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Building a Year-Round Indoor Pool with the Costs in Mind
Many homeowners dream of having a sparkling swimming pool on their property—an ideal space for weekend gatherings and family fun. By building an indoor pool enclosure, you can extend the enjoyment year-round, regardless of the weather.
An indoor pool enclosure provides privacy, protection, and a controlled environment, ensuring you make the most of your investment in every season. What’s more, a swimming pool can boost your home’s value by up to 7% when it comes time to sell.
Before starting your project, it's essential to consider the indoor pool enclosures cost and overall expenses and maintenance. Building an indoor pool involves more than just construction—it requires planning for - proper ventilation and water circulation and other crucial factors for both rectangular and round pools to ensure appropriate humidity levels for longevity and comfort.
To properly evaluate the feasibility of incorporating an indoor pool into your plans, we should first obtain an approximate estimation of the total expenses associated with the entire project before proceeding with more detailed analysis and planning.
How Much Does it Cost to Build an Indoor Pool?
Conventional Indoor Pool
Many people may wonder: how much does it cost to
build indoor pool? What they don’t know is that the cost to build an indoor pool with conventional
methods can
quickly add up. Without a dehumidification system, expenses typically range from $175,000 to
$300,000. However, adding one can drive costs up by 50% or more, bringing the total investment to
approximately $275,000 to $450,000—or around $200 to $300 per square.
Indoor Pool Enclosure
The cost to build an indoor pool with Covers in Play
pool enclosures help keep cost under control. No dehumidification system is required, expenses
typically range
from $125,000 to $225,000 or around $150 to $200 per square foot.
To build a durable, long-lasting indoor pool, planning the right layout and budget is key. Contact us at 905-589-300 or email us [email protected] for more information on building an indoor pool that fits your needs.
The First Step for an Indoor Pool Building
When considering indoor pool building, the best time to plan is during the design and construction phase of a new home or when adding a new inground pool to your backyard. Early planning allows for seamless integration into your property, ensuring proper ventilation, structural support, and an efficient layout. To achieve the best results, it's essential to work with experienced professionals, like Covers in Play. As a specialized pool enclosure company, we have experienced architects and engineers who can help design a structure that blends effortlessly with your existing or new home.
In terms of cost, one key question many homeowners ask is, how much to build an indoor pool? The answer depends on several factors, including pool size, materials, enclosure type, and additional features like heating and humidity control. No matter your budget, hiring a knowledgeable pool builder with expertise in indoor pool building is crucial for a successful, long-lasting installation.
For expert guidance and a customized quote, contact Covers in Play today!
Cost to Build an Indoor Pool: Conventional Materials
From an architectural perspective, building an indoor swimming pool can be designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of your home. However, not all pool builders consider the long-term engineering challenges—especially when it comes to heating, ventilation, and humidity control.
Many contractors rely on conventional materials like water-resistant drywall or waterproof boards such as WonderBoard to manage moisture levels. While these materials may seem effective at first, even with dehumidification systems in place, they will deteriorate over time. This leads to mold growth, structural issues, and costly repairs and maintenance down the line.
Additionally, improper humidity control can cause increased water evaporation, making it essential to regulate both air and water temperatures. Since conventionalbuilt indoor swimming pools using traditional materials receive little to no sunlight, they depend entirely on costly heating methods like natural gas or propane heaters.
Beyond the initial costs, homeowners who opt for these traditional materials when building an indoor swimming pool often face ongoing expenses due to excessive humidity, heat buildup, and potential structural damage. Skylights, windows, and sliding glass doors can enhance the space, but without the right ventilation strategy, they may lead to overheating and fogging, requiring constant adjustments and additional costs. This takes the cost to build indoor pool far more than what was initially thought.
Fortunately, there is a better way. At Covers in Play, we take a different approach—using advanced, cost-effective materials and engineering solutions that minimize long-term expenses while ensuring a durable, low-maintenance indoor pool.
Indoor Pool Enclosures Cost: The Covers in Play Way

When you build a indoor pool, the materials you choose can make all the difference in long-term durability, energy efficiency, and overall costs. Unlike many contractors who rely on conventional materials that can lead to expensive maintenance and repairs, Covers in Play offers aluminum indoor pool enclosures—a smarter, more cost-effective alternative.
Our aluminum pool enclosures provide a sleek, architectural look similar to a glass solarium while seamlessly integrating with both new and existing homes. Unlike wood or water-resistant drywall, aluminum won’t rot, warp, or develop mold over time. This means fewer long-term expenses and a more durable indoor pool structure. Additionally, our enclosures don’t require a dehumidification system but, if desired, a small dehumidification system or exhaust fan will significantly reduce operating costs. Unlike traditional structures, an aluminum pool enclosure does not require a large-scale dehumidification system, helping you avoid the excessive expenses that come with conventional-built indoor pools.
