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Where do you go to rest and refresh at home? A sprawling garden or a backyard deck is great for catching energizing rays of sunshine and warm, fresh air, but you’ll have to roll it back indoors when the temperatures start to drop. But what if you had a well-insulated indoor solution for your much needed outdoor space?
Water features like fountains and pools refresh any space, but because these fixtures are often located outdoors, they’re not accessible year-round. So why not bring the fun indoors so you can relax by the water and spend time with the family as the seasons change?
Indoor swimming pools allow you to do just that. Keep up with your daily laps, play with the kids, and give your home a tranquil boost that allows you to go for a dip any time you want.
Here’s a quick guide to help you get started on the latest — and most refreshing — feature to grace your home: your very own indoor swimming pool.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Swimming Pools
Pools are often located outdoors where you can catch lots of sunshine while keeping cool in the water, so here’s a quick rundown on the major differences between indoor and outdoor pools.
They look very much alike and they’re not built that much different, either. Just like their outdoor counterparts, indoor swimming pools still require a solid base of concrete with a vinyl-lined pool with a shotcrete foundation or a fully reinforced concrete pool.
Additional care must be taken to safeguard any adjusted spaces from pool water and prevent leaks from pipes or through the pool.
Ventilation Requirements
Pools — especially indoor ones — should be properly ventilated to avoid damage to the building structure. That’s because indoor swimming pools aren’t typically covered, so any humidity absorbed is usually captured and sent back to the pool itself.
To keep your indoor pool functional year-round, you’ll need a reliable dehumidifier. You will also need to ensure that the pool room can seal in the moisture in the air and the finishes should be tolerant to moisture and wetness. Built-in heating for pool water is a nice bonus, so you can go for a dip in comfortable temperatures.
Building the Deck Slope
Ever wondered where splashes from the pool — or even excess flow from heavy rains — go? The deck slope is built to catch this water and direct its flow to avoid overflowing the pool and drying up completely when it’s too humid. That means the water level stays consistent for use.
In outdoor pools, the deck slope is built away from the pool to avoid rainwater flowing towards it, and potentially contaminating the clean chlorinated water you need for a refreshing swim. But in indoor settings where the rain can be kept at bay, you’ll need the deck slope to flow towards the pool, so splash water flows back in, keeping the depth consistent. Alternatively, the deck can be sloped away and water collected in drains which lead to floor drains in the house.
Utility Rooms
Just like their outdoor counterparts, indoor swimming pools need utility rooms to accommodate equipment and changing stations.
That’s right — just because you’re already indoors doesn’t mean you won’t need washrooms and change rooms up close. Without these spaces, it’s easy to track puddles indoors, leaving a mess to clean up.
Keep in mind that you’ll need about a hundred square feet for a mechanical room. This space should be able to accommodate equipment and storage. As for the washroom and change room, you can allot about forty square feet each — that’s enough room for you, the kids, and even guests to shower and change, instead of making a mess trekking back to the main house.
Power Source
From ventilation and heating to draining, lighting, and even surrounding entertainment features, you’ll need a reliable power source to maintain an indoor swimming pool. And with the growing eco-friendly movement, you’ll want to keep your home as sustainable and energy-efficient as possible.
To start, consider investing in a solar heating system. This energy-efficient technology maintains consistently comfortable water temperatures, saving you up to thousands of dollars in electric bills.
Enclosures and Barriers
Indoor swimming pools are built with enclosures to separate the pool from the rest of the house. These barriers prevent water damage to nearby furniture and appliances, as well as the structure itself. The right enclosures also help set the vibe for a refreshing swim, recreating the feel of resort decks and cabanas right at home.
Because indoor pools are built inside your home, you’ll also need vapour barriers and dehumidifying systems to eliminate the increased heat and humidity and ensure a balanced atmosphere. Vapour barriers also need to be set up close to common walls connecting the pool room to the rest of the house to prevent moisture build-up and mould.
Built for the Family
Indoor swimming pools are a great addition to any home — just think of how much time and energy you’ll save when you don’t have to hit the gym to get your laps in and stay active. But more than avid swimmers, this water feature will definitely be loved by the entire family. Unlike outdoor pools, you won’t have to wait for the perfect weather to splash around, practice your strokes, and spend quality time.
An indoor swimming pool gives you and your family the chance to bond and reconnect just like on vacation — but every day and right at home. For a full resort experience, add some lounge chairs and shades, and keep cool by the water all day.
Increased Appeal to Buyers
It’s no secret that large home improvements like an indoor swimming pool can cost a lot, but don’t get bogged down by the figures just yet. With the right contractor, you’re guaranteed a sturdy and cost-efficient build.
Indoor pool projects require a lot of work and planning and you will need to budget for this accordingly. On the upside, an indoor swimming pool is an investment that pays for itself. This premium amenity boosts your home’s appeal by a lot, so you can factor the increased property value in your future financial plans.
If you’re thinking of upgrading or downsizing in the future, an indoor pool will definitely make for a rewarding sale among buyers who place a premium on lifestyle perks, allowing you to recoup its cost right away.
To learn more about the indoor swimming pools, call Solda Pools at 905-796-6500 or contact us here.
