Underwater Pool Window – Types, Pros, & Cost (2025 Expert Guide)

‍

You’ve probably seen me talk or write about pool windows. But if you ask me, the best view I prefer is the underwater view. There’s something magical about being able to watch life below the waterline without ever getting wet.

And in the last 10 years, I have had the privilege to work on a few projects where I had to set up underwater pool windows.

Normally, an underwater pool window is a specialized viewing panel built into a pool, aquarium, or any aquatic facility. Once reserved for aquariums and elite competition pools, people are now setting up underwater windows into luxury residences, boutique hotels, therapy centers, and even private training facilities.

They serve practical, architectural, and even medical purposes. 

Now, just out of passion, I decided to prepare an article where you can learn all about underwater pool windows, when you can get one installed, and all the risks involved.

If you’re considering installing one for your business or residence, here’s everything you need to know.

Let’s begin.

‍

TL;DR: Underwater Pool Windows At a Glance

‍

• Underwater pool windows are exquisite and add a high level of luxury to any property or facility.
• Tempered glass windows: Strong, safe, heat- and impact-resistant. Best for high-traffic facilities.
• Laminated safety glass windows: Multi-layer construction, resists shattering, maintains structure even when cracked.
• Acrylic windows: Lightweight, customizable, allow for larger and curved panels. Easy to polish scratches.
• Polycarbonate windows: Extremely impact-resistant but softer, more prone to scratching than acrylic.
• Underwater pool windows help to enhance the pool design and guest experience.
• They serve as a practical tool for training, education, and therapy, and boosting property value in luxury markets..
• They also help to boost the property value in luxury markets.
• Always look out for sealant failure, scratches/clouding, chemical etching, and structural stress. Be prepared to avoid disasters.
• Always consider working with experts who have over 10-15 years of experience and a past track record of building underwater pool windows.
  You may consider contacting Hammerhead Pools, a prime example of an experienced pool builder.
  
  

💡 Pro Tip: The key to long-lasting underwater pool windows isn’t just the glazing material. It’s expert framing, anchoring, and waterproof sealing. Even the best glass can fail if the installation is rushed or poorly engineered.

Now let’s get into the details.

‍

What Is An Underwater Pool Window?

‍

‍

An underwater pool window is a transparent viewing panel built into the wall of a pool or aquatic structure, allowing clear observation below the water’s surface.

Unlike decorative glass walls in luxury pools, these are designed as functional observation windows for training, therapy, research, or simply enhancing the experience for spectators.

For example, if you have a rooftop pool, you could make its floor into an underwater window for the ballroom below.

Underwater windows are commonly used in:

• Aquariums & zoos for observing marine life safely.
• Competition swimming & diving for coaches to analyze stroke efficiency and diving form.
• Sports broadcasting using underwater cameras for filming through windows.
• Hospitals & rehab centers for therapists to monitor patients during aquatic therapy.
• Luxury homes, resorts & spas to add the architectural “wow factor.”
  
  

Types Of Underwater Pool Windows

1. Tempered Glass

‍

‍

Tempered glass is up to five times stronger than regular glass. If it breaks, it crumbles into dull fragments instead of sharp shards.

You’d want your pool to be able to withstand high water pressure. Tempered glass is the perfect material for large swimming pools with underwater pool windows.

Pros: High safety, heat-resistant, widely tested.
Cons: Limited in size compared to acrylic.

Best For: Public facilities and sports arenas.

‍

2. Laminated Safety Glass

‍

‍

Laminated safety glass is made of multiple glass layers bonded with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film. Such glass keeps its shape even when cracked.

Pros: Retains integrity if broken, highly durable.
Cons: Heavier and costlier than acrylic.

Best For: Hospitals, aquatic centers, and high-security installations.

‍

3. Acrylic Windows

‍

‍

Acrylic is a lightweight, crystal-clear plastic often used in large aquariums. It allows for custom shapes and sizes, even curved designs.

Plus, acrylic is often great for custom-shaped pool windows. So if you are willing to create a circular shape or an oval shape of the underwater pool window, acrylic is a great choice. But, you do need experts to handle the construction as you’d need proper support built for the acrylic not to bend due to high water pressure.

Pros: Large panels are possible, clearer than glass, and scratches can be polished out.
Cons: Scratches more easily than glass, expands with temperature shifts.

Best For: Luxury pools, resorts, and creative architectural projects.

‍

4. Polycarbonate Windows

‍

‍

Polycarbonate is another transparent plastic, known for high impact resistance (used in safety shields and bulletproof glass).

Normally, you’d want to use this material if you are looking to maintain high security and have the budget, because Polycarbonate tends to be very expensive.

Pros: Virtually unbreakable under impact.
Cons: Softer surface, so scratches faster than acrylic.

