Indoor Pool Ideas to Enjoy Year-Round
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An indoor pool is a fantastic luxury, but having one of your own isn’t as out of reach as it used to be. Today’s indoor pools cost between $40,000 and $200,000, with an average cost of $95,000 (compared to $63,715 for typical outdoor in-ground pools).* If you love swimming and hosting pool parties year-round, the cost may be worth it.
The right indoor pool will enhance your home’s value, allow for swimming in all seasons, and let you swim in privacy. Use this guide to learn more about different types of indoor pools, their benefits, and features to consider before purchasing.
*Article cost data via Angi.com
Benefits of an Indoor Pool
An outdoor pool can be lovely, but if you live in an area with hot summers, long winters, or close quarters between neighboring homes, an indoor pool could be a better investment. Consider these unique benefits of installing your own indoor pool:
Types of Indoor Pools
If you’re imagining your ideal indoor pool, you likely have a specific vision. However, there’s a wide variety of indoor pool options. Each one offers advantages based on your size constraints, preferred swimming pool activities and functionality, and home aesthetic.
Common indoor pool types include the following:
- Endless pools: Endless pools have adjustable currents that push the water and provide resistance for swimmers. This gives the pool a very small footprint, which can be as small as 8-by-15 feet.
- Hot tubs: Hot tubs are small heated pools meant for relaxing and soaking. They have an average size of 7-by-7 feet or 8-by-8 feet.
- Lap pools: Indoor lap pools are often preferred by serious swimmers and people training for specific lane swimming goals. They consist of a single lane and are between 50 and 75 feet long. This design mimics the feel of a conventional rec center or competitive pool.
- Plunge pools: This pool capitalizes on wellness trends surrounding cold water plunges. Homeowners can fill a very small pool, such as a hot tub, with cold water for plunges after exercises or steam room sessions.
These pool options offer diverse advantages for different lifestyles and fitness goals.
Indoor Pool Designs and Features
You can choose different features and amenities to enhance your pool and surrounding space, as well as the pool itself. We recommend working with an experienced pool designer to create a cohesive, long-lasting, and well-designed space.
Consider these different aspects.
Good lighting is essential for safety. To ensure good visibility around the pool, you can use overhead, underwater, and motion-activated lighting. Additional overhead and accent lighting can improve the ambiance.
LED lights are a popular, energy-efficient option, and you can easily upgrade it to smart lighting as part of a smart home system.
Part of the joy of having an indoor pool is that you get to control the environment of the water and the surrounding area. Depending on the type of pool you select, you’ll likely need heating and ventilation systems.
Indoor pools should also have robust dehumidification systems to prevent mold, mildew, and dampness. We recommend working with an experienced HVAC expert who can properly install and service the system’s units.
Indoor pool HVAC should include dehumidifiers that don’t evaporate pool water, vent systems to eliminate chemical smells and concentrations, and coolant systems for the air that are separate from the water systems.
Install your pool in an environment that can handle the moisture and equipment requirements. Detached structures or hybrid indoor-outdoor rooms along the exterior of your home are ideal. You can further prepare the space by installing a concrete floor or covering the foundation with non-porous tile or stone flooring.
To make the pool space more enjoyable for your family and guests (including non-swimmers), consider adding seating, beautiful plants, poolside water features, nearby changing rooms, and a sauna. Smaller investments include inflatable toys, loungers, and floating armbands for helping children learn to swim.
Depending on the available space and the primary objective of the pool, you can add aesthetic water features. For a relaxing, spa-like environment, you can add bubblers and fountains. For a resort-like feel for relaxing and hosting guests, consider waterfall features or hot tubs with a wide range of water settings.
Indoor Maintenance
Just like with an outdoor swimming pool, indoor pools require maintenance. However, maintaining a clean pool with balanced, treated water can be easier indoors. Two important aspects of maintenance are keeping the water clean and caring for the equipment.
Cleaning and Water Chemistry
Two main factors impact the clarity and quality of pool water:
- Chlorine: Chlorine disinfects pool water. Very low traces of chlorine can kill bacteria, but it needs frequent monitoring.
- pH: Water should be slightly acidic or neutral. If it’s too caustic (above a pH of approximately 7.6), it’s basic and alkaline. If it’s below 7, it’s an acidic skin irritant.
To maintain properly chlorinated, neutral water, owners must skim the water and vacuum and brush the sides to remove waste. The water should be frequently tested (and corrected) for imbalances.
Equipment Maintenance
Pools have several pieces of equipment. Pumps and filters circulate the water to automatically skim out large impurities. Heaters condition the water to keep it at preset water temperature controls. Dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the surrounding air to mitigate the risk of mold and mildew.
Homeowners can conduct routine maintenance and inspections on this equipment, such as checking for error codes, replacing dirty filters, and noticing when the equipment isn’t running as smoothly as it should. Investing in robotic pool cleaners or vacuums and choosing high-quality pool cleaning chemicals can help with these tasks.
Professional pool technicians should manage the annual servicing, repairs, and modifications because of the technical difficulty and safety hazards of electrical equipment near water.
Another important aspect of owning a pool is pool safety. Teach children and guests about how to safely use and enjoy the pool to minimize risk and maximize family fun.
Our Conclusion
Indoor pools are a great investment in your health, wellness, and home value, and they provide unique advantages over outdoor in-ground pools. There are many different types of indoor pools, and you can customize them with lighting, water features, and decor elements to make a splash. Once you decide if an indoor pool is right for your home, work with a professional pool designer to plan out the space and make sure it’s optimal for your home and lifestyle.
FAQ About Indoor Pools
What is the best type of indoor pool?
The best type of indoor pool is one that fits your space and supports your lifestyle. Compare different types of pools, such as endless pools, plunges, and hot tubs, based on your interests and property.
How much does an indoor pool cost?
An indoor pool costs an average of $95,000. The cost will vary depending on the size, complexity, and additional features you select.
Do indoor pools add value to a home?
Indoor pools may add value to a home. They are a unique amenity that will appeal to specific markets. However, they can make it harder to sell your home, as some buyers don’t want indoor swimming pools.
What is the ideal indoor pool temperature?
The ideal indoor pool temperature is between 77 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, which is cool enough to minimize bacterial growth without being too cold. However, hot tubs can have higher temperature settings.
How often should I clean my indoor pool?
Generally, you should clean your indoor pool at least once a week. We also recommend cleaning it after parties or swimming sessions with multiple users.
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