Your perfect pool awaits - Which pool type suits you?
For many people, having their own pool is part of their quality of life, and for good reason. Whether you are looking for a refreshing dip on hot summer days, want to work out regularly or prefer an idyllic retreat in your own garden: a pool noticeably enhances your outdoor area and creates new opportunities for relaxation and wellness every day.
However, before you start planning, there is one key question: what type of pool really suits you, your garden and your requirements in terms of maintenance, costs and sustainability?
The good news is that there is a suitable solution for almost every wish and every garden. In this overview, you will find the seven most important pool types with their advantages, special features, requirements and strong partners to help you implement them.
The 7 most important pool types at a glance
In-ground pools – classic and durable
Perfect for long-term planning, high demands and permanent installation
In-ground pools are firmly anchored in the ground, usually with concrete, fiberglass or stainless steel. They are considered a classic solution and offer the maximum in terms of appearance and functionality. A professional pool builder and correct installation are essential here.
Advantages
- Very long service life of twenty to forty years depending on the material
- Individual shapes and sizes possible
- High stability and harmonious integration into the garden
- Wide range of design options
Disadvantages
- Higher pool costs from around 30,000 euros, depending on equipment also 50,000 to 90,000 euros
- Approval usually required
- Complex installation by experienced specialist installers
- Permanent decision without dismantling option
Pool material options
- Concrete with foil: flexible and classic with low entry costs
- Fiberglass pools: prefabricated, durable and easy to clean
- Stainless steel: modern, high quality and minimal maintenance
Maintenance effort
GRP pools – fast and dimensionally stable with Carropools
Perfect for quick installation, clear shapes and limited space
GRP pools are made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. They are supplied as a finished pool and installed in one piece. They are robust, durable and available in many shapes. A strong partner is Carropools from Belgium, a manufacturer of high-quality prefabricated polypropylene pools.
Special features of Carropools
Carropools manufactures durable pools made of polypropylene copolymer with a very high quality finish. The design is fully thought through and combines aesthetics, stability and technology. Installation is quick: the pool is placed on the prepared foundation using a crane and the system can be put into operation after just a few days.
General advantages
- Very quick assembly
- Smooth and easy-care surface
- Wide variety of shapes
- Attractive price-performance ratio
- Sustainable production possible depending on supplier
Disadvantages
- Sizes are limited due to transportation
- Cracks possible with improper installation
- Less individual than concrete
Pool prices
Realistically from around 22,000 euros to 30,000 euros for simple designs.
With technology, installation and gardening work, usually 35,000 to 60,000 euros.
Maintenance effort
Moderate effort with easy-care surface material
Natural pools – sustainable and chemical-free
Perfect for nature-loving users and anyone who wants to avoid chemicals as much as possible
Natural pools filter the water biologically. A plant zone takes over the natural purification. The water remains clear, without conventional chlorine treatment. Natural pools are the modern version of the swimming pond.
Advantages
- No or minimal chemicals
- Ecologically valuable
- Very pleasant bathing experience
- Habitat for plants and insects
Disadvantages
- Larger area required
- Usually higher pool costs than simple standard pools
- Regular plant care
- Sometimes longer procedures for approvals
Pool prices
Realistically 40,000 euros to 80,000 euros, depending on size and design also significantly more.
Maintenance effort
Medium to high due to plant care and biological balance
Swimming ponds – pure nature
Perfect for large gardens, a close relationship with nature and low technical requirements
Swimming ponds are completely natural and do not require chlorine. A generous plant zone ensures water purification. Visually, they look like a pond and offer a special bathing experience.
Advantages
- Maximum naturalness
- Visual harmony in the garden
- Biotope for animals and plants
- Virtually chemical-free
- Very authentic swimming feeling
Disadvantages
- High care requirements
- Large space requirement
- Longer planning and approval
- Not useful in every garden
Pool prices
Realistically from 40,000 euros, often 60,000 to 120,000 euros.
Maintenance effort
High due to plant care, sediment removal and seasonal work
Stainless steel pools – modern and exclusive
Perfect for the highest demands, minimalist design and maximum hygiene
Stainless steel pools are considered a premium solution. The material is durable, elegant and easy to clean. They are particularly hygienic and radiate modernity.
