How to Design a Home Indoor Pool

Keep your home and budget in mind when designing an indoor pool.

While swimming pools are typically viewed as an outdoor recreational unit, people living in cold climates may need another option---an indoor pool. Many choices are available for those who wish to design a year-round indoor swimming pool. Dreaming of an indoor unit can become a reality by following some basic design tips.

Instructions

1. Think about how you and others will use the pool. Consider the options that may benefit the pool space. Perhaps you need a retractable enclosure, or maybe you want to add an exotic waterfall. You may be installing the pool in a new home or it may be an addition to your existing dwelling. Either way, these questions help play into the overall design and cost of your future indoor swimming pool.

2. Plan the pool around whether or not you are building a new home or an addition. You can add the pool space to the plans if building a new home, but building onto a home may be trickier. In-ground indoor swimming pools are usually built into the home's foundation. Fiberglass models may need to be installed separately depending on the specific model.

3. Consider the options if planning on adding a pool to an existing structure. The most common option is purchasing an above ground indoor unit. Keep in mind ceiling height and available space, which all limit how large the pool can be. The pool should be placed on a first story or basement floor with a concrete base. This will support the heavy weight of the pool water. You may want to consider additional reinforcing of the floor underneath the pool to prevent from any structural damage.

4. Decide if an indoor/outdoor combination unit may be best for your home. If you are weary of placing an entire pool under your roof, consider having only half of a pool inside the house. Part of the pool is built in the yard while the other section is built inside. Instead of a wall, the pool will have either a fiberglass or aluminum divider that closes off part of the pool in the wintertime to make it capable of strictly indoor use. In other words, you are able to enjoy an outdoor pool in the summertime and an indoor swim in the winter.

5. Conduct online or catalog research in order to find a model right for you. Look for pictures that show exactly what the pool will look like inside the home. Take your ideas to a pool supplier or a contractor and he will be able to help you plan further. Keep in mind your budget, as a pool is a life-long investment that requires maintenance when in use. They also use electricity, which, if used year-round, may increase your electric bill by a moderate amount.

References

• Home Designing: Indoor Pools

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Care Free Pools: Indoor Swimming Pool Design