Imagine relaxing in your own private swimming pool

More and more people are taking the plunge and building a swimming pool. Contractors are rushed off their feet as people try to recreate their holidays at home in the wake of lockdown travel restrictions. Private pools can be built inground or above, infinity edge or lap, outdoor or indoor, painted or tiled. So, what are the important factors to consider if you are creating your dream pool?

As with any big project, start by establishing your reasons for wanting a pool. Your answers will help shape the pool’s design. Will you use a pool for exercise or entertaining? Is the pool meant for family fun or an architectural feature in the garden that is more often viewed than used? Crucially, will you use it enough to justify the expense?

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It’s a major investment

Building a pool is expensive, with costs anything from £40,000 to £150,000, depending on size, type and design features. If building a pool is beyond your budget, a more affordable option might be to consider an above ground pool which consists of a framework that supports a liner filled with water. Prices can start at a relatively inexpensive £1,000 for a 24ft steel, rectangular pool. This means you can enjoy a dip in the garden without having to fork out a small fortune. On the downside, it looks like a large paddling pool and doesn’t have the same aesthetic. If you have the cash to splash and the right setting, a pool could be that once-in-a-lifetime luxury worth having.

Indoor or outdoor?

Do you want an indoor or outdoor pool – or a combination of both?  Indoor pools are more expensive to build than outdoor because of the building work involved but you will get more all-year-round use and enjoyment. Could you fit a swimming pool in the basement or outbuilding or is a new extension required?

A big drawback to an indoor pool is that it doesn’t benefit from being out in the open on sunnier days. To get the best of both worlds you could consider installing a retractable roof mechanism and/or folding doors on a glass-sided pool house. Alternatively, build an outdoor pool and cover it with a sliding dome cover.

Other factors to consider include having enough space for a plant room to house the heating, ventilation and filtration systems and somewhere to walk/sit around the pool, changing and toilet facilities.

How much value will a pool add?

You can’t beat a crystal-clear swimming pool on a hot day. A private pool can even make a staycation bearable. What it won’t necessarily do is increase a property’s value or make it more saleable. Pools are expensive to heat and a hassle to maintain. Young families may have safety concerns. Some potential buyers will see a private pool as an asset while others will view it as a liability and opt to remove it entirely. A private pool has reportedly climbed the list of buyer requirements at the higher end of the market. Ask a few local estate agents for advice on whether a pool would add significant value to your property. Bear in mind installing a pool is more of a lifestyle choice, not an investment.

Position, shape and size

Installing a pool needs careful planning and design. It should be positioned to benefit from maximum sunlight while avoiding trees which could cause overshadowing or shed leaves. Avoid building too far from the house or you will have a lengthy trek in your dressing gown and flip flops.

Pools are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. A typical size is 11m x 4m and 1.5 metres depth. Homeowners who install smaller pools can end up disappointed as it can feel more like an oversize hot tub than a comfortable place to swim. Most installers offer several sizes and will happily create a bespoke pool. You just need to weigh up usability versus running costs.

Before making your final decision, take advice from an experienced and approved swimming pool contractor or architect. Look for local members of The Swimming Pool and Allied Trade Association (SPATA).

Different types of construction

There are three basic types of pool construction, each with its own merits, according to SPATA.

1. Hard finish: A strong, waterproof, reinforced concrete shell finished with mosaic tiles or special paint
2. Liner finish: A tailor made PVC liner, avoiding the need for a heavy, structural reinforced base. Available in a range of different finishes.
3. Glass fibre/ceramic: A one-piece moulded swimming pool shell that is durable and requires minimum maintenance.

In addition, there are above ground pools which may be more appropriate, depending on your budget and garden size. Often supplied with their own filtration systems, good quality above ground pools also have optional extras like access ladder and covers.

Do I need to apply for planning permission?

As a guide, outdoor pools and those housed in detached houses, are often treated as Permitted Developments and therefore don’t require planning consent. Planning permission will usually only be required for an outdoor pool if there is disturbance to adjacent buildings or drains. 

If the pool is part of a new extension or a new build, chances are you will need to submit a formal planning application. Building Regulations consent will, however, be required for any kind of indoor pool and for a pool located in listed premises or a conservation area. These ensure guidelines around insulation, ventilation and energy consumption are met.

It is always worth checking with local planning authority or building control department, especially if your property is listed, in a National Park, Greenbelt land or conservation area where Permitted Development rights can be removed.

Do I need an architect for my pool project?

Ideally, you would hire an architect with experience of designing swimming pools as it’s a complex project. An architect will dig deeper into the design considerations. Aside from the technical aspects, a professional designer can also help make the most of aesthetic possibilities by creating a pool with added wow factor.

Pools can become a focal point of your garden, especially when viewed from the house. Would a swimming pool blend aesthetically with your house? If you have sufficient space and your budget allows, design elements may be introduced such as infinity edge, planted areas and terraces.

An architect will be able to discuss your requirements in detail, draw up a schedule of work, obtain planning consents and supervise the project from concept to completion. Detailed drawings giving exact specifications are needed for accurate costings from swimming pool installers and builders.

There are a range of factors to take into consideration before you dive headfirst and build a swimming pool. Chief among these are your budget and space available. Get advice from an architect with experience of designing swimming pools or a specialist installer.