Swimming Bucket List – the best pools in the world for lane swimming

I am an adult-onset swimmer, which means I am not very good at it (yet). But I LOVE it. And one of my favourite parts about swimming, is getting to check out very cool bodies of water. So I have decided to compile a list of all of the amazing pools that my algorithm is throwing at me, so that I can hopefully begin to check them all off my bucket list.
– PS: They’re all on this Google Map!

I would LOVE for this list to be one that grows, so if you have any neat pools that you think I should check out, or if your local spot is a beauty that you want the world to know about, please let me know so I can add it!!

Note: I only included pools where it would be feasible to do some lap swimming. This excludes ones that are too small, oddly shaped, or too warm. I had to cut things off somewhere!!

North America

Barbados

1. Barbados Aquatic Centre (Bridgetown): The Barbados Aquatic Centre is a stunning outdoor complex that often hosts swim training camps, with an Olympic-size 50m pool and a smaller 25m pool.

Canada

My home country! I should, in theory, be able to knock a bunch of these off. But our country is pretty big… Lol

1. Montreal Olympic pool (Montreal, QC): A beautiful 50m pool constructed for the 1976 Summer Olympics.
2. Kitsilano Pool (Vancouver, BC): An icon in Vancouver; at 137 meters long, it’s the longest outdoor swimming pool in North America! And it’s saltwater 🙂
3. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (Fairmont Hot Springs, BC; just south of Golden and Banff): This pool is STUNNING, but take note: both indoor and outdoor pools are open only to registered overnight guests staying at the resort.
4. The Waegwoltic Club (Halifax, NS): The Waegwoltic Club has four outdoor saltwater pools, and three of them are heated from May – October! 
5. Parc Jean Drapeau (Montreal, QC): A stunning outdoor pool complex in Montreal (only open in the summer).
6. NCC River House (Ottawa, ON): One of my favourite places in the summer! The River House is a free, enclosed and supervised swimming area with two 25m lanes. They have great docks for sun tanning as well as a snack shack 🙂 And I can bike there along bike paths!
7. Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello (Montebello, QC): This stunning property is the world’s largest log cabin, right on the shores of the Ottawa River, and features a beautiful 25 yard indoor pool! It’s a dream of mine to stay here and enjoy the pool of course, but also the amazing cycling in the area 🙂

United States

This is a biggie. Large country, lots of pretty places to swim!

1. Barton Springs Pool (Austin, Texas): A massive outdoor swimming pool that’s filled by natural springs connected to the Edwards Aquifer. I did visit this one once but it was tragically closed at the time!
2. InterContinental Indoor Pool (Chicago, Illinois): This junior Olympic-sized pool is an architectural gem, featuring 1920s-era Spanish Majolica tiles!
3. John C. Argue Swim Stadium (Los Angeles, California): originally constructed for the 1932 Summer Olympics in LA, this place is quite the facility.
4. Lakeside Swim Club (Louisville, Kentucky): OK unfortunately this one is members only… but I had to leave it in here cause it’s just so stunning!
5. Colman Pool (Seattle, Washington): Olympic-size, heated, saltwater pool located just steps from the beach! Only open in the summer.
6. Whitmore Pool (Mammoth Lakes, CA): Only open in the summer, this 25m pool has 6 lanes – seems pretty standard on paper, but those mountain views are something else!
7. LA Athletic Club (Los Angeles, California): Another unique indoor pool with neat architecture.
8. Astoria (Astoria, NY): Outdoor pool, only open in the summers, with unique bridge views.
9. Amangani Hotel (Jackson Hole, Wyoming): A luxury hotel with a heated outdoor 35-metre pool and hot tub with unbelievable mountain views. Only accessible hotel guests OR with a spa package booking.
10. Enchantment Resort (Sedona, Arizona): This is just a hotel pool, not technically a lap pool… but the contrast of the red rock is stunning, and it would make for quite a nice swim spot.
11. Mirror Lake (Lake Placid, New York): Ok so not technically a pool, but I HAD to include this one. Mirror Lake is the site of Ironman Lake Placid, which was my first Ironman! It’s a small lake that’s always super smooth (hence the name), where there are no motorized boats allowed. But the best part? It has a cable that runs along the bottom that’s leftover from the rowing course, so you can swim a clean, straight, 1.9km loop without ever looking up to sight!
12. Ouray Hot Springs Pool (Ouray, Colorado): This complex features five separate geothermal pools; a shallow pool, a Hot Pool, the Overlook Pool (with magnificent views of the San Juan Mountains), the Activity Pool, and the Lap Pool.
13. Hey Rookie Pool (Los Angeles, California): This 33m pool is brand new and has stunning views over the Pacific.
14. Wall Aquatic Centre (Flagstaff, Arizona): One of the finest high-altitude swimming facilities in the world! This pool is massive, beautiful, and will test your ability to breathe!
15. IU Natatorium (Indianapolis, Indiana): The Natatorium has the largest seating capacity of any indoor pool in the United States (up to 4,700 spectators!) – I just think it’s neat to swim somewhere that looks so grand.

