If you’ve wondered whether building a natural swimming pool indoors is possible, the short answer is “yes”! However, there are some special considerations to make when building a natural swimming pool (NSP) indoors that has to do with the enclosure, aquatic plant health, and insulation.
Organic Pool Enclosure
This is perhaps the most important aspect to consider when building a natural swimming pool indoors. How the surrounding structure aids in maintaining the natural water’s balance will also dictate which type of pool should be constructed.
It would be best to design a BioPool with a biofilm filter system so the seasonal dormancy of the plants won’t be a problem. We’ve previously discussed how biofilm works in our blog here! Alternatively, suppose the pool is installed in more of a greenhouse environment–a large, windowed surface area–with decent sun exposure. Indoor shading is advisable to prevent any wilt or damage on less sun-tolerate aquatic plants or marginals. In that case, a BioSwimPond could sustain the aquatic plants during their growing season.
Aquatic Plant Health in an Indoor Natural Swimming Pool
This indoor environment restricts typical nutrient deposits from wind, rain, and dust. A BioSwimPond plants may require a type of “probiotic” treatment to nurture the regeneration zone’s biological activity. Adding nutrients to supplement what the outdoor environment provides by itself is proof positive that mother nature is very efficient! On the whole, as long as the nutrient needs are met for the aquatic plants, there should be no issues in their growth and development. There are various species of fragrant water plants that would scent an enclosed space wonderfully; captivate all the senses with a natural swimming pool!
Any indoor pool would require that the ventilation system be capable of dehumidifying the surrounding air. Controlling the humidity is an energy expenditure that can vary base on the volume of the natural swimming pool. On the upside, the absence of chemical oxidizers in the air would be less likely to cause structural corrosion. Building a natural swimming pool indoors would not produce the volatile chloramines common in a chemically treated pool.
Insulation and Temperature For an Indoor Natural Swimming Pool
An indoor pool is easier to heat and maintain water temperature by its nature of being out of the elements. However, depending on the climate zone the pool is in, it could require an insulating layer on the bottom to slow the cooling of the water from the ground core temperature. Typical ground core temperatures at a five-foot depth average about 50º, so it is advisable to prevent any unwanted heat exchange by installing an insulating liner. Remember, a well-insulated water body is more energy efficient to control.
Building a natural swimming pool indoors is a challenging but rewarding project that can extend your swimming season. Consider the integrity of the enclosure surrounding the pool, monitor aquatic plant health to maintain natural filtration, and make sure you won’t get cold feet during the winter by insulating the pool. If you have any ideas about an indoor swimming pool, BioNova engineers and designers would love to help bring your vision to life! Reach out to us today to start planning your pool for tomorrow!
