We thought we would end this Water Week Series with some of the World’s Greatest Pools. Any piece of luxury real estate worth it’s salt will probably have a swimming pool on the property. Inside, outside, or both perhaps. This is a guide to the most luxurious, most insane, most expensive, most photographed and largest swimming pools in the World!

Although this started as a serious look at swimming pools in luxury homes, it is now just a little fun. As I began researching swimming pools I discover some pretty amazing variations. Not all these are private, luxury swimming pools, in fact, some of them are just plain scary. But they were so interesting I decided to forget about private pools and just make this a compilation of swimming pools from around the world.

Some of them are privately owned and in some of the most luxurious homes on the planet, but some of them are open to the public and a few of them are even free of charge. The pool at the top of the page is inside the Raj Palace Hotel in Jaipur, India. If you like what you read here, please feel free to submit this page to your favorite social bookmarking site.

The most-photographed/most famous pool

It could be argued that the most famous pools are the Hearst Mansion pools.

Interior

Exterior

The world’s largest outdoor swimming pool

The largest outdoor swimming pool in the world is actually a man-made salt water lagoon in San Alfonso del Mar resort in Algarrobo, Southern Chile. Now, they might have a big pool, but I certainly hope the same engineers didn’t build their website. If this one takes a long time to load, don’t be too surprised, all their electricity is going to keeping the pool filtered. The enormous pool uses a computer- controlled suction and filtration system to keep fresh seawater in permanent circulation, drawing it in from the ocean at one end and pumping it out at the other. The Guinness book of records acknowledged the pool as the largest in the world – 1,013 meters in length, covering 8 hectares. Many more photos after the jump.

Chilean biochemist Fernando Fischmann, whose Crystal Lagoons Corporation designed the pool, said advanced engineering meant his company could build “an impressive artificial paradise” even in inhospitable areas. “As long as we have access to unlimited seawater, we can make it work, and it causes no damage to the ocean.”

The World’s Largest Indoor Swimming Pool

This pool is in the Seagaia Resort in Japan. Capable of holding up to 10,000 people and with a Volcano that “erupts” every15 minutes. I dread to think of the noise with the roof closed.

The World’s Deepest Indoor Swimming Pool

The Nemo 33 diving pool in Belgium is, oddly enough, over 33 meters deep and heated to 33 degrees Celsius. This pool uses un-chlorinated spring water. Any one who has ever tried diving in Belgium will appreciate the luxurious comfort of being able to see further than the hand in front of their face

Most Precarious pools

Rooftop pools, pools perched precariously and infinity pools seem a popular addition to some luxury properties. The Gallery Evason hotel in Singapore has a glass-walled pool perched atop the stairwell.

The Villa Dall’Ava (Saint-Cloud, Paris) sports (sic) a pretty spectacular roof-top lap pool with a view overlooking the city of Paris. Although, if she dives in from there, I have a feeling she will bang her head on the side of the pool.

For more photos of this luxury home in Paris, pay a visit to Arte y Diseño at GXZONE.

The Four Seasons resort in Bali has a pool overlooking the jungle 50 feet off the ground. You cross a wooden bridge to get to the pool.

The Hotel Joule, Dallas, TX. Not to be outdone by the Four Seasons, the Hotel Joule in Dallas goes for something a little less precarious, but just as spectacular.

Photo Credit

Of course, sometimes, you just squeeze one in where you can, and this rooftop pool is in Manhattan, NYC.

This next one is probably my favorite infinity pool. In Bali, Indonesia. Click on the photo to see a larger image.

Photo Credit

This one comes a close second. Now that’s a view.

But the prize for the most precarious pool has to go to a natural pool. The Devil’s swimming pool, Victoria Falls.

Scary. And this one’s not for sale thank goodness. Photo Credit.

Oddly Shaped Swimming Pools

Coffin shaped pool

This particular swimming pool is in “Butlins” an English holiday camp. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, Butlins have traditionally been named “Butlitz” in reference to the WW2 prisoner-of-war camp, Colditz. It’s a place to take your family secure in the knowledge the kids are not getting out of the compound unnacompanied. Luxury indeed!

Photo Credit

Guitar shaped pools.

These seem pretty popular. At first I was thinking they would be unusual, but it turns out they are everywhere. In fact, the main claim to fame of Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia, seems to be the fact that it boasts a guitar-shaped pool and a country music festival.In fact, every third pool in Nashville, TN is legally required to be guitar shaped. Who knew?

