An indoor swimming pool offers luxury, convenience, and year-round enjoyment — rain or shine. It’s the ultimate private retreat where you can swim for fitness, relaxation, or fun without ever worrying about weather conditions.

However, building an indoor pool is a much different project than installing a traditional backyard pool. When homeowners begin researching indoor pool construction cost, they quickly realize many factors influence the final investment.

At Blue Star Pools, we specialize in custom pool design and construction — both indoors and outdoors — and we’re here to help you understand what affects indoor pool pricing so you can plan confidently.

Why Indoor Pools Are Different (and More Complex)

Indoor pools involve much more than simply building a pool inside a building.
Key differences include:

• Climate control: Heating, ventilation, and dehumidification systems (HVAC) are essential to prevent moisture damage.

• Structural requirements: Pools add significant weight, humidity, and pressure to a building’s structure, demanding specialized engineering.

• Environmental considerations: Proper waterproofing, vapor barriers, and insulation are necessary to protect walls, ceilings, and adjacent living areas.

• Higher-quality materials: Interior spaces often require upgraded finishes, lighting, and pool systems to ensure safety, energy efficiency, and beauty.

These additional complexities naturally influence the overall cost of an indoor pool project.

Key Factors That Influence Indoor Pool Construction Cost

1. Pool Size and Shape

As with outdoor pools, larger indoor pools require more excavation, materials, and labor.
Custom shapes — such as freeform, lap pools, or irregular designs — also add to complexity and costs.

2. Construction Material

Choosing the right construction material affects both cost and long-term maintenance:

• Concrete (Gunite/Shotcrete): Offers maximum flexibility for fully customized shapes, depths, and integrated features. Highly durable but more time-intensive.

• Fiberglass: Pre-molded shells can be installed indoors, but they require precise planning for building access.

• Vinyl Liner: Less common indoors due to long-term durability concerns with moisture and humidity.

Concrete is usually the material of choice for custom indoor pools.

3. Building Type and Structure

You’ll need to either:

• Construct a new building specifically for the pool

• Expand an existing building (such as adding a pool room to your home)

• Retrofit an existing space (like converting a large basement or sunroom)

Each option comes with different engineering, permitting, and finishing costs.
Structural reinforcement, waterproofing, HVAC modifications, and architectural finishes must be planned from the start.

4. Dehumidification and HVAC Systems

Humidity is one of the biggest challenges for indoor pools. Without proper dehumidification:

• Mold and mildew can grow.

• Paint and building materials can deteriorate.

• Air quality can suffer.

Installing a dedicated HVAC system designed for indoor pools is mandatory — and this system alone can represent a significant portion of the project’s cost.

5. Pool Heating and Energy Efficiency

Because they’re used year-round, indoor pools require efficient heating systems:

• Gas heaters

• Electric heat pumps

• Solar heating (if integrated with energy-efficient design)

Energy-efficient pumps, lighting, and covers (like automatic retractable pool covers) help reduce operational costs over time.

6. Custom Features and Amenities

Luxury indoor pools often include enhancements such as:

• Built-in spas or hot tubs

• Tanning ledges

• Swim jets for resistance swimming

• LED underwater lighting

• Custom tile mosaics or glass tile designs

• Waterfalls or spillways

• Integrated audio/visual entertainment systems

• Smart automation controls

The more personalized the space, the higher the potential construction and equipment costs — but the greater the experience.

7. Finishes and Aesthetic Design

Indoor pools are often highly visible and integrated into the home’s daily living space, so finishes need to be premium:

• Natural stone decking

• Wood or composite ceilings

• Elegant glass walls or retractable enclosures

• Designer lighting and sound systems

At Blue Star Pools, we collaborate with architects and interior designers to ensure the pool becomes a seamless part of the home’s overall aesthetic.

Other Costs to Consider with Indoor Pool Construction

Beyond the pool itself, you may also need to budget for:

• New building construction or major renovations

• Permits and inspections

• Architectural or structural engineering services

• Custom doors, windows, or retractable walls

• Safety and security systems (pool alarms, fencing for access control)

A full-service pool builder like Blue Star Pools helps you coordinate these details to ensure a smooth, successful project.

Tips for Planning Your Indoor Pool

• Plan your HVAC system early. It’s as important as the pool itself.

• Focus on energy efficiency. Heating an indoor pool can be costly without smart systems.

• Invest in high-quality finishes. Indoor pools are more visible year-round and should enhance your home’s luxury feel.

• Choose a pool builder with indoor experience. Indoor pools require specialized skills — not every builder is qualified.

• Design for year-round use. Include lounging areas, exercise equipment, and aesthetic touches that make the room enjoyable even when you’re not swimming.

FAQs About Indoor Pool Construction Cost

1. Why are indoor pools more expensive than outdoor pools?

Indoor pools require building enclosures, dehumidification systems, additional engineering, and specialized finishes — all of which add to the project’s complexity and cost.

2. Can any builder handle indoor pool projects?

No. Indoor pools require experience with HVAC, moisture control, building integration, and waterproof construction techniques.

3. How long does it take to build an indoor pool?

Indoor pool projects typically take 6 to 12 months, depending on the design complexity, permitting, and whether a new building is required.

4. Will an indoor pool increase my home’s value?

Yes, especially in luxury real estate markets where indoor pools are viewed as highly desirable amenities.

5. Can indoor pools be energy-efficient?

Absolutely! With smart heating systems, efficient pumps, automatic covers, and well-designed HVAC, an indoor pool can be energy-conscious without sacrificing comfort.

Ready to Bring Your Indoor Pool Vision to Life?

An indoor pool is more than a construction project — it’s an investment in comfort, luxury, and year-round living. At Blue Star Pools, we specialize in designing and building stunning indoor aquatic spaces that enhance homes and lifestyles.

From concept to construction, we manage every detail with expert craftsmanship, premium materials, and a personalized approach tailored to your goals.

👉 Contact Blue Star Pools today to schedule your indoor pool consultation and discover what’s possible for your home.