With UK summer temperatures sometimes surpassing that of Mediterranean climates, it makes sense that UK homeowners are curious about swimming pool costs.
Because of our climate, and the fact that pools are less popular here than abroad, the current UK swimming pool market doesn't achieve the same economic scale as those on the continent in terms of installation costs. Then there is the need for heating your pool, so energy costs need to be factored in, as well as ongoing maintenance.
We cover what you can expect from installation as well as ongoing costs, and expert tips for the most economical ways to add a pool to your home.
Swimming pool costs: Installation, maintenance and energy
The cost of installing a swimming pool will depend on several factors but the two biggest elements which will influence costs are the size of the pool and the material that it’s made from.
How much does a swimming pool cost to install
"Costs will vary depending on the swimming pool type you want to install. At the higher end of the market, a retailer such as Origin Pools will install an in-ground outdoor pool from around £96,950 for a small pool (8m x 4m) up to £187,000 for a 15m x 6m pool," says Jason Orme, former Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating.
"This includes installation and an air source heat pump for use between May and September, but doesn't include the cost to take soil away or services. For those on a tighter budget, sliding dome covers offer the best of both worlds giving you an indoor pool that can be turned into an outdoor pool just like a convertible car."
Varying costs can be found below:
- Above ground pools: "These will cost less to install than an in-ground one, as there will be less groundwork necessary," explains energy expert David Hilton. "For smaller swimming pool ideas of around 4m x 2.5m you will be looking at around £6,000. Therefore (on the budget end of the scale) you could realistically have a pool installed with a counter flor pump and a fully insulated safety cover with change from £9,000".
- In-ground pools: If paying a professional to install, you'll need to consider the costs of excavation, soil away, building materials such as concrete and blockwork, and any specialist labour such as screeding. Costs of the labour will depend on where you are in the country but Dave Horne of Origin Pools estimates the cost to take soil away as between £5,000 and £8,000 including VAT. Most professional installations on a typical 11m x 4m pool, which includes all groundworks and materials with a good selection of renewable energy options, a good warranty and safety cover start from £50,000 with the average being around £80,000.
- Customised kits: At the lower end of the outdoor pool market, a customised in-ground liner kit installed by a professional starts at £25,000 and a mosaic-tiled concrete pool costs from around £45,000.
- Indoor pools: When it comes to indoor pools, prices vary greatly, from around £60,000 to £150,000 all-in (to include an environmental control system or air handling unit such as a dehumidifier), depending on the chosen pool. When budgeting for an indoor pool you also have to consider the cost of the building itself, very similar in cost to an extension. Typical costs range from £1,000/m² upward depending on the quality of the finishes and spec. Origin Pools offers indoor swimming pools including the building for guide prices of between £250,000-£414,250.
- Natural swimming pools: Prices for natural swimming pools are better measured per m2, as the cost decreases as the size does. This will range between £300 to £600/m2.
Shop above pools kits
This 16 by 10 foot pool has no-tool assembly. The reinforced steel frame and puncture-resistant Tritech line makes it a great choice for families. The ChemConnect™ dispenser maintains chlorine levels keeping the water clean.
This above ground pool comes equipped with a pool pump which can be fitted with an anti-microbial filter. The steps make it safe and easy to get in and out of the pool. There's no tools required for assembly.
This rectangular swimming pool can be fitted as an above ground, or in ground depending on what you prefer. It has a 10 year guarantee. It needs to be connected to electricity and you have the option to install a jet to turn it into an endless swimming pool.
Swimming pool maintenance costs
As an estimate, annual running costs can be anywhere from a couple of hundred pounds for an above-ground pool to £3,000-£4,000 for a larger in-ground pool.
Unless you are happy to swim in cold water, the majority of your costs will go towards heating your swimming pool. To try and keep those costs as low as possible, it's worth investing in a good pool cover so you can retain as much heat in the pool.
Keeping up with regular maintenance is also more cost-effective than leaving your pool untouched over winter and then having to do a large amount of work to clean it and make sure the water quality is adequate before swimming in it again.
Swimming pool heating costs
According to The Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association (SPATA), there are various options for heating indoor and outdoor pools, each with its own merits. 'Choosing the right type of heating will maximise your chances of having the most suitable energy-efficient system, which will help you save money,' says SPATA.
They advise that the most popular options include: heat pumps (both air source and ground source), gas and oil boilers, direct resistance electric heating and solar heating. "Using a heat pump as a form of swimming pool heating is growing in popularity due to its ease of installation, low operating cost, and low carbon generation," says SPATA. "Electric resistance heaters are compact devices permanently installed within a plant room. They provide the cheapest capital for installing dynamic heating, but running costs are among the highest available heat sources."
Speaking to your installer about the best options for your pool, location and heating needs will ensure you choose the most efficient and practical set-up for your needs.
How to save money on your swimming pool
Garden design expert, Marlene Lento, is experienced in designing pool and spa areas for UK gardens and landscapes. She shares her tips on the most economical way to design a pool.
- Partially above-ground pools are more economical than inground pools as they involve less excavation and spoil removal. This also goes for pools built into a slope where only one part of the pool is recessed into the ground, although this does depend on the terrain that needs to be retained and drainage requirements.
- Prefabricated shells that can get you from lawn to pool within a few days are the most predictable and the least headache, and can be great value.
- If it’s a bespoke pool, rectangular is the most economical size, and the closer to a square you are, the fewer linear metres of wall you need to build and line which impacts cost. Pool depth impacts the price for the same reason.
- If you have a large enough property to accommodate the excavated spoil, this will save the cost of removal, although this needs to be planned and landscaped with foresight.
- Freestanding covers are the most economical but do consider the aesthetics.
- Copings can be expensive so see what’s most economical that isn’t bespoke and make sure you coordinate your pool area paving so you don’t end up with a ‘not-quite-matched’ look, or a contrasting picture frame around the pool that doesn’t relate to anything else in your material palette.
- Pools with liners are the most economical, and pools tiled with large format tiles are the most expensive.
Marlene Lento designs bespoke gardens that encompass every aspect of today’s outdoor living space including outdoor entertainment areas, lighting and planting schemes, pools, and natural swimming ponds.
FAQs
Does a swimming pool add value UK?
Be aware that pools may not necessarily add value to your home as chartered surveyor Francesca Watson, co-founder of Otters Home Search tells us.
In her experience, this is mainly due to safety, cost and the environmental impact of heating them. "As a vendor – I’d say, please don’t expect it to add value to a property. As a buyer, I’d advise that you always ask for all maintenance history," says Francesca.
If you're seriously considering a swimming pool for your next landscaping or build project, have a look at our guide to swimming pool and planning regulations and take a dive into solar panels for swimming pools to see if you can install a renewable energy option to heat your pool.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.
