Last Updated on October 17, 2021
It’s great to have an indoor swimming pool. It provides a sensation of privacy and isolation. You can utilize it all year, and the weather will not interfere with your swimming plan. It doesn’t collect dirt, leaves, or broken branches, common problems with outdoor pools. Indoor pools are a beautiful representation of luxury in homes and buildings, as well as a great place to host year-round gatherings.
Indoor pools are becoming increasingly popular in homes and residential structures as a result of these incredible benefits. Some homeowners are even building an indoor pool in the form of water parks so they can swim all year.
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Building An Indoor Pool
- Indoor Pool vs. Outdoor Pool: Which Is Better?
- What Are The Common Types Of Indoor Pools?
- What Are The Factors To Consider When Building An Indoor Pool?
- How Much Does An Indoor Pool Cost?
- Indoor Pool Materials And Their Costs
- Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Pools
- Final Thoughts About Building An Indoor Pool
But first, let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of building indoor pools.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Building An Indoor Pool
Advantages Of Having Indoor Pools
- Swimming all year: The best thing about having an enclosed pool is that you can use it all year. For those cold winter days, a temperature-controlled pool will be a pleasure.
- Water activities are beneficial to your health since they maintain your body fit and healthy. You can utilize an indoor pool 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Indoor swimming pools are more accessible to heat and cheaper by using insulation and a solar pool cover.
- It’s easier to because there’s no wind-blown dirt to contend with. Cleaning such a pool takes a lot less time and uses a lot fewer chemicals.
- Increases the value of your home: Indoor pools increase the worth of your home by 10%, if not more.
Disadvantages Of Having Indoor Pools
- Indoor pools add a lot of humidity to the air.
- Far more expensive than outdoor pools.
- Increase in your electric bill.
Indoor Pool vs. Outdoor Pool: Which Is Better?
A luxury pool will complement a home’s interior or exterior, producing an attractive feature that everybody will enjoy. An indoor pool design that is in harmony with the architecture of your home and incorporates the newest technology will also add value to your property, whether it is indoors, outdoors, or even on a rooftop.
Nothing beats an outdoor pool, but sometimes, we wish someone would turn off the giant tap in the sky for most of the year in this country. An indoor pool may be used all year and is the logical choice for the everyday swimmer. You can swim whenever you want, despite how gloomy the weather is or how dark it is outside. Unlike an outdoor pool, the indoor pool does not require the annual winterization process, which involves closing the pool for some time to protect it from the elements.
What Are The Common Types Of Indoor Pools?
There are three types of indoor swimming pools to choose from:
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools are far less complicated to set up than other types of pools. In rare cases, you can build it in as little as three days. For fiberglass pools, the super-smooth gel coat coating is highly durable and stain-resistant. Fiberglass pools are nonporous, requiring fewer pool chemicals and harboring fewer algae.
Concrete
Concrete pools are unique in that you can build them to practically any size, shape, or depth. They take longer to install than other types of pools (three to twelve weeks on average), but they are the most durable and long-lasting. Several concrete pools are over 50 years old that are still in operation. Unlike other types of in-ground pools, existing concrete pools can be rebuilt, enlarged, and updated.
Vinyl
The construction of a vinyl-lined pool might take anywhere from one to three weeks. If you consider a vinyl pool, remember that sharp objects, pool toys, and pets can all pierce the liner. While you can fix liners, it’s best to get one that’s at least 20 to 30mm thick (about 34 to 1 in.).
You might want to get one of these robotic pool cleaners for vinyl pools.
What Are The Factors To Consider When Building An Indoor Pool?
Indoor Pool Structures
If you wish to build an indoor swimming pool, you need to start with the essentials, such as the pool’s size, form, and location. Depending on the design and size, an indoor pool can be Gunite, vinyl lining, or fiberglass. Do you currently have a space that you can turn into a swimming pool area, or are you designing a new structure to accommodate the pool? The available area would determine the design and size of the pool. So, you must secure enough space to accommodate the indoor pool. When sizing a pool, keep in mind the area required for amenities and pool equipment.
Permissions and Regulations
The next step is to research your county’s building codes and regulations. You can check with the local building department to see if you need permission to build an indoor pool. Otherwise, you can talk to Indoor Swimming Pool Builders, familiar with the legislation and maintenance requirements.
Structural Integrity and WaterProofing
It is one of the most significant considerations from a safety point of view. If an indoor pool is not adequately waterproof, the water can grow mold and mildew. Still, it can also saturate load-bearing parts of the residential indoor pool structure, compromising its structural integrity. As a result, you must place a premium on waterproofing.
Some indoor swimming pool builders believe that waterproofed drywall is sufficient for an indoor pool room, while others take more drastic measures to entirely waterproof the space.
Heating and Ventilation
The next step is to analyze the operating costs of heating and ventilation, as interior pool air quality regulates pool legislation. While little sun exposure means you don’t have to worry as much about chlorine and PH as you would in an outdoor pool, you should keep the humidity around 60% and the temperature at a level where it can control evaporation.
As a result, you should buy an excellent dehumidifier for the room to replace the humid air with fresh air. The water evaporation can be high when the humidity is low, and you must control it with temperature. As a result, with indoor pools, the equipment is an added expenditure.
Cost and Indoor Pool Construction
This is where you should seek the advice of a pool builder. Indoor pools are more expensive than outdoor pools due to ventilation, waterproofing, and structural considerations. Construction procedures also differ depending on the design, structural strength, and soil condition. Both indoor and outdoor pools may have different insurance costs.
When assessing a swimming pool’s investment and operating costs, you should compare indoor and outdoor pool house insurance estimates. In this way, you’ll be able to make a concrete decision while keeping operational costs in mind.
