The world’s most expensive pools can cost millions or even billions of dollars to build. These top-of-the-line pools can be found at resorts and private residences throughout the world. A surprising number of them are open to the public, allowing anyone to enjoy a taste of the good life in a spectacular setting. The high price tag of these pools comes from the technology required to build big or to reach greater depths. It may also stem from the use of luxury materials like marble, mosaic tile or other fine design elements.
The list of world’s most expensive swimming pools is as follows:
San Alfonso del Mar: The world’s most expensive swimming pool is located at the San Alfonso Del Mar resort in Chile. The twenty acre pool is as long as three football fields and holds 66 million gallons of saltwater. Its deep end is 115 feet deep. Naturally, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s largest swimming pool. The water in the pool is in constant circulation, kept clean and clear by a computer-controlled suction and filtration system that draws water in from the ocean at one end and pumps it out at the other. Even at the pool’s deepest point, you can still see the bottom. Not only that, but the water is kept above 78 F in the summer. The nearby ocean water, by contrast, is only around 62 F. The most expensive swimming pool in the world cost nearly $2 billion to build and requires almost $4 million in annual maintenance.
Seagaia Ocean Dome: Seagaia is home to the largest indoor pool in the world. The pool is nearly 1,000 feet (300 meters) long and 328 feet (100 meters) wide, and it’s covered by a retractable roof that lets the sun shine in on warmer days.
Nemo 33: It is located in Brussels, Belgium. At 108 feet (33 meters) deep, Nemo is the deepest man-made swimming pool in the world. The entire pool holds an incredible 660,000 gallons (2.5 million liters) of water, and is filled with underwater tunnels and rooms for visitors to explore. Construction took 7 years and cost more than $3 million USD ($3.2 Euros)
Hearst Castle: California’s Hearst Castle is home to two luxury pools that are arguably the most famous swimming pools in the world. The Neptune pool is located outdoors, and measures 104 feet by 58 feet (32 by 18 meters), while the indoor Roman pool is slightly smaller. Built between 1924 and 1936, the entire property, including both pools and all furnishings cost less than $10 million.
Lev Leviev Residence: In 2008, Israeli billionaire Lev Leviev and his family moved into the most expensive private home ever built in the United Kingdom. Located in North London, the house cost $68 million USD (35 million British pounds) to build, and is home to one of the world’s most expensive private pools.
Gellert Thermal Baths: Located in Budapest, Hungary, the Gellert Thermal Baths are among the world’s oldest and most famous public bathhouses still in operation. Built between 1912 and 1918, the baths are a well-preserved example of the Art Noveau design popular during that period. The Baths feature multiple pools measuring more than 7,500 square feet (700 square meters), including an outdoor wave pool, children’s pool, and luxurious Roman baths.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: The Umaid Bhawan Palace in India is part hotel, part royal residence. One of the palace’s most spectacular features is its indoor pool, which is located deep underground in the heart of the building. Known as the “Zodiac,” the pool is circular and themed in a classic Art Deco style. The bottom of the pool is covered with tile mosaics depicting the signs of the Zodiac, while the walls and ceilings in the room are covered with thousands of one-inch (25.4-millimeter) tiles covered in gold.
Sarojin Resort: Thailand’s Sarojin Resort is home to one of the most luxurious hotel pools in the world. The Sarojin’s infinity pool measures 269 square feet (25 square meters) and overlooks the Indian Ocean.
Kitchukov Family Pool: The town of Gilbert, Ariz., is home to America’s most expensive and luxurious private pool. It was built by Red Rock Contractors and is at least 10 times larger than the average backyard pool. It took 5 months to build at a cost of $1 million and is equipped with waterfalls, fountains and a 15-foot (4.5-meter) waterslide.
City of Stars: Crystal Lagoons, the builders behind the mega-pool at San Alfonso del Mar, are using their patented filtering technology to construct increasingly large pools across the world. Their latest venture is located in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, and was opened in 2009. Residents and guests can swim or even sail a boat in this pool that’s expected to cost more than $5.5 billion
