The path to your own pool
Having their own pool in the garden is a long-cherished dream for many homeowners. Especially in hot summers, the appeal of being able to cool off in your own garden at any time—without crowded outdoor pools or long journeys—increases. At the same time, building a pool is a major investment, and wrong decisions can quickly become expensive.
Before you start planning, you should know:
- which types of pools are realistically feasible
- what costs you can expect
- and where cost traps often lurk in pool construction in Switzerland
This guide will help you maintain an overview and make informed decisions.
Which types of pools are suitable for private gardens?
There are several types of pools, which vary greatly in price, construction costs, and lifespan. However, two types are particularly relevant for private gardens with long-term use:
- Built-in pool – permanently installed in the ground, durable, and high-quality
- Above-ground pool / steel wall pool – significantly cheaper, quicker to install
Other variants such as pop-up pools or paddling pools are more suitable for temporary use and play a minor role in long-term planning.
Building a pool: What costs can you expect in Switzerland?
The total cost of a pool is made up of several factors:
- Pool type and material
- Pool size and depth
- Earthworks and connections
- technical equipment
The following overview shows typical price ranges for private pool projects in Switzerland.
Material and pool costs (guideline values)
Pool type / Material
- Plastic pool (8 × 4 × 1.60 m): from CHF 33,000
- Plastic pools per square meter: $600 - $900
- Concrete pool (8 × 4 × 1.70 m): starting at $62,000
- Stainless steel pool (8 × 4 × 1.70 m): starting at $50,000
- Stainless steel pool per square meter: $1,900 - $2,700
- Electric roller cover: approx. $14,000
- Steel wall pool per square meter: $250–$500
- Above-ground pool with steel frame per square meter: $120–$230
Labor and installation costs
- Pool builder (hourly rate): 85–120 CHF
- Excavationwork: $150–$190
- Water connections: 85–125 CHF
- Electrical connections: 85–125 CHF
Practical total costs
- Plastic built-in pool: from approx. $50,000
- Concrete or stainless steel pool: from approx. $62,000
- Annual maintenance: approx. $600–$1,300
Important: The location, soil conditions, and accessibility of the property can significantly influence the costs. It is therefore essential to compare quotes.
Built-in pool: High quality, but expensive
An in-ground pool is the most long-term solution and offers maximum design freedom. It is permanently installed in the ground and is an integral part of the garden design.
Common designs
stainless steel pool
- very durable
- hygienic and easy to clean
- high-quality appearance
Plastic pools (GRP, FPO, PE)
- delivered prefabricated
- good value for money
- relatively quick installation
Element or concrete basin
- flexible in shape and size
- Custom lining possible
- higher construction costs
In-ground pools are particularly suitable for owners who plan for the long term and value quality and appearance.
Above-ground pool: an affordable way to become a pool owner
Above-ground pools are installed on a prepared surface and do not require extensive excavation. They usually consist of steel wall or steel frame constructions with a liner.
Typical characteristics:
- significantly lower acquisition costs
- rapid implementation
- often available as a complete set
- Optional cladding (e.g., wood or brickwork)
They are ideal for households that want a stable pool but are put off by the cost of an in-ground pool.
The right pool size: comfort vs. cost
The size of the pool not only affects swimming comfort, but also construction and operating costs.
For regular swimming
- Minimum length: 6 m
- More comfortable: 8 m or more
For two people at the same time
- at least 4 m wide
Proven standard size
- 8 × 4 m – good balance between space requirements and usage
depth
- Typical: 1.40–1.50 m
- sufficient for swimming and standing
Cost trap:
A small pool is not automatically much cheaper, as technology, connections, and earthworks largely incur fixed costs.
The right location saves money in the long term
A well-chosen location significantly reduces heating and maintenance costs.
☀️ Sunny location → lower heating costs
🌳 Distance from trees → less dirt in the water
💧 Proximity to connections → lower installation costs
🛡️ Wind and privacy protection → less heat loss, more comfort
🏠 Good accessibility → easier maintenance
Pool technology & equipment: Quality pays off in these areas
When building a pool, a lot of money is often invested in the pool itself—and then saved on the technology. This often backfires after just a few years in the form of higher operating costs, more maintenance, or poorer water quality. Solid basic equipment ensures that your pool functions reliably and provides long-term enjoyment.
Filter system & circulationpump
The filter system is the technical heart of every pool. It ensures that the water is constantly in motion and that impurities are removed. Modern circulation pumps with variable speeds are particularly recommended:
- quiet operation
- lower power consumption
- better adaptation to different operating times
Efficient filter technology quickly pays off, especially for larger pools.
Poolcover
A cover is more than just an accessory—it saves money and increases safety:
- less dirt in the water
- lower heat loss
- reduced evaporation
- additional protection for children and pets
Electric roller covers are expensive to purchase, but offer maximum comfort and safety.
Entry: Ladder orsteps
A safe entry significantly increases user comfort. Steps are more convenient than ladders and particularly useful if children or elderly people are using the pool.
Lighting
Pool lighting is not just a visual extra. It also ensures that the pool can be used safely in the evening and visibly enhances the garden.
Poolrobot
An automatic pool robot significantly reduces the amount of cleaning required. Depending on the model, it cleans the floor, walls, and in some cases even the waterline. This saves time and ensures that the water is always clean.
Water care & maintenance: How much effort is realistic?
A pool requires regular maintenance—however, the actual effort involved depends heavily on the technology and degree of automation. Planning correctly from the outset can significantly reduce maintenance.
Circulation &filtration
To keep the water clear, it should be circulated for several hours every day. The running time depends on the size of the pool, usage, and outside temperature.
Watertreatment
Various methods are available for water disinfection:
- Chlorine – proven, cost-effective, and highly effective
- Active oxygen – gentler on skin and eyes
- Salt electrolysis – less chlorine smell, greater comfort
The most appropriate method depends on your budget, frequency of use, and personal compatibility.
Keep an eye on the pH value
The pH value should be between 7.0 and 7.4. Deviations quickly lead to problems:
- Irritation of skin and eyes
- Corrosion of metals
- reduced effectiveness of disinfection
Automatic dosing systems perform this task reliably and prevent significant fluctuations.
Automation savestime
Pool robots, dosing systems, and control systems significantly reduce the amount of manual maintenance required. This investment pays off in the long term, especially for larger pools.
Do you need a building permit to build a pool?
In most cases: yes.
In Switzerland, permanently installed pools are considered structures and therefore usually require a permit. Only small, temporary pools without permanent installation are usually exempt from this requirement.
Since regulations vary from municipality to municipality, you should definitely clarify the following before starting construction:
- whether a building permit is required
- what minimum distances must be maintained
- whether safety requirements are mandatory
- whether technical equipment (e.g., pumps) is relevant to noise protection
👉 If you check with the relevant building authority early on, you can avoid delays, extra costs, or having to tear stuff down later.
Conclusion: Plan your pool construction properly instead of making improvements later
A pool is a long-term investment. If you consider the technology, maintenance requirements, and legal requirements from the outset, you will save time, money, and stress later on. It is particularly important to evaluate equipment and technology not only based on the purchase price, but also on operating costs and maintenance requirements.
A structured comparison of offers helps you find the right solution for your budget, garden, and usage requirements.
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