When it comes to choosing a property, a swimming pool can often be the extra selling point that makes a home stand out—especially as warm summer temperatures linger for longer. A well-designed and maintained one can transform a backyard into a private oasis, offering a space for entertainment, exercise, and relaxation. For families, a pool provides a convenient place for children to play, while adults can enjoy the added benefit of leisurely swims and luxury poolside gatherings.

It’s estimated there are up to 100,000 residential swimming pools across the country. According to Bayleys data, around 37% of properties sold for over $3 million have them, as do 15% of sales between $1 and $3 million, and only 6% of sales below $1 million have a pool—meaning the more expensive a property is, the more likely it is to come with one.

But while it’s often assumed there’s an expectation from buyers that all homes with a high-end price tag come with somewhere to take a dip, according to the latest Bayleys Q3 Super Prime residential market update, it was mostly houses sold within our biggest city that did.

Seventy-three percent of super prime houses sold for more than $7.5 million came with a pool in Auckland, while 21% sold for more than $5 million outside of our biggest city came with one.

MORE THAN JUST A SUMMER LUXURY

While pools are often seen as the ultimate summer indulgence, advances in heating technology mean they can now be enjoyed year-round. Options like solar heating, heat pumps, and gas heaters allow homeowners to regulate water temperatures, making pools a practical and inviting feature even during the cooler months. This added functionality means pools aren’t just a seasonal luxury but an investment in year-round enjoyment—perfect for morning laps in the crisp autumn air or a warm evening soak under the stars.

HOW MUCH VALUE CAN THEY ADD?

Bayleys data has revealed that across most regions, the average selling price for properties with a pool was up to $350,000 more than those without one—something which could also be explained by the larger landholding required to build one.

There’s also a lot to be said for the intangible lifestyle value it adds to a home, especially if you’re looking to stay there for a longer period of time.

So what are the eight current swimming pool listings that are catching our eyes?

2 CASTLE DRIVE, EPSOM, AUCKLAND

A cherished Epsom landmark, this circa 1900 concrete villa blends timeless elegance with modern luxury. Set on an elevated 1,241sqm site, it boasts grand formal rooms, intricate leadlights, soaring ceilings, and wrap-around verandas capturing city and harbour views. A sweeping staircase leads to spacious bedrooms opening onto private terraces. The heart of the home is a Mediterranean-inspired pool oasis, adorned with intricate tiling and framed by private patios for seamless entertainment. A separate studio offers guest or office space, while a double garage provides convenience.

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10A FIRST AVENUE, STANLEY POINT, AUCKLAND

This architecturally designed home on a prized 2,289sqm waterfront site offers the ultimate in private, resort-style living. A highlight is the stunning swimming pool, perfectly positioned beside the kitchen for effortless indoor-outdoor flow and year-round enjoyment. The predominantly single-level layout features cedar and glass, with floor-to-ceiling sliders opening to expansive decks and panoramic harbour views. North-facing and drenched in sun, the home enjoys a serene setting with direct beach access, ideal for swimming, kayaking or shoreline walks.

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844 MAUNGATAUTARI ROAD, KARAPIRO

Maungatautari Lodge is a secluded masterpiece overlooking Lake Karapiro, where elegance meets tranquility. At its heart lies an exquisite infinity pool, perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking views of the gardens, lake, and countryside. Surrounded by expansive terraces and manicured grounds, the pool creates a private oasis for relaxation or entertaining. Five luxurious suites, each with spa-like ensuites and Juliet balconies, enhance the retreat-like ambience.

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13 LOOP ROAD, KELVIN HEIGHTS, OTAGO

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Kelvin Heights, this waterfront masterpiece offers an unparalleled luxury lifestyle. At its heart, a heated swimming pool and poolside studio create a serene retreat, perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking lake and mountain views. Expansive outdoor living areas provide seamless indoor-outdoor flow, ideal for entertaining or unwinding in privacy. A sprawling lawn leads to the lake’s edge, with direct access to a walking track and private jetty, ensuring effortless enjoyment of Queenstown’s most prestigious waterfront setting.

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58 GARDEN ROAD, CHRISTCHURCH

This architectural masterpiece in Merivale is a sanctuary of elegance, centered around a stunning 14m indoor swimming pool. Powered by solar panels and battery storage, the pool offers year-round enjoyment, seamlessly connected to outdoor living spaces, including a spa and landscaped gardens by Xanthe White. Designed for effortless luxury, the home features natural stone floors, charred cedar cladding, and smart technology. Expansive living areas open to a north-facing verandah, embracing seasonal beauty.

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78 ACACIA HEIGHTS DRIVE, TAUPO

Perched above Acacia Bay, this stunning lodge-style residence is designed for relaxation and entertaining, with an inviting in-ground swimming pool. Positioned on the western side, the pool area enjoys all-day sun and is complemented by a sheltered outdoor living space, perfect for year-round enjoyment. Expansive decks on the northeast side capture breathtaking lake and mountain views, while spacious open-plan interiors create seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

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196 WESTDALE ROAD, TASMAN

This bespoke five-bedroom masterpiece offers luxury living centred around a stunning 4.2m x 10.5m heated, self-cleaning pool. Designed for seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the pool is framed by lush landscaping, multiple entertaining areas, and a stylish bar zone—perfect for relaxed gatherings or sophisticated soirees. The open plan living, dining, and kitchen areas connect effortlessly to the pool and estuary, while a separate sitting room opens to a serene cycad palm garden.

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161B No 3 LINE WHANGANUI EAST

Built in 2022, this 308sqm architecturally designed home is the ultimate lifestyle retreat, centred around a luxurious heated swimming pool. Perfect for year-round enjoyment, the pool is seamlessly connected to the open-plan kitchen, dining, and family areas, all flowing to a covered outdoor entertaining space complete with heaters. Designed with functionality and flair, the home features two wings—one with three double bedrooms and a family bathroom, the other with a media room and master suite.

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As outdoor living continues to be a cherished aspect of the New Zealand lifestyle, swimming pools remain a coveted feature that resonate with the desires of both current residents and prospective buyers.