Our Favorite Pools and Poolside Spaces From HGTV Dream Homes and Smart Homes

This pool at HGTV Dream Home 2020 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina — with dark-stained bottom and pavers surrounded by live grass turf — makes an elegant statement and one that's especially suited to exteriors with sophisticated design and surrounded by lush vegetation. The dark surface of the pool evokes the look of a natural pond or spring while providing a reflective surface that highlights the home's natural surroundings.

This cloistered and secluded pool area at HGTV Smart Home 2013 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida exemplifies high-end exterior design and delivers a tranquil and inviting outdoor refuge. The pool's streamlined and unconventional shape, dense surrounding vegetation and proximity to the home's key interior spaces all combine to create a personal sanctuary with a soothing, relaxed feel.

The pool and patio at HGTV Smart Home 2022 will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a premium hotel or resort spa. With a gorgeous pool, expansive deck, pergola and full, rich landscaping, this inviting outdoor space makes for a calm and refreshing escape.

Waterfront views are a perfect companion when it comes to a well conceived pool. Some of the most stunning pools in this collection come with a strong connection to nearby natural bodies of water. This one at HGTV Dream Home 2016, in Merritt Island, Florida, sits overlooking the tranquil waters of the Indian River, and the Atlantic Ocean is just a stone's throw away. When thoughtfully conceived, a pool can be a natural extension of a coastal and beach-loving lifestyle.

A pool can be much more than just a place to enjoy a dip, a swim or a quick game of Marco Polo. The right pool can be a destination, a retreat, a calming getaway — a place to let go, reset and put your mind at rest. This one, at HGTV Smart Home 2022 in Wilmington, North Carolina, uses some of the best principles in elevated pool design — creating a Zen space with clean, simple lines and a place to rest your bones and soothe your soul.

That's just a taste of some of our favorite pool scenes. Scroll on for more views of HGTV Dream Home and HGTV Smart Home pools through the years.

Elevated Design. Tucked among pines and palm trees of South Carolina's Kiawah Island, HGTV's 2013 Dream Home is elevated on stilts, keeping the home safe through varied and unpredictable coastal weather. A welcoming porch and rear deck with plunge pool each offer splendid views of the beautiful surroundings.

The Edge of Infinity. Highlighting the rear deck is this infinity style plunge pool with dark-gray aggregate stone bottom contrasting with light concrete border. The pool is modern in its overall look and, with its dark bottom and contrasting light travertine-tile surround, takes on a particularly dramatic appearance when illuminated at night.

Easy Access. The pool is visible from both the great room and kitchen windows and is accessible via a private kitchen door. It's flanked by a series of casual, all-weather ottomans — creating a quiet spot to relax and enjoy late-afternoon cocktails and scenic views of the surrounding marshlands. Kiawah Island is rich in native wildlife local, and indigenous fauna such as dolphins, ospreys, great blue herons and deer can frequently be spotted from the pool deck.

A Pause That Refreshes. Adjacent to the pool area is this stylized outdoor shower that features saloon-style double doors fashioned from garapa wood, a dense hardwood native to Brazil — sometimes called 'Brazilian Ash' — that is resistant to weather and decay. If left untreated, it takes on a natural silvery tone as it ages.

HGTV Dream Home 2012 is a modern rustic ranch home located in picturesque Midway, Utah, located about 20 miles from Park City Ski Resort. Inside, singular spaces are connected like wings in a family compound. And though this Dream Home didn't come with an actual swimming pool, the location and overall design of the house is rooted firmly to an active, outdoor lifestyle — even boasting a lavish outdoor living room — and features a massive entertainment deck and separate hot-tub area, both with stunning views of Mount Timpanogas and the Provo River.

Come on in. The water's fine! The entertainment and hot-tub decks offer inviting and beautiful spaces — particularly at night — that are the ideal venues for relaxing after a day of skiing or other outdoor adventures. The six-seat hot tub features interchangeable jetpaks that control and customize the hydro-massage experience for each user.

Relief Within Reach. The hot tub area is situated just steps away from the family room's covered deck. The 13-foot incorporated bench is custom-crafted using the same durable composite material as the decking and is finished in grey to mimic the look of weathered hardwood.

Location, Location, Location. The surroundings are a star attraction at the 2012 Dream Home — with stunning mountain views and land that seems to stretch out forever. On the hot-tub deck, a stylized integrated corner-couch and cozy chairs upholstered in outdoor fabric offer the perfect spot for relaxing, entertaining and just soaking up the amazing outdoor vistas.

