For those who dread joining a fitness club or gym, a home with a swimming pool can prove an attractive choice. Swimming remains the country's most popular participation sport, with more than 3 million people regularly plunging into the pool, according to the Amateur Swimming Association. And with global temperatures continuing to rise, a home with a pool could also be a wise investment.

Preston Bennett has a number of "healthy" properties in its portfolio, to keep you fit with a swim and provide a relaxing poolside setting for entertaining family and friends. There are luxury two- and four-bedroom apartments in Stanmore Hall, Wood Lane, Stanmore, Middlesex, from £775,000 to £1.75 million. This grade II listed building was built in the mid 19th century. Each apartment has landscaped gated grounds with attractive views and there is an indoor swimming pool and leisure complex.

A swimming pool certainly puts your property into the £1 million-plus price bracket.

A five-bedroom, four-bathroom detached house in Bellfield Avenue, Harrow Weald, Middlesex, with heated outdoor pool (28ft x 11ft), gym and bar, is on the market for £1.2 million.

Close to Hartsbourne Golf Club in Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire, there is a four-bedroom, two-bathroom detached house in Prowse Avenue for £1.3 million. The heated outdoor pool has a decked surround and a convenient poolhouse and kitchen. And a classic neo-Georgian five-bedroom detached house in Georgian Way,
Harrow-on-the-Hill has a heated pool with retractable cover and is on offer at £1.3 million.

Striking the right note in Oxhey Lane, Hatch End is Melodies, a five-bedroom, three-bathroom detached house, in around 1.25 acres, for £2 million. It has an outdoor heated pool, changing room and bar, plus an all-weather tennis court. And it backs on to Grimsdyke Golf Club.

Completing the set there is a character house - Old Heathbourne - in Heathbourne Road, Bushey Heath, which has spacious accommodation, including six bedrooms and is for sale at £2.5 million.

The 40ft x 14ft heated outdoor pool sits in grounds of approximately 0.75 acres, along with an all-weather tennis court. A gym, bar, games room and changing rooms are all close by.