These 22 Indoor Swimming Pool Designs Are Going to Blow Your Mind
And they're 10x better than an outdoor alternative.
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If indoor swimming pools tend to conjure up images of soggy carpets, chlorine-induced headaches, and gym-class nightmares, think again—these stunning examples of indoor swimming pool designs are going to make you forget everything you thought you knew about them. From Wes Anderson-esque color palettes to sleek architectural details and spa-like perfection in hotels, private residences, and public gyms, read on for 22 swimming pools that are even better than their outdoor counterparts—rain or shine. Just make sure you have your contractors on speed dial, because these swimming pool design ideas are guaranteed to make you take the watery plunge at home.
Spa-Status Opulence
The spa at La Mamounia in Marrakech is the indoor swimming pool of our dreams. Bring a little piece of it home with you by taking note of the painterly details in the ceiling, Moroccan pendants, iconic gold columns, and colorful tiles. And opt for daybeds and cabanas instead of basic lounge chairs to make it feel like a swanky pool club.
Circadian Rhythm Light System
Now that's a good use of basement space. In this home designed by Breegan Jane, the indoor swimming pool area feels sexy and stylish as well as serene thanks to the circadian rhythm light system that changes color and moderates the internal clock.
Museum-Like Mix of High and Low
Hello to the coolest residential indoor pool we've ever met. With white painted wood panels on the walls, a brushed cement floor, stone tiles, and lantern installations as lighting and artwork, this basement swimming pool space by Leanne Ford Interiors is bursting with style. All it took was a little creativity. And if you're wondering how the pool got its inky black pigment and moody impact, the floor was painted black.
Whimsical and Contemporary
Who's afraid of a little whimsy? Not us. Dating all the way back to 1559 AD and located in what's now the Dhow Palace Hotel in Zanzibar, Tanzania, this indoor swimming pool is a piece of history, yet it looks distinctly contemporary. Built-in seating painted in a bright, cheerful hue makes the design scheme especially unique as does the life ring floating on the wall in a similarly bright tone. Built-in shelving behind the seating area provides plenty of plant display opportunities.
Earthy, Elegant, and Bright
Just formal enough and just earthy enough to strike the perfect balance between elegance and effortlessness, this indoor swimming pool is an escape from the outside world. A sloped skylight like this one at Villa Annouk will cast a lovely light in any indoor swimming pool space.
Modern Meets Prehistoric
Deplar Farm in Troll Peninsula, Iceland is designed with such an impeccably curated sense of place and taste, as showcased in this stunning indoor swimming area. The geothermal-heated pool is the ideal place to soak while basking in the otherworldly spectacle of the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights). The sleek, modern design of the indoor swimming pool allows us to focus on the natural beauty stretching out in every direction. Oh, and the little roof that leads underground looks like a portal to another dimension.
Glamorous Statement Ceilings
Gold-painted ceilings and arches on arches... It doesn't get more glam than this indoor swimming pool design, which is actually open to the public, believe it or not. Located in the Mannheim squares in Germany, The Herschelbad was a private estate until it was donated to the city in 1905. Though your home may not have these temple-status bones, you can still channel the Art Nouveau vibe with a statement ceiling. Excuse us while we go bask in those acoustics and practice our falsetto.
Edgy, Nature-Inspired Grit
Moody, austere, and oh-so intriguing, this round indoor swimming pool reflects the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The granite walls and built-in rocks create a Mars-like environment perfect for relaxing. It's located in the RACV Resort and was designed by Wood Marsh Architecture.
Candyland Castle in the Clouds
This stunning indoor swimming pool sits at the top of Dubai's most iconic hotel, the Burj al Arab Jumeriah. And it's 500 feet above sea level, so it's basically like swimming in the clouds. Aside from reaching epic heights above the Arabian gulf, the interiors alone make it a swimming pool worth seeing. Between the colorful columns in rich jewel tones, plush seating, and twinkling ceiling lights, what's not to love?
Architectural Romance
This en-suite pool at Vila Trieris in Santorini, Greece is about as romantic as it can get. Architecturally mimicking the cliff-side locale, this is a honeymoon cave we can't help but love. It's also modest in size, so you can use it as a jumping off point for your own indoor pool even if you don't have a ton of space.
A Converted Barn
If you can't bring the pool outside, bring the outside into the indoor pool room (try saying that ten times fast—under water, of course). In this Colorado Eleven Experience hotel, the rustic exposed beams and antler wall décor look right at home and the huge retractable glass door looks out onto the forest, making this swimming pool a serene oasis.
Create Harmony
If you're building out an entire basement spa, make sure each area delivers both aesthetically and functionally and harmonizes well together. Take note of this home spa by B.E. Architecture, where the steam room and shower look out onto the indoor lap pool.
Country Chic
Large wall art that can handle splashing and high-moisture environments will be your best friend if you want to up the design game in an indoor pool area. Adorning your walls with statement-making decor will also free up usable floor space for seating or a wider indoor swimming pool design.
An Angular Aquarium
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to swim in an aquarium? A design like this one gives you a chance to find out (minus the snorkeling gear and fishy neighbors). This glass wall design and angular shape are perfect for an indoor swimming pool in a modern space. It's both aesthetically unique and functional—the best of both aquatic worlds.
Renaissance Royalty
With dramatically high ceilings, extravagant drapery, and crimson red columns with gold trimming, the indoor swimming pool at the InterContinental Le Grand Hotel in Bordeaux is a royal feat. Follow suit with large scale everything and don't be afraid of a little luxury. Think massage jets and gold gargoyle fountains.
A Natural Transition
This indoor-to-outdoor swimming pool is about as unique without being too over-the-top or bold. As much as we love the design elements, this pool also offers up some practical perks. Now you can swim from indoors or outdoors depending on your mood or the season and the glass wall helps ease the transition.
Light-Filled and Utilitarian
Located in Birmingham, England, the Moseley Road Baths feature beautifully high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and a symphony of arches. It's the oldest operating bathing complex in Britain, and we would gladly do laps here all day, every day. We can see a residential iteration in a converted greenhouse, chapel, or large sun room.
Moroccan-Inspired
Our eyes are drawn right to the large-scale painting at the other end of the pool—the light at the end of the lap, if you will. The grid-like floor-to-ceiling windows flanking the pool also reflect beautifully on the water, making it a great design for a residential swimming pool.
Grand Minimalism
This indoor/outdoor infinity pool at Park Hotel Vitznau is made even more breathtaking by the mountaintop locale. With gorgeous views and ethereal fog rolling through, who wouldn't want to soak here? While these views may be one of a kind, you can mimic the design of this indoor/outdoor swimming pool with a massive open window frame.
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