HGTV Smart Home 2013 is a high-end, high-tech vacation home located in the Jacksonville Beach community of Paradise Key South Beach. The home's unique state-of-the-art pool has a number of special features that make it truly distinctive — including a number water and lighting effects that can be controlled via an app on a remote-control tablet.

Instant Calm. The heated pool has a long and slender geometric design that mixes beautifully with both the home's lush, natural surroundings and the contemporary design of the house. The pool's deck and coping are flush with one another, helping create a unified and streamlined look.

Aqua Pura. Blue and green mosaic tile provides a beautiful touch that is echoed by similar tile surfaces found inside the home. It's just one of the carefully thought-out touches that contribute to an overall cohesive look throughout the home.

Relaxation Required. At the triangular upper end of the pool is a "sun shelf" (aka a "tanning ledge") — a shallow lounging area with a water-depth of just a few inches that forms an area ideally suited for lounging in the water and beating the daytime heat. There's also a bubbling fountain feature at that end of the pool that can be regulated via remote control and even illuminated with a range of lighting effects.

Swim Upstream ... or Simply Drift. The opposite end of the pool features an advanced jet system that can be engaged to provide continuous water circulation that allows users to "swim in place," against the current, for a healthy aquatic workout.

Bonus Kitchen. Adjacent to the pool area is this full-featured outdoor kitchenette as well as an outdoor dining space with seating for eight. The outdoor kitchen comes with a stainless steel grill, ample counter and storage space and task lighting in modern industrial style.

Night Vision. In addition to the colorfully illuminated fountain feature, the perimieter of the pool area is illuminated at night by recessed LED deck lights.

HGTV Dream Home 2016, in Merritt Island, Florida, embodies coastal and beach-inspired design through a spectacular remodel of an existing home. The spacious waterfront home sits on the banks of Florida's beautiful Indian River and is just a short drive from Atlantic Ocean beaches. A stunning pool and lanai are among the home's most appealing features.

Golden Hour. The Caribbean-inspired lanai, located just outside the kitchen door, is the perfect transition from inside to outside. On a warm evening, guests can move from the covered lanai to the open patio/lounge area that surrounds the pool.

Transitional Spaces. Large French doors open onto the lanai and pool, taking full advantage of the dramatic view and Florida's relaxed indoor/outdoor lifestyle.

Easy on the Eyes. The covered lanai and pool are surrounded by pinkish gray pavers that highlight the deep blue of the dark-bottom pool. The lanai comes with a casual dining area as well as an entertaining space that's set up to create the ambiance of an outdoor living room.

Trickle-Down Tranquility. A cascading water feature spills waterfall-style into the pool — with the sound of the rippling water creating a calming effect and contributing to the relaxed vibe of the outdoor space.

Easy Breezy. A raised sun deck is covered in paver stones and furnished with teak wood lounge chairs, a cushioned bench and accent tables. The raised structure gives the space a more separate, room-like feel. The deck provides a perfect venue for sunbathing or enjoying cool, breezy evenings and taking in the view of the river and the pool.

Expect Showers. An outdoor shower with white partition walls and privacy door is tucked into the corner of the outdoor living space — providing a place to wash off beach sand before entering the pool or the home's interiors.

Leisure in Four Seasons. The covered lanai allows year-round use of the outdoor spaces and, furnished with rattan seating and two dining tables, has a distinctly coastal vibe. The covered area also includes an outdoor kitchen with refrigerator and gas grill.

Dogs Welcome! One of this home's more charming and imaginative features is a generously proportioned doghouse, located in a landscaped area adjacent to the pool and patio, that mimics the architecture and color palette of the main house — even down to the metal roof, decorative columns and storm shutters.

HGTV Smart Home 2017 is a sleek and modern home set against the backdrop of the beautiful desert surrounding Scottsdale, Arizona. The home's dark-bottomed swimming pool and shaded outdoor room with subdued lighting help establish an outdoor vibe that's at once inviting and elegant. The outdoor lighting can be controlled remotely using a tablet and app.

Smart + Elegant. The large, rectangular pool has a fountain feature that sprays streams of water across its full width. The pool also comes equipped with a safety system with a remote alarm that sounds indoors if a child or animal accidentally falls into the water. Additionally, sensing technology provides reduced chances of false alarms due to wind, rain, etc.

