Heather Campbell
Most dream homes include a rainfall shower or a deep bath — but why not go further? A pool, hot tub, or plunge pool can make the most of water’s restorative benefits
In this article we cover:
- Indoor vs outdoor pools
- Pool types: GRP, concrete & finishes
- Pool enclosures
- Heating and moisture control
- How pools are built
- Best pool locations
- Optional extras like lighting
- Maintenance essentials
- Typical costs
- Health benefits of water therapy
The buoyancy of water eases pressure on joints and muscles — one reason a bath feels so relaxing. For an even greater benefit, you might consider installing a hot tub or swimming pool. But before you take the plunge, it’s important to understand the basics of design, construction, and ongoing maintenance.
Before making a final decision, seek advice from an experienced, independent contractor or designer. When researching specialists, check that they’re qualified for the specific work you need and always ask for references. If possible, visit completed projects to assess the quality of their work and hear directly from previous clients about their experience.
Indoor or outdoor swimming pool in the UK?
Your first decision is whether to go for an indoor or outdoor pool. Indoor pools can cost up to twice as much as outdoor ones, largely because they require an extension or separate structure. While outdoor pools are typically only usable from May to October in the UK, you can extend the season by adding a pool enclosure and heating the water.
[adrotate banner="58"]A downside of indoor pools is the lack of open-air appeal. To strike a balance, consider a retractable roof — an option for both indoor and outdoor enclosures.
Keep in mind that indoor pools require more space, not just for the pool itself but also for a plant room (to house heating, ventilation and filtration systems), walkways, lounging areas and changing or toilet facilities.
An indoor pool — whether in a new structure or added to an existing room — typically takes up to six months to complete. If you’re installing a one-piece prefabricated pool in an existing room, one external wall will need to be removed to fit it in.
Standard pool sizes range from 8m x 4m to 10m x 5m. With budget-friendly choices like wall-mounted dehumidifiers, built-in insulation instead of a heating system, and a DIY kit, you could complete an indoor pool and its enclosure for around £60,000. Outdoor pools start from around £20,000, depending on design, size and add-ons.
Outdoor swimming pools in the UK can be quicker to install — from a few weeks to a few months — depending on site conditions, pool type and heating options. They’re ideal for summer installations and can double as social hubs, with garden space for entertaining.
Regardless of type, site your pool to maximise sunlight and avoid shade from trees or debris falling into the water. Keep it close to the house for convenience, especially if using indoor facilities for changing. If your pool is for exercise, a smaller model with a counter-current unit could suffice, but for general family use, opt for the largest size your budget and site allow — children grow quickly!
Types of swimming pools in the UK
Sprayed concrete: Wet concrete is sprayed onto a reinforced steel cage, making it ideal for indoor pools and sites with limited access. It’s quick to apply and highly durable.
Shuttered concrete: A floor slab is poured, then walls are cast between retaining panels. Best for simple shapes, this method requires less specialist equipment than spraying.
Reinforced blockwork: Suitable for small, rectangular pools up to 2m deep. Hollow concrete blocks are filled with reinforcing rods and poured concrete.
Unreinforced blockwork: Best for shallow pools (under 1m deep) lined with flexible PVC, which can’t be tiled. Quick to install (3–4 weeks) with liners lasting 7–10 years.
Prefabricated ceramic / GRP modular pools: These pools are prefabricated, requiring only excavation to fit them into place. With 95 per cent of the work done in the factory, there are time and cost savings in construction. The one-piece, seam-free pool comes pre-equipped with skimmers, drains, jets, and lights. You can select features like ledges, steps, and shallow areas, all at a lower cost than concrete. The installation process — craning the pool into position, backfilling with gravel, and connecting pipes — takes about a week.
Above ground pools: Typically more affordable than in-ground pools, high-quality above ground options are available in various shapes and sizes. They’re modular, can be disassembled, and are ideal for smaller gardens. These pools are supported by rigid steel frames and come pre-assembled, with no adhesives or bands required. Often supplied with their own filtration systems, high-quality models offer additional features like ladders, covers, and counter-current swim systems for a bigger feel.
