The average indoor swimming pool costs between $165,000 and $200,000. This makes it one of the most important home improvement investments you can make. The complete package goes beyond just the pool and has everything from structural costs to sophisticated HVAC systems.
Many homeowners who want a house indoor swimming pool don’t realize that the dehumidification system alone can reach $30,000. Small indoor swimming pool designs might look like a budget-friendly choice. Yet they need the same basic systems as their larger counterparts. This piece breaks down all the costs you should think over. You’ll learn about construction costs, maintenance expenses, and that will help you make a smart choice about your indoor pool investment.
Understanding Basic Indoor Pool Costs
“Building an indoor pool costs $25,000 to $120,000 on average for the pool itself, depending on the size and material. The total cost of an indoor pool, dehumidification system, and enclosure costs $30,000 to $173,500.” — Dan DiClerico, Home Expert at HomeGuide
Building an indoor swimming pool at home requires you to understand several cost elements that add up to your total investment. Here’s a detailed breakdown of expenses to help you plan your indoor pool project.
Average total cost breakdown
The base cost of an indoor swimming pool ranges from $25,000 to $120,000 just for the pool structure. The total investment climbs to $30,000-$173,500 when you add vital components like dehumidification systems and enclosure costs.
Your essential components will cost:
- Ventilation systems: $600 to $1,100
- Dehumidification system: $20,000 to $30,000
- Insulation: $500 to $3,500
- Air conditioning: $3,000
- Pool heater: $1,500 to $9,000
- Automatic pool cover: $12,000 to $22,000
Construction costs vs outdoor pools
You’ll spend more on indoor pools compared to the cost of an outdoor pool. A 12 x 24 feet indoor pool costs around $30,000, while a similar outdoor pool costs about $16,700. Indoor pools need special construction elements that outdoor pools don’t:
- Moisture-resistant materials throughout
- Better insulation systems
- Vapor barriers at $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot
- Professional electrical work ($50 to $130 per hour)
- Plumbing services ($75 to $150 per hour)
Hidden costs to think about
Your budget needs to account for several hidden costs beyond basic construction. Excavation runs between $1,500 and $5,000. You’ll also need:
Building permits: These papers cost $100 to $300. Most contractors include this in their estimate, but you should verify this upfront.
Water expenses: Your first pool fill costs $4 to $10 per 1,000 gallons with a garden hose, or $30 to $100 per 1,000 gallons for delivery service.
Monthly maintenance: Indoor pools need less upkeep than outdoor ones, but set aside $80 to $150 monthly for basic maintenance.
Insurance implications: Your home insurance rates and property taxes might rise because an indoor pool boosts property value.
Small indoor swimming pool designs might cost less to build, but they need the same systems as larger pools. Your budget should cover both construction and long-term operating costs to avoid surprises later.
Essential Components That Impact Price
The materials and systems you choose directly affect your indoor swimming pool’s final cost. You’ll make better investment decisions by knowing these key components.
Pool shell and materials
Your choice of pool shell material impacts both the original costs and upkeep by a lot. Concrete pools, ranging from $50,000 to $120,000, are durable and let you customize extensively. Fiberglass shells cost between $30,000 and $85,000 and work great for indoor installations because they last long and install quickly. Vinyl liner pools might appeal to budget-conscious homeowners at $25,000 to $65,000, but they need new liners periodically.
Room construction requirements
Building the right environment for a small indoor home swimming pool needs specific structural elements. A vapor barrier protects against moisture damage and costs $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot installed. The room temperature should stay 2-4 degrees warmer than the pool water to reduce evaporation.
Professional installation needs:
- Excavation services: $1,500 to $5,000
- Plumbing expertise: $75 to $150 per hour
- Electrical work: $50 to $130 per hour
Ventilation systems
Proper ventilation is the life-blood of your indoor pool’s longevity. The system should keep relative humidity between 50% to 60% throughout the year. A detailed dehumidification setup usually costs between $20,000 and $30,000.
