So you're considering an indoor swimming pool?
Great! Having seen many indoor swimming pool projects ourselves over the years, we have found that people often have a variety of questions when they initially begin their research.
Today, we are going to cover some of the most common questions we receive from folks around the world who find us via the internet.
Let's head in!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning an indoor pool?
Advantages
- Year-round swimming
- Less maintenance as outdoor debris does not get in the pool
- 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 desired)
How much do indoor swimming pools cost?
Based on our experience, the cost for an indoor pool throughout most of the United States starts around $200,000 and goes up from there.
Why so much? Let's look at a quick price breakdown:
- The swimming pool will typically cost between $40,000 and $60,000.
- Let's say you plan to build a structure that is 25'x45' (1125 sq ft) and the average cost per square foot is $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.
If we go with the middle range for these prices our total cost for this hypothetical project would be $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. The key to pulling this off is thorough project planning.
If you know the size of the structure before hand, you can pour the footings for the future structure when the pool deck is poured.
You should also rough in any water/electrical 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, for indoor pools they are almost a no-brainer.
Controlling moisture is essential for the long-term success of any 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.
Pool Heater
As indoor swimming pools receive little or no direct sunlight, they require another means to heat the pool water. The traditional type of pool heater for indoor pools is a natural gas or propane heater.
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.
The pool shell is typically installed within a day or two, which dramatically cuts down on the construction time of the overall structure. And because fiberglass pools are smooth to the touch, the bather experience is more enjoyable.
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 an indoor pool is not a realistic option for most people.
Fortunately, dozens of such folks have still designed and built the perfect outdoor pool for their family. And it turns out that virtually all of them, when the project is completed, wouldn't have it any other way.
These folks typically find that certain pool accessories enhance their outdoor pool experience.
Automatic covers trap solar energy, warm the water, and reduce maintenance as they 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 benefit for a fraction of the cost of enclosing the pool.
Well, we hope this has helped!
If you'd like the idea of a fiberglass pool, let's see if any of our pool designs will work in your indoor pool setting.
Want to speak to a local independent installer about your project? Just fill out this form and they will be in touch to answer your questions soon.
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 blog article was originally published in May 2016 and has been updated and revamped for accuracy and appearance.
Editor's note: This article was updated on September 26, 2023.