Outdoor swimming pool price guide — London & South East 2026

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Liner in-ground pools — from £24,000

 

Liner pools use a block-wall or steel-panel shell with a fitted vinyl liner. They represent a cost-effective route to a fully in-ground pool and are well suited to standard rectangular designs where access allows machinery on site.

 

Typical prices in London and the South East:

• 8m × 4m liner pool, basic filtration and heat pump: £24,000–£32,000

• 10m × 4m liner pool, upgraded equipment, LED lighting: £32,000–£42,000

• 12m × 5m liner pool, salt chlorination, automatic cover: £42,000–£55,000

 

Liners have a lifespan of 10–15 years before replacement is needed (typically £3,000–£6,000). Running costs are broadly comparable to concrete pools once installed. Liner pools are not suitable for bespoke shapes, infinity edges, or installations where the pool shell will form part of the architectural design.

 

Concrete tiled pools — from £36,000

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Reinforced concrete is the construction method of choice for bespoke outdoor pools in London and the South East. It allows complete freedom in shape, depth, wall profile and finish, and creates a structure built to last a lifetime with proper maintenance. All pools we build at The Swimming Pool Company are reinforced concrete.

Typical prices for concrete tiled outdoor pools in London:

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• 8m × 4m concrete tiled pool, heat pump, LED lighting, basic filtration: from £36,000

• 10m × 4m concrete pool, mosaic tile finish, salt chlorination, auto cover: from £52,000

• 12m × 5m concrete pool, full mosaic, UV filtration, heat pump, automated controls: from £68,000

• 12m × 5m pool with infinity edge and overflow system: from £85,000

• Basement or underground pools: from £95,000 (subject to structural survey)

 

These prices include concrete shell, waterproofing, tiling, coping, full filtration and plumbing, heating, LED lighting, electrical installation and commissioning. Groundworks (excavation and soil disposal) are typically coordinated separately with your main builder.

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What's included in our outdoor pool build price?

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• Site survey and engineering drawings

• 2D/3D pool design and visualisation

• Structural concrete shell (RCC, shotcrete or gunite)

• Multi-layer specialist waterproofing

• Full mosaic, large-format or natural stone tile installation

• Coping stones and pool surround

• Complete filtration system (pump, filter, chlorination, skimmers, inlets, drains)

• Heat pump or gas heating system

• LED underwater lighting

• Electrical installation and control panel

• Commissioning and handover

• 10-year structural guarantee

 

Factors that affect your outdoor pool price

 

Size

Each additional linear metre on a standard concrete pool adds approximately £3,000–£6,000 depending on specification. Wider pools cost more than longer ones for the same volume, as wall area increases proportionally.

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Shape

Rectangular pools are the most cost-efficient to build. L-shaped, kidney, freeform and organic shapes require more complex shuttering and tiling, which adds 10–20% to the equivalent rectangular cost.

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Depth

A pool with a deep end of 1.8m costs more than a constant-depth leisure pool. Diving pools (2.5m+) require structural engineering and significantly more excavation, adding £8,000–£15,000 to a standard build.

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Finish

Standard vitrified tiles represent the most cost-effective tiled finish. Italian glass mosaic, natural stone, or mixed-material designs add £4,000–£15,000 depending on surface area. Infinity edges and deck-level overflow channels are striking but structurally more complex — budget £12,000–£25,000 for a well-engineered overflow system.

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Equipment

Heat pumps are more efficient long-term than gas boilers; the upfront difference is approximately £2,000–£4,000. Salt chlorination adds a small premium over standard chemical systems but reduces ongoing chemical costs. Automated controls, smartphone integration and robotic cleaning systems add convenience but also cost — we quote all options transparently.

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London location

Inner-London projects in postcodes such as SW, W, NW, SE and E typically carry a 10–20% premium over Home Counties equivalents due to access, logistics and labour. We build across all of London and are experienced in managing restricted-access sites.

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Outdoor pool running costs

 

For a heated 10m × 4m outdoor concrete pool in London, typical annual running costs are:

• Electricity (heat pump, filtration, lighting): £800–£1,500

• Pool chemicals: £300–£600

• Annual service and water testing: £200–£400

• Total: approximately £1,300–£2,500 per year

 

Modern air-source heat pumps and variable-speed pumps significantly reduce energy consumption compared to older installations. A quality automatic safety cover also extends your swimming season and dramatically reduces heat loss overnight.

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Planning permission for outdoor pools

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In England, most outdoor in-ground swimming pools fall under permitted development rights and do not require a planning application, provided the pool does not cover more than half the total garden area and is not positioned in front of the principal elevation. Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas may require consent. We advise on your specific situation at no charge during the survey stage.

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We quote all outdoor pool projects in full, with no obligation. Call 0208 058 0871 or submit an enquiry online and we'll be in touch within one working day.