I actually prefer a Lake, but only a specific lake. This lake is particularly big and we call it the beach. It's a fresh water lake, so no salty waves in my mouth. It's called Lake Superior. That's my beach. Littered with fancy gemstones and agates.
If it's a pool, I go for a water park. Pools are funner with slides. Being in the winter land, I'm not going for any polar plunges...so winters = water park and summers = beach.
Being from Florida, I will also typically choose not to swim because that lake, in my opinion, stays super cold through a good portion of the summer. I am not a fan of cold water. I'm a pansy when it comes to cold water. Unless I'm drinking it. Then it's gotta be super ice cold.