How a Homeowner Installed an Endless Pool on His Building Top

Introduction: The Untapped Potential of a Rooftop

In many cities, the rooftop is an afterthought. It holds air conditioning units, forgotten furniture, and dust. For most homeowners, it is a space that serves no real purpose.

But for one homeowner in Zhongshan, China, the rooftop represented something else entirely: opportunity.

This entrepreneur owned a multi-story building. The top floor was used for storage. The rooftop itself was bare concrete, exposed to the sun and rain. It was functional but forgettable.

Then he had an idea. What if he could transform this unused space into something extraordinary? What if, instead of going to a crowded public pool or a commercial gym, he could walk upstairs and have a complete wellness facility all to himself?

That idea became a project. And that project became one of the most impressive residential wellness installations we have completed to date: a rooftop endless pool paired with a dry and steam combination sauna room.

This article tells the story of that transformation. It covers the challenges, the solutions, the products, and the final result. And if you are a homeowner, architect, or contractor considering a similar project, it will give you a clear roadmap for making it happen.

Part 1: The Vision – Why a Rooftop Pool and Sauna?

1.1 The Homeowner‘s Lifestyle and Needs

The homeowner is a busy business owner in Zhongshan, a thriving city in Guangdong Province. Like many entrepreneurs, his days are long and stressful. He wanted a way to relax, exercise, and recharge without leaving his property.

He had considered installing a pool in his backyard, but space was limited. He had also looked at commercial gyms with pool facilities, but they were crowded and inconvenient. What he truly wanted was a private, convenient, and luxurious wellness space.

The rooftop offered a solution. It was approximately 60 square meters — plenty of room for both an endless pool and a sauna room. It was also private. Unlike a backyard pool, a rooftop installation would not be visible to neighbors or passersby.

1.2 Why an Endless Pool Instead of a Traditional Pool?

A traditional pool requires significant space, complex filtration systems, and ongoing maintenance. For a rooftop installation, a traditional pool would also raise serious structural concerns due to the weight of several tons of water.

An endless pool solved all of these problems.

The homeowner chose the SR8823E model, a 7.8-meter swim spa with a built-in propulsion system. Unlike a traditional pool, an endless pool creates a strong, adjustable current that allows the user to swim in place. This means the pool can be much smaller than a standard lap pool while still providing an excellent swimming experience.

The propulsion system is powered by a 5.6KW, 380V motor. The current can be adjusted from a gentle glide for warm-ups to a powerful flow for high-intensity interval training. For a busy business owner who values efficiency, this was the perfect solution.

1.3 Why a Steam and Sauna Room?

Swimming alone was not enough. The homeowner wanted a complete wellness cycle: exercise followed by relaxation.

He chose a combined steam and sauna room – often called a wet-dry sauna. This single unit offers both a traditional Finnish sauna (dry heat) and a steam room (wet heat). After a vigorous swim, stepping into the sauna helps relax muscles. Alternating between the pool and the steam room creates a contrast therapy effect that many wellness enthusiasts seek.

By combining the endless pool with a steam and sauna room, the homeowner created a complete home wellness suite on his rooftop. Swim, steam, sweat, repeat.

Part 2: The Challenges – What It Takes to Build on a Rooftop

2.1 Structural Engineering and Load-Bearing

The first and most critical challenge was weight.

An empty endless pool weighs over 1,000 kilograms. When filled with water, that number jumps to approximately 16,000 kilograms. Adding the sauna room, which weighs about 500 kilograms, brought the total load to nearly 17 tons.

Could the rooftop support that much weight?

We hired a structural engineer to assess the building. The original design was a standard residential structure with a flat concrete roof. The engineer calculated that the roof could support the load, but only if the weight was distributed evenly.

The solution was to install a steel support frame across the entire footprint of the pool. This frame transferred the weight from concentrated points (the pool‘s feet) to a wider area, reducing the pressure on any single section of the roof. Additional support columns were added beneath the roof, transferring the load down to the building‘s main structural walls.

2.2 Waterproofing and Drainage

A rooftop pool has no margin for error when it comes to leaks. A failure in waterproofing could damage not only the rooftop but also the floors below.

We used a multi-layer waterproofing system:

• A base layer of cementitious waterproofing compound
  
• A middle layer of PVC waterproof membrane
  
• A top layer of protective coating
  

All seams were heat-sealed and tested with a flood test that lasted 72 hours. Only after confirming zero leakage did we proceed with the pool installation.

Drainage was equally important. The rooftop was given a slight slope toward a new drainage channel. This channel connected to the building‘s existing rainwater downpipe. An overflow outlet was installed on the pool itself, ensuring that any excess water would drain away automatically rather than spilling onto the roof surface.

