When it comes to luxury home improvements, it seems Brits are thinking less man cave and more poolside retreat. A new report reveals that the humble swimming pool is once again making waves, topping the nation’s list of most coveted home upgrades in 2025.
With UK summers now serving up more sizzle than drizzle, it’s no surprise that more of us are dreaming of a dip in our own backyard oasis.
According to a survey of 2,000 homeowners, conducted by Compass Pools UK, 70 per cent believe a swimming pool would boost their family’s wellness, health, and fitness.
Forget high-tech gyms or plush home cinemas, for many, luxury now comes with chlorine and a sun lounger.
With UK summers now serving up more sizzle than drizzle, it’s no surprise that more of us are dreaming of a dip in our own backyard oasis…
The findings suggest that this aquatic ambition is especially strong among millennials, with 74 per cent saying they’d be keen to install a home pool, far outstripping the enthusiasm of those aged 50 and above. Stress relief appears to be a major motivator, with 60 per cent of millennials seeing a pool as the perfect antidote to the demands of modern life.
Interestingly, the survey uncovered a gender divide: women are more likely to dream of pool ownership, while men are more inclined to splash out on a dedicated entertainment room. That said, when it comes to actually making it happen, men edge ahead slightly, with 48 per cent saying they’d go for it, compared to 44 per cent of women.
Regional ripple effects
According to the survey, the top five luxury home upgrades Brits dream of are led by swimming pools (27 per cent), followed by entertainment rooms (21 per cent) and home gyms (13 per cent). Hot tubs (8 per cent) and private bars (4 per cent) round out the list, showing a strong preference for wellness and leisure-focused improvements.
As for where pool fever is most intense, Londoners lead the charge, with a whopping 71 per cent craving their own backyard lagoon. The West Midlands (52 per cent) and Wales (47 per cent) also rank high in the nation’s pool popularity contest.
Alex Kemsley, Managing Director of Compass Pools UK, sees this trend as part of a broader shift: “The dream of owning a swimming pool is alive and well in the UK, driven by a growing desire for personal wellness and a sanctuary at home. We’re seeing a clear trend towards homeowners viewing their gardens as an extension of their living space, and a pool is the ultimate way to enhance this.”
A new status symbol?
With gardens becoming extensions of indoor living, and wellness climbing the luxury ladder, it’s easy to see why pools have overtaken more traditional status symbols. They’re no longer just the preserve of high-end hotels and Spanish villas, more and more Brits are choosing to bring the resort lifestyle home.
So, whether you’re craving a morning swim, a post-work wind down, or simply a glamorous new backdrop for your next garden party, it might just be time to take the plunge.
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The Luxe Review 
When it comes to luxury home improvements, it seems Brits are thinking less man cave and more poolside retreat. A new report reveals that the humble swimming pool is once again making waves, topping the nation’s list of most coveted home upgrades in 2025.
With UK summers now serving up more sizzle than drizzle, it’s no surprise that more of us are dreaming of a dip in our own backyard oasis.
According to a survey of 2,000 homeowners, conducted by Compass Pools UK, 70 per cent believe a swimming pool would boost their family’s wellness, health, and fitness.
Forget high-tech gyms or plush home cinemas, for many, luxury now comes with chlorine and a sun lounger.
The findings suggest that this aquatic ambition is especially strong among millennials, with 74 per cent saying they’d be keen to install a home pool, far outstripping the enthusiasm of those aged 50 and above. Stress relief appears to be a major motivator, with 60 per cent of millennials seeing a pool as the perfect antidote to the demands of modern life.
Interestingly, the survey uncovered a gender divide: women are more likely to dream of pool ownership, while men are more inclined to splash out on a dedicated entertainment room. That said, when it comes to actually making it happen, men edge ahead slightly, with 48 per cent saying they’d go for it, compared to 44 per cent of women.
Regional ripple effects
According to the survey, the top five luxury home upgrades Brits dream of are led by swimming pools (27 per cent), followed by entertainment rooms (21 per cent) and home gyms (13 per cent). Hot tubs (8 per cent) and private bars (4 per cent) round out the list, showing a strong preference for wellness and leisure-focused improvements.
As for where pool fever is most intense, Londoners lead the charge, with a whopping 71 per cent craving their own backyard lagoon. The West Midlands (52 per cent) and Wales (47 per cent) also rank high in the nation’s pool popularity contest.
Alex Kemsley, Managing Director of Compass Pools UK, sees this trend as part of a broader shift: “The dream of owning a swimming pool is alive and well in the UK, driven by a growing desire for personal wellness and a sanctuary at home. We’re seeing a clear trend towards homeowners viewing their gardens as an extension of their living space, and a pool is the ultimate way to enhance this.”
A new status symbol?
With gardens becoming extensions of indoor living, and wellness climbing the luxury ladder, it’s easy to see why pools have overtaken more traditional status symbols. They’re no longer just the preserve of high-end hotels and Spanish villas, more and more Brits are choosing to bring the resort lifestyle home.
So, whether you’re craving a morning swim, a post-work wind down, or simply a glamorous new backdrop for your next garden party, it might just be time to take the plunge.
For more, wade over to Compass Pools UK.
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