How Much Does An Indoor Pool Cost?
The typical cost of building an indoor pool is between $40,000 and $200,000. Most individuals pay roughly $95,000 for an indoor pool 12′ by 24′, 40 inches deep, with concrete pool flooring and a fiberglass liner. You can install a 12′ x 24′ above-ground pool in an existing location for $15,000 or a custom indoor, in-ground lap pool for up to $350,000.
Remember: The size of the pool, as well as the material you choose, affects your total cost.
Cost by Type
The type of indoor pool you choose can affect the pricing, ranging from $15,000 to $2,000,000. When most people read this guide, they’re probably thinking of an in-ground one. It is a conventional installation; however, you can perform an indoor installation in various ways.
Cost by Size
The typical cost of an indoor pool is between $125 and $200 per square foot, depending on various criteria. The square footage mainly determines the price, and there are numerous sizes to choose from. While the most popular dimension is 12′ x 24′, people who want a larger swimming area can install as large as 30′ by 50′.
Cost by Material
Expect to spend between $40,000 and $90,000 to create an indoor pool. The type of material you select for your has an impact on the cost of installation. The price per square foot differs depending on the type of material used. Fiberglass is typically the favored material for modern indoor pools since you can easily install the shells and provide many years of service.
Cost by Design Type
Your indoor pool design is another factor that influences the cost of your installation, which can range from $15,000 to $150,000. There are many distinct styles on the market now, each with its own set of designs. While rectangular alternatives are the most cost-effective, kidney-shaped options are also affordable.
Cost Breakdown
Installation of an indoor swimming structure varies depending on the kind and size. It can cost anywhere from $40,000 to over $200,000, with labor costs ranging from $22,800 to $60,700 and materials costs ranging from $17,200 to $139,300. It’s not easy to build a swimming pool inside a house.
Pools come in various shapes and sizes, including lagoons, rectangular pools, traditional pools, and more. After you’ve decided on a design and style, the installer will walk you through the installation procedure and explain what to expect.
Indoor Pool Materials And Their Costs
Pool Price
A standard indoor swimming pool is around 8 x 15 feet in size. It requires at least 11 x 16 feet of accessible space. It can be customized to have a depth of up to 78 inches. The more expensive a pool is, the bigger and better it is. It might cost up to $100,000.
Water Heating System
You will need to make plans to heat the pool water if you want a swimming pool at a reasonable temperature.
There are various types of swimming pool water heaters. Installing a solar heating system, on the other hand, is the most cost-effective option to heat both an indoor and an outdoor pool. A solar heater will set you back around $340 on average. This pricing does not include the installation.
If you insulate the water heater tank as well as the hot water pipes and use a sun cover to keep all of the heat inside the pool when you’re not in it, you can drastically reduce your water heater’s operating costs.
Surroundings
You’ll need a large enough basement, garage, or sunroom to create an indoor pool. If you don’t, you’ll have to build an entire wing dedicated to your pool.
The pool enclosures are the next step. You can choose from premade solutions such as rigid frames mounting to the pool deck. They can cost upwards of $35 per square foot. Electrical work (about $85 per hour) and any plumbing requirements (approximately $80 per hour) will be extra charges.
Vapor barriers
Installing a vapor barrier in the room with the pool is a good option if the space shares common walls with the rest of the house. This may necessitate removing the sheetrock and refinishing the area as a result. It will be worth the effort because it will prevent the collection of moisture, mold, and mildew, which is a common problem with indoor swimming pools.
Dehumidifying System
An indoor pool produces a lot of heat and humidity. The dilemma is worse if your swimming pool room is small. An ideal dehumidifying system is a must-have—a basic humidifier costs around $2,000 to purchase.
A good dehumidifier can assist prevent water damage and keep the amount of water in the air under control. It will keep your space completely dry and avoid dampness from accumulating.
Safety Systems
Most indoor pool construction rules require homeowners to keep the doors between the swimming pool and the rest of the house locked. However, for an additional $600, you may choose to install door alarms and a safety cover on the pool for more security. This is beneficial if you have kids at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Pools
Do indoor pools need to be heated?
It is possible to heat an indoor pool, but it is not necessary. The purpose of heating a pool is to make the water more comfortable to swim in. You may not require a heater if your pool is in a location with central heating. On the other hand, a heated pool is beneficial for therapeutic purposes.
How long does it take to build an indoor pool?
Indoor installations typically take two to eight weeks, depending on the material, but can be completed in less time if there is less work. Each project is unique. It depends on the size of the pool and the quantity of labor required.
Are indoor pools expensive?
The cost to build an indoor pool is just slightly higher than that of an outdoor pool. Excavation for an in-ground pool or constructing the indoor area is usually the most expensive expense. If you’re searching for a tiny, above-ground lap pool or similar type, you may acquire one for as low as $15,000.
Is the cost to build an indoor pool worth it?
Yes. It is well worth the investment if you utilize your pool for exercise and relaxation throughout the year. Furthermore, a pool, whether indoors or outside, adds significant value to a home. This type of property is more likely to sell quickly and generate a higher return on investment.
Final Thoughts About Building An Indoor Pool
An indoor pool appears to be attractive. Just the thought of building an indoor pool in your home is enough to make you feel fantastic.
Keep in mind, however, that constructing an indoor pool requires considerable preparation. There are the complexities of the pool and the necessary infrastructure. Pool material, a specific HVAC system, dehumidifying measures, lighting, the pool surface, and even drainage will cost a few thousand dollars.
It’s preferable if you pick a pool designer or builder who has worked with pools before. This will indeed save you time and effort while building a stunning indoor swimming pool worthy of a magazine cover!