See 12 stunning home swimming pools for every price

Home pools just got even cooler

With temperatures on the rise, especially during summer periods, there's an increasing need for home cooling solutions, and none are more refreshing and inviting than swimming pools.

Today, designers are flexing their creative muscles more than ever before, delivering a diverse range of pool solutions that can be fully customised to fit in with your home, and your budget.

Click or scroll on as we dive into some of the coolest swimming pool options on the market today.

1. Natural pools

With environmental concerns now at the fore, natural pools have increasingly become more popular, as they require no chemicals and instead rely on aquatic plants to create a self-efficient ecosystem for filtration.

As well as being more eco-friendly and providing clean and clear water, they also cost less to fit than many pools. Prices for natural pools start at around £50,000, and they're cheaper to maintain than conventional pools too.

2. Shipping container pools

This modern, compact pool option opens up the potential of pool ownership to those who don’t have the space ordinarily needed; we're talking people who have a small garden, or only have access to a rooftop.

The modular design of a container pool, like this sunken one from Cubepools (pictured), means they can be delivered either fully formed, with no need for construction or landscaping, or can be built on site to fit in your desired space.

For those who like to take a sustainable approach, the fact that they're giving new life to old shipping containers is an added bonus.

3. Plunge pools

Another space-saving solution, these pools are significantly smaller than traditional designs. While you won’t be able to indulge in some morning laps, they could still play a big part in enhancing your wellbeing as they're great for cooling dips in summer and cold-water therapy in winter.

Due to their smaller size, they do tend to be at the lower end of the price scale, with prices for in-the-ground plunge pools starting from as little as £15,000.

4. Indoor pools

Not content with offering swimming year-round, regardless of the weather, indoor pools are now taking it up a notch with cutting-edge smart features.

Automated filtration systems, temperature control, mood lighting, and robotic cleaners are now commonplace. For those who don’t want to waste sunny days by the side of an indoor pool, many now come with retractable roofs and sliding doors or connect to outdoor pool areas for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

As you might imagine, this all comes at a cost. You can expect to pay upwards of £85,000 for the basic set-up and more than £200,000 for the more lavish options.

5. Infinity pools

For a true holiday-all-year-round feel, you might want to invest in an infinity pool. Usually the preserve of luxury hotels and resorts, these design wonders have an invisible edge that creates the illusion of the water blending with the sky and the rest of the surrounding landscape.

Requiring more complex design than most other pools, infinity pools are more expensive. They start at around £110,000 and can reach £250,000 or more, depending on customisation.

6. Swim spas

A popular trend right now is creating compact private wellness areas, which all-in-one swim spas are perfect for.

Coming in a range of specifications, from in-ground pools to transportable units, a swim spa gives you the option of both taking a relaxing dip and an energetic workout session where you ‘swim’ against the current, basically a hot tub you can swim in.

Prices vary depending on specification, but you can expect to pay around £40,000 for starter options.

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7. Lap pools

Offering both style and function, lap pools are having a moment as more of us look to stay in shape and fit exercise into our daily routine.

Usually rectangular to maximise space, lap cools come in a variety of styles, from terracotta-edged designs that look like they belong to a Tuscan villa to minimalist pools that wouldn’t look out of place in a luxe resort.

Due to their shape, lap pools require larger areas than most and costs vary hugely, depending on size and materials, with fibreglass and polyester pools costing from £20,000 to £65,000 and ceramic pools likely to set you back anywhere from £50,000 to £150,000.

8. Waterfalls

For a real wow factor, you might want to consider installing an elaborate water feature that will create a focal point and enhance the sense of calm with its soothing sounds.

In addition to being an aid to your wellbeing, your pool’s waterfall can also act as a natural air purifier and improve the water circulation.

While adding a simple cascade to an existing pool is relatively affordable, designing a luxury pool from scratch with an elaborate water feature can be significantly more expensive.

9. Swimming ponds

For a pool that will grow with your garden as well as your family and create that real back-to-nature feel, why not build a pond with swimming in mind?

With no chlorine and plenty of the good stuff – think flowers, grasses, fresh water, and potentially lots of wildlife, it will create a sense of calm and togetherness. Steps can be added for ease of access, while a pontoon you can jump in from adds a sense of fun.

Comparison site Checkatrade says a swimming pond should cost in the region of £350 per square metre, that's around £32 per square foot, but you may also need to factor in design costs.

10. Rooftop pools

Who needs membership of Soho House when you can have your own rooftop pool at home? With space at a premium in many cities, this is a growing trend among architects looking to appeal to owners who want to combine an outdoor pool and breathtaking views.

In the past, most rooftop pools were built using stainless steel to address the weight-loading strain the pools place on buildings. However, modern versions apply the same composite technology used in the motorsports world. According to Spaflo, you should expect to pay upwards of £25,000 for a rooftop pool.

Freeform pools

Freeform pools allow you to commission a pool to suit your creative urges and can be any shape or style you want.

Flowing lines that mirror your house's design may appeal, or maybe you want to create something entirely different outside, an Art Deco pool worthy of Old Hollywood or a classic Roman/Greco homage, perhaps?

Whatever style you choose, remember that while your imagination may be limitless, your budget probably isn't. The design work that goes into these beauties means they can cost a lot more than ordinary pools.

12. Integrated wellness

Another emerging trend is for pools or vitality pools that combine different wellness aspects.

Think pools with plunge pools or hot tubs by the side, or all-in-one relaxation areas that connect to indoor steam rooms and saunas where you can truly unwind.

Sunpads are another potential upgrade, but the combination of all the different elements, together with the necessary landscaping and design work, means you will need a healthy budget for this luxury option.

Pool know-how

Whatever style of pool appeals to you, consider it against your budget and the space you can spare, but also think about how it will fit in with your lifestyle.

Maintenance is crucial if you don't want your pool to be a fad, so get a pool you know you'll be able to look after adequately. This is especially important if you're looking to add value to your property.

According to Compass Pools, in the luxury property market, pools can add as much as 15% to a property's value. However, you should also seek to future-proof your pool by exploring durable materials and enhanced energy efficiency from the heating to the lighting.

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