A Waterpark-Like Retreat Indoor Pool Addition in Waunakee

We recently completed an exciting project for our clients, Bill and Mary. They came to us wanting a relaxing family retreat at their home in Waunakee, WI. Their vision was of a waterpark-like retreat that the entire family could enjoy—a space where everyone could gather, have fun, and hang out for all types of recreation. 

When our clients first contacted us, they had a specific set of goals for their new addition. They asked for an indoor pool, a six-person spa, an infrared sauna, and a combination bath and changing room. They also wanted an entertainment area where the family could hang out together to watch sports events on the wide-screen TV and enjoy snacks and drinks. 

Our clients also requested that the space incorporate big windows to flood the indoor pool addition with as much natural light as possible.

Precise Planning and Meeting Challenges

Precise planning was necessary throughout the entire process. The homeowners had a tight deadline with a party planned for May. Work began in the winter. Excavation and concrete took place in November, and the pool was installed in December. The large fiberglass pool had to be installed first, and the room built around it. We poured the foundation, installed the pool, and then constructed a waterproof platform as a temporary floor for us to work on. 

The floor was also designed to protect the pool from construction debris and things like nails and metal shavings that could potentially rust or stain the pool's interior during construction. It also provided a safe, stable, and level working surface.

Another challenge was finding a place for the pool equipment and ductwork. We constructed a pit for the pool pump and the heater that also houses the sunken spa tub. Getting the perfect amount of space for all of the equipment needed while complying with electrical safety codes was particularly challenging. 

The solution was to house the HVAC in the basement of the home. We ran the ductwork under the concrete floor to route it to the left and right sides of the room and then across the tops of the windows and patio doors.

Creating A Functional Indoor Pool Design

Out clients had specific ideas of how they wanted their new indoor pool space to function. The project design included a large west-facing patio door, large south-facing windows, and smaller east-facing windows for privacy. 

Six skylights and windows around the room flood the space with natural light. We also looked at durability and comfort with the addition of heated, stamped-concrete floors, a commercial-grade dehumidifier, and finishes that will stand up to moisture. Our client's aesthetic requirements included creating a space that looks like it belongs in a home rather than a hotel.

The process of creating the room was detailed, and no expense was spared. We hired a commercial HVAC contractor to install the heating, cooling, and dehumidification systems. The HVAC and dehumidification equipment was placed in the basement of the existing home. The ductwork was designed to control the humidity and also to provide airflow around the windows and patio doors to eliminate condensation and ensure that the room stays comfortable and usable year-round. 

The high-end flooring system uses the waste heat generated from the dehumidification system to provide radiant heat to the concrete floor. The skylights can be opened in the summer to increase ventilation and allow humid air to escape.

Adding Aesthetics to the Design

Aesthetically, the room was designed to fit perfectly within the constraints of the home. The color palette and materials are soothing and relaxing. Faux beams break the plane of the expansive ceiling, while the skylights puncture the room with tons of natural light. The space is wide open and low slung, creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. 

We also needed to design around the limitations of second-story bedroom windows on the existing house. By stepping down 18-inches from the floor of the main house, we were able to achieve these goals. The room is broad, bright, and spacious.

The clients wanted to include a dedicated bathroom and changing room in the new addition. This multi-purpose space prevents anyone from needing to walk into the main house with wet bathing suits. The changing room has a floating vanity. A Therma-Tru fiberglass door is used as a barn door and stained to look like natural wood but is actually perfect for the high-moisture environment. 

The changing room has a floating vanity with a thick top giving the room a sleek contemporary look. A lighted mirror hangs above the vanity. The walls are finished in 24 x 12-inch wall tile from floor to ceiling. The walk-in shower glass uses a glass panel to separate it from the rest of the bathroom, keeping the interior wide open. It features a teak bench, a niche for shampoos, and fixtures by Kohler.

We used durable, moisture-resistant, low-maintenance materials throughout the space. The faux beams are made of foam, and the ceiling is aluminum. The walls use Dens-Glass gypsum board, coated in EIFS to look similar to standard drywall, without moisture concerns. The Andersen 100-series fiberglass windows have no wood content, and moisture-resistant composite decking was used to build the stairs from the main house down to the sunken pool room. 

Creating A New Functionality For The Home!

We completed the project in just over five months of challenging winter work during a pandemic! The addition brings a whole new level of functionality to the home. It is an exceptional project that provides the homeowners, their children, and friends with the perfect indoor pool and recreational space to relax and enjoy each other's company. We created the perfect space for kids of all ages – whether it's the family's children or a group of adults who want to party and play as if they were teenagers!

See all the photos of this Indoor Pool Addition by clicking here!

At Degan Design-Build-Remodel, we work closely with our clients to help them create an environment that matches their personalities and unique needs. Whether it's a new four-season porch, a kitchen remodel, or an indoor pool addition, if you're planning a home improvement project, and you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area, give us a call at (608) 846-5963. We're always happy to answer your questions about paint color and discuss your upcoming project!