myjobquote

Home Cost Guides Swimming Pool CostArticle

Cost of a Swimming Pool

By Kim

Last updated 16th February 2024 - Reading time: 15 mins

At a glance

The average cost of swimming pool installation is around £35,000
The job will usually take between 2 - 7 weeks to complete

In this article, you'll find out the following:

A breakdown of pricing information that covers the types of swimming pools you can consider and the benefits of having one
How long the job will take and a general overview of what installation typically involves
How to find and hire an installer for your pool

Want to know much it costs to have an outdoor swimming pool installed?

Building a garden swimming pool is not a very common job in the UK thanks to the poor weather and high costs involved.

However, building an garden pool is actually quite reasonably priced when compared to an indoor pool. So how much does outdoor swimming pool installation cost?

To give you some idea, right off the bat, an average cost for an outdoor swimming pool in the UK is around £20,000-£50,000.

Ready to get a quote for your job?

We have a range of installers ready to give you a free quote!

Average Cost of Installing a Garden Swimming Pool:

Depending on the complexity of the job, it usually takes: 2-7 weeks

£35,000

How Much Does a Swimming Pool Cost?
- Swimming Pool Installation Prices
Supply Only Costs
Additional Costs
Labour Costs and Timescales
Cost Factors of Installing a Garden Swimming Pool
Can I Install a Garden Swimming Pool Myself?
Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Garden Swimming Pool Installation
Types of Garden Swimming Pool
Benefits of Installing a Garden Swimming Pool
Removing a Garden Swimming Pool
Hiring Contractors to Install a Garden Swimming Pool Checklist
FAQs
Sources

How Much Does a Swimming Pool Cost?

The price for a garden swimming pool will depend mostly upon the size of the pool and the materials used to build the pool.

The only difference when installing a swimming pool compared to other large home jobs is that it won't really add any extra value to your home. It will only add the luxury of having a pool in your garden.

The cost to build a swimming pool can vary depending on the type of pool, the size of the pool, and your location in the UK.

An above-ground pool is the cheapest swimming pool in the UK and kits for these will usually cost around £3000-£5000.

Below the ground swimming pools usually start at around £10,000 for the most basic style and can increase up to around £60,000 for a larger and more luxurious pool.

Is it worth repairing a neglected outdoor swimming pool or is it more cost effective to rip it out and start again?

"It will always be cheeper to repair a couple of tiles or mosaic swimming pool sheets, but if you're tired of the old run down look and fancied and upgrade it might be worth the rip out work. Ultimately it depends on how many tiles need repairing."

Stevie Joseph Stewart

Swimming Pool Installation Prices

Below is a list of the costs that you can expect when it comes to installing a swimming pool in your garden:

Type of Swimming Pool	Average Cost	Duration
Above ground pool 12ft x 24ft	£3000-£5000	1-2 weeks
Small pool with liner	£10,000-£20,000	4-6 weeks
Medium concrete pool with mosaic tiles	£25,000-£40,000	4-7 weeks
Large concrete pool with mosaic tiles	£35,000-£50,000	6-8 weeks
Medium overflow pool	£25,000-£35,000	2-3 weeks
Large overflow pool	£40,000-£50,000	3-4 weeks
Medium fibreglass pool	£25,000-£35,000	1-2 weeks
Large fibreglass pool	£40,000-£50,000	2-3 weeks
Medium stainless-steel pool	£35,000-£45,000	4-7 weeks
Large stainless-steel pool	£55,000-£70,000	6-8 weeks

Want a custom price?

Post your job

Supply Only Costs

If you are planning to install a DIY swimming pool, you will most likely need a DIY swimming pool kit. Below is a list of the costs of a DIY swimming pool kit:

Type of Swimming Pool Kit	Average cost
24ft x 12ft swimming pool kit	£6000-£7500
28ft x 14ft swimming pool kit	£7500-£9500
30ft x 14 ft swimming pool kit	£8500-£10,500
32ft x 16ft swimming pool kit	£8500-£10,000
36ft x 18ft swimming pool kit	£9500-£11,500
40ft x 20ft swimming pool kit	£10,000-£12,500

Want a custom price?

Post your job

Additional Costs

While you're getting your swimming pool installed, there are several additional costs that you may need to consider. Below is a list of those jobs that you may need to factor into the price:

Garden Decking Installation

While getting your new pool installed, you may also want to consider some other jobs around the garden, like getting garden decking installed. Garden decking comes in various styles, and you will easily be able to find a style that goes well with your new swimming pool. The average cost for garden decking is around £1000-£5000, depending on the size of the area.

