COST GUIDES
Swimming pool installation: Cost breakdown 2026
Updated 06/26
During extreme heat in particular, having your own pool seems like the dream.
An indoor or outdoor swimming pool will certainly maximise your enjoyment of your property and can add value to it too. But how much does a swimming pool cost in the UK?
Fast Facts
The average cost to construct an outdoor swimming pool is £135,000
The average indoor swimming pool cost is £152,500
Costs can vary based on factors like the size and depth of your pool, as well as the construction method
In the UK, the average cost of a swimming pool varies between £135,000 for an outdoor pool and £152,500 for an indoor pool.
However, your exact cost will vary based on lots of factors, like whether you’re hoping to build an indoor or outdoor pool, as well as the size of the pool and method of construction.
How much does a swimming pool cost in 2026?
The table below shows the average price for installing a swimming pool with a depth of 1.25 metres. The water in the swimming pool is heated, with a system to manage the temperature.
| Pool type | Unit | Cost range (low - high) + VAT | Average cost + VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor swimming pool | Per job | £85,000 - £220,000 | £152,500 |
| Standard outdoor swimming pool | Per job | £60,000 - £150,000 | £105,000 |
| Hydrotherapy pool cost | Per job | £70,000 - £200,000+ | £135,000 |
| Compact pool (e.g. Endless pool) | per job | £18,000 - £45,000 | - |
| Luxury pool (e.g. Infinity pool) | per job | £110,000 - £250,000 | - |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
These swimming pool prices do not include cost estimates for any additional work or unexpected costs.
It’s a good idea to budget for additional costs if you’re building a pool, as there are several factors that may increase the price depending on your project needs and requirements.
For a job done right, use our free search tool to find checked swimming pool contractors covering your local area.
Data verified by our professional estimators
Estimators are CIOB & RICS members
Factors affecting the cost of installing a swimming pool
There are a few factors that affect the cost of swimming pool installation.
To calculate the average cost of building a swimming pool in the UK, you will need to consider:
Size of the pool
Method of construction
Design costs
Survey of land prior to building
Type of soil or ground (if building an outdoor pool)
Location in the house/garden
The area you live in
Access to the property, pipework and to wastewater
Why not speak to a tradesperson to get a more precise idea of cost?
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Costs of building a swimming pool in the UK
When deciding on an indoor or outdoor pool, you can choose from two types:
Pre-built resin or fibre pools
Poured or sprayed concrete pools
Pre-built resin or fibre pools
Pre-built pools are already constructed from materials such as fibreglass. The swimming pool is placed, fully built, into a pre-dug hole.
The benefits are that the pool is already constructed and water-tight. However, they only come in a limited range of standard shapes and sizes.
Pre-built resin and fibre pools are more flexible than concrete pools, which makes them more resistant to cracking.
Pre-built resin or fibre pools are less expensive than poured or sprayed concrete pools, making them a good option for homeowners on a budget.
Poured or sprayed concrete pools
Poured concrete pools are built by shuttering and pouring ready-mixed concrete to form a shell.
Sprayed concrete pools use pressure sprayers to shoot concrete at high pressure at high speed onto the reinforcing steels. The concrete is then sealed and finished with a layer of tiles.
Poured or sprayed concrete pools can be built in all shapes and sizes.
Poured concrete swimming pools are more expensive to construct than pre-built resin and fibre swimming pools. However, poured concrete pools are less prone to cracking, meaning they could save you money in the long run.
Calculating the cost of building a swimming pool UK
The cost of installing a swimming pool can vary widely, depending on the design of your swimming pool and the structural requirements to install the swimming pool in your home.
In the UK, the exact cost to build a swimming pool will also depend on:
The type of swimming pool you have installed
The pool dimensions
Labour costs
The below prices consider indoor swimming pools, outdoor swimming pools, and bespoke swimming pools such as hydrotherapy and infinity pools.
Indoor swimming pool costs
An indoor pool will cost between £85,000 - £220,000 to construct.
The average cost to build an indoor swimming pool is £152,500.
If you are constructing a building to house the pool in, you’ll also need to budget an average of £105,000 per square metre for a new indoor swimming pool building.
Outdoor swimming pool costs
An outdoor pool will cost between £70,000 - £200,000+ to construct.
The average cost to build an outdoor swimming pool is £135,000.
Hydrotherapy pool costs
Through a combination of temperate pressure and the flow of the water, the mind and body can be soothed, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.
You no longer need to go to a spa to get this experience and it’s possible to have a hydrotherapy pool installed in your own back garden, or inside your home.
You can even customise the pool to your needs, including features like:
Lights
Sounds
Heating
The power of the jets to ensure maximum relaxation
Depending on these requirements and the size, hydrotherapy pool costs will vary from £18,000 - £45,000.
Infinity pool cost
If you've ever stayed at a rooftop hotel or clifftop resort, then chances are you'll have taken a dip in an infinity pool, also known as a zero-edge pool.
This luxurious pool design plays a trick on the eye, seemingly presenting a body of water that goes on forever into the horizon.
This illusion is created by making one side, or typically an end, lower than the rest of the sides, allowing the water to flow over and seemingly connect the pool to the surrounding cityscape, seascape or landscape.
On average, an infinity pool will cost around depending on size and location.
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‘Hidden’ pool cost
A hidden pool is a bespoke type of pool that can be covered or hidden by a motor mechanism. A hidden pool is a practical choice for UK homeowners with limited outdoor space, who need a diverse outdoor area to enjoy all year round.
Hidden pool costs tend to be lower than traditional pools as currently they only come in relatively small sizes.
The price of hidden pools varies from £110,000 - £250,000. This cost increases for larger hidden pools or pools with a walkable cover design.
