So you're considering an indoor swimming pool?
Great! An indoor swimming pool can be quite the showstopper when you bring over guests. It might even become the new hangout spot for your kids and their friends because who doesn’t want to feel like they’re hanging out in an indoor resort over the weekend?
Throughout our time in the inground fiberglass pool industry, we have found that people often have a variety of questions when they initially begin their research into indoor pools, including:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning an indoor pool?
How much does an indoor pool cost?
Is it possible to build a pool now and enclose it later?
What pool accessories should I consider with an indoor pool?
What type of swimming pool is best indoors?
If an indoor pool isn’t in my budget, what other options do I have?
Today, we will cover these common questions and touch on others from around the world. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will better understand the basics of indoor pools and whether one might be a good fit or not for your pool.
Let's get into it!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning an indoor pool?
Advantages
- Year-round swimming
- Less maintenance (less leaves to scoop out = more time for pool fun)
- Less chemical use as sunlight does not diminish chlorine/sanitizer levels
Disadvantages
- Substantially higher construction cost
- Higher energy cost as heating the air space and pool water is now required
- No direct sunlight for sunbathing (if basking in warm sunlight is your thing)
How much does an indoor pool cost?
Based on our experience and speaking with builders from around the country, indoor pool costs throughout most of the United States start at around $200,000 and go up from there.
Why so much? Let's look at a quick theoretical price breakdown:
- The swimming pool will typically cost between $75,000 and $200,000+ on average.
- Let's say, for example, the plan is to build a structure that is 25'x45' (1125 sq ft) and the average cost per square foot is somewhere around $100. The structure would cost $112,500.
- You must have a dehumidification system installed to protect the structure from moisture damage. That will typically cost between $20,000 and $30,000 on average.
If we use the middle range for these prices, the total cost for this hypothetical project would be around $187,500.
If you want to learn more about how much inground pools cost, be sure to check out our inground pool cost guide.
Is it possible to build the pool now and enclose it later?
Yes, we have seen this done before with indoor pool installation. The key to pulling this off is thorough project planning.
If you know the size of the structure beforehand, you can pour the footings for the future structure when the pool deck is poured.
You should also "rough-in" any water/electrical or other utilities for the future building before the deck is poured.
What pool accessories should I consider with an indoor pool?
Automatic Pool Covers
It's debatable whether automatic covers are worth the investment for an outdoor pool. However, they are almost a no-brainer for indoor pools for two main reasons.
Controlling moisture is essential for the long-term success of any indoor pool structure. Auto covers virtually eliminate evaporation, thus keeping the water in the pool instead of in the air.
They also conserve the energy used to heat the pool water by helping keep heat lost from the water to a minimum.
Pool Heater
Imagine dipping your toe in, and the water is freezing cold—almost like stepping into a giant ice bath! You’ll want your pool to be comfortable. As indoor swimming pools receive little or no direct sunlight, they require another means to heat the pool water to that “just-right” temperature. The traditional type of pool heater for indoor pools is a natural gas or propane heater because it can function in lower outdoor temperatures than electric heat pumps. This will provide heated water throughout the coldest months of the year.
What type of swimming pool is best indoors?
There are essentially three types of inground pools: fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl liner. Although we specialize in fiberglass pools, any of the three types of pools will work in an indoor pool application.
However, we find that one advantage of installing indoor fiberglass pools is the speed of installation.
We have seen the pool shell be installed within a day or two, which dramatically cuts down on the construction time of the overall structure. And because fiberglass pool models often include desirable features like tanning ledges, benches, and seats at no extra cost, homeowners find them to be a great alternative to vinyl or concrete pools where those same features can be costly additions.
We've created a fair and honest comparison of fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl liner pools
If an indoor pool isn't in my budget, what other options do I have?
We have found that building an indoor pool is not a realistic option for most people. But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you can’t have a luxurious pool experience at home!
Fortunately, plenty of folks have worked with their pool builder to design and build the perfect outdoor pool for their family. And it turns out that virtually all of them wouldn't have it any other way when the project is completed.
These families typically find that certain pool accessories enhance their outdoor pool experience.
Automatic covers trap solar energy, warm the water, and reduce maintenance by helping keep debris out of the pool.
Pool heaters extend the swim season and put the pool owner in control.
These and other options are a great investment as they provide real benefits for a fraction of the cost of enclosing the pool.
Well, we hope this has been helpful as you decide whether to build an indoor pool!
If you like the idea of a fiberglass pool, let's see if our designs work in your indoor pool setting.
Want to speak to a local independent installer about your project? Just fill out this form.
And if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
Thanks and happy swimming!
Up Next:
The Ultimate Guide to Inground Swimming Pool Maintenance
What is an Above Ground Concrete Pool? Cost, Construction, Problems
Editor's note: This article was originally written by Jason Hughes and was updated on June 7, 2024, with current information. River Pools is a brand of inground fiberglass pools produced in a manufacturing facility in Fortville, IN. While our expertise is in manufacturing fiberglass pools, we have access to a network of installers with expertise relating to project design, installation, and pool service. We often tap into this knowledge base and share information freely with homeowners, just like you, considering installing a swimming pool in your backyard.