Garden Fencing Installation

It may also be a good time to get some new fencing installed in your garden, especially if your current fencing is quite low, as the new fencing can provide you with some privacy around your new swimming pool. The average cost for a new garden fence is around £500-£3000, depending on how much fencing you need and the size of your garden.

New Patio Installation

You may also want to consider installing a new patio around your swimming pool. Patios can come in various styles, and prices will depend on the materials used and the size of the area. On average, you can expect to pay around £800-£3500 for a new garden patio.

Labour Costs and Timescales

The average cost to hire a pool installer is around £150-£250 per day, depending on their expertise and your location in the UK. Those based in and around the London area can expect to pay more for the cost of labour than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

It's important to keep in mind that you will most likely need to hire a team of around 2-4 pool specialists to carry out the work.

A simple above ground swimming pool will usually take around a week to complete. However, a more extensive below ground swimming pool could take up to around 4-5 weeks to complete depending on the size and the complexity of the job.

Some may take longer if there are obstacles in the way, such as trees that need to be removed before the work can start.

Ask a Trade

Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.

Ask your question

Cost Factors of Installing a Garden Swimming Pool

Several things can affect the overall cost of installing a garden swimming pool. Below is a list of the main cost affecting factors for you to consider:

Type of Pool

There are several different types of pool for you to choose from, and the type of pool that you choose can affect the cost of the job. For example, a small above ground pool will cost considerably less than a fully tiled below ground pool.

Size of Pool

The size of the pool will also have a large effect on the overall cost. The larger the pool, the more materials you will need to complete the work. You also need to consider the additional labour hours that will be required for a larger pool. The extra days and weeks that it takes to install a larger pool can really add up when it comes to labour costs.

Location of Property

The location of your property can affect the overall cost of the job. Those based in and around the London area can expect to pay considerably more for the labour parts of the job than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

Can I Install a Garden Swimming Pool Myself?

It is not advised that you attempt to install a pool as a DIY job. Although it may seem like quite a simple job to complete, there is actually a lot of work and planning involved with building a swimming pool.

Attempting to build a swimming pool without the proper knowledge and planning can lead to much higher costs in the long run. This is why it's always recommended that you go ahead and hire a professional pool installing company right from the start.

Even though the labour costs may seem expensive, it's much better to make that initial investment than to attempt and fail to install the pool on your own.

Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Garden Swimming Pool Installation

An outdoor pool won't usually need planning permission as they're generally regarded as a garden project. However, it's always a good idea to check with your local authority first just to make sure.

You will, however, have to adhere to some building regulations rules. These rules will deal mainly with the insulation, fuel use, and heat loss from the pool.

Your pool installers should have good knowledge of the appropriate building regulations rules and should be able to advise you accordingly. Always check with them to ensure that all of the work they are completing complies with the rules.

There are also some other regulations regarding any electrics, drainage, and plumbing connections. Again, your installers should know these regulations, and all of the work carried out should adhere to these rules.

Types of Garden Swimming Pool

There are several different types of swimming pools for you to choose from. Below is a list of the different types of swimming pools and the pros and cons of each type:

Above Ground Swimming Pool

An above-ground swimming pool is very simple and easy to install. It usually features a steel frame covered with a waterproof membrane to hold the water in. These pools are quite cheap, but they are often unsightly and not very big. They're more suitable for a quick dip in the summer rather than for actual swimming.

PROS

✔ Quick and easy to install
✔ It can be packed away when not in use
✔ Cheap

CONS

✖ Unsightly
✖ Not very large
✖ Not great for proper swimming

Resin and Fibreglass Swimming Pools

These pools are easy to install as they are pre-moulded to the correct shape, and you simply drop the pool into the excavated hole and then work around it.

These pools are completely watertight and slightly flexible, so resistant to cracking. However, they are only made to standard sizes, so they are not great if you're looking for something specific or unique.

PROS

✔ Easy to install
✔ Fast installation time
✔ Completely watertight
✔ Resistant to cracking

CONS

✖ Only standard sizes are available

Overflow Swimming Pool

This type of pool features an overflow channel all around it, so the water level is the same height as the pool's edge, and the overflowed water flows freely into the outlet and through the filtration system. These pools are not too expensive and are relatively fast to install.