Alabama shaped pool

The Governor’s house hotel in Montgomery, AL boasts an Alabama shaped pool.

Texas-shaped pool

This pool, is of course, some where in Texas.

In fact, I think it is a requirement that the governor of each state has a state-shaped swimming pool in the back yard.

Heart-shaped pool

This pool is in the Heartbreak Hotel, opposite Graceland.

Most Expensive Private Swimming Pool

I would think the world’s largest pool also counts as the most expensive, but there are certainly a couple of contenders for the most expensive private swimming pool. Rarely is the swimming pool sold as an optional extra, but this pool in Israeli billionaire, Lev Leviev’s home in London, which was the most expensive new home sold in London certainly warrants consideration.

Most Impressive Public Pool

For my money, the Gellért Thermal Baths in Budapest take this one. The Gellért Baths and Swimming Pool, is one of the most beautiful and elegant baths in Budapest, built between 1912 and 1918 in the (Secession) Art Nouveau style. They were damaged during World War II, but then rebuilt. References to healing waters in this location are found from as early as the 13th century. A hospital was located on this site during the Middle Ages. During the reign of the Ottoman Empire, baths were also built on this particular site.

The Gellért Baths complex includes thermal baths, which are small pools containing water from Gellért hill’s mineral hot springs. The water contains calcium, magnesium, hydrocarbonate, alkalis, chloride, sulfate, and fluoride. There are two different thermal baths, according to the signs on the walls of the baths, one is around 36°C and the other around 38°C. The thermal baths are decorated beautifully with mosaic tiles. The complex also includes saunas and plunge pools (segregated by gender), an open-air swimming pool which can create artificial waves every ten minutes and an effervescent swimming pool. Masseuse services are available. Different types of massage are available. In a half hour massage, patrons and are escorted into a room with 3 massage beds and are asked to remove all their clothing. The massages given are completely nude, with 3 massages going on in the same room at once. Gellért Baths also offer a wide range of medical services, but they must be booked ahead of time.

The indoor pool at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Rajhastan gets second place though.

Weird Swimming Pools

Some pools just defy description, or make you wonder who thought that one up. This particular pool, for instance, is actually a converted barge and floats on the Spree river in Berlin, Germany, where temperatures have been unseasonably warm this year. It’s called Badeschiff (”bathing ship”) which seems like an appropriate name.

Ice cold pool. I am not sure exactly where this pool is, but it looks “cool”

Thai Massage Pool. The Sarojin boutique resort hotel in Thailand believes in combining as many relaxing treatments as possible and lying on a bed floating in the pool looks like a great way to relax to me.

Thanks to: Luxury Property Blog

In Arizona Salt Water Swimming Pools are becoming quite popular. Salt water swimming pool maintenance has nothing to do with maintaining sea water. Salt water pools have a small amount of salt in the water and a chlorine generator makes chlorine using the salt. Maintenance of these types of pools is generally easier than standard pool maintenance.

Salt Water Swimming Pool Maintenance

For standards pools, maintaining chlorine levels requires the regular addition of chlorine chemicals to the water. In a salt water pool, the chlorine generator generates the chlorine constantly so it doesn’t have to be stabilized. Chlorine generators have been used for many years and have some benefits for pool owners:

• Don’t have to buy chlorine chemicals
• Less worry about algae forming in the pool
• Keep water balanced constantly
• Prevent much of the scum from forming at the waterline
• Water has no chloramines
• Chlorine produced is easier on the skin – less damaging

Salt water swimming pool maintenance is reduced as a result of the chlorine generated by the equipment. With less scum and algae build-up, it’s easier to keep water clear and clean. It’s also easier to keep the pool walls and waterline free of scum. Because chlorine is always being formed by the generator, the water stays balanced and sanitized.

The chlorine generator keeps pool water sanitized by transforming the salt water into hypochlorous acid. This is the sanitizer itself. The result is you don’t have to buy chlorine or sanitizing chemicals. The natural formation of chlorine is easier on the skin and the clothes. Salt water swimming pool maintenance is concerned more with equipment maintenance then it is with water balance.

Though you don’t have to invest as much time and money in water maintenance, you do have to make sure the chlorine generator is always running efficiently. If it’s not well maintained then the chlorine levels will not be adequate which can actually damage the pool. Some of the units are designed to be self-cleaning, but no matter what kind of system you purchase, the generator cells must always be clean.