South America

Chile

1. San Alfonso del Mar (Algarrobo): This resort in Chile has one of the world’s largest swimming pools, at 1,013m long (covering 20 acres!). Note: access to the pool is limited to resort residents only!

Africa

Namibia

1. Zannier Omaanda (Windhoek): Ok the pool is only 15m, but this boutique lodge is in the heart of the Zannier Reserve, so you can swim while taking in sunrise over the savannah, and keep your eye out for wildlife!

South Africa

1. Sea Point Pavilion (Cape Town): Oceanside Olympic sized pool? With amazing sunrise and sunset views?? Yes please!

Europe

Austria

1. Amalienbad (Vienna): This stunning indoor pool is named for Amalie Pölzer, the first woman elected to the municipal council of Vienna!
2. Tivoli (Innsbruck): This extensive park includes a 28,000 sqm lawn for sunbathing, a restaurant with ice cream stand, and five swimming pools – one of which is a 50m lane swim pool.

Denmark

1. Harbour Baths (Copenhagen): There are actually a number of harbor baths along the water in Copenhagen, with lap pools, children’s pools, lagoons, and even slides and diving boards.

Finland

I’m not sure that Finland would have made it on my list had we not already been… but it has some pretty cool spots!!

1. Allas Sea Pool (Helsinki): This is one I’ve actually been to!!! And YES it’s STUNNING. There’s a lap pool, a shallow wading pool, and a cold plunge section that’s just a hole into the sea below. The facility also has saunas and a great little café.
2. Maauimala Outdoor Pool – Lahti Sports Center (Lahti): Lahti hosts a 70.3, which is why we went out there and discovered this awesome 50m outdoor pool at the base of a ski jump. Only open in the summers.

France

1. Richard Bozon Swimming Pool (Chamonix): This complex has an indoor pool that’s open year-round, but the real gem is the outdoor pool, with stunning mountain views.
2. Biotope Lake (Combloux): This biological lake is the first of its kind open to swimming in France. With natural water (no chlorine) and panoramic views of Mont Blanc, this place is one of a kind.
3. Piscine Molitor (Paris): This complex is part of a hotel that was built in 1929, and recently restored. The 50m pool is known for its unique Art Deco designs, and it’s heated year-round!

Germany

1. Berlin Badeschiff (Berlin): The Badeschiff is a floating public swimming pool in Berlin that was converted from the hull of a vessel (Badeschiff meaning “bathing ship”!), which is why it has an odd length of 32m.
2. Berlin Olympic Swim Stadium (Berlin): This aquatic centre was constructed for the 1936 Summer Olympics, and boasts a beautiful 50m outdoor pool, dive tank, and children’s pools.

