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Creating Dramatic Indoor Pools

High costs and critical building practices make indoor pools investments for both designers and homeowners.

By Maureen Alley

Photo: John Parris Frantz Photography/Downes Swimming Pool

Waterproof materials and nonslip floors are important for safety and longevity of the indoor pool spaces.

The biggest challenge for designers is incorporating a large structure that’s aesthetically pleasing with the rest of the house, as well as making sure the HVAC components can maintain a comfortable environment.

Folding door systems and retractable roof systems can maximize natural lighting.

Many clients use indoor pools for exercise and therapeutic reasons.

It�s important during the design stage to include plans for dressing up the surrounding areas of indoor pools.

Illustration: Paragon Pools, Las Vegas

The style of the indoor pool depends on its location. If the pool shares a common wall or is in the basement of the house, the pool�s style should complement the style of the house.

Focus on designing pools with shapes that are more appealing than rectangular pools.

The inclusion of changing rooms in indoor spaces depends on the designer. Some see the importance of these rooms where others find them redundant if the pool is located in a house.

The need for ancillary rooms such as changing areas or bathrooms depends on the designer. Some see the importance of including these rooms, where others feel their inclusion is redundant considering the indoor pool is already inside the house.

Always a Luxury

Indoor pools will most always be for homes with clients rather than spec homes because of the high costs associated with them. Builders who include indoor pools in their spec projects create the challenge of finding a homeowner in the small percentage of the population who’s willing and able to pay for the pool’s high costs. However, if designed and built correctly, indoor pools can add monetary value to a home.

The demand for indoor pools remains static because it is such a luxury item. “The demand is static because they are so expensive to install,” Benedetti says. “They’re reserved for commercial applications and very wealthy individuals.”

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