Finding a Home with a Spectacular Pool

My house has a few extra rooms in the summertime: The outdoor dining room, the outdoor family room, and the game room, which is all of the outdoors.

Having a swimming pool is nice for all the practical reasons — great fun for the family and the kids. But even for those of us who don't frolic daily in the water, the pool is something beautiful that graces our back yard.

When my husband complains that he is the pool boy and I don't even use the pool, I always point out that I use the pool every day, all year round — whenever I look at the backyard.

Here are some homes for sale that have spectacular swimming pools:

Alamo

136 Byerley Court is my new listing in Alamo. This five bedroom, four bathroom home has 3,751 square feet and is in Stonebridge Estates. It’s a rare Alamo neighborhood that doesn’t have at least a bit of freeway noise because the sound travels so well in the valley. But this neighborhood is one of the few that is completely tranquil, a quiet location at the foot of Mount Diablo. This home is at the end of the cul-de-sac; a large executive home with soaring ceilings and elegant finishes. The back yard feels like a resort with a spectacular pool, a Hawkins pebble tech with beach entry and waterfall. Priced at $1,509,000. See the virtual tour: www.tourfactory.com/763879. This home will be open Sunday from 1-4 p.m., or call me for a showing at 925-285-1728.

Danville

173 Lowell Drive is offered by Norm Stanley of Sotheby’s. This is a four bedroom, three bath custom home with 3,600-plus square feet on a .66 acre lot. The house is high on a hill above the Osage Park neighborhood with spectacular views. The pool has waterfalls and is built into the deck. With hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and views from nearly every room, this home is stunning. Priced at $1,179,000. For showings, call Norm at 925-413-9116.

San Ramon

3063 Ashbourne Circle is offered by Sally Thornber of Lure Fine Real Estate. This is a five bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom home with 5,846 square feet in Norris Canyon Estates. This home has a great location, directly across from the community tennis and basketball courts, providing privacy with no across-the-street neighbors. There are many quality upgrades, including a stunning staircase that makes a great first impression. The fabulous back yard has a swimming pool, spa and rock waterfall. Priced at $1,499,000. See the virtual tour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfbCPS6mprI. For showings or more information, call Sally at 925-362-4200.

Dublin

7473 Quartz Circle is offered by Thomas Montano of Re/Max. This is a three bedroom, three bath home with 2,044 square feet in the Dublin Hills. The back yard backs to open space and has a sparkling pool and spa. Conveniently located near BART and shopping, this home has a formal living and dining room and a family room with fireplace. Priced at $597,000. For showings, call Thomas at 925-730-1668.

Pleasanton 

9999 Longview Lane is offered by Uwe Maercz of J.Rockcliff. This is a six-bedroom gated estate with five bathrooms, three half baths, and more than 8,300 square feet on nearly four acres. The style is French Chateau, and this custom home has stunning grounds, an elevator, a private tennis court, a media room, a 450-gallon saltwater fish tank, a finished attic — and an indoor pool. See the virtual tour: www.9999LongView.com. Priced at $2,999,000. For showings or more information, call Uwe at 925-360-8758.

Livermore

5448 Carnegie Loop is offered by Pinky Sohal of Legacy Real Estate. This is a five bedroom, three bath home in the Dunsmuir neighborhood. The upgrades in this home, built in 2003, include a fabulous solar-heated pool with waterfall. The kitchen has granite countertops and a center island. Wine lovers will appreciate the vineyards in the back yard and the wine-making equipment that comes with the house. Priced at $869,000. See the virtual tour: http://dom.us/fkc8d.unbranded. For showings or more information, call Pinky at 510-421-9666.