Pools and Water Features

Overview

Swimming pools were added to inZOI in the v0.3.0 update (August 2025) alongside the free Island Getaway DLC. Players can build custom pools on residential lots, swim in public pools and parks, and dive into the ocean at Cahaya beaches. Swimming develops the Swimming skill for adults and the Aquatic Ability skill for children. Pools are built through Build Mode using the Exteriors section and can be placed both indoors and outdoors.

Building a Pool

To build a swimming pool, open Build Mode and navigate to the Exteriors tab. The pool section offers two approaches:

Preset Pools

Several pre-designed pool shapes are available. Select a preset and place it on your lot. Presets can be edited after placement: resize the boundaries, repaint surfaces, and add lighting. This is the fastest way to get a functional pool.

Custom Pools

For full control, build a pool from scratch using swimming pool walls. Drag wall segments to create any shape you want. The critical rule is that all boundary lines must be connected to form a closed shape; otherwise the pool will not fill with water. You can make a pool larger by extending its boundary outward.

Pool walls have two adjustable properties:

• Height: Controls how tall the pool walls rise above ground level

• Steepness: Controls the angle of the wall slope, affecting how the pool edges look and how Zois enter the water

Customization Options

• Paint: Apply different colors and materials to pool floors and walls

• Lighting: Add underwater or poolside lights for nighttime ambiance

• Ladders: Attach ladders for easy entry and exit. Ladders are optional; Zois can jump into pools without them

• Tubes: Place inflatable tubes in the pool. Zois can relax on tubes without draining energy, making tubes a useful comfort item

Indoor Pools

Despite being categorized as an exterior element, swimming pools can be built indoors. Place pool walls inside an enclosed room and they function identically to outdoor pools. This opens up design possibilities like basement pools, rooftop enclosures, and spa rooms.

The Infinity Pool Technique

Pools function similarly to rooms in inZOI's building system, which enables a creative technique for building infinity pools. By manipulating pool wall placement and room boundaries, players can create the visual effect of water extending past the edge of a lot or elevated surface. The technique is fully functional: Zois can swim in infinity pools just like standard ones. Community builders have shared step-by-step tutorials for this method on the official forums.

Swimming Mechanics

Swimming is an active interaction that Zois perform in pools and open water. To swim in a pool, select the pool and press the Go button. At beaches, Zois automatically begin swimming as they wade into the water.

Energy and Drowning

Swimming causes a significant energy drain. Make sure your Zoi's needs (especially Energy and Hunger) are in good shape before sending them into the water. A lethargic Zoi moves slowly in the pool. If a Zoi remains in the water for more than three continuous hours, they will drown. This is one of the non-natural death types that can occur from the Teenager life stage onward. Children cannot drown.

Swimming Skill

Adults and teenagers develop the Swimming skill through time spent in the water. Higher Swimming skill levels make Zois more efficient swimmers, reducing energy drain and improving movement speed. At higher levels, Zois also become less vulnerable to hazards like sharks when swimming in the ocean.

Children develop a separate Aquatic Ability skill instead of Swimming. This child-specific skill was added in v0.3.0 and transitions into the adult Swimming skill when the child ages up. Maxing Aquatic Ability gives a head start on the grown-up Swimming skill.

Pool Interactions

Zois can perform several activities in and around pools:

Ocean Swimming and Snorkeling

The Island Getaway DLC introduced ocean swimming and snorkeling at Cahaya beaches. Walking into the ocean at a beach automatically triggers swimming. The ocean uses the same energy and drowning mechanics as pools.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a separate activity available at designated beach locations on Cahaya. While snorkeling, Zois explore a bounded underwater area where they can encounter marine life (coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins) and discover collectible items. Zois can only move within the designated snorkeling zone. Snorkeling develops the Swimming skill and connects to the gathering system through underwater collectibles.

Upcoming Features

KRAFTON has shared plans for future pool and swimming improvements:

• WASD pool movement: Direct control of Zois in the pool using keyboard movement, replacing the current click-to-swim system

• Point-and-click swimming: An accessibility feature letting players click on a spot in the pool for their Zoi to swim to, designed for players who find direct control difficult

• Swimming conversations: Zois talking to each other while in the pool (currently in development; proving more complex than expected)

• Infant pool accessories: Pool floats and arm tubes for toddlers and infants, announced in the 2026 roadmap

Tips

• Always check your Zoi's Energy and Hunger before swimming. Low needs increase drowning risk.

• Place tubes in your pool for a safe way to enjoy the water without energy drain.

• Ladders are optional but make it easier for Zois to exit quickly when energy runs low.

• Build an indoor pool if you want year-round swimming regardless of weather.

• Level the Swimming skill to reduce energy costs and improve movement speed in water.

• When building custom pools, make sure every wall segment connects. An open gap prevents the pool from filling.