Indoor vs Outdoor Pools: Which Should You Buy?
Whether it’s the allure of an outdoor pool, basking in the glow of the sun, surrounded by meticulously curated landscape, or the comfort of an indoor pool, offering year-round enjoyment with controlled climatic conditions, the choice between the two can be as personal as it is challenging.
But don’t stress! We’re here to make the whole decision much easier.
This guide will navigate you through the nuances of indoor vs outdoor pools and compare factors such as size, cost, maintenance, and unique features, providing valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
So, dive in as we delve deep into the world of luxury pools, and we’ll figure out whether an indoor or outdoor pool is right for you.
Indoor and outdoor pools: the basics
Let’s start with some basics, so you can get the feel of both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Indoor pools 101
Indoor Pool By Blue Cube Pools
Picture this: a warm, late night swim with the calming sounds of rain gently bouncing off the roof of your glass pool house, while your indoor pool is illuminated with the twinkling of gentle underwater lighting.
If this is your scene, an indoor pool might be perfect for you.
Indoor swimming pools are often ideal for those living in cooler climates, or for anyone looking to enjoy their pool all year-round without worrying about the weather. Indoor pools often offer complete climate control, which can make it easy to maintain a comfortable swimming temperature no matter what time of the year it is.
Plus, with less exposure to the elements, indoor pools have better durability and often require fewer maintenance costs over time.
Outdoor pools 101
Luxury Outdoor Pool By Blue Cube Pools
Now, picture this: you’re lounging poolside, basking in the warmth of the sun. You take a deep breath of fresh Summer air as you sip your iced tea, and feel yourself relax into the joy of the moment.
This is outdoor living at its best!
Outdoor swimming pools are perfect for those who love to be outdoors, those who live for those Summer months by the water, or those looking to create an oasis for entertaining and relaxing in their backyard. From the array of options available, you can find a pool that suits your style and needs.
For instance, if a small garden space is an issue, outdoor pools come in all sizes and shapes, from above-ground pools to luxury in-ground statement pieces. And with the right pool landscape design, you can make even a small backyard feel like a lush oasis.
Indoor pool vs outdoor pools: the differences
Luxury swimming pool design isn’t limited to one type of space. In fact, luxury pool designs can be crafted to fit a huge range of indoor and outdoor spaces.
However, there will often be a few key differences between an indoor or outdoor pool. These key differences often include:
- The size of the pool
- The cost of the pool
- The disruption installation will cause
- The ongoing maintenance needs
- The privacy offered
- The common features
Below, we’ll explore each of these differences in more detail.
Size
While the best pool size for you will depend on a number of different factors, you will often find some general differences between indoor and outdoor pool size. Indoor pools tend to be smaller than outdoor pools, as the space required for an indoor pool is often limited by the size of the building or area where it will be installed.
Outdoor pools, on the other hand, usually have more freedom to accommodate a variety of pool shapes, from traditional rectangular designs to free-form curves and even infinity edges.
In contrast, the shape and size of an indoor pool are often limited by the walls of the space in which they’re installed, which means that customising your design might be more challenging (and sometimes costly) than with an outdoor pool.
Cost
When it comes to cost, indoor pools can be more expensive to install than outdoor pools.
This is due to the additional expenses associated with construction of an indoor pool structure (such as air-conditioning or ventilation systems, or work on the foundations of the property) and the installation of any walls or glass enclosures that may be required.
Having said that, it is possible to create an indoor pool for your budget: it all comes down to the choices you make, such as opting for either a simple design or whether you install modern features such as lights and water jets.
Similarly, with outdoor pools you can adjust the cost according to your budget, with options such as above-ground pools (which are usually cheaper than in-ground pools) or opting for a simpler design.
However, it is important to keep in mind the costs of ongoing maintenance, too, which we’ll look at more in just a minute. (Spoiler alert: outdoor pools often require more maintenance!)
Disruption
Another key factor to consider when choosing between an outdoor or indoor swimming pool is the disruption that will be caused during the installation and pool building process.
