67 Dreamy Pool Design Ideas

Most of us daydream about having a luxurious home, the kind of place where you'd expect a movie star, business mogul or royalty to live. The backyard would be outfitted with a gorgeous swimming pool with all sorts of fountains, sprays and slides. There would be a large hot tub, a bar and kitchen area, built-in loungers on a sun deck, a fire pit for cool evenings, lush gardens and maybe a water or mountain view just beyond. The kind of place where you could invite all your friends and family. It wouldn't be your goal to make them jealous, but they would be because your dream backyard would be the ultimate. Until the time comes when you can build your dream house and backyard, spend some time dreaming and planning with these incredible pools and spas.

The central courtyard of this resort residence in Palm Beach, Florida, features a "spool" — a combination spa and pool. No spool would be complete without an LED-illuminated rain curtain and a sun shelf with built-in loungers.

Giving those who want to stay dry an option is always a nice idea. This unique pool features a recessed seating area "inside" the pool so everyone can enjoy the pool together.

Hanging out here wouldn't be a strenuous chore. Enjoy a dip and a little sunshine while you watch the boats go by on Biscayne Bay.

This Tucson, Arizona, home has an amazing backyard that combines the outdoor kitchen and dining room with a sleek, contemporary pool. Bright red lounge chairs are submerged on the sundeck, creating an incredible spot to relax and enjoy the Santa Catalina Mountain view.

From afar this pool gleams like a polished sapphire. The sightlines in this backyard are unobstructed from the bottom of the clear-walled, infinity-edge pool all the way up to the rooftop deck.

Take the stairs down into the pool or up to the patio of this resort-worthy patio in Amagansett, New York.

With a large spa, swimming pool, water slide and covered terrace, this backyard in Alpine, Utah, has something for the whole family to enjoy. Whether they're sunbathing or swimming, the owners love soaking up the mountain views. This grand pool setup also has a practical side; a storage vault is built under the terraces on the left side of the pool and another is housed on the right side under the slide.

You don’t need a large backyard to live in the lap of luxury. This petite Florida backyard has it all — a refreshing pool, shaded seating area and loungers to enjoy the view.

This home has amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico. The lengthy pool starts in the front yard and extends to the backyard, making clever use of the narrow space.

Built into its natural surroundings, this garden-rooftop home and infinity pool is perched on a hillside overlooking the ocean. The home's designer used the natural colors of the landscape for the pool, patio and home exterior.

This is not a terribly big backyard, but what more do you need than this oceanfront view and lap pool? If you're thinking it needs a hot tub and fire pit, not to worry, those are around the side of the house.

It would be hard to be uptight and stressed out when chilling by this waterfront pool in Key West, Florida. If the view of the pool gets tedious, you can move to the beachside tiki hut.

Resting inches above the pool's surface is a bronze sculpture titled "Devorah" by Venice Beach, California, artist, Guy Dill. As it curves toward the sky, the piece draws even more attention to the cacti and mountains in the distance.

With all the necessary elements for a posh outdoor retreat, this expansive poolside patio is the place for sun, shade, warmth on a cool night and a spot to share meals with family and friends.

This property was the location for the James Bond film "License to Kill." Since then, the shape of the pool underwent minimal changes, but the rest of the garden had a complete makeover, including the coping on the swimming pool.

The mild sunny climate of Sardinia, Italy, can be fully enjoyed at this villa with its multiple outdoor areas including shady verandas, sunny patios and a heated swimming pool.

You might think that crime does pay when you see this pool once owned by the notorious gangster Al Capone. The 7-acre lot is located on Palm Island in Miami Beach. The gangster purchased the property in 1928 for $30,000 and lived there until his death in 1947.

The massive patio at this traditional Georgian manor features an Olympic-length lap pool that follows the curvature of the home. But, a line at the bottom of the pool helps swimmers stay in their lane.

Enjoy the summer sun at this Mediterranean-style home's beautiful outdoor bar and kitchen. If the weather turns cool, get out of the pool and take a quick dip in the hot tub.

Multiple levels of luxurious outdoor living abound in this 10,000-square-foot wonderland of rushing water, blazing light and artistry. As the owners move from one level to the next, they can easily enjoy spectacular views along the way.