Of course, in order for the chlorine generator to do its job, the salt in the water must be maintained at the right amounts. In some situations the chlorine levels can fall too low which means you must shock the water with additional granular chlorine. But as you can see, salt water swimming pool maintenance is much simpler than the maintenance on a regular pool.

Check out our gallery of pools and call us for a free estimate on remodeling your pool and upgrading to a salt water system

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Pools age, but unlike a fine wine, they don’t get better with age. Tiles chip and fade, plaster degrades and decking shows wear and tear.

Modern upgrades such as pool water features, rocks, waterfalls, attractive finishes and fiber-optic lighting inspire many renovations.

There are two basic levels of swimming pool renovation: new tile and plaster or a complete makeover, which often includes new plumbing and equipment. Dream Retreats landscaping will also put new pool decking on the pool which can give it new life.

Don’t forget the features! Adding pool features enhance the look and usability of your pool.

Water Features

Waterfalls and fountains are two great ways to enjoy the sound and beauty of moving water. They also provide strong focal points for your pool. A dramatic spillover or sheer water feature can be dynamic additions to an ordinary pool. Spilling over from a raised spa, rock wall, or any number of interesting places, water creates a spectacular point of interest.

Lighting

Lighting is another feature that can be added to your pool so that you can enjoy your pool into the Arizona desert nights. Underwater pool lights can provide clear or colored lighting to extend your swimming enjoyment well into the night. And fiber optic lighting can be even more delightful and can be used to emphasize other features such as waterfalls or spas. Landscape lighting brightens your pool setting for evening enjoyment. Highlight beautiful trees, shrubs, or pool features with uplights and spotlights, or light the way to romantic, secluded areas of your lawn with low-voltage pathway lights.

Digital Controls

Pool control has never been easier. With convenient digital controls, you can operate and even program your pool’s equipment without going outside. Lighting, heating, and cleaning can be controlled with the touch of a button. Additional control panels can be installed in other appropriate locations like a bathhouse.

Having a beautiful pool means having a mini-vacation every time you enter the backyard oasis. Even when your not in your pool it is a work of art that can be enjoyed.
]]> http://dream-retreats.com/swimming-pool-remodels/feed/ 0 http://dream-retreats.com/swimming-pool-with-stone-slide/ http://dream-retreats.com/swimming-pool-with-stone-slide/#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:16:25 +0000 admin http://blog.dream-retreats.com/?p=371 Video Extra: Swimming Pools

We are working on a project in Scottsdale Arizona with a pool remodel. We are using artistic pavers and have incorporated one of the core elements for Arizona desert landscaping design: Stone. We are using stone around the pool to create a natural looking slide. We are your Arizona landscape contractors and your “Dream Retreat” experts. Contact us today and get a free estimate and turn your backyard into a “Dream Retreat”.

Rushing, gurgling, trickling, roaring, or just sitting still. The sound of water is among nature’s most relaxing and tranquil sounds. Having a backyard landscape that includes water will truly inspire those around you and everyone will congregate around it.

Water features are among the hottest landscaping trends in the country and especially here in Arizona. From a pond with floating water lilies , rock sculptures with water streaming down, or water cascading down rocks into a swimming pool, is a much-desired element for an both small and large yards.

Waterfalls are extremely popular these days and can be constructed of natural or artificial rock. Incorporated into existing and new pools, waterfalls often increase a home’s value. As a spectacular stand-alone feature, a waterfall often feeds a pond, which can be stocked with fish, aquatic plants or both.

Another great backyard water-feature are fountains. Fountains can be small and go either in the front yard or the backyard. They can be grand or small. Water fountains can also be incorporated into a swimming pool instead of a waterfall.

The thing about water is that is has been around thousands of years to create particular ambiances. Water is fundamental for landscapes here in Arizona. It is a real commodity and it’s one of the three elements to use in landscaping in the Arizona desert— water, stone and plants.

Dream Retreats understand the benefits of landscaping with water and will help you create a water-feature to enhance your surroundings, whether that be to invigorate with cascading water or to create a sense of peace with a small pond that you can dip your feet into while enjoying a great wine. View our gallery of waterfeatures, pools, and ponds and see how we can help you create your “Dream Retreat”.

Stay tuned over the next week, you won’t want to miss it. You can subscribe and get the updates automatically to your email by just clicking on the “The Blog” tags up top. Kinda like a drip system irrigation (oh yeah, we’ll be talking about that also).

Remember, you can always contact us regarding any “water” question you may have. We are your Arizona landscape contractors and you deserve a “Dream Retreat”!