How to Design the Best Indoor Pool for Your Home, or your Client’s Vision

Thinking About an Indoor Pool? Here's What You Need to Know First

Are you a homeowner envisioning a private, year-round swimming space, or an architect tasked with bringing that vision to life?
Do you wonder what it truly takes to design an indoor pool that balances function, style, and long-term value?
At J Designs, we work closely with homeowners and design professionals to create custom indoor pool solutions that look as good as they perform.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to plan, design, and maintain the perfect indoor pool, from understanding the biggest design considerations to choosing the right systems for ventilation, lighting, and more.

What Are the Benefits of an Indoor Swimming Pool?

Indoor pools offer the luxury of all-season use, enhanced privacy, and a beautiful space for wellness and recreation,  all from the comfort of your home.

Whether you’re an architect developing a high-end residence or a homeowner dreaming of spa-like serenity, the benefits are tangible:

• Year-round accessibility: Enjoy swimming regardless of the weather.

• Increased privacy: No need to share the space or worry about neighbors.

• Health and fitness: A dedicated space for aquatic workouts and relaxation.

• Design control: You can fully integrate the pool with your home’s interior aesthetic.

• Boosted property value: A well-designed indoor pool is a long-term investment in luxury.

Architect Insight:  Many of our partners use indoor pools as anchor features in wellness-focused home design, think massage rooms, home saunas, and indoor gyms.

What Are the Biggest Challenges of Designing an Indoor Pool?

While the benefits are enticing, indoor pools require careful planning to overcome several complex design challenges.

The primary technical considerations include:

• Humidity and moisture control: Improper ventilation can lead to mold and structural damage.

• Vapor pressure: Without a well-designed air barrier, moisture can escape into surrounding rooms.

• Chloramine accumulation: This byproduct of pool chemicals can affect indoor air quality if not managed.

• Code compliance and permits: Each jurisdiction has unique rules for indoor water features.

• Space constraints: Basement pools, in particular, demand structural reinforcements and creative layouts.

Pro Tip: Always factor in HVAC system upgrades, especially for larger pools. This ensures comfort and protects your investment long-term.

What Makes an Indoor Pool “the Best” for Your Space?

Photo Curtesy of Design Works

The best indoor pools balance visual appeal, usability, and long-term efficiency.

Key elements of great design include:

• Material selection: Use water- and vapor-resistant surfaces like porcelain tile, composite decking, or natural stone.

• Lighting strategy: Combine natural lighting (where possible) with dimmable LEDs to set the mood.

• Access points: Should be seamless from primary living spaces.

• Functional zones: Consider integrating hot tubs, spas, or swim-in-place jets, depending on how the space will be used.

• Customization: From floating steps to ceiling mirrors, the best pools reflect personal style and purpose.

Pro Tip: Keep structural loads in mind. Water is heavy, engineered floors and reinforcements may be required, especially on non-ground floors.

How Much Does an Indoor Pool Cost to Install and Maintain?

Installing an indoor pool is a significant investment, and the actual cost extends well beyond the pool shell. For a mid-sized, custom indoor pool, expect a starting investment of $200,000–$450,000, with many projects exceeding $500,000 depending on design complexity.

1. Engineering & Structural Design ($40,000–$50,000)

Structural assessments ensure that your home can support the weight of water, mechanical systems, and any additional construction required. Ambient Lighting considerations are also crucial for safety.

2. HVAC & Dehumidification Systems ($15,000–$25,000+)

Crucial for controlling humidity, air quality, and temperature year-round.

3. Building Waterproofing and Corrosion Protection

From vapor barriers to stainless steel fixtures, every surface must resist moisture. Waterproofing failures can destroy buildings from the inside out.

4. Pool Shell, Filtration, and Sanitation System ($250,000–$300,000+)

Includes the construction of the pool itself and automated systems for cleaning and water treatment. Often, the home's foundations need to be modified to ensure the added structure does not compromise the building.

5. Other Factors That May Increase Cost

• Custom architecture

• Smart automation

• Wellness features (sauna, spa, cold plunge)

• Accessibility upgrades

• All mosaic tile installations

Ongoing Operating Costs: $500–$1,200/Month

Energy, HVAC operation, water treatment, and routine inspections all play a role.

Pro Tip: The biggest cost surprises often come from waterproofing and air handling, plan for these early.

What Features Make Indoor Pools Easier to Use and Maintain?

With today’s technology, you can design an indoor pool that’s both luxurious and low-effort to operate.

• Smart control systems: Adjust water temperature, lighting, and sanitization remotely.

• UV or Ozone systems: Reduce chlorine odor and lower maintenance costs.

• Motion-sensing LED lighting: Increases efficiency and ambiance.

• Slip-resistant surfaces and ventilation-integrated flooring systems: Ensure safety and humidity control.

What Does Indoor Pool Maintenance Really Involve?

To get the most out of your indoor pool in terms of life and performance, create a proactive care routine.

Weekly:

• Check and balance the water chemistry

• Skim and vacuum

• Inspect the dehumidification performance

Monthly:

• Clean filters and drains

• Monitor lighting and control panels

Seasonally:

• Conduct structural inspections

• Service HVAC and pump systems

Pro Tip: Schedule professional maintenance at least twice a year for longevity and compliance.

How Do We Help Homeowners and Architects Bring Indoor Pools to Life?

We collaborate with homeowners and architects to translate big ideas into reality,  efficiently and elegantly, with long-term success in mind.

• Site analysis and structural feasibility

• Waterproofing and mechanical system planning

• Design-build support or full integration with your team

• Vendor recommendations and quality assurance

• Ongoing service and maintenance resources

Pro Tip: Partnening with a coastal architect to design a recessed indoor lap pool with a glass viewing wall, integrated into a wellness suite. Proper air handling allowed for ocean-view relaxation without condensation or corrosion.

Year-Round Wellness

Designing an indoor pool isn’t just about luxury;  it’s about enhancing your quality of life with a space that serves your needs year-round. Whether you're building your dream home or designing for a discerning client, understanding the key considerations, from cost to maintenance, sets you up for success.

Now that you're equipped with everything you need to plan your indoor pool, your next step is to schedule a consultation with our design team.
At J Designs, we’re here to help you bring your indoor pool vision to life with the experience, systems, and creativity to make it work.