One of the Rio's four pools features a sandy beach. Photo by Jane Kalinowsky. A boy plays in the pool at Mandalay Bay recently. Mandalay Beach features a wave pool and a lazy river. Photo by Isaac Brekken. Guests lounge at a pool at the Flamingo Las Vegas, which is part of the resort's 15-acre wildlife habitat. Photo by Jane Kalinowsky. The beach is only a part of the 11-acre water feature at Mandalay Bay. The resort boasts a lazy river and three pools, including a wave pool. Photo by Isaac Brekken. The MGM Grand's lap pool gives guests a chance to exercise while cooling off. Photo by Isaac Brekken.

Swimming pools are as much a fixture in Las Vegas resorts as poker tables and slot machines.

But not all are created equal.

Swimmers and sunbathers will find everything from the small, but functional, square hole in the ground to the massive, sandy beaches of some imaginary tropical island. Most resort pools fall somewhere in between. What follows is a list of 10 pools that are see-worthy.

They all have a few features in common: none have diving boards; food and drinks are available at poolside bars or restaurants; and towels are provided by the hotel. Lifeguards also are on duty. Most of the pools are open only to hotel guests and require room keys for entrance. Exceptions are noted below.

MANDALAY BAY, 3950 LAS VEGAS BLVD. SOUTH

Three pools and one lazy river anchor Mandalay Beach's 11-acre playground for water and sun lovers.

One of the more popular pools is the 7-foot-deep wave pool that creates swells as high as 6 feet.

The beach, complete with sand, is so vast it seems like you're on some tropical island, but for the hotel towers in the background. European sunbathing is allowed at the topless beach. The hotel provides chaise lounges. Cabanas and bungalows are available for $250 to $750 per day.

FLAMINGO LAS VEGAS, 3555 LAS VEGAS BLVD. SOUTH

For the water slides alone, this might be one of the best pools in town. But throw in the exotic wildlife, the waterfall and the lush landscape, and Flamingo's pool is a clear winner, at least with the kids and kidlike. Four pools, including a kiddie pool, make up the swimming area, which is part of the 15-acre wildlife habitat. That's where African penguins, real flamingos, pheasants and a variety of other fowl live. Lounge chairs are provided.

RIO, 3700 W. FLAMINGO ROAD

This is one of the few resorts that opens its pools to the public, for a fee. Weekday entrance costs $5, while admission on weekends is $10. About 800 chaise lounges provide sunbathers with options. Swimmers can choose from four pools: the shell pool, which has a sandy beach; the fish pool, so named because it's shaped like a fish; the clam pool, shaped like a clam; and the lagoon pool, a regular swimming pool. None are deeper than 4 1/2 feet. Three of the pools feature waterfalls and shady areas. Ipenema girls in thong bikinis serve drinks.

THE MIRAGE, 3400 LAS VEGAS BLVD. SOUTH

While many resort pools restrict admission to guests only, this pool is known for its strict admission policy. It's nearly impossible to get in without a room key. But once you're inside, it's like being transported to an exotic island. Two swimming pools, a network of interconnected lagoons, waterfalls and lush foliage set a tranquil stage. You can swim or walk to islands, where palm trees provide shade.

Later this summer, Bare, billed as an adult alternative pool, is scheduled to open. That means European-style sunbathing, daybeds and disc jockeys.

FOUR SEASONS, 3960 LAS VEGAS BLVD. SOUTH

This is one of the smaller pool areas, as the Four Seasons has only one pool. And there are no waterfalls or slides or excessive foliage or even cabanas. But the poolside service makes this a noteworthy pool. Wait staff serves slices of oranges, cucumbers, Popsicles, Evian spritzers and chilled towels to sunbathers reclining in padded lounge chairs. They'll also clean your sunglasses for you.

MGM GRAND, 3799 LAS VEGAS BLVD. SOUTH

This swimming complex consists of five pools, each with a movie industry name, and a quarter-mile lazy river. The Director's pool is open to adults only, while lap swimming is allowed in designated swimming lanes. The hotel offers 30 cabanas that can be rented for $150 to $200 a day.

PARIS LAS VEGAS, 3655 LAS VEGAS BLVD. SOUTH

Situated on top of the hotel, the Paris pool affords sunbathers a nice Strip view of its Eiffel Tower, Bellagio's Lake Como and a panorama of the valley. Cabanas are available for $150 to $325 per day. If you want to break up the monotony of all that swimming, guests can receive massages poolside.

CAESARS PALACE, 3570 LAS VEGAS BLVD. SOUTH

Swimming at Caesars Palace must seem like swimming at some ancient Roman palace. Four pools are surrounded by the grand architecture that the resort is famous for. European-style sunbathing is allowed at the Venus pool, which features frozen towel service. Cabanas are available for $150 to $265 per day.

HARD ROCK HOTEL, 4455 PARADISE ROAD

Almost five acres of sand and water make up the Hard Rock's famous pool. Swimmers can play blackjack at swim-up tables, too. The pool is open to the public free of charge Tuesday through Thursday. Fridays and Saturdays will cost you $25 for admission. Sundays are Rehab parties. Local women can get in for $15, while admission for guys costs $30. The pool offers raft rentals for $15.

TREASURE ISLAND, 3300 LAS VEGAS BLVD. SOUTH

Treasure Island's pool makes the list for the Party Tub, a whirlpool that seats as many as 50 people. But there's also one regular pool, surrounded by the requisite cabanas -- $150 to $200 per day -- chaise lounge chairs, cafe and wait staff.