Indoor pools can be the ultimate playground. Imagine a room that has everything you need for entertaining, exercising, dining, and relaxing. Indoor pool rooms can be anything from an exotic tropical oasis with palm trees and waterfalls to a training room for athletes with a pool, water slides, and other equipment. The best part is? The best part? You can enjoy your pool in any weather, rain or shine.
Indoor pools can be built with any type of pool, whether it’s fiberglass, vinyl or a mix. They can be as simple or complex as an indoor waterpark. Indoor pools can be enhanced with amenities such as showers, steam rooms and saunas, along with other amenities. Indoor swimming pool ideas can be as creative and unique as your imagination.
Cost of Indoor Pool Construction
It is best to plan an indoor pool during the construction and design of a new home. It may, however, be possible to add an indoor swimming pool to a home that already exists with the help of an architect. Kevin Ruddy, the owner of Omega Pool Structures, Inc., Toms River, NJ, says that it’s important to hire an architect with experience in designing indoor pools. To do it correctly, you’ll need an HVAC system that is fully functional. This requires someone with experience.
The deck of an indoor pool slopes towards the pool in order to keep the water from the walls. An outdoor pool will have to deal with the freezing and thawing cycles that an outdoor pool may experience. James Atlas, principal at Platinum Poolcare, Ltd., Wheeling, IL, explains that because an indoor pool will not be subjected to the freezing and thawing cycles of an outdoor pool, it is possible to use a greater variety of materials.
In terms of design, an indoor swimming pool may resemble the rest of your home, but it’s quite different in terms of engineering. This is especially true when it comes down to the heating and ventilation systems, which are essential for maintaining a comfortable level of humidity. You may have to spend as much on air quality equipment as the pool itself. Atlas estimates the price of indoor swimming pools to be between $165,000 and $200,000.
The Planning Process
You should communicate with your pool builder and architect before deciding on the type of space you would like for your indoor swimming pool. The pool builder will then interview you in order to determine how you plan on using the pool, and what impact it will have on your lifestyle. Your construction team cannot provide the best result without this step.
A pool indoors should be constructed during a new building or renovation of an existing structure for best results. The pool builder, along with an architect and other experts, will need to consider the design of the pool, the materials required to complete the project and the ground upon which the pool is to be built. This will ensure that the pool and room are constructed according to code, and that all permits have been obtained. The soil and drainage conditions play an important role in the substructure and footings. A building team must be able to prepare setbacks, easements and rights-of way, as well as scale, proportion and balance.
A pool room indoors should be designed like any other home space: it needs to fit in with the architecture and personality of the house. Special modifications are needed to address humidity issues and other concerns. A pool builder with experience in indoor pools will know how to handle situations before they turn into problems. The amount of water and the resulting evaporation is one of the first considerations.
Indoor Pool Ventilation
In recent years, the air quality in indoor pools has been under intense scrutiny. Ideal humidity levels should be between 50 and 60 percent. This can be achieved by either exchanging humid air with fresh, dryer air, or installing a dehumidification unit. Dehumidifiers should be designed so that the air does not blow across the surface of the pool, as this can accelerate evaporation. Instead, air should evenly distribute over the exterior walls to prevent condensation.
The dew point is the temperature at which the air in the enclosure reaches that of the water. Keep the temperature of the air inside the enclosure 2 to 4 degrees above that of the water. This will reduce evaporation, and increase bather comfort. As the temperature of the water and room drift apart, evaporation will increase. Atlas says that the first signs of rain will be droplets on windows. Many people prefer to heat their swimming pools to 82°F, so heating the enclosure up to 84°F or 86°F is not feasible. Dehumidifiers of the right size are essential for this reason. Limiting the time water features are running can reduce evaporation dramatically. Ruddy recommends plumbing water features separately from the pool to further reduce evaporation. The water features will stay at room temperatures if heated pool water is not routed through the fountains and falls.
A pool cover that automatically closes can reduce evaporation up to 50%. Ruddy says that an automatic pool cover is one of the best tools for reducing monthly dehumidification expenses, sometimes by hundreds of dollars.
Deck drainage is important to prevent puddling which can lead to high levels of humidity and evaporation. Tim O’Neil, Operations Manager for Downes Swimming Pool Co., Inc., Arlington Heights, IL, explains that a low profile strip drain around the perimeter of the pool looks cleaner than hub drains, which are typically placed every 8-10 feet. O’Neil recommends installing a radiant heating system to reduce evaporation and keep deck areas dry. This will also dry up any standing water.
Indoor pools are basically bodies of water within a closed environment. As such, they have specific requirements to meet if you want the room to look beautiful and be functional. The problem begins when the climate of that environment is not managed properly. Dehumidification is the best method to control “weather” in the room. However, the unit must be sized correctly to accommodate the amount of humidity and air needed to avoid mold and corrosion. To stop moisture damage, builders also use water-resistant materials like Dryvit or Wonder Board(r). A pool cover that automatically closes is another option to prevent problems. Studies have shown they can reduce humidity and evaporation by as much as 50%.
The ventilation system is equally important for controlling the environment of a room, especially if it has many windows, skylights and sliding glass door. All that glass allows heat buildup. If you are planning to use chloramines to sanitize your pool water, then be aware that the chemical will produce them as it works. They have a strong smell. An experienced architect will know how to place the vents so that the air flows over the windows. This keeps the room livable.
