Hollywood pools
As well as offering the perfect respite from the scorching summer heat, swimming pools have set the backdrop to some of our favourite movies and scenes. They've seen all kinds of big-screen action: love scenes, action scenes and even horror scenes. For iconic pool scenes, look no further than ‘The Graduate’, ‘The Great Gatsby’, ‘Bathing Beauty’, ‘Poltergeist’ and ‘Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood’.
“It's very comfortable - just to drift here,”, mused Dustin Hoffmann, floating on a lilo in a pool scene from ‘The Graduate’ (1967). This box office hit by acclaimed director Mike Nichols follows a young graduate through the summer of a lifetime, torn between succumbing to the seductive charms of Mrs Robinson, a friend of his parents', and declaring his love for her daughter.
The pool sets the scene for horror in ‘Poltergeist’ (1982). In this spine-chilling scene, Carol Anne's mother falls into the pool at their home and finds herself surrounded by the skeletal remains of an old cemetery.
Tarantino opted for a pool scene for the finale of 'Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood'(2019), in which he pays homage to Sharon Tate by rewriting history to spare her brutal murder. Leonardo DiCaprio, flamethrower in hand, finishes off one of the young American star's killers in this imaginative twist on the events of that fateful night in August 1969.
Another silver screen pool catapulted Esther Williams to stardom in ‘Bathing Beauty’ (1944). In one Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's best-known aqua musicals, the US actress plays a swimming student who falls for a songwriter whilst rehearsing mesmerising synchronised swimming routines in the pool.
Last but not least is the classic pool scene finale to ‘The Great Gatsby’, where the enigmatic multimillionaire (Robert Redford in 1974 and Leonardo DiCaprio in 2013) spends the final moments before his death floating placidly on an air mattress.
The perfect pool for you
If you're after a property with its very own Oscar-worthy pool, here's a list of examples that might be just the ticket. This elegant villa overlooks the crystal-clear waters of one of Ibiza’s most admired coves. Prepare to be awed by this spectacular infinity pool as you gaze upon Ibiza’s most magical sunsets.
But if you’re looking for something a little more manageable, this unique designer loft in the heart of Madrid is sure to entice. Its lower floor features an indoor swimming pool, visually integrated into the living space but completely self-contained.
With glorious views of the Penyal d’Ifac, the pool at this villa in Alicante has a central island and is surrounded by an extensive terrace with barbecue area and built-in dining nook, all set against the backdrop of an exotic palm grove.
This estate in Zamora, surrounded by holm oak trees, boasts a spectacular rectangular pool and a jacuzzi in the impressive landscaped courtyard of the main residence. An unbeatable setting for warm summer nights.
If you're thinking of investing in a property with a pool as a venue for events, this magnificent eighteenth-century country house could be just what you're looking for. Nestled in Alta Garrotxa (Girona), the property comprises various residences and a large swimming pool with enchanting views of the forest.
