Building an indoor swimming pool: tips for efficient, long-lasting installations

An indoor swimming pool or natatorium is a swimming installation that’s located indoors. In other words, that means it’s under a roof, surrounded by walls, and built to ensure its use throughout the year.

Usually found in sport clubs, real estate buildings, resorts, hotels or wellness centres, they can be installed either at in-ground level, partially in-ground or in a movable above-ground floor. All kinds of pools can be installed in indoor spaces. Some common formulas for indoor swimming pools include lap pools for training, and inox pools or vitality pools, which are leisure-oriented.

Whatever their particular goal might be, the fact that these installations are built indoors means this type of pool solution presents certain peculiarities. The following aspects should be taken into account when building an indoor swimming pool:

• Potential space limitations 
• Current construction possibilities for indoor swimming pools, taking structural support needs into account
• Adequate lighting features 
• Suitable water treatment and air ventilation systems
• The possibility or need for customization

1. Choose a modular panel system

Panel systems are the most efficient building method available for indoor swimming pools today, facilitating the installation process unlike traditional concrete pool systems.

These systems employ prefabricated panels that adapt to existing or new infrastructures and are easily transported, anchored and assembled, allowing for record-time constructions that are possible both for indoor spaces with easy access and places where access is more complex, such as the top floor of a skyscraper.

Typically, building an indoor swimming pool using a modular panel system follows a number of steps:

• The panels are designed and cut according to the project’s needs
• They are transported to the construction site and unloaded, along with the necessary concrete slabs
• Pool corners are marked and chemical anchors fastened
• The prefabricated panels are put in place, screwed, joined to the chemical anchors and assembled
• Filtration ducts are installed, as well as waterproofing systems (made of reinforced PVC)
• Porcelain tiling is used for finishings
• The pool is filled in order to check for potential leaks or leveling errors

Benefits of building an indoor swimming pool with the modular panel system

• Quick and cost-effective installation

Building an indoor swimming pool with a modular panel system means no complex structures are needed: they’re replaced by completely prefabricated components that are easy to assemble.

For instance, masonry work is limited to a minimum, as retaining walls or soil fillings are not required. Instead, a double-walled perimetral, self-supporting structure is installed, including an overflow channel and built-in compensation tank.

This offers two additional benefits: it considerably reduces construction timings as well as lowering building costs.

• Lower maintenance costs

With a modular panel system, pool components are readily accessible and repeatable. This means any problems can be pinpointed faster and repair and maintenance work is easier and more economical.

• Durable and reliable installations

Both the panels and the construction process guarantee premium quality, safety, functionality and durability, thanks to new design and manufacturing possibilities. In terms of durability, a metal structure for a modular panel swimming pool comes with a 25-year warranty. At the same time, the panels attain extremely precise tolerances that can’t be outperformed by traditional construction systems.

• Sustainability advantages

A suitable modular panel system ensures that all components can be recycled, are non-pollutant and present a low environmental impact during the manufacturing process.

• Outstanding versatility

Modular panel systems can generate a wide range of pool shapes, including geometric and customized shapes, thus being a great option to fit into existing spaces.

Meanwhile, because they’re exceptionally lightweight, these pools can be incorporated into complex spaces, including small spaces, rooftops, stadiums, etc.

Fluidra’s options

Given this system’s exceptional performance and in order to accomodate the needs of each project, at Fluidra we’ve worked to develop two kinds of modular panel construction systems:

• Our Skypool panels range offers a modulated panel construction system that adapts to existing infrastructures, whether fixed or temporary. This system guarantees safety and durability by providing galvanized steel panels with an excellent antioxidant protection, achieved by hot dipping in a zinc bath. This results in long-lasting, efficient pools built in record time, including both in-ground systems and elevated pools.

A Skypool is ideal for a wide range of installations, including temporary competition pools (as they can easily be disassembled and can meet official certifications), standard competition pools, rooftop pools (a particularly apt choice because of this system’s extraordinary lightweightness) and indoor pools in existing buildings (thanks to the structure’s versatility).

• Bluespring panel system involves a modular structure system that generates high-quality, elegant and customized pools also built in record time.

This swimming pool range offers a host of design options and is perfect for hotel pools and rooftop pools, creating minimalist environments that make a difference in terms of the users’ experience. This structure’s unique technology (including a compensation channel and self-supporting structure) also makes it a great choice for sport club pools and pools that host swimming competitions.

2. Adapted to each project’s LED lighting needs

Lighting systems in pools play an important role both in the installation’s sustainability and general atmosphere and feel for users. The importance of illumination increases when building an indoor swimming pool, as there are additional factors for consideration.

On one hand, some indoor pools incorporate skylights or retractable roofs to let natural light in. However, these must provide adequate temperature insulation in order to cut down heating and cooling costs.

On the other hand, pool designers need to mix suitable underwater and ambiance LED lighting options to guarantee a pool’s safety and sustainability, while also providing an attractive atmosphere.

3. Choose the right water and air treatment systems

The right water treatment system for indoor swimming pools can make a difference to a pool’s safety and enhance its users’ experience.

At Fluidra, we’ve consistently confirmed our Freepool2 system’s excellent performance. This solution treats and disinfects swimming pools using Neolysis, a revolutionary approach to water treatment that employs UV light and low salinity electrolysis to guarantee water quality levels are maintained in a sustainable and natural manner. Additionally, the system also corrects pH levels by injecting CO2, thus ensuring a natural environment.

Heating and ventilation are crucial when building an indoor swimming pool because air quality and humidity levels must be optimal at all times to ensure user comfort and safety.

There are diverse air treatment measures that can be undertaken, although installing a dehumidification system is the most common and efficient option. Anyhow, the chosen system should be able to maintain humidity levels between 50 and 60 percent, avoid water evaporation by evenly distributing air and preventing condensation and control air temperature to be between two to four degrees above pool water temperature.

At Fluidra, we incorporate adequate dehumidification systems in our indoor swimming pool projects. Apart from guaranteeing optimal humidity levels, these systems use UV light to eliminate potential air pathogens, all while being easily incorporated into existing indoor pool facilities.

Building an indoor swimming pool presents particular challenges that must be overcome in order to ensure the installation offers a pleasant experience for users while being cost-efficient for pool operators.

By making the right decisions and choosing adequate construction systems and technologies, it’s possible to optimise the pool operators’ budget and guarantee the pool is both comfortable, sustainable and long-lasting.

* This information contains general recommendations that must be taken into consideration on a case by case basis. This information is not an instruction manual and can not be considered as such for any purpose. Any implementation or installation to be made must be made by a professional and under the appropriate guidelines. In this regard, each user is responsible for the application it makes of the information contained herein. Fluidra will not be responsible for its use. Consequently, Under no circumstances will Fluidra be liable or responsible for any claim, damages or loss that may arise as a consequence of the use of this information.