The lengthy lap pool, spa and sunken fire pit (right) are encased within a meticulously designed deck made of gorgeous warm-toned wood. A bridge across the pool separates the pool from the built-in spa.

Vibrant blue and orange hues turn up the heat in this contemporary backyard, bringing a taste of the tropics to Osterville, Massachusetts. With a sleek swimming pool, two lounge areas and a hot tub just steps away, the owners will surely feel like they're on vacation.

Elegant lazing is a must at this grand Mediterranean-style estate. Large loungers with cerulean blue cushions are intertwined with ornamental shade trees. A phenomenal infinity-edge pool and grand water fountains with blue mosaic tiles shimmer both day and night at this extravagant home.

This home's water features put resorts to shame: There's a large pool that feeds into a 200-foot lazy river that wraps around a sunken fire pit. The large spa can hold a crowd while the splash pad will keep the little kids happy. Naturally, this ultra swanky yard is also equipped with a full outdoor kitchen and lounge area with several TVs.

At this beachfront home, the swimming pool fits perfectly in between the main house and the pool house. The large-scale artwork is a constant smile-inducing feature. Poolside lounge seating and a nearby bar make this spot the perfect place for a party.

A wall with an antique feel (Mayan ruins, perhaps? A long-forgotten temple?) spouts water into this oasis of a swimming pool. The backyard continues the jungle feel with layers upon layers of tropical plants.

Palm trees and two sets of loungers frame this inviting swimming pool. Pergolas on each side of the home also provide balance and a bit of shade.

Extra touches can make all the difference in how a pool looks and feels. Swim-up barstools, a large outdoor kitchen, beautiful plantings and a well-designed lighting scheme give this pool a serious sense of style.

A vine-wrapped pergola serves as a portal to the pool house and provides shade to a row of lounge chairs. The slate tile patio creates a beautiful patchwork around the pool and defines the pathway leading down to a large dock.

Raised and lowered sections of this backyard create a variety of seating areas at different heights to enjoy the vistas. Even floating in the pool offers beautiful views of the surrounding hillside. Entering the pool can be done via the large slide or built-in staircase. After a dip, tall wicker chairs offer a place to warm up around the fire pit. Fire bowls at the poolside, lush landscaping and handsome stone tiling also add to the luxe vibe.

This stunning outdoor space is illuminated by expertly placed landscape lighting that highlights the pool, palm trees and lounge areas. A hot tub, fire pit and bocce court add to the activities that can be enjoyed in this ultra-modern setting.

Large glass doors slide back to connect this Miami home's main living area with its posh outdoor oasis. A sunken seating area with benches surrounding a fire pit allows swimmers to warm up when the tropical breezes start blowing.

Tucked into the hillside and encircled by trees, this outdoor space seems like something out of a dream. Visitors can take a lap in the infinity-edge pool, stretch out on either of the lounges or cozy up by the fire pit and enjoy views of the desert at sunset.

A poolside cabana constructed in stone and terra cotta tile sits beneath a dense row of tall trees at this California villa. The cabana offers shaded seating with an integrated fireplace and bench seats. But if sunbathing is more your thing, the loungers can easily be moved around the grassy patio so you can capture the rays.

This South-Pacific-inspired retreat features an authentic Balinese Lumbung cabana made from Merbau wood. A series of waterfalls, a swim-in cave, a swim-up bar and tropical plantings all add to the dream-vacation feel.

Gorgeous bluestone covers the patio area, where an intimate dining area and swimming pool give the homeowners room to unwind. A tiled accent wall with three water fountains makes the space feel like a private spa vacation.

This patio and infinity-edge pool overlook a rolling California hillside with sunshine and views for miles. The gorgeous cobblestone patio with built-in planters and framed-in stone walls give the yard a historic European aesthetic.

This sleek, contemporary pool encased in bluestone contrasts against the rustic barn that acts as an entertaining space. The lounge chairs are arranged to take advantage of the beautiful mountain and meadow views.

This incredible pool has something for everyone: There's a deep end with diving board, a shallow end with lounge chairs and an infinity-style hot tub. On the hillside, a steel and fiberglass "tree" holds a large wicker swing where you can enjoy a nap after a swim.

Descending from the ceiling of the covered patio, a rainfall feature flows into the infinity-edge pool providing a tranquil sound and scene. The pool-adjacent patio is well equipped with a fireplace, kitchen and living area with a porch swing.

