According to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal, the modern swimming pool is ready to receive a new upgrade in the form of a disappearing pool. Better known as a movable floor, this function allows pool owners to raise the floor of their pool to meet the surface, hiding the pool underneath and giving the owners a usable patio.
The raised floor can hold between 20 and 60 pounds per square foot, which will be strong enough to support people, patio furniture, and even a car. Then, when the owner is ready to use the pool, the hydraulic system will lower the floor and create a pool of any depth from a shallow kiddie pool to a more advanced lap pool.
The price range for the movable floors is anywhere from $300 to $550 per square foot, making it a luxury item for the time being. The manufacturers hope that with time, this style of pool will solve homeowner’s issues with limited square footage in their home, while allowing them to take part in the luxury of a swimming pool.
Although buyers can’t expect their movable floors to be installed for at least a few years, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of accessible options for in-ground and above ground pools, as well as hot tubs and other spa fixtures for your home.
Jack Gottlieb, a representative for AGOR Creative Engineering, says that the company is hoping to make a marketing push for these movable floors in the U.S. over the coming months. “There are a few hundred now in the U.S., and we think it could [grow to] anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 once it gets developed,” he explained.
Jonathan Miller, a New York housing appraiser, commented on the prospective market of the floors. “With amenities in general,” he said, “if it makes sense and you’re early in the curve, buyers seek things like this out.”