Should You Install Your Home Pool Indoors or Outdoors?
Have you decided to get a pool installed at home? That’s great! A home pool can be an incredible addition to your home, offering hours of fun to you and your loved ones, alike. Not to mention that your new pool will bring hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars more in the sale, should you choose to sell your house someday.
But when it comes to home pools, you may be wondering where to install the pool in the first place. Indoors or outdoors? In this article, we compare the pros and cons of both an indoor and outdoor home pool, so you can decide what type of pool you’d like to have at home.
Let’s get started.
Indoor home pools
Pros of an indoor pool
- Indoor pools are significantly cleaner and take lesser maintenance work because they aren’t as exposed to debris from the outside.
- Indoor pools remain at a consistent temperature all year round (aided by any temperature control systems you install).
- Indoor pools can be used at any time because they aren’t exposed to the weather.
- Indoor pools are safer since they are inside your home and can’t be easily accessed by people on the outside.
- Indoor pools keep you safe from sun damage.
- Indoor pools offer you a greater degree of privacy.
- Indoor pools don’t need as many chemicals to clean, making the water safer for your body.
Cons of an indoor pool
- Indoor pools make the room they’re in very humid, needing constant dehumidification.
- Indoor pools, if not regularly cleaned, can make the room (and your home) smell bad.
- Indoor pools increase your energy consumption since it takes more energy to heat up the water because of the absence of the sun.
- Indoor pools require more equipment to be comfortable for use (such as ventilation tools and dehumidifiers).
- Indoor pools limit your ability to take advantage of the good weather.
- Indoor pools can sometimes be too small to hold pool parties and events.
Outdoor home pools
Pros of an outdoor pool
- Outdoor pools offer excellent views of the surroundings, making it a very aesthetically pleasing place to spend time.
- Outdoor pools look great when installed, making your home more beautiful.
- Outdoor pools don’t use too much electricity to heat the water, keeping your energy bills low.
- Outdoor pools offer a lot of space and freedom to organize pool-side events.
- Outdoor pools don’t need you to install more than the basic equipment to keep them working well.
- Outdoor pools offer great space to construct recreational areas in and around the pool (such as slides, umbrella seating, coves etc.)
- Outdoor pools can be built into larger lap pools, instead of just plunge pools – which is perfect for active lifestyles.
Check out our post on the top reasons why you should swim in your pool everyday in summer!
Cons of an outdoor pool
- Outdoor pools get dirty very quickly because they are exposed to the environment.
- Outdoor pools need more frequent water shocking and stronger cleaning agents because of algal and bacterial build-up. These disinfectants can be harsh on your skin, hair and eyes.
- Outdoor pools don’t offer privacy when you need it.
- Outdoor pools can’t be used all year round, because of the weather.
- Outdoor pools may become vulnerable to uninvited swimmers and animals, at night or when you’re not at home.
Which is more expensive – indoor pool or outdoor pool?
When it comes to expenses, it’s important to consider the sources of expenses for each type of pool. There are some factors that are going to be common for both types of pool, such as:
- Pool size
- Materials used
- Pool equipment for – Lighting, Heating, Insulation, Pool cover
- Accessories used for aesthetics and recreation.
- Types of disinfectants used for cleaning the pool surface and the water.
For indoor pools, you’ll have to consider the following additional expenses too:
- Cooling
- Ventilation
- Dehumidification
- Renovations to existing home structure (to fit the indoor pool)
If you are on a budget, you can try to reduce your expenses for the indoor pool by reducing the size of the pool. You can also start by choosing less expensive materials or foregoing fancy recreational/aesthetic elements.
Either way, your home pool – whether indoor or outdoor – can cost you anywhere from $5000 to $200,000. So ultimately, the cost shouldn’t be your only factor when choosing between an indoor and an outdoor pool. Rather, consider the pros and cons we’ve mentioned to make a decision.
Which is better for you – indoor or outdoor?
As seen above, both indoor and outdoor pools have their own fair share of pros and cons. Plus, both types of pools can cost around the same, depending on the type of pool you have made. So, how do you choose?
Well, consider the following points:
- If you prefer privacy and quiet, get an indoor pool.
- If you want to have the additional recreational and aesthetic features around your pool, get an outdoor pool.
- If swimming is your main mode of exercise or you wish to train for swim meets/competitions, an indoor pool will allow you to swim every day.
- If you prefer to use your pool for relaxation and socializing during events, then an outdoor pool is more beautiful.
- If you have allergies or you don’t want to spend too much time and effort in pool cleaning, an indoor pool is ideal.
- If you want to be more eco-conscious and reduce your energy bills, then an outdoor pool is more sustainable.
- If you have limited space in the yard or need to use the yard for something else, get an indoor pool installed.
- If you have yard space or if the cost of renovations for the indoor pool is too high, get an outdoor pool constructed.
Get an indoor to outdoor pool if you want the best of both worlds!
If you’re still hesitant about making the choice between an indoor and an outdoor pool, then don’t choose. At Newcastle Swimming Pools, we can install an indoor to outdoor pool that helps you experience the best of both worlds.
These types of indoor to outdoor pools are constructed in a way where they are half outside the house and half inside the house. A sliding glass door is usually used to separate the two halves of the pool and the pool has an extendable roof and cover. You can use the outdoor portion when the weather is great out or when you’re having a party. When the weather gets bad or it’s nighttime, you can close the door and use the indoor portion of the pool.
Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
Our home pool installation experts can visit your residence and suggest how best to install a pool at your home. We can help you choose between an indoor or outdoor pool or, if necessary, build an indoor to outdoor home pool for you. So, give us a call and have us over. We look forward to installing the pool of your dreams for you.
