Do you have a swimming pool?
in Spanish¿Tienes piscina?
/tee-EH-nehs pee-SEE-nah?/
This is the most common and direct way to ask someone you know well, like a friend or family member, if they have a swimming pool. It's the informal 'you' (tú).
Whether you're at a hotel or a friend's house, knowing how to ask '¿Tiene piscina?' can be key to your travel plans.
💬Other Ways to Say It
¿Tiene piscina?
/tee-EH-neh pee-SEE-nah?/
The formal version of the question, used when addressing someone with respect (usted), like a hotel clerk, an elder, or someone you've just met.
¿Hay piscina?
/EYE pee-SEE-nah?/
A very common and slightly more impersonal way to ask. It means "Is there a pool?" and focuses on the existence of a pool rather than who owns or manages it.
¿Tienes alberca?
/tee-EH-nehs ahl-BEHR-kah?/
The Mexican equivalent of "¿Tienes piscina?". 'Alberca' is the preferred word for swimming pool in Mexico and some parts of Central America.
¿Tenés pileta?
/teh-NEHS pee-LEH-tah?/
In the Río de la Plata region, 'pileta' is the common word for a swimming pool, and 'tenés' is the informal 'you have' (the 'vos' form).
¿Tienen piscina?
/tee-EH-nehn pee-SEE-nah?/
This asks if "you all" have a pool. It's the standard plural form in Latin America and the formal plural in Spain.
¿Tenéis piscina?
/teh-NAYCE pee-SEE-nah?/
This is the informal plural ('vosotros') used in Spain to ask a group of friends, family, or people your age.
¿El hotel cuenta con piscina?
/el oh-TEL KWEN-tah kon pee-SEE-nah?/
A more formal and slightly more eloquent way to ask, meaning "Does the hotel feature a pool?". 'Contar con' is a common way to talk about amenities.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of the most common ways to ask about a pool, helping you choose the right phrase for the right situation.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Key Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¿Tienes piscina? | Informal | Asking a friend, family member, or peer. | |
| ¿Tiene piscina? | Formal | Asking hotel staff, elders, or people you don't know. | |
| ¿Hay piscina? | Neutral | General inquiries about any location (hotel, gym, park). | |
| ¿Tienes alberca? | Informal | Asking a friend or peer in Mexico. | |
| ¿Tenés pileta? | Informal | Asking a friend or peer in Argentina or Uruguay. |
📈Difficulty Level
Generally easy. The 'sc' in 'piscina' can be a slight challenge, sounding like 's' in Latin America and 'th' in Spain. 'Alberca' and 'pileta' are straightforward.
The structure is almost identical to English ('You have' -> 'Tienes'). The main grammatical step is learning the different forms for you (tú/usted/vosotros/ustedes).
The main cultural challenge is remembering the correct regional vocabulary (piscina/alberca/pileta). Using the wrong one isn't a big mistake, but using the right one is impressive.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering the correct regional word for 'pool'
- Choosing the correct formality (tienes vs. tiene)
💡Examples in Action
Disculpe, ¿el hotel tiene piscina climatizada?
Excuse me, does the hotel have a heated pool?
¡Qué calor! Oye, ¿tienes alberca en tu casa?
It's so hot! Hey, do you have a pool at your house?
Estamos buscando un piso para alquilar. ¿Hay pileta en el edificio?
We're looking for an apartment to rent. Is there a pool in the building?
Chicos, ¿tenéis piscina en vuestra urbanización? Podríamos ir esta tarde.
Guys, do you all have a pool in your housing complex? We could go this afternoon.
🌍Cultural Context
The Three Pools of Spanish: Piscina, Alberca, Pileta
The word for 'swimming pool' is one of the most classic examples of regional Spanish. 'Piscina' is the most widespread term, used in Spain and much of Latin America. 'Alberca' is king in Mexico, while 'pileta' reigns in Argentina and Uruguay. Using the local word is a fantastic way to sound more natural and show you've done your homework!
Community Pools are Common
In many Spanish-speaking countries, especially in cities, it's more common for apartment buildings ('condominios' or 'edificios') or gated communities ('urbanizaciones' or 'barrios cerrados') to have a shared community pool than for individual houses to have private ones. So, you'll often be asking if the complex has a pool, not just an individual.
Formality Matters, Even at the Pool
When asking staff at a hotel, resort, or gym, always use the formal 'usted' form ('¿Tiene...?'). It shows respect. Save the informal 'tú' form ('¿Tienes...?') for friends, family, and people your own age. Getting this right makes a great first impression.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Word for 'Pool'
Mistake: "Using 'piscina' everywhere, for example, asking a friend in Mexico City, '¿Tienes piscina?'."
Correction: In Mexico: '¿Tienes alberca?' In Argentina: '¿Tenés pileta?'.