Nature's Canvas. This stylish midcentury-inspired outdoor room sits adjacent to the pool. Furnishings in the covered space include a sofa and chairs upholstered in bright citrus green, color-coordinated throw pillows, an all-weather dining table, modern styled chairs and geometrically patterned area rug. Window-sized openings looking out onto views of the surrounding desert create the visual effect of framed landscape art.

Be Cool! A remote controlled mist system helps beat the heat, cooling the covered patio by spraying fine streams of water from above — thereby keeping things comfortable and increasing the time that can be spent outdoors during hot days and nights.

'60s Inspired. The home's primary bedroom, seen here looking in from the covered porch, exhibits the home's intentional and seamless flow between indoors and out. A modern hanging basket chair in black wicker offers a novel and eye-catching focal point for the space.

HGTV's Dream Home 2017 is located on the beautiful and verdant St. Simons Island off the southeast coast of Georgia. The design and décor of the newly remodeled waterfront home embodies a fresh take on Southern style. The pool and adjacent pool house are natural extensions of the home's classic and tranquil coastal vibe.

Sweet Serenity. Seclusion and tranquility are key among the home's defining themes. Dense trees and vegetation surround the property and help provide quiet and privacy. Cares and stress tend to vanish when relaxing by the home's cloistered backyard and pool — surrounded on all sides by natural beauty.

Color and Continuity. A row of six all-weather chaise loungers — in charcoal-black with white cushions and green throw pillows — are made to stand up to the elements while also providing luxury and comfort for relaxed afternoons and evenings by the pool.

Dine Alfresco. A pergola, painted in bright white, provides partial shade to an all-weather deck that's home to a grouping of small tables and chairs, making for a perfect spot for impromptu parties and gatherings. Nearby is a firepit surrounded by adirondack chairs, expanding use of the outdoor space during cooler months.

The pool itself is surrounded by grey paver stones, carrying on the light and neutral color palette of the outdoor and indoor spaces. This view, looking across toward the hexagonal pool-lounge building, highlights the strong connection and great flow of the home's interior spaces and carefully thought-out connection to the outdoors.

Indoor/Outdoor. The pool lounge, surrounded by full length windows and glass doors, does embrace the outdoors, but also includes the creature comforts of an interior room — creating an open and airy indoor-outdoor space well suited for reading, relaxing or entertaining.

Waterfront Dining. The pool area — seen here looking out from inside the pool lounge — includes an outdoor dining area with seating for six (where everyone has a perfect view!) as well as an outdoor grill with generous amounts of storage and prep space.

Deep Southern Hospitality. Lowcountry style meets West Coast glamour in HGTV's Dream Home 2020, located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The home's thoughtfully designed and structurally layered outdoor space functions as an outdoor gathering space and features a strikingly attractive pool, patio and a firepit among other welcome amenities.

Designer Bryan Patrick Flynn described the swimming pool at Dream Home 2020 as “the most spectacular pool I think we’ve ever done at HGTV Dream Home so far.” Using a black lining in the pool gives it a deep blue tone and mirror-like quality that reflects the home's exterior and the stunning natural surroundings.

Inspired Geometry. Concrete pavers surrounded by faux grass create an eye-catching geometric pattern around the pool area and also make upkeep a breeze. The pool/patio combination and meticulous layout all adds up to a glamourous space that's perfect for relaxing with coffee in the morning or for entertaining friends and family.

Bring Marshmallows. Custom outdoor furniture in rich blue upholstery helps transform the poolside firepit area into a truly refined outdoor room.

HGTV Dream Home 2022, located in Warren, Vermont, provides plenty of outdoor space for relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Vermont. In fact, the square footage of the strategically planned outdoor space is about equal to that of the home interior. "Vermont is a four-season state," says designer Bryan Patrick Flynn, "so I took that into consideration when designing all the outdoor spaces." From the covered back porch with seating for a crowd to the heated pool, the outdoor living spaces feel decidedly luxurious and inviting.

Mixed Media. Subdued, darker shades and luxe amenities give the entire pool area a polished and resort-like feel. A combination of three different styles of gray pavers make up the pool surround giving it an eye-pleasing architectural feel and adding depth and texture to the space.

Choice View. The pool and firepit are situated in the location that takes fullest advantage of the best and most scenic views available from the property. A mix of stone, tile, wood and upholstery in neutral shades combine at this outdoor fireplace to create a plush outdoor lounge space rich with natural textures.

Fitness & Fulfillment. The heated pool is perfect for taking a morning lap swim or just unwinding at the end of the day, enjoying calm waters set against the background of a striking, picturesque landscape.

