NC pools with views: 11 incredible places to go swimming

My family and friends know I go crazy for swimming pools. I am the kind of person who looks for hotels and Airbnbs based on the pools offered. To me, a visit to the beach isn't complete without a dip in the pool. I just can't help it.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing retreat or an exciting experience, here's a list of some amazing NC pools with views worth the drive (although some are right here in the Triangle). Keep in mind -- these pools are not public, so many involve spending, hotel stays or memberships.

You can find a list of family-friendly public pools and spraygrounds here.

Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville offers more than scenic mountain views. The hotel features several incredible pools you can experience during a stay.

Available only with a spa reservation, spa guests can enjoy 10 pools, including a breathtaking relaxation pool with underwater music surrounded by rocks and lit with 6,500 fiber optic lights that resemble stars. The spa is also home to two therapeutic waterfall pools and a mineral-based pool.

If the spa isn't your thing, all hotel guests can enjoy a vast naturally-lit indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows in the hotel's sports complex and an outdoor pool.

Umstead Hotel and Spa

This luxury Cary hotel is all about ambiance. Spa guests have access to a beautiful co-ed small, heated outdoor pool or an indoor hot tub (swimsuits are optional for the separate hot tubs inside the men's and women's locker rooms). Seasonally, all hotel guests can enjoy the outdoor pool surrounded by the pond and immaculate landscaping The Umstead is known for.

Ritz Carlton Charlotte

Hotel guests can relax and enjoy the mood lighting at this indoor pool.

Old Edwards Mill Inn, Highlands

This resort and spa offers amazing pools for guests. The outdoor pool features fountain-like elements, and a cozy hot tub is surrounded by rocks. The pools also feature beautiful mountain views.

StateView Hotel Raleigh

Surrounded by trees, this heated saltwater pool provides a beautiful wooded view. The hotel itself is a neat place to stay for residents and out-of-town guests.

Aloft Raleigh

This hotel pool is small but I love that it's on a rooftop over Hillsborough Street, which is packed with places to visit.

Unscripted Durham

The intimate rooftop pool at Unscripted offers one of the best views of the Bull City skyline. You can also order delicious cocktails, snacks and meals to enjoy poolside.

Omni Hotel Charlotte

Hotel guests can enjoy watching movies or sports on a giant screen while swimming in the rooftop pool at Omni Hotel Charlotte. A bar is nearby for cocktails.

Peter S. Brunstetter Aquatic Center at Tanglewood ParkThis fun pool in Forysth County offers a children's area with spray equipment and a lazy river with two slides! The main pool also features slides and diving boards.

High Point City Lake Park

WRAL contributor and local mom Tandra Wilkerson pointed this one out. This is another hidden gem for families looking to stay cool in the summer heat. Although it's currently undergoing renovations, the outdoor pool is huge and features a lazy river and water slides. While you're there, enjoy a concession stand, fishing at the lake or paddleboards, canoes, pedal boats and kayaks for rent.

Holding Park Aquatic CenterNearby in Wake Forest, this pool offers water slides and a large children's play area.