Having a pool at your house is a luxury that is not as uncommon as it once was. With advances in technology over the years, pools have become easier to afford, and much more customisable. These days you can get everything you need from an indoor pool with glass pool fencing to a one-person above-ground mini-pool for the backyard without breaking the bank.
The one big choice you need to make is whether your pool will be indoors or outdoors. There are a variety of reasons to have one or the other, and it really comes down to your budget and personal preferences. Indoor pools are going to offer some comforts that outdoor pools do not, and vice versa, so it pays to understand the differences before buying.
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of indoor versus outdoor pools to ensure you make the right call with your installation.
How Will You Use Your Pool?
The first question you must ask is how your pool is going to be used. If you want a pool that you can jump into every day to get some exercise, then the convenience of an indoor pool would certainly be warranted. Yet, if you just plan on using it to cool down in the warmer months, a much more economical option would be an outside pool.
If you are working with a more limited budget, an indoor pool is going to cost at least double what a comparable outdoor pool would. So for many people, it really comes down to budget and your specific requirements at this point.
Advantages Of An Outdoor Pool
The main advantage of building an outdoor pool is the cost. If someone wanted a bare-bones, nothing-fancy, outdoor pool, it could be done at a fraction of the cost of any indoor job. That isn’t to say that an outdoor pool is cheap, it is still a large investment, just not quite the size of an indoor pool. Outdoor pools also have a lot more range of customisation for the customer. You can find companies that will do just about any design you can think of, for a cost, which makes it perfect for people wanting something unique.
Disadvantages Of An Outdoor Pool
Even with a gas-powered heating system, you won’t be able to use an outdoor pool all year round. While this will not be an issue for a lot of people, it really does limit those who like to use their pool daily. There is also the task of cleaning the pool on a regular basis, as outside debris is a constant issue. Outdoor pools also tend to have a shorter lifespan than their indoor counterparts. This is primarily due to the impact of mother nature, as the environment can do a lot of damage to things over time. You must ensure that the concrete and vinyl are kept up over the years, but that still won’t make it last forever.
Advantages Of An Indoor Pool
You will have a pool in your house. That is a pretty great advantage in itself, but certainly not the only reason to get an indoor pool. You will also ensure that you can utilise your pool any day of the year, not having to rely on a good weather forecast. For those of you who are serious about your daily swimming, this may be the only option that makes sense. The privacy factor with an indoor pool is also unbeatable. Some people prefer the tranquillity and privacy of swimming inside out of sight of the neighbours, and an indoor pool will provide this far better than any outdoor setup could.
Disadvantages Of An Indoor Pool
The cost of an indoor pool can be staggering for the average person. As stated earlier, you are going to be looking at double or more the cost of an outdoor one, but it is certainly worth it for some. A large part of this cost comes from specialised ventilation that is needed, as pool chemicals are a serious health hazard when not vented properly. With that in mind, it also means you will have a stronger chemical smell with an indoor pool, and some people are quite sensitive to that. For anyone with allergies or intolerances, this could play a major factor. You must take all of these things into consideration before making your decision.
Weigh Up The Pros And Cons To Make The Right Call For You
When it is all said and done, the choice of building an indoor or outdoor pool completely comes down to your budget and personal preferences. There is no right or wrong answer here, as a pool is going to provide you and your family with a lot of advantages regardless of where it is installed. Just make sure to go over all the pros and cons for your particular situation to ensure that you make the right call moving forward.
