How much does a basement pool cost?
Any kind of indoor pool is more expensive than an outdoor pool, and basement pools are no exception. However, this price generally reflects the level of building and construction work that is required. Basement pools can vary enormously due to the challenges involved in working within the basement. Please read out useful guide on the general cost of indoor pools, or contact us to get a quote.
What Impacts the Cost of a Basement Pool?
The cost of a basement pool can vary greatly, but the price of the actual pool itself ranges between £1,500 – £3,000 per m2 of the swim area. The final cost depends on factors like the pool’s depth, shape, size, and specifications. More complex designs with features like infinity edges or hot tubs cost more. Construction expenses, permissions, HVAC, ventilation, access, and finishing features also impact the overall price.
Consider the following factors for basement pool installation cost:
- Size – The dimensions and volume of water directly impact the overall price. Larger pools that hold more gallons of water will have a higher cost.
- Construction – Building a pool in your basement requires excavation, waterproofing, and installing a drainage system. This labour-intensive process is more complex than an outdoor pool.
- Access – Getting construction materials and equipment into the basement can add difficulty and expenses if access is limited.
- Finishes – Using higher-end pool surface materials, tiles, coping stones, and lighting fixtures increases the overall project cost.
- HVAC and Ventilation – Proper humidity control, ventilation, and air circulation systems are needed which add to the cost.
- Permissions – Construction permits and planning permissions, inspections, and licensing requirements can vary and costs must be factored in.
What makes a basement pool more expensive than an outdoor pool?
Building a swimming pool in your basement is more complex and labour-intensive than constructing one outdoors. It requires excavating the basement, waterproofing, installing drainage systems, finding ways to get equipment into the basement, adding ventilation, humidity control, and building permits. These factors drive up the cost compared to an outdoor build.
How can I can save money on my basement pool project?
Choosing a simple rectangular pool shape, standard pool finishes that won’t be seen much, and working with your existing ventilation and HVAC systems can help reduce basement pool costs. Adding basement access points early in the process also saves money compared to excavating window wells and adding exterior doors later. Comparing bids from contractors is key to finding potential savings.
What extra costs might I need to account for?
Constructing a pool in your basement can involve a number of extra expenses beyond just the cost of the pool itself. Here are some of the key costs to be aware of:
- Underpinning the foundation – In order to excavate for the pool and maintain structural integrity, the foundation may need underpinning or stabilising. This requires engineering assessments and foundation reinforcements like pilings or braces, which can add tens of thousands to the pool cost.
- Dewatering systems – Keeping groundwater and moisture out of the basement is crucial for an indoor pool. Sophisticated dewatering and drainage systems are usually installed around the perimeter and under the pool floor.
- Humidity control – The high humidity levels caused by an indoor pool must be properly ventilated and controlled. This often requires installing commercial-grade dehumidification systems, air conditioning, and ventilation at an extra cost of £10,000 or more.
- Insulation – Increased insulation between the pool cavity and the rest of the basement is needed to control condensation and prevent mould growth. Added insulation costs depend on the basement size but can be significant.
How disruptive is basement pool construction?
Installing a swimming pool in your basement is certainly a major project that requires some patience and coordination. You can expect excavation noise and some dust as the earth is removed to create the pool cavity but proper planning from our expert team keeps the entire project process smooth from start to finish.
During the process, a few walls or ceilings may need to be opened temporarily to access and install plumbing and electrical connections. Your contractor should provide a schedule so you can plan accordingly for any brief utility shut offs or intrusions needed.
Unlike regular pool builds that bring inevitable noise as the shell and equipment are assembled, we install our pre-build shell much more quickly, avoiding further disruption. Throughout the process, any mess is kept minimal and cleaned up properly by the Compass Pools crew at the end of each workday.
