Having a pool at home is something that many homeowners dream of in the UK. Popular in Australia and southern states of the USA thanks to the warmer climate, they’re still relatively rare in this country thanks to our colder (and wetter!) weather.

But if you’ve got the money to spend on a heated pool or even an indoor pool, they can be a great addition to your home that could add value in the long term. Let’s go through the costs of building a swimming pool to help you weigh up whether it’s worth it.

How much does it cost to have a pool in the UK?

Costs can vary hugely to have a swimming pool installed in the UK, but the average cost to fit an 11m x 4m x 1.5m pool is £81,000.

These costs are just averages. Many factors can affect the final cost of your swimming pool installation, including the suitability of your soil, how easy access to the space is and where you live. Post a job on HaMuch to get quotes from builders in your area to get an accurate quote.

Factors that affect the cost of building a swimming pool

• Type of pool: As you’d expect, a fully tiled heated indoor pool will cost much more than a small above-ground pool.

• Dimensions: The larger your pool is, the more it will cost. Sometimes the depth will affect the cost more than the length and width.

• Access: If your garden is difficult to access and your builders will need special equipment that fits through your home or narrow gate (such as small diggers), you’ll usually pay more.

• Your location: One of the biggest factors that affects the cost of your swimming pool is where you live. Installations in the south east or London will cost more than those in other parts of the country, with northern England often coming out cheapest.

Types of swimming pool

There are three main types of pool that are commonly used in the UK, and within those types you can have features like infinity style, hydrotherapy and salt water. But we’ll just take you through the main types of pool that UK homeowners usually have installed:

Above-ground pools

Above-ground pools are the cheapest type of pool to have. You won’t usually need a builder for these pools, as you simply put the frame together and fill it up with water. These types of pools are ideal for children who want to splash around in the summer, but most adults or older children won’t be able to swim in them. These pools can cost up to £500, but you can get them for as little as £60.

Block and liner pools

Possibly the most popular way to build a pool in the UK, block and liner pools involve digging out the area then forming the shape of the pool using concrete blocks. The builders will then render the walls and floor before covering it with a strong and flexible vinyl liner. These liners come in a variety of patterns and colours, giving you the look of tiles without the cost and extra installation time. Block and liner pools can cost anywhere between £50,000-£100,000.

One-piece pools

One-piece pools are becoming much more popular as they are quicker to install than block and liner pools. One-piece pool shells are made from ceramic composite or fibreglass and are lowered into the dug-out area for your pool, removing the need for concrete blocks and liners. They’re easier to clean and need fewer chemicals since the shell is impermeable.

Plus, one-piece pools require less energy to heat than block and liner pools, so your running costs should be lower. They come in many colours, shapes and sizes, so you can have almost anything you want! Expect to pay similar prices for one-piece pools: between £54,000-£128,000 depending on the size and shape.

Are above-ground pools worth it?

Whether above-ground pools are worth it is down to your personal preference. Above-ground pools are far cheaper than in-ground ones and can be taken down whenever you like, so you don’t lose garden space all year round. However, they are harder to heat, can cost a lot to run and aren’t as big as in-ground pools, so some may argue that they don’t offer as much enjoyment for adults.

If you have the money for an in-ground pool, you’ll probably get much more pleasure from it than an above-ground pool. But if you’re looking for a cheap way to get the kids outside in the summer, above-ground pools are the way to go.

What is the cheapest way to build a swimming pool?

The cheapest way to build a swimming pool is using the block and liner method. They’re a popular way to build a pool, but there are disadvantages to them.

Using concrete blocks to construct the pool shape means that if there is any natural ground movement, the base can crack. Vinyl liners also need replacing every 5 to 10 years and they can get punctures if sharp objects find their way into your pool. Trying to find the source of the hole can be tricky, making them hard to repair.

If you have the budget available or are able to save up the extra money, it may be worth considering a one-piece pool. These often come with long guarantees – sometimes up to 50 years – against leaks, so while they may cost more in the short term, over the long term they may save you money.

How long does it take to fit a swimming pool?

How long it takes to fit a swimming pool varies depending on the type of pool you choose, but most installations will be completed within 8 to 12 weeks.

You may have to wait for planning permission to be granted, and then for the area to be dug out. In the UK, this might be delayed due to the weather! Once the concrete blocks and vinyl or the shell have been installed, the area will need to be finished with coping stones, decking or a patio.

Generally, one-piece pools will take slightly less time to fit than block and liner pools.

How much does it cost to build a pool house?

If you’re going to the expense of having a pool installed, you may as well have a pool house too! Pool houses are great for offering a place for people to hang out when they’re having a break from swimming, and can act as a changing and shower area too, stopping trails of wet footprints in your home.

If you just want a pre-fabricated pool house without plumbing to simply use as a summer house and changing area, you can buy these for as little as £3,000 plus labour at around £1,000. Add around £4,500 for a shower room.

If you’re looking for a pool house that also contains your pool, you’ll pay much more. The average 110m² pool building will cost £230,000 to build.

FAQs

Will a swimming pool add value to my home?

A well-built, well-maintained swimming pool should add value to your home. Expect a maximum of 7% added value to your property.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that some buyers will be put off by a swimming pool. The cost of maintaining a pool may make some buyers consider lowering their offer, or they may even factor in removing the pool altogether.

Swimming pools add the most value to large, luxurious properties in the countryside that have big gardens, so that the pool only takes up one part of the space.

Do you need planning permission for an outdoor swimming pool?

In general, you won’t need planning permission for an outdoor swimming pool. It’s always worth checking with your local building control to check that there aren’t any special restrictions in your area.

There are some circumstances when you may need to apply for planning permission. Usually, it’s if your property is in a conservation area, national park or is a listed building.

If you want an indoor pool and need to construct the building, planning permission will usually apply. It’s always a good idea to get an architect or planning consultant involved to ensure you follow all the rules and regulations.

How much does it cost to maintain an indoor pool?

How much it costs to maintain an indoor pool can vary, but expect to pay at least £5,000 per year. It can cost around £10 per day (£3,650 per year) to heat and run an indoor pool, while cleaning, servicing and maintenance will cost more on top.

What is a good size pool for swimming?

A good size pool for swimming is 11m x 4m. With this size pool, you should be able to fit two or three people in to swim some laps. If you’re a serious swimmer, you may want a 153-metre pool, but most average families will find that 11 metres is enough for them.

How much room should you have around a pool?

You should have at least 100cm (1 metre) for room around a pool to allow for walkways. You don’t want to end up falling in the pool as you walk past fully clothed! Leaving at least a metre ensures that there’s enough space to walk freely around the pool.

If you want a patio next to your swimming pool, a patio of around 55 square metres should be enough to allow you to walk around the pool and hold dining furniture so you can enjoy al fresco meals and pretend your somewhere exotic!

What is the most expensive part of installing a pool?

The most expensive part of installing a pool tends to be the pool itself. Whether you’re having a block and liner pool or a one-piece pool, a lot of materials are needed which drives the cost and the labour up. The second most expensive part of installing a pool is usually the groundworks, as it can take weeks to dig out the area. Plus, you’ll need to pay for all the material that’s dug out of the ground to be disposed of.

If you’re ready to get quotes for your swimming pool project, post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with builders in your area.

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