Indoor Pool Structural Support
Plastic vapor barriers behind walls are necessary in any indoor wet environment to prevent moisture reaching structural framing, which can cause damage from freeze/thaw and encourage mold growth. Others recommend Wonder Board, a waterproof board that is similar to the greenboard used in bathrooms. Others suggest Dryvit, an exterior material that comes in a variety of textures and is paintable.
Don’t underestimate the space needed for your equipment room. You may want to use the expertise of the pool builder, and not that of the architect, for this. Pool builders say that architects tend to underestimate the size of equipment rooms. This can lead to difficult working conditions in the future if you need to repair or replace equipment. If the pool will be maintained by an outside company, it is a good idea to have the equipment room accessible from the outside. This way, the service techs won’t need to enter the house to get to the equipment.
Indoor pools emit more chloramines than outdoor pools. Ventilation systems can reduce such odors. However, there are other remedies. You can use a mineral purifier or ozonator as a supplement. This will reduce the production and smell of YMCA.
Indoor Pools With Skylights And Retractable Roofs
The use of skylights, sliding glass doors and windows can create a feeling of openness, but in summer they may also cause excessive heat. Ruddy says that it’s important to have high-rise windows or skylights that can be opened to allow hot air to escape. Otherwise, you may spend more money cooling down your indoor pool in summer than heating it up in winter. He says that an open roof and plenty of sliding glass door systems allow you to treat your pool as an outdoor pool during the summer.
Airflow across the width of windows is necessary to prevent windows from fogging. To ensure clear vision, some architects suggest placing vents near each window on the floor or ceiling.
Indoor Pool Lighting
When the sun sets, you’ll need to provide adequate lighting in order to enjoy the night and stay safe. Combining underwater lighting with wall sconces can provide a beautiful and effective illumination. Avoid overhead lighting because it is difficult to change the bulbs. Consider fiber-optic cables for ceiling lighting. They use remote illuminators which are easy to access. Ruddy says that the lighting should create the desired ambiance. He argues that if the lighting is too bright it may draw unwanted attention to windows.
You can see that an indoor pool gives you the ability to control your aquatic environment, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. If you’re thinking of installing a pool, think about making it indoors. Don’t make the mistake to think that you can convert an outdoor pool into a room in the future. Ruddy says that if you already have a pool, the cost of converting it into an indoor pool is as high as building a brand new indoor pool.
Determining The Style Of Your Indoor Pool
A skilled interior decorator is another important member of your team. The environment of an interior pool must be harmonious with the overall decor of the home. This is different from an outdoor pool, where hardscapes and planting materials are prioritized. Furniture, amenities and artwork must all reflect the style and home of your home.
If the outdoor venue has a beautiful backdrop, you can use it to bring the beauty of nature indoors. This open feel is achieved by using walls of windows, skylights on the ceiling, and sliding glass door.
The best lighting is natural, but artificial lighting can be used when the sun has set or has hid behind clouds. Lighting should be kept to a minimum: the goal is to create an inviting atmosphere. Combining wall sconces with pool lighting can transform a space from day to night. The majority of designers won’t recommend installing overhead lighting because it would be difficult to change bulbs or repair fixtures.
Take time to admire the surroundings after all amenities have been installed and the pool is ready for the opening day. You will agree with others that no matter why you chose to build an indoor pool, it is now your favorite place to spend time with family and friends.
11 Inspiring Indoor Pool Designs
A private indoor pool allows you to enjoy the benefits of a swimming pool all year round. This is a great opportunity to create an interior space that can be used for entertainment, play or exercise. Check out the beautiful indoor pool designs below.
This stunning Roman-style pool has laminar jets and an interior of blue glass mosaic with gold inlays. It also features LED color-changing lights, a marble surface, and a rim flow edge. The glass pyramid that is suspended above the pool by four marble pillars serves as an impressive skylight.
This indoor spa feels like a little piece of heaven. The enclosure is designed for water exercise all year round and features large pocket door that can be opened to let in sunlight or fresh air.
This classic L-shaped indoor perimeter-overflow pool is sleek and urbane. It is finished with black glass tiles that are also used on the columns. The pool is ideal for laps and has a separate area for kids to splash around.
The two images of a lap pool with an attached spa show how utilitarian and artistic elements can be combined to create a harmonious environment. This goal was achieved in several ways, including the blue granite overflow grates and dark tile mural.
The design of an indoor pool should reflect the style and architecture in the house, especially when it is located in the living room. The elegant Greek key tile and classic symmetry of the pool perfectly complements the French Manor style interiors.
This exotic indoor swimming is finished in hand-painted custom glass tiles. The pool features a bench in the water, an elevated spa and a stunning mosaic as its focal point.
Want to go outside but don’t want to leave your home? It’s easy to solve this problem: simply paint a skyscape over the pool, and install rows of tall windows. This will give swimmers the best of both worlds.
This indoor pool is awash with Old World charm when viewed from above. The imported travertine deck and coping add to the Old World feel. This indoor pool is finished off with outdoor landscaping and lighting.
This indoor lap pool is located in the back of the house. It features a beautiful stone diving platform, a Caymen Lagoon hydrazzo finish and a multicolored concrete deck. The water trickles down from the platform into the pool creating a musical interlude.
The Master Pools builder worked closely with the homebuilder and architect to create this elegant indoor pool. This indoor pool is made even more impressive by the thick dolomite stone that surrounds it.
The interiors of the spa and pool are decorated with glass tiles, adding a splash of color. The separate lounge gives guests their own space while enjoying the entire space. This includes the skylights, the wall of windows and the beautiful woodwork.
