The arrival of summer heralds warmer days, and for many in France, the temptation of a swimming pool.
There are estimated to be more than 2.5 million private pools in France however a pool installation can be a large undertaking.
There are several points to consider – we review some of these.
Choosing the right size and type
Swimming pools come in various shapes and sizes, each of which affect rules surrounding its installation as well as costs.
The price of a pool varies depending on several factors but most pools will cost around €15,000 - €50,000.
The pool you construct will be based on your own budget, as well as limitations tied to the size of your property and what else you use your garden space for.
An increase in ‘mini-pools’ in France is partly being driven by economic factors, but also to avoid certain planning permission requirements.
Pools smaller than 10m² are exempt from planning permission requirements unless your local area has specific rules in place. They can also be free from certain taxes.
Read more: ‘Tiny swimming pools’ catch on in France as easier and cheaper option
Otherwise, larger, more than 10m², ‘in-ground’ pools (where land is excavated to house the pool) are subject to planning permissions rules
Construction is subject to a prior works declaration (Déclaration préalable de travaux) that must be sent to the mairie for pools between 10m² and 100m².
For those larger than 100m², a permis de construire is needed.
One alternative is the construction of an above-ground pool, a semi-permanent structure that is not built into your land and is therefore cheaper.
However, these pools are subject to the same planning permission and taxation requirements (see below) as in-ground pools depending on their size.
Read more: Above-ground swimming pools in France: rules, prices, installation
You can install the pool yourself using DIY kits but there are also professional companies that can help with this task.
In the case of the latter, it is generally cheaper and easier to get a company to install your pool in the off season (September to February).
Get several quotes (devis) before opting to sign a deal with a contractor. In France a devis (once signed) is strict, with builders usually unable to charge higher than stated in the quote.
However, you can ask several companies for a quote before signing one and opting for a specific contractor.
Unless you have vast tracts of land your choice of exactly where to locate the pool may be limited, but an area with ample exposure to sun is considered a good choice.
Where possible try to avoid areas exposed to wind, both as this brings temperatures down in the pool and may lead to leaves and other debris being blown into it, requiring more frequent maintenance.
Article R111-17 of France’s code de l’urbanisme states pools must be three metres from the boundary between your and your neighbour’s property, but this may be stricter depending on local planning rules.
Check with your mairie to see if specific requirements exist in your area.
Secondary costs and maintenance
Alongside the installation of the swimming pool, you should factor in several other secondary costs.
Pool insurance is not obligatory but is highly recommended.
Read more: Is extra insurance for French garden pool required?
The pool will need to be filled in with water – at a cost of €150 / €300 depending on size and location – and topped up throughout the year.
You will also need to frequently clean it, either yourself or by hiring someone to do so.
Each year, you will need to ‘wake up’ your pool once temperatures hit around 12C.
Read more: How to wake up your swimming pool when temperatures get warmer
Safety
If you install a pool, you must install at least one of the following safety devices:
These can be self-installed or installed by a professional trader but must conform to certain safety specifications.
Traders are more likely to know these rules, so it may be best to hire someone to do this and ensure compliance.
Costs can vary, and the best feature to install can depend on how – and who – uses your pool.
Failure to install a safety feature can result in a fine of up to €45,000, which owners face if someone ‘drowns’ in their pool. Under French law, someone who ‘drowns’ does not need to die in the water but merely faces significant difficulty and needs saving.
Read more: Explained: safety rules for home pools in France and risks if do not comply
Taxes
Once a pool of sufficient size (10m² or more) has been installed, it must be declared to the authorities within 90 days, with additional taxes needing to be paid.
Taxes on the installation (the taxe d’aménagement) are payable – there is a fixed rate for swimming pools, which in 2025 is €262 per m².
Read more: List: these are the French home improvement works that must be declared
Installation of a swimming pool may also cause your property taxes (taxe foncière) to increase.
French tax authorities have been cracking down on undeclared improvements to homes – chief among them swimming pools – in recent years using AI and satellite imagery to help locate them.
Read more: French authorities use AI to help recoup €200 million in unpaid tax from one department alone
Failing to declare your swimming pool can see fines, either a flat fee or per m² of the swimming pool, as well as the potential requirement to dismantle the pool. Repeat offenders who continuously fail to notify authorities about property expansions may even face a prison sentence.
Adhering to drought rules and other requirements
Swimming pools are among the first to be affected during drought season.
In most cases, the filling or refilling of swimming pools becomes prohibited in the first set of official drought rules, with an exception for pools being filled for the first time (a safety/environmental measure).
Those caught filling their pools during a drought face a fine of up to €1,500, or more for repeat offences.
To this end, filling your pool quickly is important – provided you do not do it too early after winter. It is important to follow local guidelines, especially so if living in an area likely to be subject to drought restrictions.
Frequent checks are carried out in drought areas to check if swimming pools are being topped up.
Read more: How do French authorities check people are not breaking drought rules?
To keep informed of drought regulations, effected at communal not departmental level meaning rules can vary locally, the government’s VigiEau website is free and frequently updated, listing any restrictions that apply in your area.
Read more: Drought alerts raised in France: how can you see if you are impacted?
Also note that if you make too much noise in your pool, neighbours may complain, and you risk a €68 fine.
