Taking a cue from the age-old Indian architectural feature known as a step well (a pond surrounded by walls), which was used as a medium of cooling and naturally regulating temperatures – now comes the contemporary version, the indoor swimming pool. From allowing you to hone your breast stroke to giving you a chance to just doggy paddle, here’s a look at five exquisite indoor pools that add a touch of luxury and elegance to the spaces they inhabit.

Sun soaked

Skylights and indoor pools seem to be a match made in architecture heaven. Designed by Architecture Paradigm, a rectangular skylight that runs alongside a textured wall and the entire length of the pool creates mesmerising patterns of light over this indoor water body. The architects bring a sense of luxury to this contemporary space by pairing together multiple textures, which include the water from the pool, the softness of the plant-filled courts, the textures from different stones, both rough and polished, as well as the wood from the deck.

Top deck

Given the urban context of the site, Cadence Architects designs a pool to fit within the interiors of this lofty Bangalore residence. The atrium that rises three levels frames the pool and by surrounding it with sliding glass windows and plants, the architects have managed to bring in a bit of the outdoors too. A wooden deck further complements the outdoor vibe, as well as cleverly demarcates the pool area from the rest of the living room.

Heavens above

Indoor pools have their advantages – privacy, protection from the elements and so forth. However, having an indoor pool often means you have to sacrifice the views of the outdoors.

Architect Dipen Gada has a solution to this particular issue. As his holiday home was located in Vadodara, which is accustomed to high temperatures of up to 45° C, an indoor pool was a must to combat the extreme climate. However, a large transparent roof gives this pool pavilion a glasshouse appeal to enjoy the views, while a separate open entrance provides ample natural ventilation.

Underground cave

Locating a pool on the basement level may help regulate temperatures, but by being subterranean, it can get tough to find a way to let in natural light. To solve this problem, Architecture Paradigm cleverly put a contemporary twist to the underground water cave. By incorporating multiple circular skylights in the pool house, he has enabled sunlight enter through slits.

 Tranquil spa

If you’re thinking about an indoor pool, then why not bring some of the garden indoors too? Although this pool is tucked away in a corner of the house, Spaces Architects planed it as part of the atrium to draw in natural light and ventilation. This pool embraces the spa-like vibe with the addition of Buddha wall art, mood lighting, landscaping and warm wooden and beige surfaces.