Hungary

1. Szechenyi Thermal Bath (Budapest): This legendary spot is one of largest spa baths in Europe with 15 indoor baths, 3 outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms and a rooftop spa greenhouse! One of the pools is 50m long, and kept at 26 degrees, so it would be perfect for a lap swim. Other pools are intended for “cozy relaxation”, and sit at 38 degrees!
2. Gellert Bath (Budapest): Another massive spa complex, Gellert Bath has 10 pools in total, including an outdoor wave pool, a lap pool under the famous glass dome, cold plunge pools, and thermal baths.
3. Duna Arena (Budapest): This huge complex has two Olympic-size swimming pools, a diving pool and a short course training pool. The photo I chose above shows the stunning architecture of the exterior, but don’t worry – the inside is beautiful too.
4. Alfréd Hajós National Swimming Stadium (Budapest): This mammoth aquatic facility has four floors and has eight indoor and outdoor pools, including training pools, diving pools and competitive swimming pools both for short course and long course!
5. Császár-Komjádi Pool (Budapest): Another giant facility in Budapest! This one has an indoor 50m pool and training pool, as well as three outdoor pools (50m and 25m, and a training pool). The 25m outdoor pool has a retractable roof, so it can also be used in winter!

Iceland

1. Laugardalslaug Pool (Reykjavik): this complex has an indoor Olympic-sized pool, a 50-metre-long outdoor swimming pool, 8 hot tubs of varying temperatures, and a steam bath. It’s the largest swim complex in Iceland, and it was the second-most visited thermal baths in the country!
2. Laugaskarð Swimming Pool (Hveragerði): This was, at a time, the biggest swimming pool in Iceland, used by the Icelandic national team! It is 50m long, and geothermally heated. There is also a natural steam bath, because we’re in Iceland of course!
3. Hofsós Swimming Pool (Hofsós): This 25m pool on the north side of Iceland has some of the most beautiful views of the sea.
4. Seljavallalaug pool (Seljavellir): Allegedly Iceland’s oldest pool, this 25m pool is rugged and natural. It’s geothermally heated, but not hot – it usually sits around 25-28 degrees. The pool is only cleaned once a year and grows some serious algae, and is only accessible by hiking. But it’s free!

Italy

1. CDS Hotels Città del Mare (Palermo): This hotel is perched on a cliff so all the pools have a sea view. The outdoor 50m pool is heated, with lanes reserved specifically for athletes.
2. Club Med Cefalu (Cefalu): This is an all-inclusive resort with a 25m pool set in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet.

Netherlands

1. Zuiderbad (Amsterdam): This is a historic public pool with some neat architecture.

Poland

1. Zakrzówek Park & Reservoir (Krakow): The stunning reservoir was accidentally created when the limestone quarry in operation pierced the water table in the 1990s. It’s now popular for swimming (with 5 enclosed swimming pools), hiking, and rock climbing. Entry is free, but it is known to get quite busy on a sunny afternoon! You can also swim in the reservoir itself (rather than just in the pools), so this is also a great spot for open water swim practice.

Portugal

1. Arribas Hotel (Sintra): This hotel features one of the biggest saltwater pools in Europe at 100m long! And it’s open to non-guests (for a fee).

Slovakia

1. Zelená Žaba (Trenčín): This wellness spa is tucked away in the forest and beautifully integrated in nature. In addition to the main pool, there are numerous hot tubs and saunas on the property.

Spain

1. Piscinas de Bajamar (Bajamar, Tenerife): These natural pools are filled with seawater, overlooking the golden sand beach.
2. Club La Santa (La Santa, Lanzarote): This is a training camp hot spot, with three 50m swimming pools and a saltwater lagoon for open water swimming. A truly top of the line training facility for swimmers and triathletes!
3. Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc (Barcelona): This pool is located in Barcelona’s Olympic Ring (the venue hosted the diving events and the water polo preliminaries for the 1992 Summer Olympics), with stunning views over the city. There are two pools; one 25m pool for lane swimming, and one dive tank. Note: it is only open in the summer!