PROS

✔ Popular pool choice
✔ Relatively fast installation times
✔ Not too expensive

CONS

✖ Not as aesthetically pleasing as some other pool types

Poured or Sprayed Concrete Pool

This type of pool involves pouring or spraying concrete to form the base and then layering the base with tiles. It is possible to form curved pools with this method, but they tend to be very expensive, so most are restricted to flat walls.

An advantage of these pools is that they aren't limited on sizing and can be in any shape you desire. They do, however, take a very long time to build and are quite expensive.

PROS

✔ Many tiling options are available
✔ Not limited on sizing
✔ The shape can be customised

CONS

✖ Difficult to install
✖ Quite expensive

Stainless Steel Swimming Pool

A stainless steel pool is made up of rust-proof stainless steel, and the parts are welded together. These pools are strong, watertight and leakproof.

They don't need a lot of maintenance and are safe against vandalism, weather conditions, UV damage and water damage. However, these pools take the longest to install and also cost more than other types of pools.

PROS

✔ Rust-proof
✔ Watertight
✔ Leakproof
✔ Easy to maintain
✔ Vandalism-proof
✔ Safe against weather and UV damage

CONS

✖ Very long installation time
✖ Difficult to install
✖ Very expensive

Benefits of Installing a Garden Swimming Pool

There are many benefits to installing a swimming pool in your back garden. Below is a list of the main advantages of this type of work:

Health Benefits

There are many wonderful health benefits that come with having a swimming pool that you can use for exercise. Swimming can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It can improve your cardiovascular health and help with your weight management.

I can also help to give you more toned muscles and improve your balance, flexibility and coordination. Swimming can also help to improve your quality of sleep.

Show it Off

Not many people in the UK have the luxury of a pool in their garden. If you have a pool installed, everyone will want to come and enjoy it with you. Not only is a pool aesthetically pleasing, but it also provides a great place for you to socialise and provides a unique talking point.

Socialising

As we've mentioned above, there are many social elements to installing a pool at your home. You can host pool parties, spend more time with your family, and invite your friends to your home for a swim.

Removing a Garden Swimming Pool

If you have a pool in your garden that you no longer use, you may want to have it removed. Although this may seem like a simple job, it is actually quite a lot of work and can take a few weeks to complete.

The average cost for removing a swimming pool in the UK is around £4000-£10,000. The price will depend on the type of pool, the size of the pool, the difficulty of the job, and your location within the UK.

To remove a swimming pool, the pool will need to be drained, and all of the external parts will need to be removed. Any internal parts will then be removed or destroyed include all of the tiles and the base. Once every part of the pool has been removed, the area will need to be filled in with soil and landscaped.

Removing a pool is difficult and very labour-intensive work, so it's a job that should be left to the professionals. You may be able to reduce some of the costs of removing a pool by removing the external parts such as steps and diving boards and by draining the water. The rest of the work should be completed by professionals.

Hiring Contractors to Install a Garden Swimming Pool Checklist

You will need to consider a few things before hiring contractors to install a garden swimming pool for you. Below is a list of some of the main things that you should consider when looking for the right contractors for the job:

Does the contractor offer any guarantees with their work?
How much is the work to complete? – Ask for a breakdown of costs so you can ensure you are paying a good price for each element of the job.
Is the contractor experienced in installing the type of swimming pool that you are looking for?
How many years' worth of experience does the contractor have in installing garden swimming pools?
How many contractors will carry out the job?
Will the contractor fix any issues that may arise?
Will the contractor take care of any relevant waste removal?
Do you need to hire any additional contractors for different parts of the work?
Will the contractor follow all of the relevant building regulation guidelines?

FAQs

How much does it cost to maintain a swimming pool?

Keeping your pool in optimum condition will cost you around £45-£85 per month in labour costs to maintain. These costs generally include the pool's upkeep, such as cleaning the filters and ensuring the pool is safe through regular electrical checks.

You will also need to buy chemicals for the pool such as chlorine and a chemical testing kit the ensure the water levels are safe. The average cost for these parts of the maintenance is around £300 per year.

How do you build a cheap swimming pool?

The cheapest pools are above-ground swimming pools, and these are a great option if you're on a tight budget. These pools generally consist of a metal frame and a waterproof membrane that can be filled with water.

What is a comfortable temperature for the water in an outdoor pool?

Swimming pools in the UK tend to run at around 27 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. This is warm enough for it to be comfortable for swimming but not too warm that it allows bacteria and algae to thrive.

Will a swimming pool drastically increase my water rates?

Apart from the initial filling up of the swimming pool, it won't actually require much water for general maintenance, so you shouldn't notice a huge difference in your water rates.