Swimming Pool Design Series: Part Two: Choosing the Best Location for Your Pool

In Part One of our Swimming Pool Design Series, we explored the importance of defining who your pool is for before making design decisions. Once you have established how the pool will be used, the next major decision is where it should be located. A fundamental question is whether the pool should be indoors or outdoors?

The right choice will depend on your lifestyle, how you intend to use the pool, and the characteristics of your property. Once that decision has been made, the focus can turn to identifying the best location.

Indoor or outdoor?

Both indoor and outdoor pools offer distinct advantages, and the most suitable option is often determined by how you expect to use the pool throughout the year.

If you want to swim throughout the year regardless of the weather conditions, an indoor pool may be the natural choice. An indoor environment offers comfort, privacy and consistency, making it possible to swim at any time of year. It can also form part of a wider wellness space incorporating features such as a spa, sauna, steam room or gym.

Outdoor pools, meanwhile, provide a very different experience. Swimming beneath open skies and enjoying a direct connection with the garden creates a lifestyle that many homeowners find difficult to replicate indoors. Outdoor pools often become the focal point of entertaining spaces and can transform the way a property is enjoyed during the warmer months.

Neither option is inherently better than the other. The key is understanding which best aligns with your lifestyle and long-term aspirations for the property.

Locating an indoor pool

When designing an indoor pool, the goal is often to integrate the pool seamlessly with the home while creating a space that feels both practical and inviting.

Accessibility is a key consideration. A pool that is easy to reach from the main living areas is likely to be used more frequently than one located in a detached building or remote wing of the property.

Natural light also plays an important role. Modern pool halls increasingly feature extensive glazing, rooflights and large doors that help create bright, welcoming environments. Many homeowners wish to maintain a visual connection with the garden, ensuring the pool area feels open rather than enclosed.

Views from the pool itself should also be considered. Looking out onto attractive landscaping or the wider countryside can significantly enhance the experience of using the space.

For some properties, an indoor pool may be incorporated within the main house. For others, a dedicated pool building may provide greater flexibility. The best solution depends on the architecture of the property, available space and your priorities.

Locating an outdoor pool

For outdoor pools, the surrounding environment becomes an even greater part of the overall experience.

The relationship between the pool, the house and the surrounding landscape is particularly important. A pool that feels connected to the property is often used more often than one that appears isolated within the garden.

Sunlight is another key factor. Understanding the path of the sun across the site can help identify locations that maximise natural warmth and create pleasant spaces for relaxation and entertaining.

Views and sightlines also deserve careful thought. A swimming pool can become a striking visual feature when viewed from principal rooms within the house, while also providing swimmers with attractive views across the garden or landscape.

Privacy may influence the final position, particularly in built-up areas. Strategic planting, thoughtful landscaping and careful orientation can help create a sense of seclusion without compromising the overall design.

For homeowners who want to extend the swimming season, outdoor pools can also be combined with discreet enclosures or other environmental control solutions. These can significantly increase comfort and usability while preserving the enjoyment of an outdoor setting.

Looking beyond the pool itself

Whether the pool is indoors or outdoors, it is important to think beyond the water. An indoor pool may require space for changing facilities, relaxation areas, gym equipment or wellness features. Likewise, an outdoor pool often works best when planned alongside terraces, seating areas, outdoor kitchens and landscaping.

The most successful projects treat the pool as part of a wider living environment rather than as a standalone feature.

Working with the site

Every property presents unique opportunities and constraints. Changes in ground levels, existing buildings, mature trees, access for construction and planning considerations can all influence the final location. Properties within conservation areas or those containing listed buildings may require additional consideration during the design process.

It is also important to consider the location of the plant room, ensuring it is accessible for servicing while remaining discreet and sympathetic to the overall design.

An experienced designer will evaluate these factors alongside your aspirations to identify the most appropriate solution for your property.

A decision that shapes everything else

Choosing between an indoor and outdoor pool is one of the most significant decisions in the design process. Once that direction has been established, selecting the right location becomes much easier.

A carefully positioned pool will not only look better but will often be used more frequently and deliver greater enjoyment over the long term.

In Part Three of our Swimming Pool Design Series, we'll explore pool design styles and how to choose a look that complements the architecture, character and lifestyle of your home.

At London Swimming Pool Company, we specialise in the design, construction, servicing and refurbishment of luxury swimming pools across London and the Home Counties. Whatever your needs, we're here to help – call us on 020 8605 1255.