19 Spectacular Pools From Around the Globe
These incredible infinity pools, heavenly oceanside pools and luxurious lap pools around the world have unmatched allure. Take a dip
A well-designed swimming pool is the liquid centrepiece of your home and can turn your backyard into a decadent escape. Whether you prefer to lounge poolside, dip your toes before diving in or cannonball your way to the centre with panache, the images below are sure to have you dreaming of chlorinated, saltwater or natural water pools. Let’s suspend reality for a few minutes and imagine that we’re looking out into the gorgeous waters of the pools below.
2.
Aptly called “The Matador,” this crimson-tile lap pool and its retaining wall completely contrast with the surrounding landscape. The pool adds visual interest beyond its striking hue. From this angle it looks like one step over the ledge would take someone straight into an abyss of trees and branches.
Aptly called “The Matador,” this crimson-tile lap pool and its retaining wall completely contrast with the surrounding landscape. The pool adds visual interest beyond its striking hue. From this angle it looks like one step over the ledge would take someone straight into an abyss of trees and branches.
3.
The undulating curves of the chairs are repeated in the arc of the infinity pool, which begs the question: Which came first, the pool or the deck chairs?
The undulating curves of the chairs are repeated in the arc of the infinity pool, which begs the question: Which came first, the pool or the deck chairs?
4.
This pool comes alive at night with underwater LED lights. The landscape lighting is pretty amazing as well; the tree in the background looks ablaze.
This pool comes alive at night with underwater LED lights. The landscape lighting is pretty amazing as well; the tree in the background looks ablaze.
5.
I consider this image to represent my holy trifecta of water at home: a dipping spa, an infinity pool and an ocean right at my fingertips. Whoever lives here must have the most amazing tan.
I consider this image to represent my holy trifecta of water at home: a dipping spa, an infinity pool and an ocean right at my fingertips. Whoever lives here must have the most amazing tan.
6.
This image shows the holy trifecta of pools for kids: A waterfall, a slide and a diving board give the young and the young at heart plenty to do on a hot summer day.
This image shows the holy trifecta of pools for kids: A waterfall, a slide and a diving board give the young and the young at heart plenty to do on a hot summer day.
7.
This contemporary indoor lap pool makes no attempt to replicate nature. Instead, it imitates the strong lines and sleek features of the house that surrounds it.
This contemporary indoor lap pool makes no attempt to replicate nature. Instead, it imitates the strong lines and sleek features of the house that surrounds it.
8.
Here we’re transported to Kerala, India, where a seamless edge and sand-coloured stone fool us into thinking that we’re at the beach instead of poolside.
Here we’re transported to Kerala, India, where a seamless edge and sand-coloured stone fool us into thinking that we’re at the beach instead of poolside.
9.
This wintry concrete pool image conveys what it must feel like to be a polar bear in the Arctic. Fortunately, a combination of gas heaters, an automatic safety cover and freeze protection keep the pool and swimmers from freezing.
This wintry concrete pool image conveys what it must feel like to be a polar bear in the Arctic. Fortunately, a combination of gas heaters, an automatic safety cover and freeze protection keep the pool and swimmers from freezing.
10.
There’s something very Zen and slightly aquarium-like about this pool, with its glass surround and stone and pebble flooring. Walking from one end to the other must feel like getting a gentle foot massage.
There’s something very Zen and slightly aquarium-like about this pool, with its glass surround and stone and pebble flooring. Walking from one end to the other must feel like getting a gentle foot massage.
11.
Contemporary homes and pools don’t have to be angular. This spa and pool form a figure eight that echoes the arc of the staircase in the interior, throwing this massive home a few curves.
Contemporary homes and pools don’t have to be angular. This spa and pool form a figure eight that echoes the arc of the staircase in the interior, throwing this massive home a few curves.
12.
Here’s another seamless “beach entry” pool. The stone colours of the pool walls complement the burnt orange, brown and green landscape; the pool looks like a small oasis, a liquid mirror reflecting the beauty that surrounds it.
Here’s another seamless “beach entry” pool. The stone colours of the pool walls complement the burnt orange, brown and green landscape; the pool looks like a small oasis, a liquid mirror reflecting the beauty that surrounds it.
13.
A trough filled with art glass at the bottom of the pool makes the coolest, most original lane marker, don’t you think? I’d have no trouble swimming straight in this water.
A trough filled with art glass at the bottom of the pool makes the coolest, most original lane marker, don’t you think? I’d have no trouble swimming straight in this water.
14.
This is definitely an article about dream pools, because I think I see a tree in the middle of this pool with sapphire and pearl tiles.
This is definitely an article about dream pools, because I think I see a tree in the middle of this pool with sapphire and pearl tiles.
15.
The wide steps and shallow water level of this pool are perfect for days when you feel like just being partially submerged. The steps, the view and the way the arch frames the entire backyard and landscape make this pool image one of my favorites.
The wide steps and shallow water level of this pool are perfect for days when you feel like just being partially submerged. The steps, the view and the way the arch frames the entire backyard and landscape make this pool image one of my favorites.
16.
Handrails may interrupt the sight lines of infinity pools, but for families and people with difficulties in the water, they add a safety element that makes them a winner.
Handrails may interrupt the sight lines of infinity pools, but for families and people with difficulties in the water, they add a safety element that makes them a winner.
17.
Multiple waterfalls activated by remote control, a swim-through grotto that leads to a swim-up bar, a kitchen, a flagstone patio with a TV and a sound system, plus a dizzying array of custom light shows created just for the homeowner make this the pool version of a man cave.
Multiple waterfalls activated by remote control, a swim-through grotto that leads to a swim-up bar, a kitchen, a flagstone patio with a TV and a sound system, plus a dizzying array of custom light shows created just for the homeowner make this the pool version of a man cave.
18.
The scuppers and water bowls must surely have a calming effect, but the real winner of this pool is the Italian tile island table, where cocktails and fruit drinks can await.
The scuppers and water bowls must surely have a calming effect, but the real winner of this pool is the Italian tile island table, where cocktails and fruit drinks can await.
19.
This tiered pool takes its cues from the agrarian structure of rice terraces and perfectly blends in with the lush landscape that surrounds it. It’s the perfect place in which to watch the sky turn from blue to shades of orange and purple, ushering in the night.
Read more:
5 Extraordinary Pavilions and Pool Houses
8 Petite Pools: Small in Size, Big on Luxury
Tell us: Share pictures of your pool in the Comments below. Also tell us what feature would you like to incorporate from this story into your pool.
This tiered pool takes its cues from the agrarian structure of rice terraces and perfectly blends in with the lush landscape that surrounds it. It’s the perfect place in which to watch the sky turn from blue to shades of orange and purple, ushering in the night.
Read more:
5 Extraordinary Pavilions and Pool Houses
8 Petite Pools: Small in Size, Big on Luxury
Tell us: Share pictures of your pool in the Comments below. Also tell us what feature would you like to incorporate from this story into your pool.
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This pool is the azure jewel of a villa that overlooks neighbouring islands in the Caribbean. Although the cabanas draped in yellow fabric and the lounges look inviting, I’d probably spend all of my time in the water looking out into the horizon at sunset. No music, no reading material, no phones — just water all around.