INDOOR POOL Conversion: To Break Floor or Not?

last year

I want to convert my indoor, half-basement pool (about 4ft below grade, 6ft deep) into a rec room/gym. Most advice suggests breaking the pool floor for hydrostatic pressure relief and drainage (moisture release), then filling with gravel.

However, I'm considering a less invasive, cheaper option: filling the bottom 1/3 with sand, adding a vapor barrier, and then joisting over it. My main reasons are cost savings (just a triaxle of sand, no demo) and keeping the option open for future pool conversion.

I understand breaking the floor for outdoor pool, but still not convinced breaking indoor pool.

Why do I really need to break the floor if people often keep empty pools partially filled with water for future use? I'm trying to understand the actual risks versus the convenience.

Any thoughts or experiences with this? Thanks!

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Comments (5)

Design Fan (NE z7a)
last year
Have you received quotes/feedback on how it will be filled from contractors who will do the work?

Does your state or town/city specify how pools should be filled in and abandoned? Mine does which includes permit and inspection.
jonsuh thanked Design Fan (NE z7a)
la_la Girl
last year
We have a house in our neighborhood that has an indoor pool that had been converted into something else at some point (not sure what it is was - just that it was converted) - there were trying to sell it and the pool made every potential buyer super nervous. On the market for 2 years and they finally gave up and stayed. Not saying we should do things for mythical future buyers but some features cause more consternation than others - any chance for adding a small separate building/upscale shed for workouts instead?

https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/what-should-i-do-about-an-empty-indoor-inground-pool-with-a-floor-over-it
jonsuh thanked la_la Girl
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chispa
last year
last modified: last year
Agree with la_la. I would buy a house with the indoor pool you show in the photo, but not one with a botched indoor pool that would have too many expensive unknowns.
jonsuh thanked chispa
jonsuh
Original Author
last year
We'll need a permit for the project for either approach considering resale. Some pool guy agreed with my comment while some insisted breaking it. I don't think there will be huge price difference breaking and not breaking (couple thousand$$). I am more concerned efficacy. The township advised breaking up the indoor pool's floor and filling it with gravel, but I think sand is the better and safer choice for an indoor pool. It would keep the area dry more reliably, avoiding the ongoing hassle of rainwater entering and leaving, and it would also manage humidity better when counteracting hydrostatic pressure to avoid cracks.
jonsuh
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Lala G, this unused pool is a real burden. Despite having a timer and a variable speed pump, the constant battle with insects, cleaning, and pump operation makes it far too much work to keep it around. I read the link, and for his case, looks like there was no compensation for hydrostatic pressure, which introduced crack on the floor. In my case, i am thinking to add SAND so the pool surface can stay intact after removing the water. Thought?