Indoor pools are a great option for swimming all year round. They are especially useful for those looking for a therapy pool or an exercise pool in the comfort of their own home. When Syndey Pool + Outdoor Design’s Chloe Jaenicke discussed indoor pools with Founding Director of Lap of Luxury Pools, Andrew Good, he revealed the company’s unique approaches to adding indoor pools to new and existing homes.
Lap of Luxury Pools is known for creating custom and innovative pools with unparalleled craftsmanship. In terms of indoor pools, Good said the company has been involved in the design and construction of a number of high-end indoor projects across Sydney and the Southern Highland region of New South Wales.
“Our experience spans both new architectural builds and complex retrofit installations within existing luxury residences,” Good says.
The design process always starts in the same way: with the customer’s vision. Good emphasises how important Lap of Luxury’s highly collaborative approach is to creating a clients dream pool.
“Lap of Luxury Pools takes an integrated approach during the indoor pool design phase, as there are many critical factors beyond structure and finishes,” he says. “We work closely with clients and architects to understand the intended use of the pool and ensure this informs the design.”
From there, the construction phase of a project can vary in a myriad of ways depending on factors like a council’s building requirements or whether the pool is in a new or existing home.
THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
While the typical design process remains the same across all indoor pools, beginning with consultations not only with the clients but also the relevant tradespeople and engineers, the construction process can be more varied.
For example, Good says the process of integrating an indoor pool into an existing home often proves more difficult. This is due to complex structural limitations, site access and making the pool fit into the already existing home. With collaboration paramount when adding an indoor pool to an already existing home.
“We undertake detailed site assessments early to identify any challenges, such as load-bearing constraints, waterproofing interfaces, and ventilation requirements,” he says. “Coordination with structural engineers and mechanical specialists is critical, particularly where retrofitting is required to accommodate dehumidification systems and plant equipment.”
When it comes to a new build, the construction process is often simpler. According to Good, this is often due to the pool being already integrated into the architectural plans for the home.
“In most cases, the client has already engaged a designer or architect who has allowed for the pool within the overall design,” Good says. “Our role is to work collaboratively with the broader project team to ensure the pool’s structural, hydraulic, and environmental requirements are fully integrated into the build.”
Regardless of the home the pool is being added too, Good says the team at Lap of Luxury Pools remains committed to keeping close communication with everyone involved in the project.
“Once the design is finalised and approvals are in place, we move through a structured construction phase, maintaining close communication with all stakeholders to ensure a high-quality outcome,” he says.
Committed to creating a bespoke design that suits the customer, Good says the team isn’t afraid to be highly flexible when taking material requests from customers, so long as they comply with local council requirements.
“While we have preferred materials based on experience, we are open to alternative selections provided they meet performance requirements.”
NAVIGATING CHALLENGES
While indoor pools offer an air of luxury and the convenience of being able to swim all year round to the client’s home, Good says there are numerous factors outside of construction that make installing them a challenge.
One of the greatest obstacles is humidity control, particularly when the pool is located within the main building envelope. Good says Lap of Luxury Pools mitigates this complication through early transparent communication with specialists as well as detailed planning upfront.
“A specialist mechanical consultant should be engaged in designing and installing appropriate air-exchange and dehumidification systems,” Good says.
Good says a recent project in the Southern Highlands required extra care and planning to ensure adequate humidification and ventilation for the indoor pool environment.
“This required commercial-grade ducting and a large dehumidification unit craned into position, highlighting both the technical complexity and cost,” Good says.
Indoor pools also require robust waterproofing and are typically fully tiled. Good says the company has preferred suppliers who help them achieve this.
“We use two-part cementitious membranes from suppliers such as Kerakoll or Mapei, with all penetrations sealed using epoxy systems,” Good says. “Strict quality control is essential to ensure long-term performance.”
Affordability is also a major consideration when installing an indoor pool. Good says they don’t come cheap, due to significant operating costs regarding continuous water heating, space heating, and dehumidification. However, Good says Luxury Lap Pools offers full cost transparency and clear quotes to ensure there are no unforeseen surprises.
“While certain systems can improve efficiency, they do not materially offset these demands,” Good says. “We ensure clients are aware of both upfront and ongoing costs so they can make informed decisions.”
The team at Lap of Luxury Pools understands that the key to creating your dream indoor pool is communication throughout the entire process. Good also says they strive to work with the industry’s best tradespeople to offer quality results and ensure there are no challenges with your pool. With innovative design, each pool incorporates the latest trends and technology for a luxurious finish for your home.
Images courtesy of Lap of Luxury Pools