Whether you’re thinking of installing a pool in your garden or inside your house, Emily Smith takes a look at the main options and what your budget might aff ord

Build It readers David and Flicky Ridel included an outside pool when they self-built their home. It came in at £47,046, which was 14% of their total project cost

Outdoor

For many of us, lounging beside a pool on a warm day is a luxury reserved for summer holidays abroad rather than at home, but the reality is that you don’t necessarily need a million pound budget to have your own. In fact, reports from SPATA (the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association) show demand for residential pools is rising every year. The cost will come down to the style, choice of materials and whether it’s professionally installed.

At the lower end of the price spectrum, above-ground pools are fairly straightforward to piece together – and as they’re not dug into the soil, they’re simple to remove, too. However, the elevated position might not appeal to those wanting a more natural aesthetic in their garden. Expect to pay around £15,000 for a high-end model.

Building in-ground will need suitable waterproofing; the extra weight of the pool once filled will need to be factored into the design as well. There are three main construction choices: a hard finish with a waterproof reinforced concrete shell; a PVC liner; and a fibre glass/ceramic moulded shell, craned or carefully manoeuvred into place.