Getting an indoor swimming pool could be one of the best decisions you ever make, adding value to your home while also improving your family’s quality of life and wellbeing.
But to ensure you get the most out of your investment, it’s important to think carefully about which indoor swimming pool design best suits your needs. With so many different types of pools to choose from, understanding your options can help you choose the perfect pool for your home.
Here at Portrait Pools, we are proud to be one of the UK’s leading luxury pool contractors. We design and build spectacular bespoke pools for both private homes and commercial spaces.
In this article, we’ll explore the different indoor pool designs available, providing inspiration for your project and helping you make an informed decision about which option is right for you.
What type of pool is best for indoors?
The right type of pool for you and your space depends on various factors, including what you want a pool for, where you want to build it, your budget, and aesthetic preferences.
Whether you need a compact pool to fit a small space, a relaxing spa pool, or a family-friendly pool, understanding the different designs available will help you choose the right option for you.
Here are some key factors to consider when deciding which indoor swimming pool design is best for your home.
- Purpose: Consider your motivation for getting a pool. Do you want to use it for exercise, relaxation, or family recreation?
- Space: How much space do you have for a pool? If you only have a small space to work with, something compact like a plunge pool may be the best option for you. Larger spaces offer more flexibility with design.
- Design and aesthetics: What kind of aesthetic do you want to create? Are you aiming for a bright, playful, family-friendly vibe, a sophisticated and luxurious retreat, or an energising and motivational space? Whatever your goal, the final design should complement or work in harmony with the architecture and décor of the surrounding building too.
- Budget: Your budget will also be a key factor in your decision. How much are you willing to spend on a pool? Smaller options, like plunge pools and indoor spa pools, are generally more cost-effective than larger enclosed indoor pools, which often require additional investments in structural modifications. However, when designing an indoor pool, every aspect of the design and build can be customised – meaning the cost can vary significantly from one project to another—even for the same type of pool.
What are the different types of indoor pool?
We’ve put together a quick guide to some of the most popular indoor swimming pool designs. Discover what makes each pool design unique.
Screened-in indoor swimming pool
Screened-in swimming pools are pools that are covered by large screens or enclosures instead of solid walls. These screens are usually made from strong glass panels, providing protection from the elements, insects, and debris while still letting in maximum natural light. This type of pool is usually built as an outdoor extension that is connected to or near the main building.
Screened-in pools can look very elegant, have an open and airy feel, and allow you to enjoy your outdoor space from indoors. However, they can be less private and not as insulated as a fully enclosed pool.
They can be used for a variety of purposes, including recreational swimming and entertaining, but may not be warm enough to use comfortably all year around.
Enclosed indoor pool
An enclosed pool is any pool that is fully enclosed within a building with solid walls and a roof. They are the best options for those who want to use their pool all year round because they typically feature advanced climate control and ventilation systems to keep the pool room at a comfortable temperature all year round.
This type of pool offers privacy, comfort, and year-round usage. Depending on the size and scope of the enclosed pool being built, it can be quite a big project with many different elements to consider. Although a fully enclosed indoor pool is typically more expensive to build than a screened-in pool, the benefits of year-round usage usually outweigh the cost in colder climates like the UK.
Enclosed indoor pools can encompass a variety of designs, including lap pools, plunge pools, spa pools, and more.
Indoor lap pool
Lap pools are long and narrow pools specifically designed for swimming laps and fitness training. They are rectangular and generally about 40 to 75ft in length.
Because lap pools are long and narrow, they don’t require as much space as some other types of pools.
This type of pool is best for fitness enthusiasts who primarily want to use the pool for cardio workouts, endurance training, or therapeutic swimming. A lap pool is not usually the best option for families with children.
Indoor plunge pool
Plunge pools are small pools designed for relaxation rather than serious swimming. Plunge pools are typically about 3.5 metres long by 2.5 metres wide and provide a refreshing place to unwind.
Their smaller size makes plunge pools a more cost-effective option and ideal for areas with limited space. However, if you want a pool to exercise in, this might not be the right option for you.
Plunge pools are a good option for those who primarily want to take a dip and relax and for families with young children.
Indoor spa pool
Spa pools are small, heated pools equipped with powerful jets to provide hydrotherapy, massage, and relaxation. Available in a variety of shapes, they can be designed to suit different spaces and preferences.
Considered a luxury feature, spa pools are perfect for indulgent relaxation and are especially suited to homes where space is limited. When space allows, many people opt for a spa pool in addition to a larger pool.
However, a spa pool alone is not a good option for those who require a pool for fitness activities and may not be large enough to accommodate families comfortably.
Need help choosing the right indoor pool design for your property? Get in touch today by calling us on 01625 466200 or filling out our online contact form.