2.3 Equipment Transport and Rigging

Getting a 7.8-meter pool onto a rooftop is not a simple matter of carrying it up the stairs. The pool is too large to fit through a standard doorway or elevator.

The solution was rigging.

A crane was brought to the site. The pool, still in its factory packaging, was lifted from the street level to the rooftop. The operation took less than two hours but required careful coordination. The street below was cordoned off. A traffic controller ensured safety. And the crane operator worked in radio contact with the ground team to guide the pool into position.

The sauna room arrived in modular panels. These were small enough to carry up the stairs and assemble on site. Assembly took one day.

2.4 Plumbing and Electrical Connections

An endless pool requires water supply, drainage, and electrical power. The sauna room requires its own electrical connection.

The building‘s existing water supply was sufficient for filling the pool. A new dedicated hot water line was run to the sauna room for the steam function. Drainage from both the pool and the sauna was connected to the building‘s wastewater system.

On the electrical side, the pool‘s propulsion system required a 380V, three-phase power supply. The building had 380V service, but a new dedicated circuit breaker and wiring were installed to handle the load safely. The sauna room required a separate 220V circuit for its stove and control system.

All electrical work was performed by a licensed electrician and inspected before the system was powered on.

Part 3: The Installation Process – Step by Step

3.1 Site Preparation

Before any equipment arrived, the rooftop was cleared. Old furniture, debris, and unused equipment were removed. The surface was cleaned and inspected for cracks.

The steel support frame was installed first. Then the waterproofing layer was applied. Once the waterproofing was tested and confirmed, a protective screed was poured over it to create a flat, stable surface for the pool.

3.2 Pool Placement and Connection

With the rooftop ready, the crane lifted the pool into position. The pool was placed on the steel support frame with precision to within a few centimeters.

Once in place, the plumbing connections were made. The fill line, drain line, and overflow outlet were connected. The pump and filter system, located in a small utility area on the rooftop, were connected to the pool.

The sauna room was assembled nearby. Its modular panels fit together like a puzzle. The glass door was installed. The stove, infrared panels, control panel, and speakers were connected.

3.3 Filling and Testing

The pool was filled over several hours. As it filled, the team monitored the water level and checked for any leaks. None were found.

Once full, the propulsion system was tested at low, medium, and high speeds. The water movement was smooth and consistent. The sauna was tested in both dry and steam modes. The temperature reached the target range within 25 minutes.

The homeowner was present for the final testing. He stepped into the pool and swam against the current for the first time. He then moved to the sauna and experienced both modes.

Part 4: The Result – A Private Wellness Retreat

4.1 The Final Space

The completed rooftop is unrecognizable from its original state. The bare concrete is gone. In its place is a sophisticated wellness zone with two distinct areas.

The pool area features the 7.8-meter endless pool with LED lighting that changes color at night. The water is crystal clear, kept clean by the filtration and ozone system. A small deck area with outdoor furniture provides a place to rest between swims.

The sauna area features the SR1120 with its large tempered glass door, allowing natural light to enter during the day. Inside, the LED mood lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere. The oxygen bar and Bluetooth speakers add luxury touches.

Between the two areas is a small changing area with a bench and hooks for robes and towels. A compact shower completes the setup.

4.2 The Homeowner‘s Experience

Six months after installation, the homeowner uses the facility almost daily.

In the morning, he swims for 20 minutes. The adjustable current allows him to vary his workout — slow and steady on recovery days, fast and intense when he wants a challenge.

In the evening, he uses the sauna. Some days he prefers the dry heat of the traditional stove. Other days he chooses the gentle warmth of the infrared panels. The oxygen bar keeps the air fresh even during long sessions.

He reports better sleep, reduced stress, and improved fitness. He also notes that the rooftop has become a talking point among friends and business associates.

4.3 Lessons for Future Projects

This project shows that a rooftop wellness facility is feasible for many homeowners. The key requirements are:

• A structural assessment by a qualified engineer
  
• Professional waterproofing and drainage
  
• Access for rigging or crane lifting
  
• Adequate electrical and plumbing capacity
  

When these conditions are met, the result can be extraordinary.

Conclusion: Your Rooftop Could Be Next

What was once an unused, forgotten space is now the homeowner‘s favorite part of his property. The endless pool gives him daily exercise. The sauna room gives him daily relaxation. Together, they have transformed his quality of life.

If you have a rooftop, a large terrace, or even a flat area on your property, you could do the same. The technology exists. The expertise exists. The only missing piece is the decision to start.

At Sunrans, we have helped homeowners across China and around the world turn their unused spaces into private wellness retreats. We handle everything from product selection to installation support.

Ready to transform your rooftop?

Contact us today for a free consultation. We will assess your space, recommend the right products, and provide a complete quote.