How much does it cost to install an indoor swimming pool?

Not long ago it was considered extremely rare for a homeowner to install an indoor pool, but technology has advanced to the point that almost anyone can now enjoy swimming on a year-round basis regardless of their geographic location. This is due to the availability of what is known as an "endless" or therapy pool. These create a current against which the swimmer maintains their pace, but can also just be enjoyed for a relaxing soak too.

For this discussion we will be considering the costs of installing an indoor swimming pool of the therapeutic type.

Cost breakdown

The average costs and materials associated with this project include:

• The Pool - the standard size of a common indoor swimming pool is roughly 8'x15', and it demands a space or room size of at least 11'x18'. According to EndlessPools.com, the cost for such a pool starts at $20,000, but can go as high as $100,000. Most are around 40" deep and can be custom ordered to a maximum depth of 78".

• The Surroundings - this is where the truly hefty costs can come into play because a homeowner without the appropriately sized basement, garage, or sunroom will have to construct an entire wing specifically for the pool. There are many pre-fabricated options for pool enclosures ¹, however, and these include rigid frames that are mounted to the actual deck surrounding the pool. These can be found for prices starting at $35 per square foot and even in the $70 per square foot price range. Most owners will pay around $30k to $40k for the standard enclosure. Additional costs to consider are the electrical work (roughly $85 per hour) and any plumbing requirements (around $80 per hour).

• The Water - for a swimming pool to be comfortable, it will have to have heated water. One of the smartest and most cost effective ways to heat the indoor pool is through the installation of a solar heating system. Although solar hot water heating cannot yet supply a household with all of its needs, it can keep a pool heated comfortably 100% of the time. 

Enhancement and improvement costs

• Dehumidifying systems - when a swimming pool is indoors it puts off a lot of heat and humidity. When the homeowner is able to use a pre-existing room in the home in which to house the pool, there can be a great many moisture problems as the result. A standard model dehumidifier will cost roughly $2,000.

• Vapor Barrier ² - if the room in which the pool is housed shares common walls with the residence, it is also a good idea to install a vapor barrier ² within them. This is going to require the removal of sheetrock ³ and the subsequent re-finishing of the area, but it will prevent the accumulation of moisture, mildew, and mold that is a common problem with indoor swimming pools.

• Safety Measures - locking doors between the swimming pool room and the rest of the house might be part of the building code, but it is also a good idea to consider the installation of subtle door alarms and even a safety cover on the pool as well, which cost around $600 for the most durable model.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Pool enclosures: Artificial barrier that completely encircles a pool, protecting it from dirt, dust, insects, leaves, and other debris and also serving as a safety feature preventing those outside of it from falling in and possibly drowning

³ Sheetrock: Type of plasterboard, commonly used to build walls and ceilings, composed of gypsum that is layered between sheets of heavy paper