Do you dream of diving into your own pool? Before enjoying your first dips in the sun, there's one question you need to ask yourself: what's the budget for a shell pool and other types of pools?

Whether you're considering a ready-to-dive shell pool, concrete pool, or a more economical semi-embedded version, it's essential to have a clear vision of the budgets.

But beware: the price of a swimming pool is not limited to the pool itself. Earthworks, equipment, taxes, maintenance... There are many other elements to add to the initial estimate. And price differences can be considerable from one project to the next.

In this article, we take you step-by-step through : types of poolsYou'll have all the information you need to estimate your budget accurately and make the right choices right away.

What factors influence the price of a swimming pool?

1. Pool type

Above-ground pool, in-ground pool, semi-submerged pool... pool model has its own advantages and constraints... and a direct impact on the overall cost of your project:

  • The above-ground pool is the most affordable solution on the market. Priced from €1,500, it lets you enjoy the pleasures of water at a fraction of the cost. It requires no earthworks or administrative procedures but its lifespan is more limited.
  • The semi-in-ground pool (often in semi-kit form) represents an interesting compromise: more aesthetic and more durable than an above-ground pool, but less costly than an in-ground pool. It does, however, require more technical ground preparation and specific reinforcement systems, and can entail significant additional costs (particularly for earthworks and security).
  • The in-ground pool is the top-of-the-range model. Whether acrylic, polyester or concrete, they offer the best durability, the highest resale value and superior comfort of use. But they also require a larger initial budget, more administrative proceduresand a longer lead time.

Good to know installation of an in-ground poolexceeding 10 m² requires a prior declaration of works at your local town hall.

 

 2. Basin size and shape

The pool size has a direct influence on all expenditure items: the larger your pool, the more earthwork, building materials, water filling, maintenance products and filtration power you'll need.

Similarly, a complex shape (bean, free-form, with submerged deck, etc.) increases costs, especially if you opt for a concrete pool or a made-to-measure made-to-measure shell.

Standard rectangular models, both attractive and functional, are still the most affordable to produce and install.

3. Materials used

Two main families dominate the in-ground pool :

  • The polyester shell poolThe polyester shell pool consists of a preformed, factory-molded pool, delivered in a single piece by truck or crane. This type of pool appeals to many private customers because it's easy to install, offers excellent value for money, and is quick to install. At Aboral, installation time for a shell pool varies between 4 to 6 daysdepending on the complexity of the project. Shock resistance, ease of maintenance and a 20-year structural warranty make this type of pool a secure investment. 
  • Concrete pools (masonry pool) is custom-built, brick by brick or with formwork blocks. It allows total freedom of shape, integration and layout (bench, overflow, etc.). On the other hand, the work takes longer, labor costs are higher, and the site is more complex to supervise.

 

4. Equipment and options

The comfort of a swimming pool depends largely on its equipment. The latter represents a significant proportion of the budget and must be anticipated right from the design phase.

Among the most common equipment :

  • Filtration system (sand, cartridge, zeolite...): between €500 and €2,000 depending on capacity and options. 
  • Heating (heat pump, electric heater, solar collectors...): from €2,000, essential for prolonging the bathing season. 
  • Safety cover or shutter To comply with current regulations (2003 law), improve safety and limit evaporation. 
  • LED lighting underwater: between €300 and €800, depending on the number of light points and color schemes required. 
  • Cleaning robot For easy maintenance, expect to pay between €400 and €1,200. 

All this equipment is both a factor of comfort and peace of mind... but also a budget item not to be underestimated.

5. Ancillary work

In addition to the pool itself, the project can include outdoor features such as wooden decking, concrete or porcelain stoneware beaches, coping stones, pool house, fencing, landscape lighting... These elements, although optional, add value to the whole and considerably improve your comfort.

A poorly anticipated (rocky ground, sloping terrain, difficult access) can also lead to additional costs. That's why it's essential to have a personalized estimate drawn up after a technical visit.

Summary: price estimates by pool type

Here's a cost estimate based on type of pool :

Pool type Estimated budget Average installation time Key benefits
Above-ground (kit) 1 500 € à 10 000 € 1 to 2 days Easy to assemble, no major work required
Semi-buried 5 000 € à 15 000 € 1 to 2 weeks Better aesthetics, good value for money
Polyester pool cover 10 000 € à 20 000 € 4 to 5 days Quick installation, durability, warranties, easy maintenance
Concrete 20 000 € à 50 000 €+ 6 to 10 weeks Freedom of form, maximum durability

Good to know price of a polyester or acrylic shell pool will vary according to the quality of the materials used, the size of the pool and the options you choose, but overall it's more affordable than a custom-built concrete pool.

Additional costs when building a swimming pool

Annual maintenance

An in-ground pool requires a recurring budget that you need to take into account. On average, you should expect to pay :

  • Water: approx. 15 to 30 m³ per year, depending on evaporation, levelling and cleaning. 
  • Electricity: operation of the filtration pump (from 500 to 1,000 kWh/year), the cleaning robot or vacuum cleaner and, potentially, the heat pump. 
  • Maintenance products: chlorine, pH regulator, scale inhibitor, flocculant... up to €200 per season.

Overall annual cost: between €400 and €700, depending on the size and use of your pool.

Development tax and taxation

Since 2012, all in-ground swimming pools over 10 m² have been subject to the development taxThis tax is levied only once, when the work is declared. The amount depends on your commune, but is generally between 200 and €800.

What's more, the presence of a swimming pool can increase your property tax of your home, as it adds value to the building.

Why choose Aboral to build your pool?

Aboral Piscinesbased in Saint-Jean-d'Illac (near Bordeaux), has been assisting private customers with their shell pool installation projects for over 30 years.

All Aboral pools are manufactured in Francein our own factory, using high-strength composite materials. This mastery of the production chain guarantees a high level of finish, rigorous traceability and superior durability.

Thanks to the optimized installation process, an Aboral pool can be installed in in just 4 days (excluding earthworks). We provide full support, from the first appointment to the moment the pool is put in the water.

Rectangular shapes with flat or sloping bottoms, beanpoles, mini urban pools or large basins with submerged decks... the Aboral range adapts to every need and every terrain.

Aboral hulls come with a 20-year manufacturer's warranty on the structure, a guarantee of confidence and peace of mind for your project.

At Aboral, the polyester shell pool budget depends on a multitude of criteria: nature of the terrain, choice of model, level of equipment, layout options, taxation... So it's essential to have an overall vision and to rely on a trusted professional. Don't hesitate to use our online configurator to get a free estimate of the cost of your future pool, or request a personalized quote tailored to your land, your desires and your budget.

 

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