What is the budget for building a shell pool?

Do you dream of diving into your own swimming pool? Before enjoying your first sunbaths, one question arises:what is the budget for a shell pooland 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 be careful: theprice of a swimming poolis not limited to the pool itself. Earthworks, equipment, taxes, maintenance... Many elements are added to the initial quote. And the price differences can be considerable from one project to another.

In this article, we guide you step by step:types of pools, average costs, essential options, hidden fees… You will have all the keys to precisely estimate your budget and make the right choices now.

What factors influence the price of a swimming pool?

1. Pool type

Above-ground pool, in-ground, semi-in-ground… Eachpool modelhas its advantages, constraints… and a direct impact on the overall cost of your project:

• Theabove-ground poolis the most affordable solution on the market. Starting from €1,500, it allows you to enjoy the pleasures of water at a lower cost. It requires neitherearthworksnorheavy 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.

Namely: anyinground swimming pool installation, as soon as it exceeds 10 m², requires aprior declaration of worksto your town hall.

2. Basin size and shape

Thesize of the poolhas a direct influence on all expenditure items: the larger your pool, the more you need to plan for earthworks, construction materials, water to fill it, maintenance products, and filtration power.

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 pools 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 extending the swimming season.
• Safety cover or shutter: to comply with current regulations (2003 law), improve safety, and limit evaporation.
• LED lightingsubmerged: between €300 and €800 depending on the number of light points and the desired color effects.
• 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.

An Poorly anticipated earthworks (rocky soil, sloping terrain, difficult access) can also lead to additional costs. It is therefore essential to obtain a personalized quote after a technical visit.

Summary: price estimates by pool type

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

Namely: theprice of a polyester or acrylic shell poolvaries according to the quality of materials, the dimensions of the basin, and the options chosen, but remains generally more affordable than that of a custom concrete pool.

Additional costs when building a swimming pool

Annual maintenance

An in-ground pool involves anannual recurring budgetthat is important to consider. On average, budget for:

• 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.

Furthermore, the presence of a swimming pool can increase theproperty taxon your home, as it increases the value of the property.

Why choose Aboral to build your pool?

Aboral Piscines, a renowned pool installer based in Saint-Jean-d’Illac (near Bordeaux), has been assisting individuals with their shell pool installation projects for over 30 years.

All Aboral pools aremade in France, in our own factory, with high-strength composite materials. This control over 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 injust 4 days(excluding earthworks). The support is comprehensive, from the first appointment to filling the pool.

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 shells benefit from a20-year manufacturer's warrantyon the structure, a guarantee of trust and peace of mind for your project.

At Aboral, thebudget for a polyester shell pooldepends on a multitude of criteria: nature of the land, choice of model, level of equipment, landscaping options, taxation… It is therefore essential to have an overall view and to rely on a trusted professional. Do not hesitate to use ouronline configuratorto estimate the cost of your future pool for free, or to request apersonalized quoteadapted to your land, your desires, and your budget.