The 9 Coolest Pools in the World

From the Earth’s deepest pool to the tallest outdoor one, there are multiple record holders on this list

By Katherine McLaughlin

Here’s a question: Are the coolest pools the ones that offer the best respite on days when you feel that you’re about to overheat, or the ones that make the best use of creative and innovate design? While you could argue it either way, at these stunning creations, you won’t have to choose. Located across the world, these unique dips are sure to impress both the swimmer and the design aficionado. Even better, there’s more than one world record holder on this list—from the deepest pool to the tallest outdoor one—making them that much more alluring. Below, AD visits nine incredible pools around the globe, each overwhelmingly worthy of its cool factor.

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  • Photo: Marc Dozier/Getty Images 1/9Marina Bay Sands (Singapore)At nearly 500 feet long, the oasis on the the sky deck of Marina Bay Sands is the world’s longest elevated pool. It also happens to be the largest rooftop infinity pool and offers near-endless views of the city from the 57th story. The unique offering is only open to hotel guests, and a room key is required to gain access.
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  • Photo: Courtesy of The Joule2/9The Joule (Dallas, Texas)Located in a once-dilapidated 1920s bank building, The Joule is now a restored boutique hotel in downtown Dallas. Though much of the neo-Gothic charm alone remains a solid reason for a visit, daredevils may enjoy the eight-foot cantilevered pool jutting out from the side of the tower. As the hotel’s website reminds people, “The Joule gives ‘hanging out by the pool’ a whole new meaning.”
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  • Photo: OLIVIER MORIN/AFP?Getty Images3/9Y-40 The Deep Joy (Montegrotto Terme, Padua, Italy)Located at Hotel Terme Millepini, Y-40 The Deep Joy is the deepest pool in the world. Sinking to a depth just shy of 138 feet, the carved-out space, as CNN points out, could accommodate a 13-story building. Designed by architect Emanuele Boaretto, the facility is designed to attract both scuba and free divers.
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  • Photo: Victor Huang/Getty Images 4/9Sky Pool at Embassy Gardens (London, England)If your favorite part of swimming is floating, then the Sky Pool at Embassy Gardens might be just the place for you. Stretching 82 feet and suspended between two buildings, the clear bottom offers unobstructed views of London—and everything else—below. The building developers tapped structural engineers Eckersley O’Callaghan and Hal Architects to help bring the impressive pool to life.

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  Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle/Getty Images5/9Market Square Tower (Houston, Texas)Residents of Market Square Tower, a luxury apartment complex in Houston, Texas, have access to this glass-bottomed pull that juts out into the city skyline. In addition to the unique design, the swimming hole also holds an exciting record: the tallest pool in the Lone Star State.
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  Photo: zxvisual/Getty Images6/9Hanging Gardens of Bali (Ubud, Bali)Nestled in the Jungle of Ubud in Bali, the Hanging Gardens of Bali is a picturesque resort made up of a collection of luxury villas. Each comes with a private infinity pool, though it’s the cascading pool that really steals the show and was even awarded world’s best swimming pool by Condé Nast Traveler.
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  Photo: Euphoria Retreat7/9Euphoria Retreat (Mystras, Greece)For the sphere pool at Euphoria Retreat, the wellness retreat tapped more than just calming waters to help rejuvenate guests. When visitors dive below the surface, they’ll hear unique dolphin sounds, designed to further enhance their relaxation.

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  Photo: Olivier Blaud, ©StudioPONANT8/9The Blue Lagoon on Le Commandant CharcotWrapped around the stern of Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury icebreaker ship, the heated Blue Lagoon pool offers a unique setting to view some of the world’s iciest locations. Designed to travel through some of the most remote locations, the outdoor pool is warmed to temperatures between 80.6 and 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit using recycled energy from the ship.
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  Photo: © Arch-Exist9/9Guangxi China Resources Tower (Guangxi, China)It’s easy to argue that the highest outdoor swimming pool in the world would also be one of the coolest pools. Located at Guangxi China Resources Tower in Guangxi, China, the swimming area is part of a building designed by Chicago-based Goettsch Partners. The extraordinary pool sits on the 71st floor, 1,060 feet above the ground.