Best For: Facilities where safety is the top priority.

‍

Pros And Cons Of An Underwater Pool Window

While you will love underwater windows, you should know about both sides of the coin as it comes with its own perks and negatives.

Advantages Of Using Underwater Pool Windows

• Enhances pool design & guest experience.
• Practical tool for training, education, and therapy.
• Increases property value in luxury markets.

Drawbacks Of Using Underwater Pool Windows:

• Higher upfront cost than traditional pool construction.
• Requires expert engineering and sealing.
• Acrylic & polycarbonate need careful maintenance to prevent scratching.

Cost Of Underwater Pool Windows (2025 Estimate)

Costs vary widely depending on material, size, and complexity:

• Small tempered glass window (2x3 ft): $3,000 – $6,000
  
  
• Medium acrylic panel (4x8 ft): $10,000 – $25,000
  
  
• Large custom aquarium-style wall: $40,000+
  
  

💡FYI: Installation adds significantly to cost: Framing, anchoring, waterproof sealing, and load testing can make up 30–50% of the budget.

Common Problems To Watch Out For

‍

‍

Even premium underwater windows can fail if overlooked.

• Sealant failure
  You should always observe underwater pool windows for water leakage around the frame. Even experts can make mistakes, and if not detected early, it can lead to great accidents in the long run. The moment you notice any leakage, make sure to contact experts immediately.
  
  
• Scratches/clouding
  Materials such as acrylic or polycarbonate scratch easily. And if not cleaned in the right way, the surface may get cloudy. So first, make sure you have the right equipment for cleaning. And second, never try to fix scratches on your own. Call for an expert to help you with that.
  
  
• Chemical etching
  Depending on the material, poor water chemistry can damage the glazing of the pool windows. So you must learn the right way to balance proper water chemistry to avoid damaging the see-through windows.
  
  
• Structural stress
  Improper framing can lead to cracks, which is why getting an underwater pool window is not possible for just anyone. You definitely need people who have huge experience in pool building and have worked on similar projects in the past.

For example, you may consider working on Hammberhead Pools, who have over 3 decades of experience and completed such mega projects like Dubai Deep Dive Pool.

‍

So, the bottom line, always work with engineers and installers experienced in underwater glazing systems. Do not trust the words of people with mere 5-7 years of pool building experience.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Window

An underwater pool window is more than a design upgrade. It’s an investment in functionality, safety, and aesthetics. Whether for a resort, a training facility, or a private residence, the right choice of material and installation method makes all the difference.

👉 Pro Advice: Consult with pool engineering experts before construction begins. The earlier the window is factored into the design, the more cost-effective and secure the installation will be.

Expert Pool Window Design & Installation

At Hammerhead Pools, we specialize in high-end pool window projects worldwide. From curved acrylic walls in boutique resorts to tempered glass observation windows in aquatic centers, we help clients turn ambitious ideas into safe, lasting realities.

Contact us today for a consultation. Whether you’re planning a luxury pool or exploring options for underwater viewing panels, we’ve got your back.

FAQs About Underwater Pool Windows

1. Is it safe to have an underwater pool window?
Yes. When engineered and installed correctly, an underwater swimming pool window is very safe. Materials like tempered glass, laminated glass, and acrylic are designed to withstand high water pressure and impacts. The real key is proper framing, sealing, and structural engineering.

2. How long do underwater pool windows last?
A well-maintained window can last 20–30 years or more, depending on the material. Glass lasts longer without scratches, while acrylic may require polishing every few years. Regular inspection of seals and frames is essential.

3. Does an underwater pool window leak over time?
They shouldn’t. A professional installation with the right sealants and anchoring systems ensures watertight performance. However, poorly installed windows or aging sealants can eventually cause leaks. That’s why annual inspections are recommended.

4. What’s the difference between acrylic and glass underwater windows?

• Glass windows: Scratch-resistant, long-lasting, but heavier and limited in size.
• Acrylic windows: Lighter, can be made much larger or even curved, but more prone to scratching.

Your choice depends on your budget, design vision, and intended use.

5. Can underwater pool windows be added to an existing pool?
It’s possible, but not always practical. Retrofitting requires significant structural modification and waterproofing. Most experts recommend planning for windows during initial pool construction for best results and cost efficiency.

6. How do you clean underwater pool windows?
Regular brushing and non-abrasive cleaners work for most cases. Acrylic and polycarbonate windows should never be cleaned with harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, as they scratch easily. Specialized polishing kits are available for minor acrylic scratches.

7. Do underwater pool windows increase property value?
Yes, especially in luxury homes, resorts, or boutique fitness centers. A well-designed underwater window can dramatically boost visual appeal, making the property stand out and increasing resale or rental value.