The indoor pool enclosures cost is far more affordable compared to conventional indoor pool construction. With an aluminum enclosure, the cost to build a indoor pool without a dehumidification system typically ranges from $70,000 to $200,000 depending on the size. Even when adding a basic dehumidification system or exhaust fan, the cost remains minimal—less than 1% of the total project budget. On average, an indoor pool with an aluminum enclosure costs $70 to $120 per square foot, making it one of the most efficient and budget-friendly solutions on the market.
Additionally, our aluminum indoor pool enclosures eliminate the need for costly skylights or oversized windows. The glazed acrylic or glass panels allow full sunlight exposure without the risk of excessive humidity buildup. To enhance ventilation, operable windows and sliding glass doors can be added, while retractable pool enclosures provide even greater flexibility allowing you to open your enclosure during warmer months to prevent overheating while still enjoying the benefits of an indoor swimming pool year-round.
Build indoor pool the right way: efficient, durable, and cost-effective. Contact Covers in Play today for a free quote!
Building an Outdoor Pool Now and Enclosing it Later with a Pool Enclosure
Let's face it. The cost to build an indoor pool is generally more expensive. Naturally, you might want to consider constructing an outdoor pool for now and enclosing it later on with a pool enclosure. The key to accomplishing this is to plan the project thoroughly.
You must determine the size of the entire structure early on. This way, you can lay the footings for the future structure while pouring the pool deck. Covers in Play can help in the planning so the cost of building a indoor pool can be spread out over a few years.
With the option for installing a pool enclosure you can enjoy your pool throughout the year with comfortable temperatures inside your pool area. During the winter season, you keep it closed. In between the seasons, with a retractable pool enclosure you can partially retract it open to allow fresh air in to control ideal amount heat from the sun exposure. In the summer you open it fully and enjoy swimming and sitting beside the pool enjoying the fresh air and sun bathing.
Building an Indoor Swimming Pool VS an Outdoor Swimming Pool

In general, builders construct indoor and outdoor pools in the same way. However, there is one significant difference. They build the outdoor deck sloping away from the pool, preventing runoff and debris from entering the pool. On the other hand, when building an indoor swimming pool, the decks slope toward the pool, keeping water away from the walls.
With Aluminum enclosures the deck sloping in one particular direction is not an issue, there is no need to worry about the direction of the water. Covers in Play aluminum pool enclosures are made from aluminum and stainless steel materials that won't be damaged when in contact with water. In fact the indoor pool design can be made to suit the home owner and not be restricted by the thought of the material being damaged by water over time.
Building an Indoor Pool for Easier Maintenance
An indoor pool is easier to maintain because it does not accumulate broken branches, fallen leaves, and dirt from the outdoor environment. It exemplifies the pinnacle of luxurious living, and because of its unique advantages, it is quickly becoming popular for homes and residential complexes. By building an indoor pool, homeowners are starting to enjoy hotel-like pool luxury in their property, 365 days a year.
Build a Indoor Pool With Accessories
It is crucial to control moisture when owning a pool. So, it is worth investing in an automatic pool cover to get rid of evaporation. This way, you can avoid replacing the water too frequently, save on chemical costs, heating costs, and overall indoor pool enclosures cost. For ease of operation, we recommend installing an automatic pool reel. With a push of a button, you can conveniently deploy the cover over the water in two minutes or less. You won't even break a sweat while doing it. Building an indoor swimming pool can be a significant investment for your home. So, before you decide to build one, give Covers in Play a call and let us enlighten you with our years experience designing and building indoor pools.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a retractable pool enclosure?
Envision a sunroom or solarium on wheels. Just like a solarium or a sunroom, retractable pool enclosures provide a real indoor setting that feels as if you are outdoors. However, unlike solariums, indoor pools or swim spas, retractable pool enclosures will open up your backyard. When you build indoor pool with a retractable pool enclosure, you get the best of both worlds!
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What are retractable pool enclosures used for?
Typically, retractable swimming pool enclosures are used for swimming pools, spa pools and hot tubs. However, retractable enclosures can be used for more functions such as roofs (roof enclosure), indoor pool for hotels, restaurants (restaurant enclosures), covering patios or decks just like a sunroom or solarium. By connecting the pool enclosure to your home, you create easy direct access to your pool for the colder winter months.
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What are the advantages of building an indoor pool?
