11 Extraordinary and Unusual Swimming Pools You Need to Visit

Love swimming? Then you’ll have to put these 10 incredible pools from around the world on your bucket list.

1. Marina Bay Sands Resort

The Sands SkyPark Infinity Pool in Singapore creates one of the most stunning optical illusions you’ll ever see. At first glance, it looks like swimmers are about to fall off the edge of a waterfall into the stunning Singapore skyline. But no need to fear falling; this rooftop pool is best known for its amazing view.

2. Blue Lagoon, Iceland

A man-made geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon is a huge attraction for tourists and local Icelanders alike (contrary to what the name may imply, swimming is a popular pastime in Iceland). The sky blue water is naturally filled with minerals that soothe the skin and the warm water creates a tranquil environment for all who visit.

Blue lagoon pool iceland — Source: http://blog.icelanddesign.is/christmas-calendar-19-svava-atladottir/blue-lagoon-1

3. Seagaia Ocean Dome

Unfortunately, this unbelievable indoor beach at the Sheraton Seagaia Resort in Miyazaki, Japan was closed indefinitely in 2007 for renovations. However, this one’s just too legendary to omit from the list. The Ocean Dome featured an artificial volcano that erupted every 15 minutes as well as a retractable roof to let natural sunlight in. Visitors could even surf on the manmade waves!

4. Crocosaurus Cove

This wild diving experience is located in – where else? – Australia. “The Cage of Death,” as it’s called (no worries, it’s perfectly safe!), allows swimmers to swim with massive 18-foot long saltwater crocodiles behind a thick acrylic tube. It’s an up-close experience like none you’ve ever seen before.

5. Ubud Hanging Gardens

This swimming paradise offers a breath taking outlook over the valleys and jungles of Bali. In this nature-inspired pool, swimmers feel as if they’re floating just above the treetops. You’ll enjoy the peaceful soundtrack of nature as you’re surrounded by suspended candles and served poolside drinks.

6. The Library Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand

Don’t be fooled by this seemingly crimson water. The water in this pool is actually clear, but deep red and orange mosaic tiles on the bottom create the illusion of a maroon oasis just steps from the white sand beach.

the red pool — Source: http://www.thelibrary.co.th/the-red-pool.html

7. Icon Brickell Viceroy

You won’t have to worry about the pool being full here! Located in downtown Miami, this is the longest pool in the entire United States. It stretches further than three city blocks and is filled with 300,000 gallons of water. There are actually dining tables set up in the reflection pool so guests can simultaneously have lunch and cool their feet off in the water.

Source: http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/miami/overview

8. Homestead Caldera, a.k.a. “The Crater”

The Crater is a natural hot spring surrounded by a rock dome, and it’s borderline otherworldly. Located about 30 miles outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, The Crater is over 10,000 years in the making. The dome lets in sunlight while the crystal clear water at a constant temperature of 90-96 degrees keeps you warm. You can do more than swim here: visitors can partake in historical tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, and even paddle board yoga.

9. Beer Pool

That isn’t just a clever name – this pool located in Austria’s Starkenberger Brewery Castle is literally filled with hot beer for guests to swim in. The warm beer is rich in calcium and vitamins and is said to be healing for the skin, but it’s not advisable to drink. Guests can order cold, clean beer from the brewery.

Beer Pool Austria — Source: http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/starkenberger-beer-resort

10. Hanging Pool at The Joule Hotel

This one is for the daring. The pool in Dallas, TX extends 8 feet out over the side of the hotel – from the tenth floor. Not only can swimmers watch city goers below, but people on the street can look up at the swimmers as well.

11. San Alfonso Del Mar

This wouldn’t be a proper top 10 list without the largest swimming pool in the world. That’s right – this pool located in Algarrobo, Chile, spans 20 acres and holds an astounding 66 million gallons of seawater pumped and filtered from the Pacific Ocean. If you just did a quick take, you would probably think it was part of the ocean itself!

world's biggest pool San Alfonso Del Mar — Source: http://ideasgn.com/travel/san-alfonso-del-mar-chile

swimming pools

Creative Ideas For Decorating Your Pool Deck

Looking to revamp the area around your pool? Whether you want a quick upgrade or a total overhaul, we’ve got some ideas that can bring new life to your pool deck!

