{"id":43077,"date":"2022-08-26T08:45:22","date_gmt":"2022-08-26T07:45:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/?p=43077"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:11:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:11:02","slug":"building-a-swimming-pool-how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-and-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/building-a-swimming-pool-how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-and-run","title":{"rendered":"Building a swimming pool: How much does it cost to install and run in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The prices in this guide are accurate as of 2026*<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are lots of good reasons to install a swimming pool in your garden or home. Below ground pools can add value to your house and make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Not to mention that swimming pools look great and increase the appeal of your outdoor space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you want to improve your health and fitness by exercising more, or just want a cool body of water to relax in during the hot summer months, a swimming pool can do both. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swimming pools come in a range of prices. Above ground pools cost around \u00a3<\/strong>6,500 <\/strong>to have installed professionally, whereas below ground pools cost around \u00a390,000 <\/strong>for an outdoor pool, and around \u00a3120,000 <\/strong>for an indoor pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Picture<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Getting a swimming pool can make your garden a great space for BBQs and outdoor parties, helping you and your guests make the most of the hot weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much you end up spending will depend on how large you want your pool to be, and where you live in the UK, with cost of labour rising in London and the South East.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the different types of swimming pools? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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The main choices you need to make when it comes to swimming pools is whether you want yours to be built above or below ground. Above ground pools are less expensive to install, and some options don\u2019t require professional installation. <\/p>\n\n\n

You can also get an indoor pool installed rather than an outdoor one, if you have the space to accommodate for one in your home. Outdoor pools take up garden space but are usually the most common option. They cost a lot less to install than indoor pools. <\/p>\n\n\n

You could get: <\/p>\n\n\n

Pool types<\/strong> <\/strong> <\/td>Pros<\/strong> <\/td>Cons<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
Outdoor pool <\/td>Lower cost to build and run than indoor pools 
Heats in the sun so fewer heating costs  
Easier to integrate pool add-ons like slides, deck jets, and waterfalls    <\/td>		Less time to enjoy the pool throughout the year (outdoor pools are usually only used for four to five months a year) 
Can attract unwanted animals or even people  
Weather-dependent  
Harder to keep clean due to debris and leaves  <\/td><\/tr>
Indoor pool <\/td>Retainers heat better costing less in energy bills 
Can swim in it all year round  
Easier to keep clean as indoor pools don\u2019t get dirty from wind-blown leaves and debris <\/td>		More expensive to install and run 
Requires careful humidity control monitoring to avoid mould from developing  
Can\u2019t enjoy it in the sun during the hotter months  <\/td><\/tr>
Above ground pool <\/td>Cheaper than below ground pools 
Easy to install 
Can be heated with heat pumps  
High end options are available  
Temporary structures can be moved or removed if needed <\/td>		Requires a lot of maintenance (to the exterior of the pool) 
Bad at retaining heat 
Don\u2019t add value to home  
Not permanent  
The least aesthetic  
Have limited design and depth options  <\/td><\/tr>
Below ground pool <\/td>Endless choices for sizes, shapes, styles 
Highly customisable  
Can be easily designed to fit your gardens landscape  <\/td>		More expensive than above ground pools
Take longer to build than above ground options
More dangerous for pets and children as the water surface is near ground-level <\/td><\/tr>
Infinity pool (below ground pool) <\/td>The most visually impressive and aesthetic 
Great for homes with a steep drop-off to show off a nice view <\/td>		The most expensive
More costly to maintain <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Types of swimming pools<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

FIND A SWIMMING POOL INSTALLER<\/font><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How much does it cost to buy and install a pool? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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A swimming pool is a luxury addition to your home. If you\u2019re considering getting one, a pool comes with lots of benefits. To name a few: <\/p>\n\n\n

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  1. Good way to increase the amount you exercise, improving your health and reducing stress levels  <\/li>\n\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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    1. Can improve family time and is a great addition to social gatherings and your social life in general <\/li>\n\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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      1. If you build an outdoor pool, it can increase your time outdoors and away from technology and screens <\/li>\n\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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        1. Swimming pools look good and increase the value of your home <\/li>\n\n<\/ol>\n\n\n

          Before you commit to buying a swimming pool, you should think about whether a pool is the right fit for you, as swimming pools are a large investment that requires annual maintenance work and costs. A pool should therefore fit in well with you and your household\u2019s lifestyle and needs.  <\/p>\n\n\n

          You also need to have enough space to comfortably install one. Buying the wrong size pool is one of the biggest mistakes pool owners regularly make. Make sure you do your research before you hire your tradespeople. <\/p>\n\n\n

          Prices can range quite a bit, depending on the material you choose to build your pool out of, and how big you want your pool to be. The below are some ballpark figures. For a more accurate quote using your specific dimensions and material choices, let us know what you have in mind, and speak to a skilled swimming pool fitter today. <\/p>\n\n\n

          FIND A SWIMMING POOL INSTALLER<\/font><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n\n\n

          The below prices include cost of materials and <\/strong>installation, for pools with a depth of 1.25 metres. <\/p>\n\n\n

          Type of pool <\/td>Lower range <\/td>Average cost <\/td>Upper range  <\/td><\/tr>
          Heated outdoor pool <\/td>\u00a364,000<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a395,000<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a3125,000<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
          Heated indoor pool <\/td>\u00a375,000<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a3125,000<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a3180,000<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
          Heated above ground pool* <\/td>\u00a35,200<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a36,800<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a310,400<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
          Heated infinity pool <\/td>\u00a396,000<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a3128,000<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a3160,000<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
          Cost to install different types of swimming pools<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

