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How Much Does it Cost to Build a Swimming Pool?

An in-depth guide to the cost of building and installing a swimming pool

At Compass Pools, one of the most common questions that we are asked is: How much does it cost to build a swimming pool? We understand that cost is a huge consideration when it comes to buying a pool. There are so many different design options and choices to be made, so here you can get an idea of what it might cost.

Read on to see the different pool options and their associated costs...

Types of swimming pool

  • 01
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    Inflatable pool

    Inflatable/vinyl or PVC swimming pool

    These are effectively glorified paddling pools. They are by far the cheapest way to have a swimming pool in your garden. They are usually installed with a steel frame and have a small water cartridge. They can only be used in the summer as they would not survive winter weather. However they can be ideal as a short term solution if you’re just looking for somewhere to have a quick dip during hot summer days.

    Average cost: £50 to £1,000

  • 02
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    Block and PVC liner pool

    Block and PVC liner pool

    These are the most common types of pool found in the UK and are created using concrete blocks as the base with a vinyl liner. This is one of the cheapest ways of creating a permanent pool but it’s not without its drawbacks. Concrete is unforgiving of any ground movement so the base can crack. Liners also require replacing every five years or so, and can be fairly prone to punctures which can be difficult to find.

    Average cost: £25,000 to £70,000

  • 03
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    Fibreglass Pool

    Fibreglass and polyester pool

    These are built using the same principals as the Compass ceramic pools – they are delivered in one piece and are craned directly into an excavated hole. This means that they are quick to install and require little maintenance when compared to concrete pools with a PVC liner. Unfortunately due to the nature of the material they are prone to osmosis: having ground water pass through the shell and into the pool, which can cause staining and ultimately even the failure of the shell. They are also limited to a temperature of 28 degrees due to the material.

    Average cost: £20,000 to £65,000

  • 04
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    Wilkinson-Trainer-(7-of-8)-min-min

    Compass ceramic pools

    Ceramic pools are lifted into an excavated hole, allowing for quick and easy installation and benefit from all of the advantages of one piece fibreglass and polyester pools, but without the temperature restrictions or the risk of osmosis. They require far less maintenance and are far less fragile than almost any other option.

    Average cost: £50,000 to £150,000

  • 05
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    Tiled pool

    Concrete swimming pool with tiles

    Concrete pools have the advantage that they can be built into virtually any shape or size – however they do have risks associated with them. Firstly, they can be extremely costly and time-consuming to install; the weather can play havoc with your installation, as well as any ground movement in areas with sandy or clay soil. These types of pool are also much more expensive to heat.

    Average cost: £45,000 to £150,000+

  • Inflatable pool
  • Block and PVC liner pool
  • Fibreglass Pool
  • Wilkinson-Trainer-(7-of-8)-min-min
  • Tiled pool

Understand choosing the perfect pool

Watch our video to learn more:

Indoor or outdoor?

For indoor pools, you have a more complex range of factors in the cost including extending or altering your home in order to hold the pool, as well as paying for the pool itself. Generally, the building and alteration costs to your home will cost anywhere from £800 to £2,000 per square metre, while the cost of the pool will be around £1,500 to £3,000 per square metre.

You’ll also need to consider issues such as air handling within the pool room and the pool cover. A medium spec pool around the size of 40 square metres inside a building could cost somewhere in region of £180,000.

There are a broader variety of options for outside pools, although you don’t need to factor in building costs, so it can be much cheaper. At Compass Pools, we specialise in ceramic pools, but we have attempted to give a full overview in this guide of all of the types available and the kind of costs you can expect.

Swimming pool cost calculator

We have created our own swimming pool cost calculator which will give you an approximate breakdown of the associated build and installation costs for a swimming pool meeting your own specification.

Try it out and get in touch with us to discuss installing your own unique pool at home!

Testimonials

  • 01
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    Compass Pool in Bournemouth
    Jane Styslinger – Hampshire
    "We couldn't be happier with the service we received from all the team. Right from Sheila in sales on day 1 through to John and Glenn on site. Now we have a pool the boys are in it in all weather and it gets them off the Xbox! They have used the pool every day since May-be it after school or early in the morning and we both use it to exercise whenever we have a spare half an hour.That alone makes it more than worth it."
  • 02
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    swimming pool designed in kent
    David Clifford – Wales
    "There are two aspects to the company, the people and the product. I can't fault either of them. The people are friendly, expert and very helpful. Theirs is a premium product but worth it. The build quality is first rate and the operating system options can give you a package as sophisticated as you wish."
  • 03
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    Outdoor Poolside Loungers
    Sophie Bardrick
    "Compass provided an excellent sales service with James Poore giving a full explanation of the pool construction and installation process. Compass delivered each stage on time and installed the pool quickly and efficiently under the direction of Alex. All team members were knowledgable and professional. Would highly recommend Compass Pools to anyone thinking of getting a pool."
  • 04
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    Outdoor Pool with Sun Loungers
    Tim Wilkinson
    "Compass were a dream to deal with. They visited and prepared a very detailed quote with full details/breakdown. A start date was agreed on, they turned up on the agreed day and finished the install ahead of schedule. The install team were a pleasure to work with and had a good eye for detail / getting things right / keeping the site tidy. I would not hesitate to recommend Compass."
  • Compass Pool in Bournemouth
  • swimming pool designed in kent
  • Outdoor Poolside Loungers
  • Outdoor Pool with Sun Loungers
  • 20 Years

    20 Year Warranty

    Supported by the best guarantees in the industry, Compass Pools Carbon Ceramic Shells have a 20 Year Warranty
  • Green Swimming

    Green Swimming

    Compass Pools are the most energy-efficient pool construction type, with ceramic insulators and variable speed pumps
  • Carbon Fibre

    Carbon Ceramic Technology

    Compass Pools are constructed using Carbon Fibre & Ceramic for Stength and Insulation

If you are interested in finding out more about the range of pools we offer, why not call us today on 0333 4567 111?

Our team would be delighted to help you with any questions or queries you might have, and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can.

Get in touch
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