August 17, 2026, 4:37 am | Read time: 6 minutes
It’s every homeowner’s dream: having a pool in the backyard. Especially during the summer heat, a private swimming pool seems much more appealing than a visit to a crowded public pool. myHOMEBOOK consulted with the German Association for Swimming Pools & Wellness (BSW) to find out what to consider when planning and what the swimming fun will ultimately cost.
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What Pool Construction Types Are Available?
In Germany, there are already nearly two million privately used pools. This is according to figures from the BSW from 2025. When distinguishing pool types, the association focuses more on material and construction rather than size.
Accordingly, home pools can be roughly divided into three categories:
- Frame Pools: This includes all above-ground pools. These range from classic inflatable kiddie pools to higher-quality steel wall pools or swimming pools with wooden cladding.
- In-ground Steel Wall Pools: These pools are partially or fully embedded in the ground. The extended category includes pools made from polystyrene blocks. Such pools are available as DIY options, but they can also be constructed by a professional company.
- One-piece Pools: This category includes pools made from a single piece, usually crafted from materials like fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride. The BSW also includes concrete or stainless steel pools in this category.
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Usage Determines Size
There are ready-made solutions for all three categories. At least for the second and third options, preliminary work is necessary. Those who do not want to handle this themselves can have their pool set up by a professional company. A third option is, of course, to plan and build your own pool entirely.
“Anyone considering building their own pool in the garden should first clarify what purpose it should serve,” recommends the German Association for Swimming Pools & Wellness (BSW). Such considerations become moot if the available garden space is limited.
However, for large properties, it makes sense to think about the pool’s use. “If the pool is only meant for cooling off on hot summer days, a small above-ground pool or a hot tub will suffice. On the other hand, if you want to use the pool for regular lap swimming, you should plan more generously in terms of length and depth,” emphasizes the BSW.
Larger Pools: More Costs and Intensive Maintenance
When planning a pool, keep in mind: The larger the pool, the more maintenance the private swimming pool requires. Therefore, a small pool might be the better solution, even with a large garden.
Even a hot tub provides cooling on hot days. “Most people associate a hot tub with heated, bubbling water with a massage effect. But, of course, such a pool can also be used with cold water, saving on heating costs,” emphasizes the BSW.
Speaking of costs: These are based on size. This starts with the setup. For custom-designed pools, the BSW estimates costs between 25,000 and 30,000 euros. Depending on features and personal preferences, costs can be even higher.
Those opting for a classic swimming pool or natural pool should also consider that these types require additional maintenance. If you’re not interested in that, it’s better not to think about it and instead get a small above-ground pool.
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Ongoing Costs Are Often Underestimated
What many people underestimate when planning a garden pool: Depending on its size, the home swimming pool incurs regular costs. While expenses for all preliminary work and setup can be precisely calculated, ongoing costs are much harder to estimate.
These include, among others:
- Electricity for pumps, filters, and heating systems
- Water for initial filling and regular replacement
- Filter materials
- Maintenance products for disinfection and treatment
- Maintenance
Heating the pool water and maintaining the temperature is the most expensive. “A heat pump can reduce the required electrical energy compared to a direct electric heater,” advises the BSW to future pool builders during planning.
Equally important is a cover. This reduces evaporation and thus heat loss over the water surface. The pool’s location also affects the cost. A sunny spot increases natural heating, while windy areas cool the water faster.
And what about water changes? “With regular monitoring of water values, such as pH and chlorine levels, and proper treatment through filter systems, the water can remain in the pool for several years,” says the BSW. However, such systems are expensive to purchase and require a lot of time to properly treat the pool water. The advice from the Federal Environment Agency seems more realistic. Experts there recommend changing the pool water more regularly, not just every few years.
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An Exception: The Natural Pool
Those who choose a natural swimming spot in their garden have a particularly sustainable pool option. A natural pool, for example, does not require chemical agents for disinfection. The water in a natural pool is biologically treated.
“Depending on the system, mechanical filters, mineral substrate layers, biofilms (microorganisms), and planted regeneration areas regulate water quality by cleaning and removing nutrients like nitrogen or phosphorus that promote algae growth,” explains the German Association for Swimming Pools & Wellness.
However, the absence of traditional chemical disinfection does not mean the natural pool is maintenance-free. The biological filters and water surface require just as much intensive care.
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Avoid These Mistakes
Finally, a look at typical mistakes when setting up a pool in your garden. The size of a pool is primarily determined by actual use, not by price.
A typical case that is only annoying in doubt: A cheap pool is only suitable for splashing around, even though you actually wanted to swim in it. Annoying and expensive, however, can be a pool that is too large, as it overwhelms its owner with ongoing costs and intensive maintenance.
A low pool price often obscures the view of additional costs, such as for earthworks, foundation, piping, electrical connections, filtration technology, cover, or heat pump.
Anyone planning a DIY pool should also check with the local building authority before the first excavation. Local building regulations may disrupt your pool plans. Each state has its own building regulations.
Important: If small children or animals live in the household, appropriate safety measures should definitely be planned for these residents.