Why residential swimming pools are becoming popular in Bangladesh

There was a time when a swimming pool in Bangladesh meant a weekend trip to a resort or membership in an exclusive club. Today, it has found its way into apartment complexes and private residences, turning from a symbol of aristocracy into a shared community space—most visibly in Dhaka's high-end buildings, where pools are no longer ornamental but part of a lifestyle promising fitness, relaxation, and social interaction in one of the world's most densely populated cities. 

"There was a time when courtyard swimming pools were left to dry, and when there was no water, children were allowed to play inside them, as there was no risk of them getting lost or falling in. But now they are community spaces, taken more seriously than ever," said architect Mustapha Khalid Palash.

"Commercial projects always had swimming pools", said Nasir Uddin, founder of Swimming Pool Maker BD, "but residential demand really began increasing after the Covid-19 pandemic. When people were confined to their homes, they realised they needed private recreational spaces. Since then, we've seen a significant rise in demand for pools in duplex houses and residential developments." 

His company, active in water-related projects for nearly 17 years, has completed more than 80 swimming pools and over 400 water-based projects, including fountains, jacuzzis, steam rooms and saunas.

Architect Palash believes the role of residential pools has evolved considerably. "Initially, swimming pools were introduced largely as premium amenities and marketing features," he said. "Today, as Dhaka continues to lose neighbourhood playgrounds and accessible recreational spaces, a well-designed swimming pool provides opportunities for recreation, physical exercise, childhood development, and community interaction." 

While pools cannot replace public parks, he said, they have become a valuable shared facility in high-density housing. "And such facilities also enhance the overall appeal of a project and positively influence apartment sales," he adds.

According to Palash, a swimming pool should not be conceived as an isolated element but as an integral part of the overall recreational landscape.

Rather than occupying valuable buildable land, he prefers positioning pools to complement circulation, daylight, landscaping and visual openness — in larger apartment projects, often as the centrepiece of landscaped communal spaces with shaded seating, children's play areas and walking paths. 

"The objective is to maximise the quality of communal life rather than simply allocating an area for swimming. In many respects, the swimming pool functions as a contemporary urban courtyard."

The rooftop pool and terrace reflect how water features are becoming a key part of luxury apartment living in Bangladesh. Photo: Junaid Hasan Pranto

More than just a construction site

Constructing a pool requires careful engineering, particularly given Bangladesh's varied geography. "You cannot design a large swimming pool without a soil test. Water itself creates an enormous structural load, and when people are swimming or diving, the load increases further. So it is important to test whether the land or the site can bear the load," said Nasir Uddin.

Commercial pools are typically completed within three months. Residential pools are usually finished only after the building itself is complete. "If we finish the pool before the house is ready, nobody will use it, and it may deteriorate before handover," Nasir explains.

Regional conditions also matter. Nasir said Sylhet and Cox's Bazar see the most pool construction, as the country's two prime tourist destinations. "Most pools in Cox's Bazar are built on rooftops, meaning structural engineers account for the pool's weight during the building's design phase. In Sylhet, however, the hilly red soil requires detailed soil investigations before construction begins," he added. 

Projects in Bandarban and Rangamati face additional challenges from hilly terrain and unreliable electricity, which affects filtration systems.

Md Obayed, owner of Osmosia, another pool company, prefers fibreglass to concrete. "They are easier to install in any location, taking roughly 15-20 days. Maintenance is hassle-free, and the cost is almost one-third that of concrete pools," he added.

Materials that last

Bangladesh's hot, humid climate demands careful material selection. Palash recommends anti-slip porcelain tiles or textured natural stone for pool decks and high-quality ceramic or mosaic tiles inside the pool for durability. "Material selection should balance durability, safety and aesthetics," he said. "Proper drainage, careful detailing and weather-resistant materials are essential in Bangladesh's humid climate."

Cost depends on size, structural system, finishing materials, filtration technology and associated facilities. "Bangladeshi tiles cost Tk40-50 per square foot, while Chinese ones cost more than Tk100. So if the client prefers high-end products, the cost will be higher as well," Nasir said.

Residential swimming spaces are increasingly being designed as social and wellness zones. Photo: Junaid Hasan Pranto

Palash frames cost as a long-term investment. "Rather than considering the swimming pool as an isolated construction item, I believe it should be viewed as part of the overall recreational infrastructure of the development. Equally important is planning for long-term operational and maintenance costs from the outset. A thoughtfully designed pool often proves to be more economical over its lifecycle than one designed with only the initial investment in mind."

The hidden cost — maintenance

A pool may look effortless, but keeping it clean is not. 

"A pool requires continuous rather than occasional maintenance," Palash noted. Water quality must be monitored regularly, filtration systems need to run efficiently, and mechanical equipment requires routine inspection. "In apartment developments, professional facility management is the most effective way to ensure that maintenance standards remain consistent over time," he said.

Nasir said his company trains caretakers free of charge after handover, "We teach them how to operate the filtration system, how much chlorine to use, and how to maintain water quality." 

It also provides three free service visits in the first year before offering monthly or annual maintenance contracts. Nasir recommends running filtration one to two hours daily for residential pools and at least five for commercial ones to keep water clear and hygienic. 

Sustainability under scrutiny

Perhaps the biggest question is whether private pools are sustainable in a city facing groundwater depletion. Palash believes future pool design must embrace water-conservation technologies. "Modern filtration systems allow water to be continuously treated and reused, significantly reducing the need for replacement," he said. 

"Rainwater can supplement swimming pools after appropriate treatment. However, pools should never rely excessively on groundwater extraction." 

For him, sustainability is no longer optional: "As architects, we have a responsibility to integrate water-efficient technologies and promote responsible water management."

Safe for everyone

Safety begins with thoughtful design. According to Palash, separate shallow pools for children, gradual entry steps, anti-slip surfaces, adequate lighting, clear depth markings and safety barriers should all be fundamental rather than optional. 

He also stresses universal accessibility, "Gentle ramps, handrails and barrier-free access enable elderly residents and people with disabilities to enjoy the facility safely. A community swimming pool should be designed for everyone, regardless of age or physical ability," he believes.

Palash and Nasir agree that residential swimming pools in Bangladesh are entering a new phase. "Nowadays, anyone with the financial means is becoming interested in having a swimming pool," Nasir said. 

Palash believes future pools will become part of broader wellness environments rather than standalone luxury features, "They will be integrated with landscaped gardens, walking trails, children's play spaces and community gathering areas. Sustainable technologies, smart monitoring and water recycling will increasingly become standard practice."

For him, good architecture is ultimately about improving everyday life. "In a city where neighbourhood playgrounds are steadily disappearing, thoughtfully designed communal amenities such as swimming pools are no longer merely symbols of luxury," he said. "They have become meaningful contributors to the social life and well-being of residential communities."