Is my land suitable for building a swimming pool?

Having aprivate swimming poolbuilt on your property is a valuable investment that can enhance its value and curb appeal. And for good reason, during the warm season, it offers a peaceful place to relax and cool off.

However, before finalizing your project, it is important to inquire about the feasibility of the work, in other words, compliance withlocal regulationsand construction requirements. Indeed, depending on thetype of pool(semi-inground or above-ground, for example) that you choose, the rules differ.

Find out without further delay what you need to know before embarking on your pool project ! 

Swimming pool regulations: what are the conditions for installing a swimming pool on your land?

When considering theconstruction of an in-ground swimming pool, one frequently encounters various constraints, mainly related to the land. This is a key element of the project and its analysis is essential.

The importance of the typology of your land

The feasibility of your pool project is influenced by various factors, including the nature of your garden :

– Soil composition: The nature of the soil, whether clayey, sandy or rocky, influences the feasibility and cost of construction.

– Proximity of underground networks: Identifying the location of water, electricity and gas networks is crucial to avoid any risk during work.

– Exposure to wind and sun: Good sunshine and protection from the wind are essential to fully enjoy your pool.

– Slope: Asloping terraincan complicate construction, but solutions exist to adapt it to your project.

– Site accessibility: It is important to ensure that construction machinery can easily access your land to facilitate work.

Although studying your soil is not mandatory for your project, it can quickly tell you if yourplot is suitable for a swimming pool or not. Furthermore, if your garden falls under specific regulations, you will have to redefine the location or even cancel your swimming pool project.

Urban planning rules to know before undertaking any swimming pool project

TheLocal Urban Plan (PLU)is an urban planning document that authorizes the implementation of yourswimming pool projectprovided that you comply with the specific regulations set out.

Issued by your municipality, the PLU includes two essential elements: the graphic map of the constructible or non-constructible zones, as well as the building rights associated with it (type of construction, dimensions, etc.).

Before building a shell pool in a habitable area, you will need to ensure that you comply with the following regulations:

– Distance to neighbouring properties, drilling systems and rainwater harvesting facilities;

– The maximum height authorized for the construction of your swimming pool;

– Green spaces and soil waterproofing: Some municipalities require the conservation of a certain percentage of green spaces, and limit soil waterproofing.

Urban planning rules are decisive and vary depending on the location of your land.Contact your urban planning departmentand consult theLocal Urban Plan (PLU)and theurban planning codefor your municipality to find out the applicable rules.

Building a swimming pool on non-constructible land: what you need to know

In non-buildable areas, only temporary constructions are allowed. For a maximum period of 3 months, you can install an above-ground pool, after which it must be dismantled.

However, there are several options for having an in-ground swimming pool at home:

– Request a modification orrevision of the PLUfrom the town hall. You will need to demonstrate that your project does not negatively affect the environment or the municipality's development projects.

– Provide solid plans and specifications to prove that the pool is an extension of your home.

– Obtain awaiver from the town hallby demonstrating that your project complies with the current Town Planning Code. Your request will be reviewed by the municipality's urban planning department.

What permits are required to install my swimming pool?

You will have understood,the installation of a shell pooldepends both on your garden and on the urban planning regulations of your municipality. But also know that authorizations vary depending on the dimensions of your future pool.

Pools under 10m2

If you wish to install a pool less than 10m2, a prior administrative procedure may be necessary depending on the location of your land.

This procedure involves aprior declaration of worksto be submitted to the town hall. It is only mandatory if your land is located in regulated areas such as:

– The perimeter of a heritage site;

– The surroundings of a historic monument;

– A protected area in a protected sector;

– A site classified or awaiting classification.

In other cases, no action is required. However, we recommend that you check the local planning regulations, particularly thelocal urban planor themunicipal map, which may impose specific constraints. In all cases, it is recommended to contact the urban planning department of your town hall for precise information.

Pools between 10m2 and2 

For a shell pool with a surface area varying between 10m22 and2, a prior declaration of work to the town hall is required.

You will also have to ensure thesafety of your poolby installing protective devices against drowning risks. If you are wonderinghow to secure your pool, know that there are several devices available on the market. Pool enclosures, safety covers, pool fences, or submerged or perimeter alarms, the choice of device will depend on your pool, your budget, and the available space.

Pools over 100 m2

For pool projects larger than 100m22you will need to obtain a building permit from your local council. As with intermediate-sized pools, installing safety devices is essential to prevent accidents.

Finally, don't forget to consider the financial impact that a large pool can have, particularly with regard to local taxes, which varies depending on the size of the pool.