas) sometimes pops up in the southern Colorado river. Don't stir up the bottom.

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm going to check out Avi. I'll let you know how it turns out... unless a brain eating amoeba gets me first.

Quote: MrV

How is the water quality in the Colorado River>'

Does it move, or is it slow and stagnant?

Water going down the Colorado River supplies the Imperial Valley farmers with water (personally, I oppose the subsidy they get), and is a significant source of water for the LA and San Diego areas, although they also get water from northern California. My point being is that a lot of water flows down the river. So it is nice water to swim and play in. However, there are some spots, like around the Avi, where the river spreads out, causing some stagnant areas. When I stayed at the Avi years ago I thought the portion of the river by the casino smelled funky. It is much better in all the other Laughlin casinos, where the river is narrower.

Go to google earth; zoom to the southernmost tip of Nevada; You will see the Avi; At the bottom of the screen click on 1994; You will see the Avi at that date; Look at the upper left of the screen-you will see a slider from 1994 to 2010 or so.- each hash mark in the slider is when there is a current picture. Good visual history.

Quote: MrV

Never been to Laughlin.

How is the water quality in the Colorado River>'

Does it move, or is it slow and stagnant?

It moves, and relatively rapidly when I was there. I guess that depends on the water management upstream of course. I've swam in worse and been fine. I swam in nicer outdoor locations too, but the Colorado was a good one to add to the list.

Quote: Wizard

Water going down the Colorado River supplies the Imperial Valley farmers with water

Does any of the water from the Colorado eventually make it to the sea?

Quote: EvenBob

Does any of the water from the Colorado eventually make it to the sea?

Yes, a small portion of it. We are required to give Mexico a certain share, and I think they do use most of their allotment. The outstanding movie Into the Wild told in part the true story of a guy who rode a kayak from the entrance to the Grand Canyon to the Sea of Cortez, so it must be at least enough water to ride a kayak on.

Quote: Wizard

Yes, a small portion of it. We are required to give Mexico a certain share, and I think they do use most of their allotment. The outstanding movie Into the Wild told in part the true story of a guy who rode a kayak from the entrance to the Grand Canyon to the Sea of Cortez, so it must be at least enough water to ride a kayak on.

I thought he had to get out and catch rides or carry the kayak through portions that could not be navigated (some due to rapids, but others because there wasn't enough water.) Apparently, due to dams, diversions, tunnels, etc., the water only reaches the sea in the wettest of years. Here is a link to a short write up from a press release of a book published by National Geographic

Quote: Ayecarumba

I thought he had to get out and catch rides or carry the kayak through portions that could not be navigated ...

I'm sure he did. The movie devoted about 15 minutes only to the Colorado River journey. When he got to the Hoover dam they showed he got around it by getting somebody to haul his kayak in a pick up truck further downriver. It did not get into other obstacles he may have faced.

Quote: Ayecarumba

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm going to check out Avi. I'll let you know how it turns out... unless a brain eating amoeba gets me first.

Well, the amoeba's didn't get me (I think), so here is my take on the Avi pool:

The Avi Resort and Casino is located on the bank of the Colorado about 10 miles south of Laughlin proper. The resort was founded and run by the Pipa Aha Macav (better known as the "Mojave") tribe.

The pool is fairly new, with chairs and lounges in very good shape, despite having to sit out in 110 degree heat during the summer days. There are actually three "bodies" of water: The main lagoon pool, an in ground jacuzzi, and a "kiddie" pool.

The main lagoon pool:

First off, the pool is only 3 feet deep, and not designed for swimming as exercise. However, it is well designed for lounging in and around. There are shallow plateau areas designed to actually put the lounges, chairs, and small tables in six inches of water. Much cooler than leaving them on the concrete.

The main pool is roughly in the shape of a horseshoe, which they then divide in half to try to keep some part of the pool "adults only". The waterfall feature is located in the area between the ends of the horseshoe, sending water down onto both sides. There is a submerged shelf running along much of the edge of the main pool, allowing folks to sit half submerged.

Supposedly, there is poolside drink and food service, but i didn't see a waitress.

The water was not crystal clear. I don't know if this is because the filter was not working properly, or due to the amount of chemicals in the water. With relatively shallow water, in a warm environment, and the pool getting a lot of use, it must be very difficult to get the balance just right. The water had a cloudy tint, and there was a steady supply of insects floating dead, or struggling to escape the water.

Despite the problems with the water quality, families had a great time. The shallow water is warmed by the sun (hopefully, just by the sun) and practically drown proof for those more than 5 years old, since they can easily touch the bottom. The waterfalls are fun and interesting for kids and the kiddie pool's sprayers are a great diversion.

The jacuzzi:

Is kidney shaped, next to the main pool, and quite large. It can probably hold 25 adults sitting around its edge. I didn't go in, so I don't know what temperature they keep it at. In fact, while I was there, the air temp was 110, so no one was in the jacuzzi.

The "kiddie" pool
Is circular, about 20 feet in diameter, and two feet deep. Located at two opposite ends of this pool are "fire hose nozzle" devices that the older kids can use to spray water across the middle (lots of fun, or hugely irritating, depending on which end of the hose you are on).

Notes:
The pools are only open to guests of the Resort. You need a room key to access it, and they put wrist bands on you once you are inside. Towel service is provided, either at the attendant station, or at a self serve kiosk. You swipe your room key, take out a towel, and watch as the kiosk weighs the remainder to determine how many were removed. If you don't return the towels, a $15 charge is added to your room for each one missing. I think this is more of a threat than an actual practiced, since the towel return is really just a drop bin. There is no apparent way to tell that you returned your particular towels.

There is a bar that also serves snacks located next to the kiddie pool. Two fresh water outdoor showers are provided for folks to rinse off before and after using the pool.

If you have kids, the pool at the Avi can be alot of fun.