How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (2024)

How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (1)

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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," says Thomas Goodman, construction expert at My Job Quote.

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:

How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (2)

  • 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.

How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (3)

Shop above pools kits

How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (4)

Bestway® Power Steel™ Pools

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.

How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (5)

Dellonda Swimming Pool 18ft

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.

How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (6)

Sunsoka Wooden Swimming Pool

This rectangular swimming pool can be fitted as an above ground, or in ground depending on what you prefer. It has a 10 year guarentee. 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

Construction expert Thomas Goodman explains that the cost of maintaining a swimming pool varies according to the size and type of pool. However, 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.

"A large proportion of the cost will go to heating a swimming pool, a significant amount of which will be lost to evaporation so investing in a swimming pool cover is a good idea. The pool will still lose some heat so an efficient heater is needed to maintain a constant and comfortable temperature. The efficiency of the heater and the filtration system play a big role in the maintenance costs as the pool requires year-round care, not just when it’s in use," says Thomas.

"Regular maintenance is better and more cost-effective than allowing the swimming pool to become unbalanced and having to shock it back to a good pH level. Failing to properly winterise is a common swimming pool mistake as doing so helps hugely with maintenance costs as well as preventing damage from low temperatures over the colder months."

How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (7)

Swimming pool heating costs

"The cost to heat a pool depends on a number of variables including the size of the pool, i.e. the amount of water to be heated, the type of heater you use e.g. electric or heat pump and whether it is indoors or outdoors. An efficient heat pump for swimming pools will cost about 50 pence per hour to maintain a constant temperature in the pool," says Thomas Goodman.

"Even with a well-insulated pool which has a good cover, there will always be heat loss from the water. The primary work that your heater does is maintaining the temperature at which you have set the thermostat. Indoor pools don’t lose as much heat through evaporation and so don’t require as much energy to replenish the heat lost in this way," says Thomas.

How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (8)

How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (9)

Thomas Goodman

Thomas Goodman has worked as a property and construction expert for MyJobQuote for six years and has worked in the construction industry for more than 20 years. Thomas continues to work on building projects, while also providing expert construction and property advice to industry professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

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.
How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (10)

Marlene Lento

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.

How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (11)

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.

How much does a pool cost in the UK?

"You can install an above-ground pool for £3,000- £5,000 or a stainless steel in-ground pool for between £50,000-£85,000. These costs are inclusive of labour but don’t include the decking around the pool or other design features. Of course, you can spend much more than that depending on the finish, accessories etc," explains construction expert Thomas Goodman.

"As well as the size of the pool, its material and the surrounding garden deck area, other costs should be considered including access to the site, how level the ground is and removal of waste. Swimming pools are not as common in the UK as in other countries. As a result, companies here cannot achieve the same economies of scale that those in warmer countries can, making them more expensive here than abroad," says Thomas.

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.

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How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (12)

Teresa Conway

Deputy editor on Homebuilding & Renovating

Teresa was part of a team that launched Easy Gardens in 2018 and worked as the Editor on this magazine. She has extensive experience writing and editing content on gardens and landscaping on brands such as Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors and Living Etc magazine. She has developed close working relationships with top landscape architects and leading industry experts, and has been exposed to an array of rich content and expertise.

In 2020 Teresa bought her first home. She and her partner worked alongside architects and builders to transform the downstairs area of her two bedroom Victorian house in north London into a usable space for her family. Along the way she learned the stresses, woes and joys of home renovation, and is now looking to her next project, landscaping the back garden.

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How much does a swimming pool cost? Advice on installation, heating and maintenance — plus the cheapest options (2024)

FAQs

What is the most cost effective way to heat a swimming pool? ›

1. Use a Solar Cover for Your Pool. One of the most cost-effective heating methods for retaining heat in a swimming pool is installing a solar cover, keeping water up to 10 degrees warmer than with only a heater. The root cause of heat loss in a pool is evaporation.

What is the most expensive part of installing a pool? ›

The most expensive part of installing an in-ground pool is the excavation. You'll need specialized equipment, and it's wise to hire professionals who can dig the pool hole without causing any damage to underground pipelines or wiring.