Switzerland

1. The Beach – Bönigen lido (Bönigen): This swim complex is located on the banks of Lake Brienz, and features a lido, a children’s pool, and a 25m lap pool overlooking the mountains. Open May-September.

United Kingdom

1. London Aquatics Centre (London): This pool claims to be “the most technologically advanced and stunning swimming facility in the world” and honestly… I’d buy that! Built for the 2012 Olympics, this complex has two 50m pools and a 25m dive tank.
2. Moseley Road Baths (Birmingham): This Gothic Renaissance pool is one of the oldest pools in the UK, currently closed for renovations.
3. Tooting Bec Lido (London): This pool is 100 yards long, and is the largest open-air fresh water pool in the UK. It’s known for its iconic colourful changing room doors!
4. Bude Sea Pool (Cornwall): This pool is semi-natural tidal pool right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Sandford Parks Lido (Cheltenham): This complex has a 50m main pool, a children’s pool, and paddling pool. Open from March until October each year for the summer season (heated) and has been open from early November until early February over the winter for cold water swimming since 2021.
6. Gourock Outdoor Pool (Gourock, Scotland): This 33m is heated to 29 °C and uses salt water taken from the Firth of Clyde.
7. Canary Wharf (London): OK I did not realize you could swim here, but now that I know I think it’s the coolest thing!!
8. Brighton Sea Lanes (Brighton): This 50m heated outdoor swimming pool sits overlooking the English Channel and gets the most beautiful sunsets.
9. London Fields Lido (London): This 50m Olympic-size, heated outdoor pool is open all year!

Asia

Hong Kong

1. Kennedy Town Swimming Pool (Kennedy Town): This futuristic complex includes two 50m pools, a 25m pool, a children’s pool, and a jacuzzi.

India

1. Amanbagh (Jaipur): This luxury spa and wellness resort near Jaipur features a 33m pool (and various plunge pools).

Indonesia

1. Amankila (Bali): a luxury hotel with a 25m pool overlooking the ocean – jaw-dropping views!

Thailand

1. Siam Hotel (Bangkok): This hotel has a 22m infinity pool that overlooks the Chao Phraya River!
2. Amanpuri (Phuket): This luxury hotel has a 25m pool overlooking the Andaman Sea that is just stunning.

Oceania

Australia

1. Bondi Icebergs (Sydney, NSW): This has got to be one of the most iconic pools in the world. The 50m pool sits right on the ocean, with waves crashing in. There’s also a shallow 25m “kids pool”.
2. Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool (Sydney, NSW): This 8-lane outdoor heated salt-water 50m pool is a Sydney gem. Note: it’s usually closed for 4 months in the winter.  
3. Bronte Baths (Sydney, NSW): Another GEM in Sydney, this pool has marked 30m lanes, divided by a wooden barrier in the water.
4. North Sydney Olympic Pool (Sydney, NSW): This outdoor 50m pool with surreal views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is sadly temporarily closed for redevelopment – but should be re-opening by 2025!
5. Scarborough Beach Pool (Perth, WA): This massive pool has eight 50m lanes and four 25m lanes overlooking the Indian Ocean. It’s geothermally heated to 27 degrees and is open all year round!
6. Gentleman’s Pool (Wollongong, NSW): This one is probably not ideal for a lane swim workout, due to its odd shape, but it’s really pretty and unique!
7. Continental Pool (Wollongong, NSW): Another stunning oceanfront pool with 50m lanes and 45m lanes. What’s not to love??

Fiji

1. Como Hotel (Laucala Island): Probably one of the least accessible pools on this list, but I couldn’t not include it because it’s just SO stunning!

Conclusion

OK so this list ended up WAAAYYY longer than I thought it was gonna be. This took me months to compile! Lol!! But now I’m super excited about the idea of getting to check some of these spots off the list. I’ll continue to update this post, and will create specific posts for particularly exciting experiences at any of the pools listed here. Happy swimming!

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