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INDOOR SWIMMING POOL DESIGN

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Luxury Indoor Swimming Pool Design in London

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At Aqua Spazio, we specialise in creating bespoke indoor swimming pools that blend architectural beauty with technical excellence. Whether you're building a private spa, integrating a pool into your London basement, or planning an indoor leisure space in a new extension, we offer fully tailored solutions from concept to completion. Our team collaborates with architects, engineers, and contractors to overcome space and ventilation challenges — ensuring perfect humidity control, energy efficiency, and year-round usability. Every pool is designed for both performance and aesthetics, making your home not just more luxurious, but more livable.

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Do You Need Planning Permission for an Indoor Pool?

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Answers to the most common questions:

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  1. Planning Permission: If the pool is in a standalone building in the garden more than 5 meters away from the house, there may be a chance that you will not need planning permission for your indoor swimming pool, but in all other cases, including extensions and basements, you will most definitely need it, so do check with the council before you go too far in the process.

  2. Timelines: A bespoke indoor pool in a standalone building will take between 20 months and 24 months to build, but a pool project in an extension or a basement will depend on the general program of the overall works.

  3. ​Pool Heating: In the case of outdoor pools it's just the pool water that needs to be heated, but indoor pools also need the air in the pool hall to be heated to 1ºC above the pool water to control evaporation when the pool is in use. In addition to that, due to constant evaporation when the pool is open the pool hall air also needs to be dehumidified to keep the RH levels below 60% in order to protect the pool hall finishes. So all indoor pools need a dehumidifier preferably with air heating built in, and if there are skylights or external facing glass involved, ducting with grilles to serve these glass areas.

  4. Pool Covers: Yes, indoor pools also need covers. The water evaporates from the free water surface causing a lot of energy wastage and slatted covers that float on water are the most effective in indoor pools. Without a pool cover, the dehumidification system will work overtime to keep the humidity in control.

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Indoor Pool Heating, Ventilation & Dehumidification

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Unlike outdoor pools, indoor swimming pools must maintain both water temperature and air temperature to create a comfortable environment and prevent condensation damage.

 

Here’s what matters:

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  •  Air temperature should be maintained 1ºC above water temperature.

  •  Relative Humidity (RH) should be kept below 60%.

  •  A dehumidification system is required to reduce excess moisture and protect internal finishes.

  •  Ducts and grilles must deliver air evenly across glass facades and skylights to prevent condensation.

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We specify high-efficiency dehumidifiers with built-in air heating and heat recovery to optimise energy use and indoor comfort.

Do Indoor Swimming Pools Need Covers?

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Absolutely. An automatic slatted pool cover significantly reduces evaporation, saving on heating and reducing load on the dehumidification system. Leaving a pool uncovered can lead to:

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  • Energy wastage

  • Increased humidity

  • Faster wear on HVAC systems

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Covering your pool is essential for energy efficiency and maintaining your indoor air quality.

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Understanding HVAC Design for Indoor Pools

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Indoor pool environments need expert H&V (Heating & Ventilation) design to prevent moisture damage. The goal is to maintain all surfaces above the dew point temperature (22ºC for typical 30ºC air / 60% RH conditions). This is achieved by:

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  • Distributing warm dry air uniformly via ducts

  • Using digital hygrostats for automatic humidity control

  • Installing refrigerant-based dehumidification units with energy recovery

We ensure that all air systems are calibrated to maintain slight negative pressure, ensuring vapours and odours don’t escape into surrounding rooms.

POOL H&V GRILLE

Backup Systems & Smart Controls

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For guaranteed comfort, we install:

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  •  Backup pool air heating (via gas boiler or heat pump), regulated by digital thermostats

  •  Pool water temperature controls linked to the filtration system

  • Smart automation for humidity, heating, and ventilation control

This smart setup keeps your pool efficient and responsive to changing conditions.

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Pool Hall Air Distribution Principles

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To ensure the most effective air circulation:

  • Supply air is directed toward cold areas (e.g., windows and glazed walls)

  • Air returns across the pool surface, collecting moisture

  • Moist air is recycled through the dehumidification system

This cycle prevents condensation and ensures a pleasant environment year-round.

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Deck-Level Indoor Swimming Pools

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A popular modern feature, deck-level pools (also known as perimeter overflow pools) bring the water level flush with the surrounding deck, creating a visually expansive, seamless look. Benefits include:

  •  Sleek, modern aesthetic

  •  Makes the pool area feel larger

  •  Efficient water circulation

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Deck-level pools require a balance tank and more precise construction, which increases costs but significantly enhances visual and functional appeal.

Popular finish options for the overflow channel include:

  • Plastic grating – economical & low-maintenance

  • Stainless steel – modern & durable

  • Natural stone – blends beautifully with traditional settings

  •  Minimalist slot drains – for a clean, contemporary look

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Looking to design your dream indoor pool? Contact Aqua Spazio for a bespoke consultation tailored to your property and vision.

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