Different types of dehumidification systems include:
- Mechanical refrigeration: $4,000 to $20,000
- Ventilation dehumidifiers: $4,000 to $10,000
- Whole-house systems: $1,300 to $2,800
Heating solutions
The right heating system will give a comfortable swimming experience year-round. Gas heaters start at $1,500 and heat quickly. Electric heat pumps cost more upfront at $2,000 to $7,000 but save energy with monthly costs between $50 to $100.
Natural gas heaters use $200 to $400 monthly. Propane heaters burn about 3 gallons per hour for a standard pool, which costs $6 to $8 hourly at current rates.
You can boost efficiency by adding a solar cover to your main heating system. These covers cut water evaporation by up to 90% and help keep water temperatures steady while reducing heating costs. Solar heating systems range from $2,500 to $9,000 and are eco-friendly with minimal running costs.
Smart Features Worth The Investment
Smart technology has revolutionized indoor pool ownership. These intelligent systems make pool management easier through automation and analytical insights.
Automated climate control
Smart pool systems keep water conditions perfect without constant supervision. Advanced sensors monitor water chemistry and adjust automatically. This proactive system prevents problems before they start and keeps swimming conditions safe and balanced.
Pool owners can check and adjust settings from anywhere with smartphone apps. The system works with weather forecasts to optimize heating schedules based on predicted conditions. Small indoor swimming pool designs for homes benefit from water that stays at ideal temperatures exactly when needed.
The automation goes beyond simple monitoring:
- Live alerts for system anomalies
- Voice control works with smart home assistants
- Custom schedules for heating and filtration
- Quick notifications about equipment problems
Energy-efficient systems
Smart technology cuts operational costs for house indoor swimming pool owners. Variable-speed pumps adjust their output based on what the pool needs. These smart pumps can cut energy use by up to 90% by running during off-peak hours.
The automated chemical management system keeps water chemistry optimal while using fewer chemicals. The system makes small, frequent adjustments instead of large corrections, which reduces chemical use. This precise control saves money and creates a safer and cleaner environment for swimming.
Advanced heating solutions include several efficiency features:
- Smart chemistry automation adapts to environmental conditions
- Temperature monitoring prevents wasted energy
- Integration with solar panel systems uses renewable energy
- Automated pool covers retain heat when nobody uses the pool
Smart features provide substantial cost benefits over time. Though they cost more upfront, automated systems save money through:
- Less chemical use
- Lower maintenance costs
- Reduced labor expenses
- Fewer equipment repairs
- Longer pool equipment life
Automated diagnostic tools change maintenance from reactive to preventative. These systems detect potential problems early to avoid expensive repairs and keep pools running smoothly. The system learns and improves over time by logging and analyzing data, which leads to better efficiency.
Cost Variations By Pool Size
“The cost of an indoor pool depends mostly on its size and whether your pool is prefabricated or custom-built. Custom designs may include unique shapes, depths, and accessories. Prefab pools cost $80 to $200 per square foot installed, while custom pools cost $100 to $300 per square foot.” — Dan DiClerico, Home Expert at HomeGuide
Pool dimensions are a vital factor in determining your indoor swimming project’s final cost. Various size categories, from compact lap pools to expansive recreational spaces, come with distinct price points.
Small indoor swimming pool costs
Small indoor swimming pools range from 8×15 to 12×24 feet and strike an excellent balance between functionality and affordability. A 12×20 foot prefabricated pool costs between $16,680 and $70,800 with installation. Custom-built options in this size range start at $24,120 and go up to $75,000.
Homeowners looking at compact options can expect these prices:
- 8×15 foot pools (120 sq.ft): $8,350 – $35,400 for prefab models
- 12×16 foot pools (192 sq.ft): $13,350 – $56,640 for prefab installations
- Custom variations of these sizes: $12,060 – $60,000
Medium pool pricing
Medium-sized pools are homeowners’ most popular choice and span from 14×28 to 16×36 feet. A 14×28 foot prefabricated pool installation costs between $27,250 and $115,640. Custom options in this range run from $39,396 to $122,500.
