Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A few questions that are top of the list for prospective pool owners. If you have a question that isn't asked here you can ask us for more information.
How much does a swimming pool cost?
You can install a simple above ground pool in your garden for as little as £2,500. Add some decking and stylish accessories and you have a high quality installation with little fuss.
A DIY pool kit of plastic or galvanised steel panels can be installed from £5,000. You'll need some basic building skills and someone to dig the hole, after that the style and finish are up to your imagination and budget.
If the thought of DIY fills you with dread, consider a pool designed and installed by a professional pool installer. For a block and liner pool budget from £14,000, a panel pool kit will cost from £10,000. A concrete tiled pool can cost as much as you want to spend, but you should allow from £20,000.
Examples above are guide prices for a 3.65 x 7.3m (12' x 24') pool size, an average size for a family pool. Prices are for the pool itself, and any associated pipework, filters and pumps. Prices don't include any excavation or soil removal since these are dependent on site conditions.
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How much does a pool cost to run?
All pools need to have the water tested and treated on a weekly basis to keep the water in tip-top condition. For a average size pool, water treatment products will cost about £150 for the year.
If you want to heat your pool, there are a range of options available. Oil and natural gas heaters will cost about £250 for the summer, LPG is a little more, electric heaters will cost £300, a heat pump (a device that draws heat from the surrounding air) will cost about £150 to run. Solar energy is, of course, free once the panels have been bought and can be very effective. Initial capital costs for the other options will vary depending on your choice of fuel and location.
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How big a pool do I need?
With the use of a counter current unit to swim against, you can swim effectively in a pool as small as 2.5 x 4m (8'3" x 13') if space is really limited. A pool for the whole family to use needs to be a bit bigger, 3.65 x 7.3m (12' x 24') is a reasonable start, but you can have a pool big as you garden or budget allows.
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Do I need planning permission to put a pool in my garden?
Most pools do not need planning consent, but it is a sensible precaution to check with your local authority before you start digging.
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What about the water authority?
Water authorities rules and regulations vary from area to area, so it is best to seek out advice from them if you wish to build a new pool, or you are buying a house with a pool.
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What should the temperature of a swimming pool be?
The decision on how warm to keep the pool is up to the individual owner. The typical range is 25o- 28oC. For young children and older swimmers, the temperature should be kept over 27oC
Bear in mind that the warmer you keep your pool, the more energy you use. Each degree rise in warmth will cost about 10% to 30% more in energy costs, depending on your location.
Always fit a cover on your pool. Even the most basic will reduce heat loss by 75% and reduce the amount of chemicals used (since these evaporate away too), while a thermal cover will save even more.
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