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.

Follow the leader !

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 installing a shell pool . Rest assured, there are solutions to benefit from an inground pool on a small plot of land .

In fact, it is now possible to design swimming pool shells smaller than 10 m²: these are called mini-pools . This type of pool has many advantages:

– This is the perfect option for small spaces. With dimensions ranging from 4.30 m long to 2.30 m wide and 1.50 m deep, the mini-pool allows for optimized integration on small plots;

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

– Another advantage, and not the least, is the cost. A small pool will cost less than a classic inground pool , in terms of total budget. Indeed, the price of the pool itself is obviously lower but also the costs related to maintenance products.

What are the regulations for mini-pools?

As previously mentioned, installing a mini-pool (whether it is a semi-buried or completely buried pool) does not require any administrative procedures. There is no need for a building permit or a prior declaration of construction to be made to 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 that you are in accordance with the Local Urban Planning Plan (PLU) in your area.

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

It is entirely possible to install a shell pool on sloping ground ! However, this requires preparation of the ground to ensure a solid and durable installation.

Several solutions can be considered:

– Rockfilling the land : This method involves creating a slope or rock wall to stabilize the ground and prevent slippage. In addition to the safety it provides for your pool, rockfill adds a natural aesthetic touch to your outdoor space.

– Using a retaining wall : robust and reliable, this solution consists of surrounding the swimming pool with a brick or concrete wall to support the weight of the surrounding land.

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

– The wooden deck for above-ground and semi-inground pools : built around the pool, the deck can be used as a beach during swimming days. Wood, known for its natural aesthetics, pleasant feel and ease of maintenance, is ideal for creating a natural atmosphere.

A sloping terrain also offers the opportunity to create original swimming pools such as infinity pools , pools with a gently sloping bottom, or even natural swimming pools.

Questions to ask yourself before building your swimming pool 

When starting your shell 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? 

A swimming pool area corresponds to a building area with a surface area that allows the construction of an in-ground swimming pool with a depth of at least 130 cm.

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 allows you to determine whether it is suitable for a swimming pool or not. It is by consulting the PLU of your municipality that you will know in which zone your land is located, building 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:

– Request a modification or revision of the PLU : the request for modification of the Local Urban Plan is often the preferred way 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 development projects of the municipality.

– 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, building your swimming pool on your non-constructible land proves impossible, you still have the option of opting for an above-ground swimming pool , provided that you meet certain criteria.

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