Finishes
A hard concrete shell will generally be clad with tiles / mosaics or other proprietary finishes, including plaster. Around the pool you will also often find anti-slip tiles or polypropylene cord carpeting – at the end of the summer just roll it up and store until you’re ready for action again! However note that a thorough cleaning regime will be needed for any matting, especially when you next use it after being stored, to avoid the build-up of bacteria from any dirt or debris on it.
Taking cover
In our climate, adding a cover or enclosure over your pool is a sensible option. If you do decide on an open swimming pool in the UK, you may want to consider enclosing it in the future, and you should bear this in mind when positioning it in your garden.
Heat retaining covers should be used where possible; however, irregularly shaped pools can sometimes make this difficult, so always check what cover is possible when choosing a pool shape design. Covers can also reduce surface debris (such as insects and leaves).
They range from ones that float on the surface of the water to ones that are stretched across from one side of the pool surround to the other. They can be mechanised or manually rolled out. Also available is a bubble sheet that is laid directly on the water.
All of the above covers have heat retaining qualities, however, unlike the first couple of examples, the last one has no safety feature at all. Therefore, if buying a cover, be sure to check any safety features that may be available to add a layer of safety for small children and/or pets. Consider how easy it is to manoeuvre and in the design of your pool/hot tub area don’t forget about storage for the cover when it is not on the equipment.
Enclosures
Air inflated dome: This is the simplest option, a giant pvc ‘bubble’ inflated by air drawn in from outside. Accessed by either a zip or air lock door (to keep heat in), if the outside air is really cold, the air inside can be heated too. The dome can be put up at the start and finish of the summer if you prefer open air bathing, or used all year round.
Telescopic enclosures: These offer more variations than the dome because they are built in sections that can be removed without taking down the whole structure which can be either permanent or mobile. Made of polycarbonate panels on an aluminium frame, side walls slide up or roof panels roll back.
Log cabins/timber frame: The appeal of wood is hard to beat, especially when it combines other features such as a high standard of insulation (resulting in minimal condensation), as well as acoustic insulation. They are quick to construct, may not require planning permission (you should check this), and finally will last for years if built using preservative treated timber, and the interior kept well ventilated.
Hot water
The cost of heating the water is directly related to both its surface area/volume, whether the pool is inside or out, the quality of the covering placed on it when not in use and the efficiency of the heating system. Most of the heat lost from the pool will be though evaporation (70 per cent) so fitting an impervious membrane cover is essential. Heat lost through the surrounding earth represents about 20 per cent (insulated lining is available to reduce this).
Free heat from solar panels or a heat pump system certainly reduces running costs but the capital expenditure may take some time to recoup. Using your domestic heating system, especially if the pool is not too large, may be less of a strain on your budget but the system needs to be large enough to accommodate this additional requirement.
Moisture control
Know that if the pool or hot tub is indoors, a mechanised ventilation system will be required to deal with the humidity. Make sure a detailed study of your particular requirements is done by a specialist engineer to specify the correct units and their size. As with your heating system, you may be able to use the extraction system that was installed in your house but you will need to check with your engineer.
Hot tubs
If you’re looking for something smaller than a pool, a hot tub (or spa) could be the answer. Heated water boosts circulation, while jets help loosen muscles and release feel-good endorphins — though medical advice is recommended for pregnant women or those with health conditions.
Hot tubs range from compact models with hydrotherapy jets to larger swim spas that allow light exercise using counter-current jets. These typically run at lower temperatures than standard hot tubs.
Despite the climate, most hot tubs are installed outdoors in sheltered spots like gazebos for privacy and weather protection. Modern acrylic models have largely replaced the wooden tubs of the 1970s — they’re cheaper to produce, more energy-efficient, and come with moulded seats fitted with water jets designed for targeted massage.
