Small plot of land, sloping land… Can you build a swimming pool anywhere?

Are you dreaming of having a swimming pool at home, but you think that your land does not meet the usual criteria for such an installation? Think again!

You can make your swimming pool project a reality, regardless of the characteristics of your land. Whether it is small, sloping, or even classified as non-buildable, there are solutions adapted to each situation.

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The mini-pool: the solution for enjoying a swimming pool on a small plot of land

If you thought that having a large, flat plot of land was a prerequisite for having your own swimming pool, let us prove you wrong.

The mini swimming pool is the solution for a small plot of land!

If you have limited outdoor space, it can be difficult to consider installinga shell pool. Rest assured, there are solutions to benefit from an inground pool on a small plot of land. 

Indeed, it is now possible to design swimming pools with an area of less than 10 m²: these are called mini-pools. Thistype of poolhas many advantages:

– It is the perfect option for small spaces. With dimensions of 4.30 m long by 2.30 m wide and 1.50 m deep, themini-poolallows for optimized integration on small plots;

– The small size of these swimming pool models means there is no need for often tedious administrative procedures;

– One of the other significant advantages is the cost. Asmall poolwill cost less than atraditional in-ground poolin terms of total budget. Indeed, the price of the pool itself is obviously lower, but so are the costs related to maintenance products.

What are the regulations for mini-pools?

As previously stated, the installation of amini-pool(whether it is a semi-inground or fully inground pool) does not require any administrative procedures. There is no need for a building permit or a prior declaration of construction to be made with your town hall.

If you choose this option, you will still need to pay attention to the urban planning rules in force in your municipality, and ensure you are in compliance with theLocal Urban Plan (PLU)where you live.

Is it possible to build a swimming pool on sloping ground?

It is entirely possible to install ashell swimming pool on a sloping terrain! However, this requires site preparation to ensure a solid and durable installation.

Several solutions can be considered:

– Rockery landscaping: this method involves creating a slope or rock wall to stabilize the soil and prevent slippage. In addition to the safety it offers your pool, rockery landscaping adds a natural aesthetic touch to your outdoor space.

– The use of aretaining wall: robust and reliable, this solution involves surrounding the pool with a brick or concrete wall to support the weight of the surrounding land.

- Thegabions: these metal cages filled with stones form an effective wall to support the ground without risk of rupture.

– The wooden deck forabove-ground poolsandsemi-inground pools: arranged around the pool, the deck can serve as a beach on swimming days. Wood, known for its natural aesthetic, pleasant feel, and ease of maintenance, is ideal for creating a natural ambiance.

A sloping terrain also offers the opportunity to create original pools such asinfinity pools, pools with gently sloping bottoms, or natural pools.

Questions to ask yourself before building your swimming pool

When starting your pre-fabricated pool project, it is important to first ask yourself whether your land is compatible for the construction of a swimming pool.

Is my land suitable for a swimming pool?

Apool-friendly plotcorresponds to a buildable area whose surface allows for theconstruction of an in-ground swimming poolat least 130 cm deep.

To be suitable for a swimming pool, a piece of land must meet several criteria:

– The nature of the soil (flat, sloping or hilly) but also its composition (clayey, sandy, rocky) must be taken into account. And for good reason, this will impact the feasibility of the project and its cost. A stable and well-drained soil is ideal and will be less expensive than a sloping terrain for example;

– The proximity of underground networks must also be taken into account. To be buildable, a plot of land must not contain an underground network likely to be flooded;

– Accessibility of the site is also a criterion to take into account. Digging a swimming pool without direct access can complicate the passage of machinery and compromise the feasibility of the project;

– The urban planning zone in which your land is located also makes it possible to determine whether or not a swimming pool can be built there. It is by consulting thePLU (Local Urban Plan) of your municipalitythat you will know which zone your land is in, a buildable zone or not.

What administrative procedures must be carried out before the project?

Once you have determined whether your land is suitable for a swimming pool, you must then begin administrative procedures.

The steps vary depending on the size of your in-ground pool : 

– If the surface area of the pool is less than 100 m² and the height of the walls does not exceed 60 cm, a simple prior declaration of works filed with your town hall is sufficient;

– If it is a swimming pool with a basin larger than 100 m² or with walls higher than 60 cm, a swimming pool building permit is then required.

There are also specific cases (heritage perimeter, protected sector, etc.) which require owners to apply for special authorization from the competent authorities.

Can you build your swimming pool on non-constructible land?

The question of building a swimming pool on non-constructible land may seem complex, but solutions exist.

There are three options available to you to successfully complete your swimming pool construction project on non-constructible land:

– Requesting a modification or revision of thePLU: requesting a modification to theLocal Urban Planis often the preferred route to obtain authorization to build a swimming pool on such land. This involves submitting a reasoned request to the town hall, demonstrating that your project does not negatively impact the environment or the municipality's development plans.

– Obtain a permit: Another option is to prove that the pool is an extension of your home. To do this, you will need to provide solid plans and specifications to support your request.

– Obtain an exemption from the town hall: you can also request an exemption from the town hall, based on the fact that your project complies with the current Urban Planning Code. The town planning department of the municipality will examine your request, and if the response is favorable, you will be able to begin construction of your swimming pool.

If despite these steps, the construction of your swimming pool on your non-buildable land proves impossible, you still have the option to opt for aabove-ground pool, subject to certain criteria.

Do not hesitate to contact the relevant authorities to successfully complete your swimming pool project, even in specific land conditions.