Thoughtful Outdoor Design. Every detail of the pool and outdoor spaces at HGTV Smart Home 2022 is carefully thought out to enhance outdoor living with smart technology, beautiful design and a focus on relaxing spaces with enhanced connection and flow.

Easy Entertaining. The back deck stretches the entire length of the house and overlooks the pool and pergola — providing a quiet and relaxing oasis for everyday relaxation. Taking advantage of the size of the deck, designer Tiffany Brooks broke the space up into several distinct outdoor "rooms." An outdoor dining area situated just off the home's fabulous kitchen features a weatherproof gas grill and dining table with seating for six. There's also a screened porch for enjoying the outdoors year round.

Family Connections. Space for backyard games including cornhole keeps the focus on connecting with loved ones while enjoying the outdoors.

Lush, Secluded and Serene. The combination of a lounge-worthy porch, a gorgeous pool and a luxurious deck creates a magical outdoor setting. Evenings feel like a vacation next to the large dipping pool, and additional seating around an outdoor fire pit makes for a welcoming spot for evening evening.

Vision in the Desert. Illuminated at night, the interiors glow in HGTV's Smart Home 2023 highlighting the clean lines and modern Southwest aesthetic.

Southwest Spa Retreat. With room to relax, entertain, or enjoy the solitude of the desert, the backyard offers something for everyone — including a plunge pool and deck surround. A mix of organic textures including pea gravel, concrete and exposed wood beams gives the space a modern sensibility that plays off the simple lines of the adobe home.

Cool Dip. A cold plunge pool is the perfect way to chill out and feel refreshed during long sunny days in this backyard oasis.

Take a Load Off. Sleek lounge chairs invite relaxation and provide a place to dry off after an invigorating cold plunge.

Coastal Hues. Sunset views and peaceful waters surround the backyard at HGTV Dream Home 2024. The house is situated at the edge of a marsh with amazing access for viewing the surrounding scenery, mangrove swamps and wildlife. The color palette of the home's exterior, extending to the the patio, pool area and hardscape elements, is a mix of white, grays and soft blues — combining to evoke a relaxed, coastal vibe.

Soothing and Serene. The integrative design for the outdoor spaces incorporates a variety of distinct areas to eat, relax, unwind and just take in the lush semitropical surroundings. "I've taken inspiration from beach houses all over the world," says designer Bryan Patrick Flynn, "to give this house a one-of-a-kind laid-back Floridian look."

Multi Purpose. Within just a few steps from the pool are a pergola, a patio with loungers for sunbathing, separate seating ara and a full-service outdoor kitchen.

Grilling Enthusiast's Dream Kitchen. The full-service outdoor kitchen is ideal for barbecuing and fish fries and comes complete with gas grill, flat-top and kamodo-style charcoal smoker.

Something Different. Adjacent to the outdoor kitchen is a high-top bar with built-in fireplace that adds ambiance and warmth while providing an ideal gathering spot for dinner prep, conversation and anjoying the sunsets — even on cool, breezy evenings. The island bar also includes a large stone prep surface and integrated storage underneath.

Integrative Design. Custom hardscaping throughout the backyard patio space mixes a variety of tones and textures to delineate between the outdoor kitchen, pool area and pergola seating space while still maintaining a cohesive feel.

Rain or Shine. A covered second-story balcony and ground-level screened porch provide the perfect venues for poolside relaxation, regardless of weather.

Backyard Dreamscape. Multiple outdoor living areas, an inviting pool and ample seating combine at HGTV Dream Home 2025 to create an inviting outdoor sanctuary that serves equally well for unwinding on your own or for entertaining. The pool itself is surrounded by pavers and a retaining wall that doubles as a planter for added privacy, and features a built-in automatic retractible cover.

Let There Be Light. "HGTV Dream Home 2025 is all about the indoor-outdoor lifestyle," says designer Designer Bryan Patrick Flynn. "Everything about the exterior has classic Southern style." This space, located just off the primary bedroom, features a swinging bed, ceiling fan, recessed lighting and a plethora of comfy accent pillows. Matching sofas provide ample seating and create a fresh space for entertaining friends and family. All of the outdoor furniture is deliberately casual for an easy, comfortable vibe.

Fire and Water. The backyard at Dream Home 2025 feels like a private resort. A large pool elevates the outdoor space and transforms the patio into a personal outdoor oasis surrounded by golf greens and tall trees. A large outdoor fireplace anchors one end of the pool area while a pair of neutral outdoor sofas provides plentiful seating. A row of loungers and umbrellas lines the pool, creating a private country-club ambiance.