We visited Des Moines' new adults-only beach house

We don't have white beaches, blue waters or tropical skies. But that sure doesn't mean Des Moines doesn't try.

Driving the news: Broadway Beach House , Des Moines' newest 21+ pool, recently opened on the city's east side at 5100 Hubbell Ave.

• Call it FOMO towards all my friends at resorts right now, but I had to check it out.

Catch up fast: The former 1950s Broadway Motel was converted to a " Florida-style " pool by metro developer Ryan Smithson, who's owned several downtown properties like The District Bar & Grill.

What they're saying: When I told people I was going to visit, there were a lot of questions.

• Mainly — what actually happens at an adults-only pool on the east side?

Details: I went on a Saturday, the second day it was open.

How it works: When it first opened, admission cost $50 upfront. You received three $8 vouchers back for food and drinks, totaling $24. Now, admission costs $20-$25 depending on the day, without vouchers.

Yes, but: None of the food items cost $8. Seltzers were $9 and specialty cocktails were $10+, making the voucher math difficult since you don't get change back.

• I opted for $8 beers and $8 well drinks to keep it simple.

State of play: The space contains a two-story building with bars on both levels, lounge chairs around the pool and cushioned lounges for rent.

• The pool was shallow and during my experience that afternoon, everyone just drank and stood in the water, basking in the sun while waitresses walked around.

Zoom in: The rules include what you might expect at adults-only establishments, like no naked swimming or sloshy drunk behavior.

The intrigue: $300 cabanas are available to rent for the day.

• But rather than your typical open-air shelter with screens, these are motel rooms without beds, just a couch, private bathroom and blinds.

The bottom line: It was a fun day hanging out at the pool, without any splashing or distractions from kids.

• But expecting any Florida or resort vibes is a stretch, especially alongside Hubbell Avenue.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect a change in admission pricing.

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