Ten Amazing and Unorthodox Swimming Pools

This collection of gravity-defying, awe-inspiring and simply remarkable swimming pools will completely transform your preconceptions of where pools should be placed, what they look like and and how they are built.

With cantilevered designs, glass bottoms or overhanging edges, these pools will be sure to provide unique and exciting swimming sessions unlike any experienced before.

The unorthodox design of these pools is not the only remarkable aspect, however, with their surroundings and stunning views thereof being the major highlight. Here are 10 of the most impressive pools that really raise the bar for swimming experiences.

Ubud Hanging Gardens - Bali

Overlooking the mystifying views of the Ayung River Gorge, the the Ubud Hanging Gardens in Bali offer 38 private pool villas perched on the spectacular steep rice terraces of Ubud. Wade in the relaxing pools whilst taking in the stunning surroundings of this completely isolated and rejuvenating resort.

Villa Amanzi - Thailand

Located on the stunning and exclusive Cape Sol on the West Coast of Phuket, the Villa Amanzi, also affectionately referred to as the House on the Rocks, is an architectural amazement of unique design and lavish beauty. The six bedroom house has a 15m infinity pool cantilevered over a sheer rock face on the edge of the Andaman Sea. However, it's sheer beauty does come at a price with a night's stay setting you back between $2000-$4500 depending on the season.

Aquaria Grande Residential Tower - India

The incredible Aquaria Grande Residential Towers in Mumbai are currently undergoing construction and upon completion will feature two 37-storey towers with the enthralling addition of glass balcony pools. This unique design will allow you to take a dip whilst admiring the fantastic views from your high-rise apartment and will make every other balcony seem mundane in comparison.

Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Kangqiao - China

This glass-bottom pool hangs precariously over the side of the 24-storey high building in China. It's probably not the ideal location for those with acrophobia (fear of heights) or aquaphobia (fear of drowning) and definitely not for those with both. For the rest of us, however, I'm sure it would provide an exciting and unique swim-flying kind of experience like none you would have experienced before.

Cantilevered Residential Pool - Spain

This spanish residential house defies all architectural preconceptions with it's seemingly impossible design of the cantilevered pool. It was inspired by the Greek term hemeroscopium, which involves an elaborate and complex design of helixes and beams which work to create a structure that is "delimited by the references of the horizon, by the physical limits" and although appearing to only appear in our minds, "is nonetheless real".

Alila Villas Uluwatu - Bali

Located in the picturesque setting of the limestone cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula in Bali, the pools of the Alila Villas rest seemingly on the edge of the world. Voted as one of the World's 15 most spectacular swimming pools in 2011 by CNN, these mesmerising pools are definitely not to be missed.

Intercontinental Hotel - Dubai

This photo was taken at the Dubai-City Festival and depicts a couple taking a splash in the curvy, transparent pool hanging over the side of the Intercontinental Hotel. Anything but ordinary, this contemporary pool would be sure to provide a novel swimming experience.

Adelphi Hotel - Melbourne

The glass-bottomed 25-metre pool at the Adelphi hotel in Melbourne hangs over the streetscape of infamous Flinders Lane from it's 9th storey vantage point. Australia's very own gravity-defying pool also has a great poolside bar, which is the perfect place to unwind after a busy week or to host a special event.

The Hilton Hotel - Auckland

In the midst of Auckland's cityscape lies a 25-metre heated pool on the fourth floor of the Hilton Hotel, suspended between two towers. The glass window at the end of the pool offers majestic views of the harbour from an unconventional perspective.

The Sky Condos - Peru

Wanting to change the future of rental housing in Latin America as well as altering our conceptions of outdoor living in indoor spaces, DCPP Arquitectos have designed a revolutionary building in the privileged city of Lima set to become an icon for the future. With completely transparent walls on one side of the building, overhanging pools dotting the 20 storey tower and all naturale vegetation, lighting and ventilation, the condos flawlessly integrate the inside and outside, the public and private.