Building an indoor pool comes with numerous benefits, especially when using a retractable pool enclosure. These enclosures not only extend the lifespan of your pool and accessories but also reduce maintenance time and costs. With a retractable enclosure, you can enjoy your pool year-round while maintaining a comfortable and controlled environment.
Here are some key advantages:
● Year-Round Enjoyment: Extend your exercise and entertainment space across all four seasons, regardless of weather conditions.
● Sunlight Without Harmful UV Exposure: Enjoy the warmth of natural sunlight while staying protected from harmful UV rays.
● Protection from Bugs, Insects, and Animals: Keep your pool area free from pests, similar to a screened enclosure but with even better durability and functionality.
● Lower Maintenance and Energy Costs: Reduce water evaporation, chemical use, and heating expenses by maintaining a stable indoor environment.
And that’s just the beginning! Building an indoor pool with a retractable enclosure offers the perfect combination of convenience, protection, and long-term savings. -
How do retractable pool enclosures work?
Retractable enclosures, also known as telescopic pool enclosures, are composed of individual bays that retract one inside the other. Each bay has its own wheels which are mounted on a track system, guiding each section as it opens and closes. The enclosure can be opened fully or partially, controlled by our patented automated drive system that handles the physical movement of the enclosure.
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Can pool enclosures be used all year round?
Yes! Even on cloudy days, the enclosure will trap solar energy. Just like sunrooms, the enclosure can increase the air temperature by 10-20°C/18-36°F when fully closed. If you have a heated pool or swim spa the heated water will also provide an additional source of heat. In most cases, the heat from the sun and the water will keep the enclosure at a comfortable temperature. In northern areas with more severe winters, we can provide additional heat sources using our hydronic floor design and air handlers.
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How do I open the retractable pool enclosure?
Our enclosures are built with a patented automated drive system. Simply push a button and the enclosure will open easily! A large enclosure will fully open within minutes.
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Can retractable pool enclosures go over an existing swimming pool or patio?
Yes! In most cases, a retractable pool enclosure can be installed over an existing inground swimming pool or patio, seamlessly converting your outdoor space into an indoor pool when closed and an open-air pool when retracted. This allows you to enjoy swimming year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
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How long does it take to order and install an indoor pool building?
This will depend primarily on the size of the enclosure. As a general guideline, it will take approximately 8-12 weeks once the permit is approved until your enclosure is installed and operational. The installation itself takes approximately 10 to 15 days of this time period, depending on the model.
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Can I build my pool now and add an enclosure later?
Yes! To ensure a smooth installation, it’s important to determine the size of the entire structure early in the planning process. Ideally, footings for the enclosure should be laid when pouring the pool deck, allowing for a more seamless and cost-effective construction process. Covers in Play can assist with this planning, helping you spread out the cost to build indoor pool over several years, making it a more manageable investment. Contact us today to discuss your project and explore the best enclosure options for your pool or patio!
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Is there a type of swimming pool that would work best in indoor pool buildings?
When planning to build an indoor swimming pool, selecting the appropriate pool type is essential for durability, maintenance, and overall enjoyment. Concrete pools are a popular choice for indoor installations due to their versatility in design and long-lasting nature. They can be customized to fit various shapes and sizes, allowing for seamless integration into the building's architecture. However, it's crucial to address the unique challenges of indoor environments, such as humidity control and ventilation. Traditional materials like wood and drywall can deteriorate over time when exposed to high moisture levels, leading to mold growth and structural issues. To mitigate these risks, incorporating materials that resist moisture and opting for efficient dehumidification systems is advisable when you build an indoor swimming pool.
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When building a indoor pool, are there accessories I should consider?
When building a indoor pool, investing in the right accessories can improve efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings. An automatic pool reel is an effective solution for controlling moisture and reducing evaporation, which helps maintain pool temperature, lowers heating costs, and minimizes water and chemical use. An automatic pool reel allows for effortless operation, covering or uncovering the pool in under two minutes. Additionally, radiant in-floor heating enhances comfort by evenly distributing warmth throughout the flooring, eliminating cold spots, and preventing condensation buildup. Together, these features create a more energy-efficient and enjoyable indoor pool environment.
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I want to build a pool and an enclosure at the same time. Where can I get started?
When building a pool and enclosure together, coordination between engineers and builders is essential for a seamless installation. Start by informing your pool builder about your plans for an enclosure and connect with your enclosure provider early in the process. At Covers in Play, we work directly with your pool builder to ensure our structural requirements align with your design vision, making the entire process efficient and hassle-free. The manufacturing and installation typically take 8–12 weeks but may vary depending on the pool construction timeline. Contact us today to get started!