Poolside etiquette fades as resorts prioritize party-goers

The Changing Dynamics of Poolside Culture

Sunbeds, once a symbol of leisure and relaxation, are no longer the guaranteed luxury they once were. The competition for prime poolside spots has turned each morning into a territorial scramble, setting the tone for the day. What was once a peaceful routine is now a tense, fast-paced race for control. The fight for loungers and the competing music playlists have transformed the atmosphere into something more chaotic than serene.

With poolside manners fading as resorts cater to party-first tourists, the environment has shifted toward louder beats, fewer boundaries, and rising tensions between guests seeking serenity and those craving stimulation. This clash of expectations has become part of the daily atmosphere, turning what should be a relaxing setting into a social tug-of-war. As resorts struggle to satisfy everyone, the sense of calm that once defined poolside culture is slowly being replaced by urgency and noise.

A More Relaxed, Party-Focused Atmosphere

The cultural shift at poolside has redefined what’s considered acceptable behavior. Smoking, drinking, and loud conversations, once quietly discouraged, are now often tolerated if they keep guests engaged and spending. This change is particularly evident in the United States, where pools are central to daily life. With 10.7 million swimming pools, including 309,000 public or commercial ones, Americans view pool culture as a defining part of how they relax, gather, and socialize.

This leniency stems from the pressure on resorts to keep guests entertained and satisfied. In a hospitality market where expectations keep evolving, many properties prioritize positive reviews over strict enforcement. High-spending groups are often allowed to bend the rules in exchange for loyalty and satisfaction. However, this trade-off can lead to unintended consequences, with tension building between guests who have differing expectations for how a resort pool should feel.

Tensions Rise in Shared Spaces

When towels meet speakers, and sunrise sprints clash with mid-afternoon playlists, poolside peace becomes a moving target. Here’s where the day-to-day tension becomes visible, playing out through loungers, volume dials, and unspoken turf wars.

Chairs, Towels, Chaos

Poolside seating has turned into a competitive sport, as guests wake early to reserve loungers with towels and personal items. What was once a casual routine now feels like a strategic race for space. To manage the tension, many resorts now assign attendants to monitor usage and remove items after a set period of inactivity. Even with rules in place, the morning dash for poolside real estate remains a familiar ritual, driven more by habit than fairness.

In some destinations, guests queue at locked gates, poised to sprint the moment access is allowed. What might seem like harmless fun often escalates into frustration, especially when families or older guests are left without a seat. For these travelers, the pool becomes less of a refuge and more of a battleground.

Speakers and Party Vibes

The quiet pool used to be a staple of resort life, but that norm is quickly disappearing as social energy and sound systems take priority over silence and rest. Personal Bluetooth speakers are now a common sight at cabanas and pool edges, with competing playlists turning shared spaces into unintentional sound clashes.

MTV’s “Spring Break” coverage played a significant role in shaping this culture, broadcasting raucous artist vacations from places like Cancun and Daytona Beach and embedding the idea that every pool is a party waiting to happen. While this works well for travelers chasing social energy, it often leaves others scrambling for peace and quiet.

Chris Black, writer and co-host of the podcast “How Long Gone,” told Town & Country that he avoids the noise altogether by booking only adults-only resorts. His choice reflects a growing trend among travelers who seek environments that align with their preferences.

Why Poolside Etiquette Matters

The erosion of poolside etiquette might seem like a minor annoyance, but it reflects broader trends in travel behavior and shifting guest dynamics. When courtesy and shared space give way to entitlement and volume, the guest experience suffers across the board. Families with children often feel pushed aside by party-driven groups dominating the scene.

Older travelers may also find themselves navigating loud music and overcrowded decks to enjoy some sun, particularly in popular destinations where tranquility is hard to come by. Resorts in places like Las Vegas and Miami struggle to balance a vibrant atmosphere with basic comfort. For staff, the challenge is daily and delicate: maintaining calm without alienating big-spending guests who expect more freedom than structure.

Etiquette, in this context, is about maintaining a livable, enjoyable environment for everyone using the space. When the vibe is dictated by the loudest or most assertive, the result is often a space that feels exclusive instead of inclusive. That subtle shift in tone can determine whether a resort feels welcoming or alienating to entire groups of travelers.

The Pool Is No Longer Just for Swimming

As resorts continue to blur the lines between leisure and nightlife, the poolside scene is becoming a reflection of the broader travel culture: louder, faster, and harder to regulate. For some, that means more fun; for others, it signals the loss of something more peaceful. What’s clear is that when poolside manners vanish as resorts cater to party-first tourists, they’re mediating a cultural divide between those who crave energy and those who come for calm.