Here’s a handy guide to prices for various types of pools and spas you can get for your money. In London and the South East, many companies offer a wide array of pools, finishes and equipment. Apart from choosing a reputable and capable firm, the main choices to make are whether it will be an above-ground or an in-ground pool, and choice of construction materials.

The cheapest decent option are the above-ground timber swimming pools that come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and will cost anywhere between £6,000 and £10,000 fully installed. As a typical example, a 6.5m X 3.6m timber pool would cost £8,500 including installation. For poolside decking, add another £2,000 to £5,000. These timber pools can be fully sunk in-ground and to do that, excavation charges start from about £2,500.

Moving upscale, your main choice is between block walled liner and concrete tiled pools, again usually fully in-ground. Although tiled pools (from £24,000 excluding excavation) are more expensive then liner pools (from £16,000 excluding excavation) and are also considered more upscale, there are cases where a liner pool is more suitable to a property or a specific situation. Trying to choose between the two may not be particularly easy, especially as liner pool companies, not surprisingly, generally flog vinyl liners while tile pool companies will obviously recommend concrete. We do both types, so are able to offer you unbiased advice.

There are some significant differences between the two. Unlike liner pools, concrete pools can be built to any shape, size or depth with steps, seats and feature walls, and if your budget runs to it, can be constructed as deck level pools or infinity pools (add about £6,000 to £10,000 depending on size). Liner pools are much faster to install than concrete, have a naturally smoother finish and come in a wide array of colours.

Other things that affect the price of pools are automatic covers, pool surrounds, water features and counter current swimming machines. If the pool is installed indoors, a H&V system is necessary – basic packages start from £5,500 going up to £18,000 for a fully ducted system with fresh air option.

We reckon that the difference between a “good liner pool and a great tiled pool” is around two fold, so you can spend £24,000 and get a 9m X 3.6m vinyl liner pool with basic cover and filtration, while £48,000 would fetch you an excellent, fully tiled pool of similar size with automatic cover, LED underwater lighting and some nice water features.

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