          *Note that these prices for above ground pools include the cost of installation. A competent DIYer could install their own above ground pool, lowering costs to around \u00a32,000 <\/strong>to \u00a33,500.<\/strong> If you\u2019re looking to get a below ground pool, we do not recommend you attempt to DIY. <\/p>\n\n\n

          These prices include the cost of installing a heating system in your pool. <\/p>\n\n\n

          Smaller, inflatable outdoor pools cost anywhere from \u00a325 <\/strong>to \u00a3400 <\/strong>and beyond, and don\u2019t require installation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

          What material should you get your swimming pool made from? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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          The most common pool materials are concrete, fiberglass, vinyl, and steel. Each has pros and cons that are listed below, and that might impact your choice, especially as some materials, such as concrete, are more expensive to install, and take longer to build too. <\/p>\n\n\n

          Material<\/strong> <\/td>Pros<\/strong> <\/td>Cons<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
          Fiberglass <\/td>Cheaper option 
          Easy to heat  
          Lightweight but strong, flexible and durable 
          Quick to install 
          Wide range of sizes, colours and pool shell styles 
          Little maintenance   <\/td>          		Very slippery 
          Not very customisable (fiberglass pools are prefabricated) 
          More expensive to install than vinyl but less than concrete <\/td><\/tr>
          Concrete <\/td>Lots of design options (like mosaics and tiling), as well as shapes and sizes  
          Very durable  <\/td>          		Really hard to remove once fitted 
          Can stain or discolour over time  
          Repairs are expensive 
          Requires a lot of maintenance  <\/td><\/tr>
          Vinyl pool liner <\/td>Easy to clean and can be repaired easily 
          Can be custom sized  <\/td>          		Not as durable 
          Needs careful maintenance 
          Some consider it \u2018cheap\u2019 looking  <\/td><\/tr>
          Steel <\/td>Very durable and resistant to cracking  
          Low maintenance  
          Custom sizing available  <\/td>          		More expensive  
          Requires specialist steel pool fitters  <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
          Pros and cons of different pool materials<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

          Most swimming pools take between four and 12 weeks to install. Fiberglass is the fastest installation material, taking only a handful of weeks, whereas concrete pools take the longest, ranging from anywhere between 2 and 4 months. <\/p>\n\n\n

          You also need to factor in between one and four days for the excavation of the foundations for your below ground pool. The cost of excavation is not always included in your quote when you hire pool fitters, so make sure to ask exactly what is included in your package.  <\/p>\n\n\n

          To hire a swimming pool installer, let us know about your project today.<\/p>\n\n\n

          FIND A SWIMMING POOL INSTALLER<\/font><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

          Do you need planning permission for a swimming pool? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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          Outdoor (domestic) pools do not require planning permission, though we recommend you check with your Local Planning Authority before you start works, as there are some exceptions for listed buildings, conservation areas, and areas near National parks and Greenbelt land. <\/p>\n\n\n

          For indoor pools, different regulations apply. Pool halls are considered permitted development, subject to certain limits and conditions. You can find out more here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

          Can you DIY a swimming pool? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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          The easiest type of pool to DIY is above ground pools, where you purchase the pool and then build the frame yourself. You can buy your own materials, or purchase a pool frame kit.  <\/p>\n\n\n

          A popular choice for pool frames is wood pallets, though you can definitely get creative with what materials and design you choose. Mason sand, plastic, and stone are also popular options. <\/p>\n\n\n

          There are plenty of tutorials that can teach you how to build a pool frame. This could be a great, cost-effective solution for your new pool, helping you cut installation costs, whilst also improving the visual look of your above ground pool. <\/p>\n\n\n

          We don\u2019t recommend trying to DIY your own in-ground pool, as these pools require experienced tradespeople, excavation work, and professional tools to ensure that everything is installed safely and correctly. <\/p>\n\n\n

          You can hire a tradesperson to install your pool here.<\/p>\n\n\n

          FIND A SWIMMING POOL INSTALLER<\/font><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

          How much does it cost to run a swimming pool? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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          On average, you can expect to pay around \u00a350 <\/strong>to \u00a3100 <\/strong>a month to keep your pool healthy and running properly. This includes the cost of cleaning filters and maintaining the right pH levels in the water. <\/p>\n\n\n

          Keep in mind that every time you open and close your pool (for instance for the winter months when you don\u2019t plan on using it), reconnecting chemical feeders, heaters, pumps, filtration, and refilling your pool will cost you.  <\/p>\n\n\n

          For a single season, all the chemicals you need, like chlorine, could cost you anywhere from \u00a3300<\/strong> <\/strong>to \u00a3500<\/strong>.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n

          Refilling your pool tends to cost around \u00a32 <\/strong>to \u00a33 <\/strong>per m3<\/sup>. An average sized pool would cost around \u00a360 <\/strong>to \u00a3100 <\/strong>to refill. <\/p>\n\n\n

          You will also want to routinely hire an electrician to ensure your pool\u2019s sub fuse box is running properly. A labour bill for this service could cost you anywhere from \u00a330 <\/strong>to \u00a345 <\/strong>an hour. <\/p>\n\n\n

          On top of this, you will also need to consider the cost of heating your pool as well. How much you spend on your swimming pool heating will depend on the type of heating you choose to get. You could spend: <\/p>\n\n\n