Lets take a look at what the Polynesian has for cooling off. The original Polynesian pool (that was replaced in March 2001) was the Nanea Volcano pool. It was the only pool from 1971 till 1978. As you can see from the old postcard (below), the pool use to have a diving board at the deep end. This board was later removed. This pool was not the first volano slide in Florida but it was the most copied.
The second pool (the East Pool) was added in 1978 and was nicknamed the quiet pool. It was called the quiet pool because it has no slide and even after it was put in, it never was very popular with the kids. We all know where there are kids there are parents so now they were still all over at the volcano pool.
The Volcano pool has lifeguards on duty from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. These hours change to 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the offseason. This does not mean you can not swim before or after. The slide is closed after hours and there are no lifeguards.
They provide life jackets at the pools. Diapered children are required to wear swim diapers and can be purchased in the Polynesian stores. The pools are for use by Polynesian Resort guests only and fom time to time they do check for resort ID.
Even after they added the second pool the volcano pool was still very popular. Many liked it for its location right next to the beach and because of the slide, but it was not very big and there was not much seating around the pool. This became the resorts largest complaint. Because of these complaints they started construction on a new volcano pool in October 2000.
On March 10, 2001 the new Nanea Volcano pool opened. The area from the GCH to the beach was completely redone. They added a stream that starts at the GCH and winds its way down to the pool. The new pool has a 40 foot high volcano that has a 120 foot water slide inside of it.
The Volcano pool also houses a Barefoot Bar that serves drinks and snacks until fireworks and will continue to stay open if there is a demand for drinks. The Barefoot Bar not only has a great selection of beers and tropical drinks but it is a great spot to hang out and
visit with the friendly bartenders. Make sure you say Aloha to Tim and Steve if you see him there. Ask for the Auntie Mai Tai if you want a great drink.
Some other features of the new pool and volcano are the underwater jets, warmer water areas, in pool seating and at the beach end of the pool is a zero-entry area.
Off to the side will be a new kids wet play area. The pool was placed so that Cinderella's Castle is the backdrop for all your pool activity.
Rules state that the pools are exclusively for Polynesian guests only.
The Volcano pool will erupt throughout the day so keep your eyes out for it. There is a bathroom under the volcano with lockers and a changing bench. Also listen for the Hawaiian music when you are underwater in the pool.
There is a great view of the castle from the pool and is a favorite spot to be during the fireworks.
The pool also has a PVC wheelchair available under the lifeguard tower for use to roll into the zero entry area as well as a platform for those who want to get out of the wheelchair and into the pool.



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