The maintenance costs of a hidden swimming pool tend to be cheaper than a traditional swimming pool, because fewer chemicals are needed to keep the water levels right.
Endless pool costs
An endless pool is a compact swimming pool with an adjustable current that you can swim against.
When you match the speed of the current to your strokes you essentially stay in the same place, which is why they are called endless pools, because you never get to the end.
Due to the fact that the majority of endless pools are above-ground installations and fairly compact in size, you'll find an endless pool cost is significantly lower than a traditional 'lap' swimming pool.
Depending on the size and the functionality of the in-built current generator, endless pool prices can be between .
Why not think about the surrounding of the pool at the same time?
Pool decking cost guide
There’s only one thing better than adding a pool to your home: installing pool decking to relax on between swims! Here, we’ll break down the typical pool decking cost to help you budget.
Hidden swimming pool costs to watch out for
Whether you are building an internal or external pool, there are significant other expenses that need to be considered and budgeted for, including:
Design and planning
Excavation work
Plumbing
Any disruption to mains water or gas supplies
Pool cover
Making good any damage to your property or garden
Swimming pool cost calculator
To calculate the cost of building your swimming pool, you'll need to start by working out the size and style of pool you want.
From there, the location is an important factor as the labour cost will depend on the complexity of the installation and any digging and prep work needed.
You also need to factor in:
Plumbing
Pipework
Electrics
Other associated services that will be needed to build a swimming pool
After all, if you want a basic above the ground swimming pool with no lighting or additional features, the cost will be lower than a beneath the surface heated pool with lights and a jet stream.
We always recommend speaking to local checked tradespeople for guidance on your exact options and the expected costs for your project needs.
Job Estimate Calculator
Whether you're looking for swimming pool ideas, or costs for installation or maintenance, or if you're wanting to browse installers and pool maintenance companies, we're here to help.
Cost of hiring a swimming pool contractor vs DIY
Building a swimming pool is a complex process that typically follows the steps below:
Excavation - digging out space for the swimming pool
Installing a pre-built pool or concrete shell
Tanking - the process of creating a watertight shell
Installation of the swimming pool liner or tiles
Fitting of the filtration system to keep the water clean
Installation of the heating system, fittings and pipework
As such, building a swimming pool is not a DIY job and could be dangerous if not done properly.
It’s a good idea to find a qualified swimming pool company, and use Checkatrade for extra peace of mind and a job done right.
Before going ahead you should speak to an experienced swimming pool builder who can assess your property and your proposed pool location.
They can answer any questions you may have about the design and installation of your pool.
Find a swimming pool installation company
Swimming pool installation cost: Contractor hourly rates
Due to the nature of installing a swimming pool, a number of different tradespeople will usually be needed.
Therefore, there is no single hourly rate for swimming pool installation.
However, here are the average rates of the checked tradespeople you might need to hire for the job:
Electrician cost – £50 per hour
Plumber cost – £50 per hour
Handyperson cost – £30 per hour
Swimming pool cost checklist
A professionally built indoor or outdoor swimming pool can add value to your property
You need to choose between a pre-built resin or fibre construction or a bespoke, poured concrete pool
The average cost to build an indoor pool is £152,500
The average cost to build an outdoor pool is £135,000
There are significant other costs that must be covered, such as excavation, design and planning and water access
Timescales depend on the size of the pool, construction type and other factors listed in the guide
All prices will be affected by a range of factors, including the size of the pool, method of construction, your location and access to your property
Find a swimming pool contractor near you.
Find a swimming pool installation company
Building a swimming pool: FAQs
How much does it cost to install a swimming pool in the UK?
The cost to install a swimming pool in the UK varies depending on it’s design, location, and maintenance needs. The average cost to construct a swimming pool is £152,500 for an indoor swimming pool and £135,000 for an outdoor pool.
How much should you spend on a swimming pool?
The average cost of a swimming pool in the UK is £135,000 for an outdoor pool and £152,500 for an indoor pool. The amount you spend will depend on your exact preferences and project needs.
Aim to speak to a number of checked tradespeople to get multiple quotes so you can make an informed decision that works for your budget.
How much does it cost to keep a swimming pool?
The annual cost to maintain a swimming pool varies greatly. The exact cost to keep a swimming pool in the UK depends on the pool size, location, and level of maintenance required.
Is it worth having a swimming pool in the UK?
Deciding whether or not it’s worth installing a swimming pool depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. Although the UK climate can be unpredictable, a swimming pool can be enjoyed all year round, depending on the swimming pool design and specification.
If you are considering building a swimming pool, use Checkatrade’s free calculator tool for a better understanding of how much it might cost you.
Can I put a swimming pool in my garden UK?
In most cases, you can put a swimming pool in the garden in the UK. The regulations in place depend on your property location, garden size, and permitted development rights.
Speak to your local planning authority to understand what the regulations are for your local area.
Do I need planning permission to build a swimming pool?
Outdoor domestic swimming pools in the UK generally do not need planning permission. This is because they mostly fall within permitted development rights.
Before you decide to build a swimming pool, it’s a good idea to check with your local planning authority to make sure you adhere to local regulations.
What's the difference between indoor pool vs outdoor pool maintenance costs?
Generally speaking, indoor pools require less maintenance than outdoor pools. This is because outdoor pools are more susceptible to wear and tear from the elements, and can be affected by debris, dust, and leaves.
Outdoor pools will generally need more regular maintenance and cleaning too, due to exposure to the wind, rain, and sun.
Indoor pools, meanwhile, are shielded from the elements and are less susceptible to evaporation. One factor to consider with an indoor pool is adequate ventilation to prevent condensation and air quality.
Although the initial costs of an indoor pool may be higher, they will generally lower over time due to less maintenance needs.
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