Swimming Pool Prices in London & the South East (2026 Guide)
Most swimming pool companies in London won't tell you what things cost until they've met you twice, sent a surveyor, and built up enough goodwill to make you feel committed. We do things differently. This page gives you real, honest pricing based on the work we actually carry out — so you can plan your project with confidence before you've spoken to a single contractor.
The Swimming Pool Company builds bespoke reinforced concrete pools across London and the South East. Every quote we produce is fully itemised — concrete shell, waterproofing, tiling, filtration, heating, lighting and all M&E — broken down line by line so you know exactly what you're paying for. Our prices are fixed at contract. No surprises, no variations after the fact.
How much does a swimming pool cost in the UK? A complete installation starts from £45,000 for an outdoor liner pool, £60,000 for a concrete tiled outdoor pool, £90,000 for an indoor pool in the house depending on size and design, and £125,000 for a basement pool.
These are starting prices. The final cost depends on the size, shape and design of your pool, the finishes and equipment you choose, and access to your site. Every quote is itemised line by line.
Why swimming pool prices in London cost more
Swimming pool construction in London typically costs 10–25% more than equivalent work outside the M25. The main reasons are:
-
Labour — specialist pool trades command a London premium, and skilled installers are in high demand
-
Materials and logistics — deliveries into central and inner London carry congestion charges, restricted access windows, and ULEZ costs
-
Groundwork complexity — London soils, existing foundations, and proximity to neighbouring properties frequently require engineered solutions
-
Access and parking — in many postcodes, getting equipment and materials on site adds time and cost that rural projects simply don't encounter
We factor all of these into our quotes upfront. You won't receive a competitive headline price that quietly escalates once groundworks begin.
What real projects cost: a garden building pool in North West London (£120k), a basement pool and spa in Highgate (£125k), a deck level pool in Chigwell, Essex (£130k), a natural stone basement pool in Regent's Park (£250k) and an outdoor lap pool in Berkshire (£300k). Each case study shows the full scope behind the price.
What's included in our swimming pool prices?
All our concrete pool build prices include the complete scope of work from structural concrete shell to final commission:
-
Site survey, engineering drawings and 2D/3D design visualisation
-
Reinforced concrete shell construction (RCC, shotcrete or gunite to specification)
-
Specialist multi-layer waterproofing and pressure testing
-
Full mosaic, large-format or natural stone tiling
-
Coping, pool surrounds and deck level finishes
-
Complete filtration and plumbing installation (pumps, filters, skimmers, inlets, drains, chlorination)
-
Heat pump or gas boiler heating system
-
LED underwater lighting and electrical installation to NICEIC standards
-
Control panel and automation commissioning
-
10-year structural guarantee on every build
Groundworks (excavation, soil removal and compaction) are typically handled by your main builder. We are happy to coordinate directly with your architect or site manager and will advise on specifications at no charge.
What affects the swimming pool price?
1. Pool type and construction method
Concrete pools are the most durable and fully customisable option — the only realistic choice for basement pools or non-standard shapes. Liner pools offer a lower entry cost for outdoor projects where access allows. Fibreglass shells are quick to install but limited in size and shape, and rarely used in central London due to access constraints.
2. Size and depth
Larger pools require more concrete, more water, more filtration capacity, and more energy to heat. As a guide, every additional linear metre (a metre of extra length) adds approximately £3,000–£6,000 to a concrete tiled outdoor pool, depending on specification.
3. Finish and materials
Standard vitrified tiles sit at one end of the spectrum; hand-laid Italian glass mosaic at the other. Natural stone copings, infinity edges, deck-level overflow channels and bespoke water features all affect final cost. We can quote any finish — and will show you the cost difference for each option before you decide.
4. Equipment specification
Heat pump vs gas boiler, UV vs standard chlorination, basic timer controls vs fully automated touchscreen management — all have different cost and running-cost implications. We advise honestly on which systems suit your usage pattern and property.
5. Location and access
Kensington, Chelsea and Mayfair projects carry higher logistics costs than Surrey or Berkshire. A basement pool beneath an existing property requires structural coordination and often involves temporary works that a garden pool does not.
FAQ's
How long does a swimming pool take to build?
A standard outdoor concrete pool typically takes 8–16 weeks from groundworks to water. Indoor and basement pools are 14–22 weeks depending on structural complexity. We provide a full programme at the quotation stage.
Do I need planning permission for a swimming pool?
Outdoor in-ground pools generally fall under permitted development in England, provided they don't cover more than half the garden area. Indoor pools within outbuildings placed more than 5 metres from the house also typically fall under permitted development. We advise on your specific situation at no charge.
What are the running costs of a swimming pool?
For a heated outdoor pool (8m × 4m), annual running costs typically range from £1,200 to £2,500 depending on usage, energy tariff and cover specification. Modern air-source heat pumps significantly reduce energy consumption versus gas heating. We include a full running cost estimate in every proposal.
Is a swimming pool a good investment?
In London and the South East, a well-specified pool typically adds between 5% and 10% to residential property values, according to estate agents operating in prime postcodes. The increase is higher for properties already positioned at the premium end of their street or area.
How are payments staged?
Payments are spread across the build in stages. The number and timing of stages depend on the length and size of your project, and we agree the schedule with you before any work starts.
What is the cheapest way to get an in-ground pool?
A rectangular liner pool of about 8m × 4m is the lowest-cost route, from £45,000 installed with filtration and a heat pump. Keeping to a simple shape and standard depth keeps the price down. Concrete costs more at the start but avoids replacing a liner every 10 to 15 years.
How much does a basement swimming pool cost in London?
Basement pools start from £125,000 for an 8m × 4m pool with structural shell, dehumidification and full M&E. A 10m × 5m basement pool with a spa starts from £175,000. Every basement price is subject to a structural survey.
What is the average cost to build a swimming pool in the UK?
Our prices start from £45,000 for an outdoor liner pool, £60,000 for a concrete pool, £90,000 for an indoor pool and £125,000 for a basement pool. The real projects in our case studies range from £75,000 to £300,000, depending on size, design and finish.