An Olympian’s guide to what makes a great home swimming pool

What does your ideal summer’s day look like? Jostling at your local lido for adequate space to swim some lengths while avoiding the hordes? Or perhaps you prefer the idea of plunging into your own private pool to swim at your leisure? Whether you’re a serious swimmer or simply want to take a dip in the warmer weather, a home pool is the dream.

James Guy MBE, Olympic gold‑medallist swimmer and Knight Frank brand ambassador, knows better than most what defines an exceptional swimming pool. Drawing on years of elite training, he offers his expert perspective on the elements that elevate a pool from good to truly outstanding, from design to performance-focused details. 

Alongside his insights, we present properties in the UK and around the world, each showcasing remarkable home pools.

What would your ideal at-home swimming setup look like? 

For me, it’s about versatility. What’s ideal is a pool that can shift between performance and recovery. Ideally 15m to 20m, with a good depth (at least 1.5m+), and enough space to swim uninterrupted. Features I’d love include:

• an adjustable resistance/current system for endless swimming that can be changed to different paces 
• underwater mirrors or a camera setup for technique work
• a pace clock or digital timing display
• good water temperature control, for both performance and recovery

What makes a pool enjoyable beyond training?

Training is one thing, but enjoyment comes from the atmosphere. A pool becomes a lifestyle feature when it’s somewhere you want to spend time, not just train. Ways to enhance the environment include:

• natural light or strong lighting design
• a comfortable lounging space around it to chill and switch off
• an integrated sound system
• a seamless indoor/outdoor feel
• a social space for friends and family

Do you value recovery tools alongside a pool?

Absolutely — recovery is where adaptation happens. Most elite athletes use these daily, so it’s not a luxury for me; it’s essential to performance. A complete setup would feature: 

• a hot hydrotherapy pool/jacuzzi for muscle relaxation 
• a sauna for circulation and relaxation
• a cold plunge for reducing inflammation and resetting the central nervous system

Do you prefer indoor or outdoor pools?

Outdoor pools are amazing aesthetically, but for training use, indoor wins — especially in the UK. Consistency matters. Weather, temperature and wind all affect training quality outdoors. Indoor gives:

• year-round reliability
• better water temperature stability
• less debris and maintenance requirements
• more privacy

Can a private pool replicate a professional training environment?

Not fully, but it can get close. For technical sessions, aerobic work, recovery swims and skills, it can be very effective. 

A great private pool doesn’t need to be Olympic standard — it just needs to serve multiple purposes well, such as performance, recovery and lifestyle. What you can’t replicate is the race environment, such as other athletes, lane pressure and competition energy. However, technically, you can build a strong training pool with:

• counter-current systems 
• accurate lane markings
• sufficient depth for turns and dolphin kicks
• starting blocks
• video analysis
• adjustable temperature
• good lighting for visibility

Exceptional homes with swimming pools