The lucky people who get to enjoy this backyard have their choice between the comfy loungers or the intimate seating area by the spa. Low hedges provide a level of privacy around the stone deck without obstructing the spectacular view.

This home's courtyard takes a page from the south of France with its globe-shaped topiaries, gravel pathways and pollarded mulberry trees. Black wrought-iron loungers combined with sandstone walls add to the sophisticated, Mediterranean-inspired space.

Thanks to its sleek stone deck and contemporary swimming pool, this tropical backyard enjoys unobstructed views of the Caribbean. A pair of Adirondack chairs perched under an umbrella make for a romantic spot to enjoy happy hour and the sunset.

This resort-style pool has it all. The bridge by the big palm tree leads to a sunken fire pit with built-in seating. The other circular structure is a spa, and in the foreground is a fully equipped, sunken kitchen with a swim-up bar. Oh, and did we mention there is also a slide and waterfall.

This lap pool located in Key West, Florida, beckons with gorgeous tropical greenery on one side and a relaxing sun shelf on the other.

The owners of this Minnesota home made the most of their steep backyard. The lower-level swimming pool is bordered by a small deck with a fire pit and a peaceful water feature built right into the pool house.

Swim a few laps in this inviting pool, then relax with a cool drink in the adjacent outdoor living and kitchen area. The backyard of this modern California home also features native landscaping, illuminated artwork on the exterior walls and a koi pond.

Surrounded by stone, this well-appointed pool boasts a wall of waterfalls that conceal a large grotto. Fire bowls, tropical vegetation and a bubbling hot tub also help make this yard a dream destination.

This deluxe backyard is set up with several seating zones. Two partially submerged lounge chairs provide a place to recline and stay cool while the sunken sitting area makes getting warm a fun experience. On the other side of the pool, an elevated platform with a waterfall is the spot to enjoy the sun and a view of the entire yard.

This zero-edge pool provides the ideal spot to take in a West Coast sunset. A built-in bench inside the pool along the edge can seat plenty to enjoy nature's spectacular colors.

The symmetry of this home and yard creates harmony and calm. The multi-level pool provides space for swimming laps or just lounging.

This palatial pool is a dreamy 20' x 40' – plenty of room for a crowd to float or lounge. The party can spill over into the spa or the pool house.

The swing bed underneath the pergola provides views of this resort-style backyard. A trio of illuminated planters filled with colorful flowers provides an extra touch of high-tech elegance.

If your backyard is too small for a pool, perhaps a slim lap pool in your courtyard will do. The jewel of this courtyard has a shallow shelf on one side for lounging and a place to gather in the nearby outdoor lounge.

This pool is so big, it's hard to imagine that this is a residence and not a fancy hotel. The beautiful lighting makes the swimming pool and its surrounding patios a lovely destination no matter the time of day.

Surrounded by formal English gardens, this pool boasts a travertine deck, a sun deck with five bubblers, and at the far end is a spacious spa and custom cabana made in the style of a traditional Victorian-style conservatory.

Blooming shrubs, cascading ivy planters and a patio outfitted with a grass grid make this pool area look more like an exclusive spa and resort than a suburban backyard. The stacked stone and timber-covered gazebo with a matching pergola frame this outdoor space and separate it from the surrounding woods.

This home has everything needed for a year-round vacation. A covered porch with a swing, in-ground pool and amazing water views.

Shaded lounge chairs on both sides of the pool provide a respite from the warm California sun no matter the time of day. Cool evenings can be warmed up with a dip in the pool's attached hot tub.

The yard and the home become one as water moves through the center of the home, creating a natural flow from the front door to the backyard.

Large sliding doors and simple stone steps create a seamless transition from the indoor kitchen to the pool and backyard lounge area. Beyond the pool, a combination tennis and basketball court provide plenty of space for fun and exercise.

This Key West lanai is designed to be a relaxing retreat and a place for the homeowners to get out of the hot Florida sun while enjoying the view of their infinity-edge pool and the bay beyond it.

A unique shaped pool was added to this traditional English garden-like space to add a touch of aristocratic style.

This sparkling pool and spa make an evening swim irresistible. After a dip, the open pavilion provides a comfortable space to rest by the fireplace and watch a little TV.