When adding a swimming pool to your home, one of the first decisions to make is clear: indoor or outdoor? Each option brings unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, space, budget and long‑term goals.
At JHS Pools, based in Bournemouth and serving Dorset, Poole, Ringwood and Christchurch, we’ve built both indoor and outdoor pools for nearly five decades. Drawing on our deep local experience and client‑centred approach, here’s everything you need to know to choose the perfect pool for your home.
Indoor vs Outdoor Pools – What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into the pros and cons, it’s important to understand the fundamental difference between the two. Indoor swimming pools are built within a structure – either inside your home or a dedicated building – offering a controlled environment for year-round use. Outdoor pools, on the other hand, are located outside, typically in a garden or patio area, and are more influenced by the seasons. Both types of pools can be custom-designed to suit your space, taste and lifestyle — but choosing the right one starts with knowing how they each perform in terms of usage, cost, maintenance and overall experience.
Indoor Pools: Luxury, Privacy & Year‑Round Enjoyment
Pros:
- Swimming that continues regardless of British weather
- Climate‑controlled environment and total privacy
- Easier to manage heating, humidity and maintenance
- A premium upgrade that enhances property value
Considerations:
- Higher initial cost and structural requirements
- Need for indoor space or a dedicated pool house
- Ongoing costs for ventilation, heating and dehumidification
Indoor pools are ideal for those seeking a year‑round wellness retreat right inside their home.
Outdoor Pools: Social, Sun-Lit & Garden Focused
Pros:
- Lower installation cost compared to indoor pools
- Perfect for summer entertaining and family gatherings
- Enhances your garden and outdoor living space
- Natural sunlight and fresh-air swimming
Considerations:
- Seasonal use unless heated
- Maintenance demands due to weather and debris
- Covers and cleaning systems required
Outdoor pools offer a relaxed, sociable focal point for garden-based living in warm months.
Why Choose JHS Pools for Indoor or Outdoor Pools?
For nearly 50 years, JHS Pools has set the standard in Dorset for both indoor and outdoor swimming pool design and construction. As a family-run business since 1972, we blend craftsmanship, reliability and bespoke solutions — whether you’re after an all‑weather indoor pool or a stylish outdoor garden feature. Based in Bournemouth and serving Ringwood, Christchurch, Poole and Swanage, we offer unmatched local knowledge, full end-to-end service (from design to ongoing maintenance), and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Our longstanding clients rely on our expertise, attention to detail, and friendly professional service to bring their pool visions to life.
Key Factors to Consider
- Usage – Regular, fitness-based use, or weekend leisure and entertaining?
- Budget – Choose initial outlay vs ongoing running costs.
- Space – House footprint or garden layout to accommodate the project.
- Lifestyle – Privacy & year-round luxury or seasonal outdoor life?
- Design Vision – Architectured integration or landscape statement feature?
Ready to Build Your Dream Pool?
If you’re still unsure, we’re here to help. JHS Pools offers expert advice, site surveys, bespoke design services and complete project management for both indoor and outdoor pools. We’ll work closely with you from consultation to installation – delivering pools that blend functionality, elegance and long-lasting quality.
Contact JHS Pools today for your free consultation and let us bring your perfect pool to life.
