Can You Install a Pool or Spa in Your Basement?

Safety

• Deep water inside a home poses a drowning hazard, particularly when young children have access to the spa or pool. Most county and city regulation codes require a barrier around hot tubs and pools, especially if the water level is over 2 feet deep. In the basement, the water should be made inaccessible with a locked door. Preferably, the door should also have an alarm to alert you when the door is accessed. Besides drowning hazards, pools and spas result in water splashing on the floor. Water left on the floor may cause a falling hazard or could damage the flooring. Install water-resistant flooring around the pool or spa to avoid damage. Lay down rubber mats to prevent falls.

Humidity Damage

• Evaporating water from a pool or spa increases the basement's humidity level. The water and added humidity leaves moisture on walls, windows, fixtures, heating ducts and anything else around it. The increased amount of moisture can cause mold growth or moisture damage.

Combating Humidity

• Increasing ventilation in the basement removes the humidity. Ventilation combined with air flow forces the water in the basement air out of the home. Central air conditioning and the heat from a furnace remove some humidity, but not completely. An exhaust fan is helpful in venting some of the air to the outside of the home. Installing a mechanical ventilation system in the basement helps to continuously move the inside air out and the outside air in.

Resources

• Contact the city government for a list of regulations concerning pools and spas. Act in accordance with these regulations to ensure safety and protection against lawsuits. Consult with a contractor who has experience with installing indoor pools or spas. He should advise you on how to properly install it and can recommend appropriate ventilation systems.