Building a pool in Switzerland: planning, construction, and implementation in the garden

From the initial idea to completion: How to plan and build your garden pool in Switzerland.
Pool construction costs in Switzerland

Well planned for your own swimming pool

A swimming pool is not a classic garden accessory, but a construction project that requires careful planning. Earthworks, technology, connections, and building regulations must all be coordinated from the outset. Especially in existing single-family homes or as part of a garden renovation, preparation is crucial to ensuring that the pool will function smoothly later on.
A professionally built pool not only increases your comfort at home, but also blends in perfectly with your garden and surroundings. This guide shows you what is important when it comes to practical implementation—from choosing the type of construction to the technical equipment.
Costs of building a pool in Switzerland

Which pool designs are suitable for permanent garden solutions?

In pool construction, a distinction is made between different systems, which differ primarily in terms of the construction effort involved. For permanently used pools in the garden, two variants are particularly relevant:
  • Built-in pool – firmly integrated into the ground, technically sophisticated, durable
  • Above-ground pool / steel wall pool – above ground or partially sunk, less excavation
Temporary solutions such as pop-up pools or small pools play hardly any role in professional pool construction and are usually not suitable for permanent projects.

Pool construction costs: What do the total expenses consist of?

The cost of a pool is not just the cost of the pool itself. A large part of the cost is accounted for by construction work, technology, and connections. Typical cost factors are:
  • Pool materials and construction
  • Size, depth, and shape
  • Earthworks and backfilling
  • Water and electricity connections
  • Filter and control technology

Guidelines for pool and material costs

Pool type / Material
  • Plastic pool (8 × 4 × 1.70 m) from approx. $36,500
  • Plastic pools per square meter $700–$1,100
  • Concrete pool (8 × 4 × 1.60 m) from approx. $58,000
  • Stainless steel pool (8 × 4 × 1.50 m) from approx. $55,000
  • Stainless steel pool per m² $2,000–$2,600
  • Electric roller cover from approx. $11,000
  • Steel wall or above-ground pool per m² $130–$270

Construction and installation costs
  • Pool builder Reference value: $95–115/hour
  • Excavation & backfilling Guideline value: $120–$160/hour
  • Water connections Guideline value: $95–$130
  • Electrical connections Approximate cost: $95–$130

Practical experience from construction projects

  • Built-in plastic pool: often from around $48,000
  • Concrete or stainless steel pools: usually starting at around CHF 58,000
  • Running costs: approx. $1,000–$1,700 per year
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Built-in pool: an integral part of the garden and building

An in-ground pool is permanently integrated into the terrain and is technically the most sophisticated solution. The work involves excavation, floor slab, pool installation, backfilling, and complete technical installation.
Common construction methods
stainless steel basin
  • extremely long service life
  • hygienic surface
  • particularly high-quality appearance
Plastic pools (GRP, FPO, PE)
  • industrially prefabricated
  • quick installation
  • good balance between cost and durability
Element or concrete basin
  • free form design
  • custom lining (mosaic, natural stone)
  • higher planning and construction costs
In-ground pools are particularly suitable for new buildings or extensive garden renovations where earthworks are planned anyway.

Above-ground pool: reduced construction work, less effort

Above-ground pools are installed on a stable surface and do not require deep excavation. Depending on the design, they can:
  • stand freely in the garden
  • be partially sunk into the ground
  • be clad with wood, stone, or brickwork
They offer a stable solution with significantly less structural intervention and are particularly attractive when budgets are limited.

Pool size & dimensions from a structural perspective

The dimensions of a pool influence its structural integrity, technology, and operating costs.
  • Swimming: useful from 6 m in length, more comfortable from 8 m
  • Width: at least 4 m for parallel use
  • Depth: usually 1.40–1.50 m
📌 Practical tip: Even smaller pools require filter technology, connections, and excavation. The savings achieved through smaller dimensions are therefore often less than expected.
Quote for building a pool in Switzerland

Location selection: crucial for technology and operations

The location directly influences construction costs and maintenance:
  • Sunny location: natural heating
  • Distance from trees: less foliage & cleaning effort
  • Proximity to lines: shorter connections, lower costs
  • Wind protection: less heat loss
  • Accessibility: Space for technology, maintenance, and repairs

Pool technology & equipment from an implementation perspective

Proper technical planning prevents problems later on.
Filter system & circulation pump
The technology must be appropriate for the size of the pool. Speed-controlled pumps reduce power consumption and noise levels.
cover
Reduce covers:
  • heat losses
  • pollution
  • evaporation
Electric roller covers provide additional security, but require precise installation.
Access & Lighting
Stairs, ladders, and lighting should be planned during the construction phase to avoid rework.
cleaning
Pool robots and automatic systems reduce the workload and keep surfaces clean for longer.

Water treatment & technical operations

A pool requires regular monitoring, which can be greatly simplified through automation:
  • Circulation several hours daily
  • Ideal pH value between 7.0 and 7.4
  • Disinfection using chlorine, salt electrolysis, or active oxygen
  • Automatic dosing reduces manual intervention

Building permit: clarify in good time

Permanently installed pools are generally considered structures in Switzerland. Depending on the municipality, the following may be required:
  • building application
  • Compliance with boundary distances
  • safety requirements
  • Noise protection for technology
👉 Early clarification with the building authority prevents project delays.

Pool construction is a building project—not garden decoration

A pool should always be planned as part of the building and garden technology. Those who coordinate the construction, technology, and location at an early stage will end up with a durable, low-maintenance solution.
Professional planning pays off, especially for built-in pools—it avoids subsequent adjustments and unnecessary additional costs.
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