How it’s made
The shell is made in one of two ways. At the more expensive end are acrylic shells which have a longer life. They are made by placing a sheet of acrylic over a mould and applying heat from an overhead heater to create the form. The second method results in a polythene shell when an aluminium mould is filled with polythene powder, the mould is heated and spun in a large oven which melts the plastic.
The next stage is to add insulation to reduce running costs (the operating temperature of hot tubs is often between 35 to 40 degC) so adjusting the temperature within this range will potentially help to retain as much heat as possible and also save money. When purchasing, make sure to check the time it takes to reach this temperature.
Covers reduce losses through evaporation, which like pools account for about 70 per cent of the total heat loss. Standard covers are tapered and 50 to 75 mm (2 to 3 inch) thick but you can get 75 to 100mm (3 to 4 inches) ones too. A bubble cover lying on top of the water and underneath the main insulating cover is particularly effective. Prices generally start around £2,000 and can go up to £15,500 for a luxury one.
Location, location
Hot tubs are heavy — even small models can weigh 300kg and hold a tonne of water. Add people, and you’ll need a strong, stable base. If installing indoors or in a new build, ensure the weight is included in structural calculations.
Access for servicing is essential, so ask your installer where a technician would need to reach in case of repairs. Check the electrical requirements too: smaller tubs may need a 16-amp cable, while larger ones can require 30–50 amps. All should be RCD protected and installed by a qualified electrician — this setup is your responsibility before installation (which usually takes 4–6 hours).
To save on energy, choose models with efficient filtration systems, low-amperage pumps, and heat recovery features.
Functionalities
Coloured lighting, integrated sound systems (made with marine grade components to cope with the moisture), and flat panel TVs are now all widely available. Models with remote controls allow you to both adjust the water temperature and operate a music system.
Water is delivered to the jets under pressure; cluster jets deliver a very strong, pinpoint massage, smaller spinning jets release a swift and powerful vortex of water, and multi-port air injectors are bubble machines that fill the spa with millions of little air balls that bubble and burst, adding a visible and audible sensation to the water.
Within the tub are water jets which deliver water drawn from it out through the filters and pumps and return it through the jets.
There may also be air jets operated by a blower. As the external air is released, the water temperature is inclined to fall slightly. You may therefore need a larger heating unit and allow time for the water to return to temperature. Hot air warmers are also available.
Last but definitely not least, make sure that before you buy you carry out a ‘wet test’. Learn what the jets feel like, how they work, which ones come as standard and which are extra. More jets aren’t always better; rather check to see they’re well positioned for you. Also make sure the seats are comfortable/ergonomic.
Pool maintenance
Maintenance for your swimming pool in the UK is all about little and often — around 10–20 minutes daily, plus 20–30 minutes weekly in summer. Tasks include clearing debris, checking filters, testing and balancing pH, adding chemicals, and managing safety covers. In winter, a well-prepared pool may only need a monthly check.
Hot tubs also need daily attention when in use, as warm, damp conditions are ideal for bacteria — including mycobacterium avium, which thrives in poorly maintained tubs.
Water clarity and system health depend on maintaining the correct pH and calcium hardness. Use the test kit provided and check water quality daily to catch issues early.
Pool manufacturers say that as long as you keep the water chemistry right you will only need to empty the contents for major repair work. Hot tubs will however require the water to be changed regularly, check with your installer as to what this entails.
Hot tubs and pools have in-built water management systems designed to destroy bacteria, viruses, mould and mildew, while simultaneously oxidising dirt, contaminants and body oils. Chlorine is a chemical added in the form of tablets in the filtration system to kill bacteria, while ozonisation, ionisation and saltwater bromine systems are add-ons that neutralise contaminants. You will need to remove debris such as leaves and dirt manually and check the filters at least once a week.
While not necessarily the most environmental option, considering the amount of water, energy and chemicals required to use your swimming pool or hot tub, adding one to your family life will add fun, relaxation and if located indoors, year-round therapeutic enjoyment.
Additional Information:
SPATA (the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association)
www.spata.co.uk or phone 01264 356210 and BISHTA (the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) www.bishta.co.uk or phone
01264 356211.
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