Indoor pools are usually more disruptive than outdoor pools, as they often require additional construction work to the surrounding walls and foundations of the property.
In contrast, with an outdoor pool there is much less disruption as it can easily be constructed in your garden without requiring changes to existing structures.
So, if you simply don’t have the room for any disruption in your property, an outdoor pool might be your best option for keeping things running smoothly.
Maintenance
As we mentioned earlier, ongoing maintenance is a key difference between an indoor and outdoor pool.
As a general rule, outdoor pools require more maintenance than their indoor counterparts due to their greater exposure to the elements (such as sunlight, dust, leaves and debris). Indoor pools usually require less cleaning and fewer pool chemicals for upkeep.
However, both types of pool come with their own set of maintenance requirements. For instance, regular testing of the pool water for high chlorine levels and other chemical levels is essential for keeping your pool clean and healthy, as well as checking the filters and pumps.
You may also need to consider undertaking routine maintenance, or investing in a Variable Speed Pump, Pool Cleaner System or Pool Manager System to ensure your pool is always running at peak performance.
Privacy
Naturally, an indoor pool room offers more privacy than an outdoor pool, as it can be easily contained and secured. This means that you won’t have to worry about passers-by seeing into your swimming space – a great advantage for those who value their privacy.
However, if you’re looking for a larger space and don’t mind the occasional visitor or noisy neighbours, then outdoor pools can also be ideal for those who want a larger pool area and access to a range of features.
Features
While there are a number of water features fit for use in both outdoor and indoor pools, indoor pools usually present more safety features and convenience due to the contained nature of the space. This can make them perfect for tranquil water and lighting features.
Outdoor pools, on the other hand, can provide more space – and safety – for larger features such as diving boards, slides and moving floors. Think water aerobics and pool parties in sunny weather, plus a little luxury.
So have a think about which sorts of features you’d like to have in your pool before making any decisions.
Indoor or outdoor pool: which is right for you?
In the indoor/outdoor pool debate, it all comes down to personal preference. While both offer plenty of style and design options for you to create a space that suits your needs and lifestyle, it’s important to consider the differences outlined above before making a decision.
Here are some final questions to consider before opting for either an indoor or outdoor pool:
- How much space do I have available both inside and outside my property?
- What are the climate and weather conditions like in my area?
- How do I spend my time? Do I need a lot of space for activities like diving, or would I prefer something more quiet and tranquil?
- How important is privacy to me when installing a pool?
- What water features do I want in the pool (e.g. jets, slides, lights)?
- Will I need to undertake any construction work with an indoor or outdoor pool installation?
Once you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to take the next steps – start researching your options, and speak to a swimming pool expert to bring your vision to life.
Next steps
At Blue Cube Pools, we are experts in both indoor and outdoor pools. Our luxury pool design and construction service offers a complete range of design, installation and maintenance services to ensure that your pool is built to the highest standards.
Our experienced and friendly team can also provide professional advice on which type of pool might be best for you based on your lifestyle and budget.
So why not get in touch today to find out more?
Indoor vs outdoor swimming pool: FAQs
Are indoor or outdoor pools easier to maintain?
Indoor pools are often easier to maintain, due to their enclosed nature and protection from the natural elements outdoors. However, both types of pools will require regular testing and maintenance of the water, as well as other checks, such as the filters and pumps.
Is an indoor pool more expensive?
Not necessarily – often indoor pools can come with more of an upfront construction cost, but outdoor pools usually require more ongoing maintenance than indoor pools, which all adds up. With either type of pool installation, you can also adjust the cost according to your budget by opting for a simpler design or features.
Is swimming in an outdoor pool good for you?
Yes, swimming in an outdoor pool can be very good for you. Swimming outdoors means that your body is exposed to more natural elements such as sunlight and fresh air, which are both important for staying healthy. It also exposes you to a variety of different temperatures, which can help build muscle strength and improve breathing techniques during exercise.