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Vibe: With cabana-style reserved areas, flowing white drapes, tiki torches and palm trees around the Merritt Athletic Club pool, Pure Aqua creates a taste of L.A. in Canton. One might get caught up in the fantasy altogether, if not for the faint crabby scent drifting in from the harbor. Come prepared to flaunt what you've got—if you don't, management reserves the right to deny entrance based on its strict dress code. (No hats, no shorts, no baggy clothing, no tank tops, no hoodies—chic attire only, a designation based on management's discretion.) Order yourself a drink, eye the crowd and pretend to ignore calls from your agent, while discussing the latest in couture pool wear.
Crowd: This singles' crowd is comprised mostly of 25- to 35-year-olds, and everyone here is considered fair game. There seems to be an inverse relationship between the length of one's mini-skirt and the height of one's stilettos: The shorter the skirt, the higher the heels. Additionally, there didn't appear to be a single button-down shirt in the crowd that wasn't at least halfway undone.
Although ladies drink free until 10 p.m., the crowd didn't roll out in force until nearly 11:30 p.m. (but this could have been due to sweltering temperatures the night we visited). After 10 p.m., the cover is $10. Don't let this crowd edge you too close to the pool, though; one drunken slip into the water earns an immediate dismissal. Yes, it has happened before.
Libations: As discerning about its liquor as it is about its clientele, Pure Aqua doesn't pander to the "rail" crowd, and only offers call and top-shelf. A Bacardi and Coke runs $7, while Snow Queen Vodka (the house specialty) runs $9. Domestics and imports are $5.
Sounds: Pure Aqua employs a house DJ, but occasionally brings in big-name guests such as DJ KayJay, a.k.a. Kristin Jackson, the former Playboy model. Most nights, however, DJ Lou Koko spins pop favorites such as Kevin Lyttle and Rihanna interspersed with house and trance beats.
Service: New owner Ali Sadeghi and manager Mike Prkna go to great lengths to ensure guests receive the very best service. Additionally, it appears as though every staff member is required to submit a headshot along with his or her resume; staffers set an example for the crowd with their tanned good looks.
Bottom line: Open from Memorial Day through mid-September, and even then Saturday nights only from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. (weather-permitting), Pure Aqua is a chic summer escape from sweaty, indoor clubs. Don't be fooled by the term "pool bar;" this club is ultra-exclusive and demands upscale behavior from guests in exchange for definitive, high-class fun. Pure Aqua doesn't advertise, and for a very good reason: It prefers its clientele seek it out. At Pure Aqua, exclusivity is a virtue.
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