Formality Mix-up
Mistake: "Asking a hotel receptionist, 'Oye, ¿tienes piscina?'."
Correction: 'Disculpe, ¿tiene piscina?'.
Confusing 'Hay' and 'Tener'
Mistake: "Asking a friend '¿Hay piscina en tu casa?' (Is there a pool in your house?)."
Correction: '¿Tienes piscina en tu casa?' (Do you have a pool at your house?).
💡Pro Tips
Use 'Hay' for Easy General Questions
If you're ever unsure about formality or who to ask, '¿Hay piscina?' ('Is there a pool?') is your safest bet. It's neutral, polite, and works in any context, from a five-star resort to a local gym.
Add an Adjective for Specifics
Need a particular type of pool? Just add the description after the noun. Learn phrases like 'piscina climatizada' (heated pool), 'piscina cubierta' (indoor pool), or 'piscina para niños' (kids' pool) to get exactly the information you need.
Listen for the Local Word
When you arrive in a new country, pay attention to how locals talk about the pool on signs, in brochures, or in conversation. Once you hear them use 'alberca' or 'pileta', switch over to that word to blend in seamlessly.
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico
'Alberca' is the dominant term, derived from Arabic. While 'piscina' is understood, especially in major tourist destinations like Cancún, using 'alberca' will make you sound much more like a local everywhere else in the country.
Spain
The use of 'vosotros' ('tenéis') for the informal plural is a key feature of Spanish from Spain. 'Piscina' is the only word used for a swimming pool.
Argentina
The use of 'vos' ('tenés') instead of 'tú' ('tienes') is standard in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. 'Pileta' is the universal term for a swimming pool here.
💬What Comes Next?
They confirm they have a pool.
Sí, claro. Está en la terraza.
Yes, of course. It's on the terrace.
¡Perfecto! ¿Hasta qué hora está abierta?
Perfect! Until what time is it open?
They say they do not have a pool.
No, lo siento, no tenemos.
No, I'm sorry, we don't have one.
Ah, vale. ¿Conoce alguna piscina pública por aquí cerca?
Oh, okay. Do you know of any public pools around here?
You ask a friend and they invite you.
¡Sí! ¿Quieres venir a nadar mañana?
Yes! Do you want to come swim tomorrow?
¡Me encantaría! ¿Qué llevo?
I'd love to! What should I bring?
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to ask for the Wi-Fi password
This is another essential question to ask at a hotel, café, or friend's house.
Is breakfast included?
It's a common follow-up question when booking or checking into a hotel.
Where is the beach?
If you're asking about a pool, you're likely on vacation and might need to ask about other nearby attractions.
What time does it open/close?
This is the logical next question after you find out there is a pool.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Do you have a swimming pool?
Question 1 of 4
You're at a hotel reception in Mexico City. How do you politely ask if they have a pool?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the biggest difference between 'piscina', 'alberca', and 'pileta'?
The only difference is the region where they are used. They all mean 'swimming pool'. 'Piscina' is the most common overall, 'alberca' is specific to Mexico and parts of Central America, and 'pileta' is used in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The object they describe is exactly the same.
If I use the wrong word, like 'piscina' in Mexico, will people understand me?
Yes, almost certainly. Especially in tourist areas, people are used to hearing 'piscina' and will know what you mean. However, using the local term like 'alberca' is a nice touch that shows you're making an effort to speak their specific type of Spanish.
When should I use '¿Hay piscina?' instead of '¿Tiene piscina?'?
Use '¿Hay piscina?' when you're asking about a place in general (a hotel, a city park, a gym). Use '¿Tiene piscina?' when you are addressing a specific person or entity that would 'have' or 'own' the pool, like asking a hotel clerk ('Does the hotel have...?') or a friend ('Do you have...?'). 'Hay' is a bit more impersonal and a great, safe default.
How do I ask if the pool is open?
A great follow-up question! You can ask, '¿La piscina está abierta?' (Is the pool open?). You can also ask about the hours: '¿Cuál es el horario de la piscina?' (What are the pool's hours?).
Is there a difference between the formal 'Tiene' and the plural 'Tienen'?
Yes. '¿Tiene...?' is for one person you are addressing formally ('usted'). '¿Tienen...?' is for a group of people ('ustedes'). You might use '¿Tienen...?' when speaking to two hotel clerks at once, or when asking a family if their house has a pool.
How is the 'sc' in 'piscina' pronounced?
In Latin America, the Canary Islands, and Andalusia (southern Spain), it's just pronounced as a single 's' sound: /pee-SEE-nah/. In the rest of Spain, the 's' is an 's' sound and the 'c' is a 'th' sound, making it /pis-THEE-nah/. Don't worry too much, either way will be perfectly understood.
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