Standard medium sizes come with these price points:
- 15×20 foot pool (300 sq.ft): $20,850 – $88,500
- 16×32 foot pool (512 sq.ft): $35,550 – $151,040
- 16×36 foot pool (576 sq.ft): $40,000 – $169,920
Large indoor pool expenses
Large indoor pools measure 20×40 feet or more and just need substantial investment but provide unmatched recreational value. A 20×40 foot prefabricated installation costs between $55,600 and $236,000. Custom designs in this category range from $80,400 to $250,000.
Premium large-scale options cost:
- 20×60 foot pool (1,200 sq.ft): $83,400 – $354,000 for prefab models
- 30×50 foot pool (1,500 sq.ft): $104,250 – $442,500 for prefab installations
- Custom variations at these dimensions: $150,750 – $468,750
Construction type affects per square foot costs significantly. Prefabricated options cost $69.50 to $295.00 per square foot, while custom models run $100.50 to $312.50 per square foot. These figures cover simple installation costs. Additional features like dehumidification systems add $20,000 to $30,000 to the total budget.
Above-ground options provide a more affordable alternative, with complete installations costing $10,000 to $36,000. In-ground installations require higher investment, typically $40,000 to $200,000. Lap pools designed specifically for exercise cost between $50,000 and $100,000 and serve as focused solutions for fitness enthusiasts.
Ways To Reduce Indoor Pool Costs
Smart planning can help you cut down the costs of your indoor pool and therefore the pool loan you’ll likely need. You can create an elegant swimming space without compromising quality by using strategic approaches and budget-friendly solutions.
Material alternatives
Metal wall vinyl liner pools give you excellent value at 30-40% less than traditional concrete options. These pools are remarkably durable and offer flexible design possibilities, making them perfect for small indoor swimming pool designs for homes. While vinyl liners need replacement every 5-9 years, their lower upfront cost makes up for this maintenance need.
Phased construction approach
Your house indoor swimming pool project becomes more financially manageable when you break it into phases. Here’s a strategic sequence that works:
- Essential infrastructure installation (pool shell, simple plumbing)
- Core mechanical systems implementation
- Interior finishes and esthetic elements
- Additional features and amenities
This approach lets you allocate resources gradually while protecting your project’s integrity. Remember to pour footings for future structures during your original deck construction to avoid modifications that can get pricey later.
Energy-saving features
Energy-efficient solutions can save you money over time:
- Variable-speed pumps cut energy use by up to 80%
- LED lighting reduces electricity usage by 75% compared to traditional options
- Automated pool covers reduce evaporation and cut heating costs by up to 70%
- Heat pumps work at 400-700% efficiency compared to conventional heaters
The best temperature range is 78-80°F for exercise and 82-84°F for recreational swimming. Air temperature should stay 2-5 degrees warmer than water temperature to minimize evaporation and reduce energy costs. Good insulation beneath pool walls and humidity levels between 40-60% help decrease your ongoing expenses.
Salt water chlorination systems offer another way to save money by eliminating traditional chemical treatments. These systems create pure chlorine from salt, which reduces maintenance costs and provides gentler water conditions for swimmers.
Conclusion
An indoor swimming pool costs between $165,000 and $200,000. The original costs might look overwhelming, but you can manage this investment with proper planning and smart decisions.
Your material choices, construction methods, and technology will make the most important difference in both immediate and future costs. You can cut expenses without sacrificing quality by picking the right pool size, choosing vinyl liner options over concrete, and adding energy-efficient systems.
Indoor pools offer more than just financial benefits. Homeowners get year-round swimming access and increased property value. These pools need less maintenance than outdoor ones, which makes them a solid investment. You can build your dream indoor pool and stay within budget through staged construction and energy-saving features.
A full picture and expert advice are vital steps before you start your indoor pool project. Your investment will provide lasting value and enjoyment when you think about size needs, material options, and smart technology integration.