What is the most cost effective pool to install? ›

Generally, vinyl liner pools have the lowest initial costs. Thus, you will spend the least amount of money purchasing a vinyl liner pool. On average, vinyl liner pools cost $35,000 to $65,000 to install. Homeowners can customize this pool into various shapes and designs.

How much does a pool add to your monthly expenses? ›

On average, the cost of pool maintenance is around $100 a month. Running your pool equipment also costs money in utilities. Expect to spend about $300-$500 on electricity annually.

How can I reduce the cost of pool heating? ›

You can reduce the cost of heating your swimming pool by installing a high-efficiency or solar heater, using a pool cover, managing the water temperature, and using a smaller pump less often.

Is it cheaper to heat a pool with gas or electric? ›

Gas is typically cheaper than electric when it comes to the initial cost. However, it relies on the prices of natural gas and propane, meaning that despite the equipment being a bit on the less expensive side, the cost to operate a is usually more expensive in the longer run.

How do you put an inground pool on a budget? ›

How to Build an Inground Pool on a Budget
  1. Choose a Vinyl Liner Pool. Vinyl swimming pools are cheaper than fiberglass and concrete. ...
  2. Go with a Smaller Design. ...
  3. Install a Pool During the Fall Season. ...
  4. Keep it Basic. ...
  5. Work with a Qualified Pool Contractor. ...
  6. Purchase Energy Efficient Equipment.
Oct 23, 2020

Is installing an inground pool a good investment? ›

The Remodeling Impact Report from NAR estimates that adding an inground pool offers an return on investment (ROI) of around 56%. The average cost to install a swimming pool is around $90,000, and the project increases the value of a home by roughly $50,000.

Why do pools cost so much to install? ›

Determining the cost of building a swimming pool depends mainly on its size and depth. Opting for a larger pool will require more materials, such as concrete, steel, and plumbing, increasing the overall cost. The excavation process will also be more labor-intensive, leading to additional fees.

What type of inground pool lasts the longest? ›

Not only are concrete pools the most popular and highly customizable, but they have the longest lifespan compared to vinyl liner and fiberglass pools. Concrete pools do require a little more maintenance than the fiberglass and vinyl options, but these pools will last much longer with proper care.

Do swimming pools use a lot of electricity? ›

Running a pool adds about $50 per month to your electricity bill. However, monthly energy costs for your pool can range anywhere from $10 to $300 , depending on your pool pump type. If you feel you're paying too much to run your pool, this guide goes over the factors contributing to your energy costs.

Do pools increase home value? ›

Doing the Math. Real estate experts estimate that an average 14x28-foot inground concrete pool potentially adds 5 to 8 percent to the real estate value of your home. If your property is worth $400,000, you'll realize a boost to the value of your property of about $20,000 to $32,000.

Is it worth having a pool at home? ›

Having a pool can increase the value of a house by 5% to 8%. This can be higher if you live in a warmer state like Florida or Texas.

Is it cheaper to keep pool heater on all the time? ›

Also, turn the temperature down or turn off the heater whenever the pool won't be used for several days. This will save energy and money. It's a myth that it takes more energy to heat a pool back up to a desired temperature than you save by lowering the temperature or turning off the heater.

What is the black hose trick to heat a pool? ›

Grab your black garden hose, fill it up, and leave it in direct sunlight. This will warm the water within and heat your pool as you refill. However, this method has several problems, as a lack of sunlight will prevent your hose from warming up. Also, this method only works when refilling your pool.

What are the cons of a heat pump pool? ›

Cons of electric heat pumps:

Electric heat pumps can be a costly addition to your backyard oasis, and they can also take longer to heat your swimming pool water than gas heaters.

How to warm your pool without a heater? ›

Using a Solar Pool Cover, aka Solar Blanket, is by far the most cost effective and efficient way to heat a pool without a heater. Solar Pool Covers work as they feature a transparent/translucent material which allows the sun's heat through the cover into the pool.

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