Festive Lighting

You can change the entire mood of your yard by switching up your lighting. Candles are relatively inexpensive, easy to find, and provide a sense of warmth and tranquility. White, unscented tea lights scattered on your patio table are simple and elegant, while mixing and matching candles of different heights and sizes can make for a soft, eclectic look. You can kill two birds with one stone with citronella candles – they’ll keep your living space well-lit and ward off mosquitoes.

Many people also enjoy tiki torches, which make pool-goers feel like they’re on a tropical island. They’re low maintenance, repel bugs, and can burn brightly for hours.

For effortless creative lighting, string up some Chinese lanterns or even clear-colored holiday lights around dining and lounging areas. Not only do they add some charm to your living space, but they provide soft lighting once the sun goes down – perfect for entertaining friends or enjoying dinner outside.

Vibrant Plants

Plants are an easy, eco-friendly way to add some brightness and texture to your yard. Flowers can especially brighten up the area around your pool. They add a pop of color and exhale pleasant fragrances into the air. Some people like to build a garden bed near the pool to simulate a natural-looking environment. If this isn’t your style, other options are to plant some shrubs around the perimeter of your yard or decorate the patio area with potted or hanging plants. There will obviously be a little more maintenance work when you add plants, but for many, the effort is worth it.

Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular in recent years, and with good reason. Having a kitchen you can easily access from your deck simplifies the way you utilize your pool and patio. It’s no longer just an ordinary patio or pool deck – now it’s an additional living space. Imagine having an Independence Day party and being able to grill and prepare food without rushing around! You can mingle with your guests as you cook, and you don’t have to worry about dropping any dishes as you transport them from the kitchen. Having your kitchen right outside with you saves everyone the extra time and trouble.

Outdoor Cabana or Pergola

Cabanas open up a world of possibilities for your outdoor living space, depending how you furnish them. You can create a peaceful retreat by adding drapery and including a lounge chair, cushions, blankets, and candles. It’s the perfect place for reading or a nap in the shade.

Conversely, your cabana can also become everyone’s new favorite place to relax during a party. Many people add comfortable patio furniture, a coffee table, and a rug beneath their cabana to create another “room” outside. It’s a great spot for entertaining guests or enjoying the nice weather. For those who like having meals outside, another idea is to build a dining area under your cabana or pergola with a dinner table and chairs.

Texas Man Turns Backyard Pool into Water Park

In Texas where the scorching summer temperatures often hit the triple digits, it’s not uncommon for people to have swimming pools in their backyards. But have you ever heard of someone turning their backyard into an entire water park ?

That’s exactly what Hal Jones, a man from Austin, did with his home pool. Jones reportedly spent about $2.2 million dollars to build a total of four pools on his property next to Lake Travis. The incredible project includes a giant hot tub (it can hold 30 people!), a kiddie pool, a Lazy River, an infinity pool, waterfalls, a 60-foot high waterslide, and even a swim-up bar. According to Jones, he built the pool to share with friends and members of his community. It sounds like it’s getting its fair share of use, as Jones states that at one point over 450 people were swimming in it at once!

Proving that things really are bigger in Texas, the larger-than-life pool holds over 190,000 of water. The costs of maintaining the pool are pretty substantial as well: monthly bills often reach $5,500 even before paying staff and bartenders! In addition, electricity bills usually run the owner an extra $3,500 each month.

But the costs are worth it for Hal Jones. Despite the high operating costs, he calls the pool “an investment” and estimates that the pool is worth about $3.2 million now, a million more than what he initially put into it.

As pool designers and builders, we always love to see what creative innovations others dream up for their own pools. You may not want or need a pool that can accommodate 450 people, but if you want to get started on building your own backyard oasis, contact Sanchez Pools in San Antonio today at 210-732-5202.