Installing a private pool at your home can cost anywhere between £3,000 to £70,000. This will depend on the type of pool built, the materials used and the size of the pool.
Before embarking on installing a pool, it is always important to think about cost and have a clear budget in mind. Here, we explore the various costs involved in installing a pool in the UK – from the initial installation and labour costs to the ongoing maintenance costs.
What factors affect the cost of pool installation?
There are various factors that affect how much a pool will cost to be installed:
Size and shape – the dimensions of a pool will affect the cost. The bigger and wider a pool, the more expensive it will be. Having a custom shape built, rather than a standard shape, can also be more expensive
Location of the pool – the location of the pool can impact how much the pool costs to be installed. This can include factors such as the soil or terrain type and the accessibility. All of this will have cost implications for preparing the site for pool installation.
Pool materials – different pool materials have different price implications. Vinyl, fibreglass and concrete are all common materials used to build a pool; however, they all come with different price tags as well as different considerations regarding durability and maintenance.
Additional features or accessories – in addition to the pool itself, any extra features or accessories will have price implications. Heating and lighting, as well as accessories such as covers, water features or even safety equipment, should be factored into the final cost.
Labour and installation costs – having your pool professionally installed is extremely important to make sure that your pool is built correctly and to ensure maximum safety when swimming. The average hire cost for a pool installer is around £150-£250 per day – keep in mind that you will most likely need to hire around 2-4 professionals in order to carry out the work.
How much do different types of pool cost?
Pools vary in price depending on the pool type.
Above-ground pools tend to be the cheapest type of pool to install in the UK. This is because they do not require digging a new area in which to install the pool. Kits for these usually cost around £3,000-£5,000.
In-ground swimming pools are the most common type of pool in the UK. These pools can cost anywhere between £10,000 for the most basic style and up to around £60,000 for bigger, more luxurious pools.
Within in-ground pools, there is a great deal of variation of prices depending on the type of material used.
Mosaic tiles – if you want a pool with mosaic tiles, a medium concrete pool will cost around £25,000-£40,000 and a large concrete pool will cost around £35,000-£50,000.
Fibreglass – fibreglass pools are a similar price to the concrete pools with mosaic tiles. They cost between £25,000-£35,000 for a medium pool and £40,000-£50,000 for a large pool.
Stainless-steel – stainless-steel pools are slightly more expensive. For a medium pool they cost around £35,000-£45,000 while larger pools cost around £55,000-£70,000
Ongoing maintenance costs
Importantly, pools require ongoing maintenance, something that must be thought about when budgeting.
Regular maintenance – pools require regular maintenance and cleaning. Cost-wise, you need to consider the costs of chemicals and cleaning supplies. You should also think about whether you want to hire professional cleaning services and how much that might cost. If not, think about the alternative – what equipment and products you’ll need and how much that will cost as well as whether you can commit to that regular maintenance yourself.
Energy costs – the running of a swimming pool can impact your energy costs. From heating and pumps to filtration, you must factor in how much this will be costing each month. Before building your pool, it may be worth speaking to your contractor about the most energy-efficient options as this could save you money in the long run.
Repairs – keep in mind that over time you may need to make repairs to your pool. Whether it’s buying a new filter or replacing broken tiles, there will likely be repairs that you need to budget for in the future.
