Luxury Swimming Pool Ideas
Luxury pools are no longer just architectural showpieces - they’re strategic lifestyle assets that enhance well-being, elevate property appeal, and increase market value. For high-net-worth individuals and global buyers, a swimming pool is often a defining feature of a fully realised luxury home.
In cities like London, where outdoor space is rare and wellness is a growing priority, the addition of a pool - whether indoor, rooftop, or subterranean - significantly enhances desirability and differentiation, particularly in the super-prime bracket.
At DDRE Global, we advise clients on how to incorporate, evaluate, or market properties with pools as part of a broader lifestyle vision. Here, we share nine exceptional luxury pool design ideas that inspire, impress, and add tangible value.
Why Install a Pool?
A luxury pool offers both personal enjoyment and long-term property value. In high-end markets, it’s an expectation - not an add-on.
Benefits include:
- Wellness: Swimming improves cardiovascular health and relieves stress
- Aesthetic Appeal: A pool can anchor your garden, basement, or rooftop design
- Entertaining: Pools create dynamic spaces for hosting and family gatherings
- Value Enhancement: Increases buyer appeal in luxury property markets
Luxury Swimming Pool Ideas
Infinity Edge Pools
The hallmark of luxury resorts and super-prime villas, infinity pools create a seamless horizon effect that blends water with sky. Ideal for properties with expansive views, particularly in hillside or coastal settings.
Indoor Wellness Pools
Indoor pools allow year-round enjoyment and total privacy. Often paired with spas, steam rooms, and fitness suites, these pools are perfect for homes that prioritise wellness and tranquility.
Rooftop Pools
Rooftop pools offer a unique blend of urban luxury and elevated exclusivity. Whether in New York, Dubai, or Mayfair, they’re an iconic feature for penthouses or top-floor residences.
Plunge Pools
Compact but luxurious, plunge pools are ideal for inner-city gardens or courtyards. Great for hydrotherapy, they offer a refreshing break without requiring significant space.
Saltwater Pools
Preferred for their low-maintenance chemistry and natural feel, saltwater pools are gentler on skin and eyes - and increasingly specified in modern builds for their wellness benefits.
Swim Spas
Combining resistance swimming with spa hydrotherapy, swim spas are highly functional and popular with fitness-focused clients or those with limited space.
Glass-Walled Pools
Architectural and dramatic, these pools often form part of a central design feature — cantilevered into space, built over basements, or connected to living areas through clear panes.
Natural Stone Pools
A tactile and timeless option, natural stone pools blend with surrounding landscaping and architectural finishes. Materials like slate, limestone, or travertine add a grounded, organic quality.
Basement Pools
Discreet yet indulgent, basement pools allow for fully climate-controlled spaces under heritage or city properties - especially useful in Central London, where outdoor space is scarce.
Do Luxury Pools Add Value to a Property?
The short answer is yes - particularly in the prime and super-prime markets, where a pool is often seen as a defining element of a fully realised lifestyle property. For UHNW buyers, it’s less about ROI in the traditional sense and more about perceived value, desirability, and market positioning.
Why luxury pools add value:
- Lifestyle Alignment: Pools reflect modern expectations around wellness, privacy, and entertainment, especially in second homes.
- Differentiation: In tightly held markets like Prime Central London, a pool can set a property apart in the £10M+ bracket.
- Buyer Expectations: International clients, particularly from the Middle East, North America, and Asia, often view pools as a default feature, not an extra.
Why Pools Add Value in London
While outdoor space in London is limited, demand for wellness amenities continues to grow - particularly among international buyers relocating or purchasing second homes.
In areas like Mayfair, Belgravia, Kensington, Regent’s Park, St. John’s Wood and Hampstead, a pool (especially an indoor or basement pool) significantly enhances a property's appeal. Discreet luxury, privacy, and wellness are now core components of luxury living in the capital - and a pool directly supports all three.
“In London, we’re seeing more clients prioritise subterranean wellness spaces - pools, gyms, spas - even over square footage above ground.”
Benji Weinberger, Advisor | DDRE Global
Types of Pools Commonly Found in London Homes
Basement Pools
Popular in high-value heritage properties with limited outdoor space. These pools are often accompanied by full wellness suites.
Indoor Spa Pools
Built within extensions or garden pavilions, ideal for year-round use.
Courtyard Plunge Pools
Seen in boutique mews homes or townhouses, providing a private outdoor escape.
Glass-Walled Showpiece Pools
Found in ultra-modern homes in areas like St. John’s Wood or Holland Park.
Want to view properties with private pools in London? Explore our property listings or contact our team for bespoke opportunities.
Luxury Swimming Pool FAQs
Is a luxury pool worth the investment?
Yes. In prime real estate markets, pools increase both desirability and property value, especially when designed with architectural intent.
What is the best material for a luxury pool?
Natural stone, Italian mosaic, and glass tile are favoured for aesthetics and durability. Many UHNWI also choose eco-conscious filtration systems or saltwater setups.
Can I install a pool in a basement or townhouse?
Absolutely. Basement pools are a growing trend in London and New York, especially when outdoor space is limited. Our property experts can guide structural and planning considerations.
A well-designed luxury pool is more than a feature - it’s a lifestyle investment that adds beauty, calm, and value to your property. Whether you’re building from scratch or renovating a legacy home, the right pool can elevate every aspect of your space.
To discuss your next property or design-led renovation, speak to an advisor at DDRE Global today.
Related Reading
