When building a swimming pool in the UK, pools are often classified as “permitted development” and do not require planning permission. However, this will depend on where you live and the type of pool you want to build.
Do Swimming Pools Fall Under Building Regulations?
Generally speaking, there are no building regulations that must be followed when building a swimming pool in the UK. However, there are some exceptions such as the type of building and the location of the pool.
Do You Need Planning Permission to Build an Outdoor Pool?
Planning permission or building regulations are not typically required for outdoor swimming pools.
The only stipulation is that outdoor swimming pools must be unenclosed and must not have heated air surrounding the pool.
As long as your outdoor pool is unheated and unventilated, it does not have to adhere to building regulations.
When Do I Need Planning Permission to Build an Outdoor Pool?
There are certain exceptions where you would need planning permission in order to build your outdoor pool. These concern the location of where the pool is going to be built. The following situations may require planning permission:
- If you are building a pool in a national park
- If your pool is being built on greenbelt land
- If you are building your pool in a conservation area
- If your pool is being built on designated land
- If you live in a listed building
Do You Need Planning Permission to Build an Indoor Pool?
If you are building an indoor pool, building regulations will apply.
There are certain requirements that an indoor pool needs to meet. For example, the pool’s floor and walls must be properly insulated in order to minimise heat loss into the ground. Heat loss needs to be reduced to 0.25W or 0C. This is essentially a pool temperature of 28C and a ground temperature of around 10C.
For the building that houses an indoor pool, it would normally fall under ‘permitted development’. If building in an outbuilding, the outbuilding must be a single storey with a maximum height of 2.5 metres. It must not have any verandas, raised platforms or balconies.
What Are the Rules for Building a Pool in the UK?
You may need to adhere to certain rules when building a pool in the UK.
In line with national and local requirements, your pool will need to be built at least 10 feet away from the walls of the house. This is a matter of safety designed to protect your home’s electrical wiring from any splashes, leaks or floods.
Though not obligatory, fencing could also be a good idea to make your pool safer. Building a fence around the pool of around four to five feet tall can help comply with health and safety measures.
How to Ensure Compliance for your Swimming Pool
If you are worried about adhering to building regulations when building your swimming pool, you can always consult with a professional. Working with architects, builders, surveyors or landscapers who are familiar with local regulations will ensure that your pool project complies with all necessary regulations.
For those who live in a protected area or in a listed building, you can submit detailed plans and applications to your local building control authority before carrying out any construction work.
Regular inspections throughout the building process is a good way of maintaining compliance with building regulations.
Once built, keeping your pool clean will help it adhere to safety regulations.
