Buying a pool comes down to choosing between three main types: an above-ground inflatable or frame pool (€50 to €1,500), a steel-walled semi-permanent pool (€500 to €3,500), or an in-ground pool (€10,000 to €30,000+). The right choice depends on your garden size, budget, and whether you want a seasonal or year-round installation.
What types of pools are there?
The residential pool market splits into three broad categories. Each has its own cost profile, installation complexity, and maintenance demands.
Inflatable and basic above-ground pools
Inflatable and snap-up above-ground pools are the most accessible entry point. Prices range from €50 to €300 and they’re up and running within an hour. Diameters range from 1.5 to 4.5 meters with depths of 60 to 120 centimeters.
The trade-off is durability: expect 2 to 4 seasons of use with proper care. The included filter pumps are underpowered at 300 to 1,000 liters per hour and struggle to keep water clean during warm spells. Great for kids under 12, but limited for adult swimming.
Frame pools: the mid-range option
A frame pool uses a steel or aluminum frame to hold its shape. Sizes range from 2.4 meters round to 9 x 4.5 meters rectangular. Prices run from €150 to €1,500 depending on size and quality.
Frame pools are sturdier than inflatables and usually come with better filtration. A 366 cm round frame pool holding 6,000 liters needs a pump of at least 2,000 liters per hour to circulate properly. Intex and Bestway dominate this segment. Read more about choosing the right pool filter pump for your setup.
Steel-walled and composite above-ground pools
Steel-walled and wood-composite pools sit between frame pools and in-ground installations. They cost €500 to €3,500 and are semi-permanent. Steel-walled pools are more stable than frame pools, with a lifespan of 10 to 20 years when maintained properly.
Popular sizes are 6 x 3 meters and 8 x 4 meters at depths of 1.2 to 1.5 meters. These pools can be fitted with proper filtration, heating, and even an enclosure, bringing them close to in-ground pool functionality.
In-ground pools: what to know before you buy
An in-ground pool is the most expensive but also the highest-quality option. It’s a permanent addition to your property and can add 10 to 20 percent to your home’s value depending on the market.
Materials and construction methods
In-ground pools are built from fiberglass/polyester (€10,000 to €18,000), concrete/shotcrete (€18,000 to €30,000), or vinyl liner (€12,000 to €22,000). Fiberglass is the most popular choice in the Netherlands: installation takes just 1 to 2 weeks, the smooth surface inhibits algae growth, and maintenance needs are low.
Concrete pools are more durable but take 4 to 8 weeks to build. The minimum comfortable depth for an in-ground pool is 1.4 meters; most pools are built to 1.5 to 1.8 meters.
Permits and regulations
An in-ground pool usually requires a planning permit in most municipalities. As a rule of thumb: a permit is needed for pools larger than 2 x 2 meters and deeper than 0.5 meters. Always check with your municipality before ordering. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for permit processing.
Sizing guide: matching pool size to garden size
Size your pool based on the number of regular users and available garden space. A good rule of thumb is 2 to 2.5 m² of water surface per person for comfortable swimming.
| Garden size | Recommended pool size | Type | Users |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 50 m² | 3.66 m round or 3 x 2 m | Frame/above-ground | 1-4 |
| 50-100 m² | 4.5 x 2.5 m | Steel-walled | 2-6 |
| 100-200 m² | 6 x 3 m or 7 x 3.5 m | Steel-walled/fiberglass | 4-8 |
| 200 m²+ | 8 x 4 m or larger | In-ground fiberglass/concrete | 6-12+ |
Always leave 1.5 to 2 meters of clearance around the pool for safety and maintenance. In-ground pools also need space for a filter cabinet (minimum 0.5 m²) and potentially a heat pump unit.
Total cost comparison
Purchase price is only part of the picture. Installation costs, accessories, and annual running costs paint the full financial picture.
| Type | Purchase price | Installation | Annual maintenance | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inflatable/snap-up | €50-€300 | €0 | €50-€150 | 2-4 years |
| Frame pool | €150-€1,500 | €0-€200 | €100-€300 | 5-10 years |
| Steel-walled | €500-€3,500 | €200-€500 | €200-€500 | 10-20 years |
| Fiberglass in-ground | €10,000-€18,000 | €3,000-€5,000 | €500-€1,200 | 25-40 years |
| Concrete in-ground | €18,000-€30,000 | €5,000-€10,000 | €600-€1,500 | 40-60 years |
Annual maintenance costs are mainly chemicals (€150 to €400), energy for the filter pump (€50 to €200), and occasional professional service. A solid pool maintenance schedule helps keep these costs predictable.
Water chemistry: what every pool owner needs
Regardless of pool type, you need to keep water chemistry balanced. The three key parameters are pH (ideal 7.2 to 7.6), free chlorine (1.0 to 3.0 mg/l), and total alkalinity (80 to 120 mg/l). Test at least three times per week during summer.
A 6,000-liter frame pool needs roughly one chlorine tablet (200 grams) per week under normal use. A 50,000-liter in-ground pool needs 3 to 5 tablets per week in a tablet feeder. Getting the pH level right in your pool is the foundation of healthy water chemistry.
Which pool type is right for you?
Choose a frame pool if your budget is under €1,000, you don’t want permanent construction, and the pool is mainly for kids. You can set it up and take it down each season.
Choose a steel-walled pool for a solid middle ground. Invest €1,000 to €3,500, enjoy several seasons of use, and fit it with proper filtration and heating.
Choose an in-ground pool if you’re serious about swimming, have a large enough garden, and want a permanent investment that adds value to your home.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest type of pool to buy?
Inflatable and basic above-ground pools start at €50 to €200. Frame pools from 3 meters across cost €150 to €600. These are the most affordable options, though they have a shorter lifespan and limited filtration capacity compared to permanent pools.
How much does an in-ground pool cost?
An in-ground pool costs between €15,000 and €30,000 installed for a standard 8 x 4 meter size. Luxury versions with heating, enclosures, and automation can exceed €60,000.
How big does my garden need to be for a pool?
Allow at least 2 meters of clearance around the pool for a walkway and maintenance access. A standard 8 x 4 meter in-ground pool requires a garden of at least 12 x 8 meters. Always check local planning regulations before purchasing.
Which pool type is easiest to maintain?
In-ground pools with a proper filtration system are easiest to maintain long term. Their more powerful circulation and better filtration keep water cleaner with less effort. Above-ground pools need more frequent manual attention to water chemistry.
Do I need a building permit for a pool?
Above-ground and frame pools generally require no permit. In-ground pools usually require a planning permit in most municipalities if the pool exceeds 2 x 2 meters or is deeper than 0.5 meters. Always check with your local municipality first.
