For anyone who loves impressive feats of design, the largest swimming pools in the world offer incredible sights and experiences. These vast pools, spanning acres and holding millions of gallons of water, are often surrounded by beautiful resorts and equipped with beaches, water sports, and luxurious amenities. Each one brings its own unique features and appeal. They’re more than just places to swim—they’re iconic destinations that blend engineering with luxury and natural beauty.
The Hearst Castle Neptune Pool, California, USA
The Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California, is one of the most famous pools due to its stunning Greco-Roman architecture and historical significance. Constructed in the 1920s and 1930s, it features classical statues, marble colonnades, and ornate fountains, all set against a backdrop of California hills. It is around 104 feet long and has been meticulously restored to preserve its original grandeur. Although it’s not accessible to the public for swimming, tours offer visitors a glimpse into its architectural elegance. It symbolizes the lavish lifestyle of the early 20th-century American elite and remains an iconic historical site. It exemplifies the luxury and artistry that defined Hearst Castle’s opulent estate.
The Golden Nugget Tank Pool, Las Vegas, USA
The Golden Nugget Tank Pool in Las Vegas combines a luxurious pool experience with an aquarium that contains exotic fish and sharks. This 200,000-gallon pool allows swimmers to slide through a clear tunnel that runs through the shark tank, providing a thrilling, close-up view of marine life. Located within the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, it opened in 2009 as a unique attraction in Las Vegas. With cabanas, waterfalls, and lounges, it merges aquatic adventure with casino luxury. The slide through the tank offers an exciting experience while keeping swimmers safe, and the pool itself caters to families and thrill-seekers. As a standout among Vegas pools, it combines relaxation with an unforgettable aquarium setting.
The Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool, Singapore
The Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool in Singapore is the largest rooftop pool in the world, spanning over 490 feet and located 57 stories above ground. This iconic pool offers breathtaking views of the Singapore skyline, creating a unique experience for swimmers. Opened in 2010, it is part of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, a premier destination known for its architectural wonder. The water seems to flow over the edge, giving guests an “infinity” sensation as they swim. The pool itself is shallow, allowing visitors to relax while taking in the panoramic city views. Despite its height, it is designed for leisurely wading rather than intense swimming. Its unique structure has made it one of the most photographed pools in the world, symbolizing luxury in modern architecture.
Seagaia Ocean Dome, Japan
The Seagaia Ocean Dome in Miyazaki, Japan, was once the world’s largest indoor water park, covering 300 meters in length and 100 meters in width. Opened in 1993, this Polynesian-themed water park featured a retractable roof, artificial waves, and even a flame-spouting volcano, creating a unique beach-like atmosphere indoors. Its artificial waves were perfect for surfing, while the climate-controlled environment ensured consistent warmth. This indoor marvel was part of the Sheraton Seagaia Resort and attracted guests year-round with its innovative attractions. Despite its impressive design, it closed in 2007 due to renovations and rebranding. It remains a noteworthy example of indoor aquatic engineering that could recreate a tropical atmosphere regardless of weather.
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Colorado, USA
The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool in Colorado spans approximately 30,000 square feet, making it the largest hot springs pool globally. Known for its mineral-rich waters, it was established in the 1880s, creating a historic attraction for both health and relaxation. The main pool remains comfortably warm year-round at temperatures between 90°F and 93°F, with an adjoining Therapy Pool heated to 104°F. It is also popular in summer, as it includes two water slides, Shoshone Chute and Avalanche Falls, which end in another pool area. The hot springs contain 15 naturally occurring minerals believed to have therapeutic properties. It offers a unique blend of spa and recreational elements, all set against the picturesque Rocky Mountains.
Piscine Alfred Nakache, France
Located on Ramier Island in Toulouse, France, Piscine Alfred Nakache covers an area of approximately 1.8 acres, making it the largest swimming pool in Europe. Built in 1931, it is renowned for its Art Deco design and historical significance. Named after French Olympian swimmer Alfred Nakache, it honors his legacy while providing a recreational spot for the public. The complex includes both indoor and outdoor pools, with the indoor section open year-round thanks to temperature control. The outdoor pool measures 150 by 50 meters, providing ample space for swimmers during the warmer months. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery, it is an architectural and recreational gem in Toulouse. It continues to attract both local residents and tourists, offering a beautiful blend of history and relaxation.
Dreamworld Fun Lagoon, Pakistan
Dreamworld Fun Lagoon in Karachi, Pakistan, is recognized as one of the largest man-made freshwater swimming pools, covering around 2 acres. Constructed in 2007, it sources water from underground wells, providing a clean and natural swimming environment. The lagoon holds nearly 18.4 million liters of water, offering plenty of space for families and groups to enjoy a day out. It is the centerpiece of the Dreamworld Resort, a popular destination for tourists and corporate events. Alongside the lagoon, the resort features various amusement facilities, making it one of the top recreation spots in Karachi. It stands out as an eco-friendly pool, attracting visitors with its natural setting and extensive amenities. It remains a unique destination for locals and tourists alike, contributing to the recreational landscape of Pakistan’s largest city.
Hayman Island Resort Pool, Australia
The Hayman Island Resort Pool in Australia, located near the Great Barrier Reef, spans around 2.2 acres, making it the largest pool in the southern hemisphere. It is a unique structure, featuring a freshwater section surrounded by a saltwater lagoon, providing guests with two aquatic experiences in one. Renovated in recent years, it now features four interconnecting boardwalks over the water, the longest being 165 feet. Surrounded by scenic views and lush landscapes, it is a centerpiece of the luxury resort, allowing for relaxation in a tranquil setting. It is often compared to seven Olympic-sized pools combined, showcasing its massive scale. Guests enjoy activities like snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing in a secluded, tropical environment.
The Orthlieb Pool, Morocco
The Orthlieb Pool in Casablanca, Morocco, was once thought to be the largest pool globally, covering approximately 8.9 acres. Built in the early 20th century, it was designed as a vast rectangular pool measuring 1,574 feet long and 246 feet wide, making it a landmark of impressive scale. It offered locals a unique recreational space, especially significant given the pool’s size and Morocco’s warm climate. Although no longer active and largely forgotten, stories of its grandeur persist. It represented an architectural marvel of its time, but its once-renowned dimensions now serve more as a historical curiosity than a tourist destination. Only old photos and accounts remain as proof of its former status.
San Alfonso del Mar, Chile
The San Alfonso del Mar pool in Algarrobo, Chile, ranks second globally, covering a vast 20 acres of shimmering turquoise water. Built in 2006 by the Crystal Lagoons Corp, this pool holds over 66 million gallons of seawater, equivalent to around 6,000 typical backyard pools. It runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, but its temperature remains regulated and warmer, thanks to its enclosed design. Stretching more than 1,000 meters in length, it offers guests options for swimming, sailing, and even kayaking in a secure setting. A key feature is its accessibility to resort guests and residents, providing a beach-like experience without the open-sea exposure. It set a standard in large-scale pools and was once the world’s largest before Citystars overtook it.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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