Indoor Vs. Outdoor Swimming Pools: The Pros and Cons

When choosing a swimming pool for your home, there is one decision that will be more important then any other. This decision is whether to get an indoor swimming pool, or an outdoor swimming pool. While both will have both their benefits, and the drawbacks, it comes down to what will be best for the comfort, usability, and enjoyment of you and your family.

Indoor Swimming Pool: The Pros

  • Easier to clean. Swimming pools are always a fantastic addition to any home, but they require regular maintenance in order to keep it functional, as well as hygienic. It can be frustrating having to continually pull leaves, insects, and other things our of your pool, which is why so many choose to go with an indoor instead.
  • Not seasonal. Another great part of having an indoor pool is that the use doesn't have to be restricted to the warmer months. Heaters can keep it warm all year long, and having it within an enclosed space mean you can enjoy it no matter what the weather. Imagine, being able to take a leisurely swim, as the snow falls outside the window.

Indoor Swimming Pool: The Cons

  • Lack of sun. There is nothing as nice as lying out by the pool, the warm sun drying the water from your body as you relax after a swim. Having an indoor pool will obviously eliminate the chance of this, and even with a sun roof, or pane glass design, you will lose the connection of being outdoors.
  • Chemical smell. There is a not-so-subtle scent to chlorine, which you will have noticed if you have ever swam in another indoor pool. It can cause headaches, or just be slightly unpleasant. Having an outdoor pool allows the fumes to disperse in the fresh air.

Outdoor Swimming Pool: The Pros

  • Splashing in the sun. Being able to spend time out in the sunlight is a great motivation for many when they swim, and so having an outdoor pool will allow this to happen on a regular basis. It will also take away the chill once you step out of the water. Besides, who doesn't like to do a bit of sunbathing after a dip in the pool?
  • More social. While you can have people over to swim in an indoor pool, there is just something more attractive about having a pool party outside. From a friendly BBQ, to a full out block party, having an outdoor pool has unlimited possibilities to improve your social calendar.

Outdoor Swimming Pool: The Cons

  • Harder to clean. Debris will continually blow into your pool, especially as summer wanes, and leaves begin to fall from nearby trees. Many people hire someone to maintain the pool for them, or make it a family project to keep it clean. Either way, it has to be watched, and cared for on a regular basis.
  • It's seasonal. Obviously, you can't be jumping into a deep hole filled with water as the temperatures dip below zero, so swimming is sadly a 'no no' during half of the year. However, it gives you something to look forward to as the sun begins to peek back again, and it's great for working off the pounds we all seem to gain during the winter.