Advantages
- Very long service life of fifty years and more
- Very hygienic
- Modern and timeless design
- Low use of chemicals possible
- Smooth and easy-care surface
Disadvantages
- Very high pool costs from around thirty thousand euros
- Only feasible with specialized experts
- Reflective depending on the incidence of sunlight
- Specific requirements for maintenance and cleaning
Pool prices
Realistic from 80,000 euros to 120,000 euros. Larger projects from 150,000 euros to 250,000 euros.
Maintenance effort
Low to medium, depending on the surface treatment
Infinity pools – strong appearance and ideal for slopes
Perfect for design lovers and properties with differences in level
Infinity pools create the illusion of a flowing water edge. The water drains over an open side, creating an impressive visual effect.
Advantages
- Very strong visual impression
- Ideal for modern pool design
- Perfect use of the topography
- Exclusive bathing experience
Disadvantages
- Technically sophisticated
- Pool costs usually from thirty thousand euros
- Complex water management
- Planning by experienced specialists required
Pool prices
Realistic from 60,000 euros, more likely 80,000 to 150,000 euros. Elaborate hillside locations from 150,000 euros to 250,000 euros.
Maintenance effort
High due to complex technology
Beach pools
Perfect for sustainable users, design enthusiasts and anyone who wants to use as few chemicals as possible
Beach pools combine salt water treatment with modern technology. This ensures very skin-friendly and virtually chemical-free bathing. The appearance can be designed in a classic or beach-like style.
Special features
The filter system works with natural salt water treatment and requires hardly any additives. It is energy-efficient, uses little care product and protects the environment. Many models can be flexibly designed, even as a DIY version.
Advantages
- Very low use of chemicals
- Particularly skin-friendly
- Energy-efficient system
- Low running costs
- High design freedom
- Self-assembly options possible
- Sustainable water treatment
- Can be used all year round if required
Disadvantages
- Still not very widespread
- Installation requires specialist knowledge
- Slightly higher entry costs
- Salt water requires resistant materials
- Longer delivery times in some cases
Pool prices
DIY kits 20,000 euros to 35,000 euros, professional assembly 40,000 euros to 65,000 euros, construction-intensive projects 70,000 euros to 100,000 euros
Maintenance effort
Low to medium with automated water treatment
Reinforced concrete pools with Capena
Special features
The Capena system consists of modular elements made from recycled polypropylene. These modules precisely define the shape of the pool and are then filled with steel and concrete. The result is a solid pool with a very high load-bearing capacity, stable water flow and clean geometry. The construction method is faster than conventional concrete formwork, more sustainable and reduces errors on the construction site. Even complex shapes or individual depths can be implemented precisely.
Advantages
- Very high stability and durability
- Suitable for individual shapes and sophisticated architecture
- Sustainable formwork elements from German production
- Precise and clean design thanks to modular elements
- Shorter construction times compared to classic concrete walls
- Flexible design of depth, stairs, lounge areas and technical zones
- Suitable for large projects, overflow systems and special shapes
Disadvantages
- Higher costs compared to simple prefabricated pools
- Expert planning and execution required
- Approval usually required
- Longer construction time than with GRP pools
Pool prices
- Simple design from around 40,000 euros
- Typical projects 50,000 euros to 90,000 euros
- Exclusive systems with overflow, tiles or special shapes 100,000 euros and more
Maintenance effort
Medium to high depending on the surface and technical equipment. Solid pools are very durable, but require regular maintenance of the water quality and the built-in technology.
Comparison of different pool types
Criterion | Built-in pool | Natural pool | Swimming pond | GRP pool | Beachpool | Stainless steel pool | Infinity Pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Initial budget | from 30,000 euros | from 40,000 euros | from 40,000 euros | from 22,000 euros | from 20,000 euros | from 80,000 euros | from 60,000 euros |
Service life | 20 to 40 years | 15 to 30 years | 15 to 30 years | 15 to 25 years | 20 to 30 years | 50 years and more | 25 to 40 years |
Maintenance effort | high | medium | high | medium | low to medium | low | high |
Chemicals required | Yes | no | no | Yes | minimal | minimal | Yes |
Authorization requirement | mostly yes | Yes | Yes | mostly yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Space requirement | medium | large | very large | medium | medium to large | medium | variable |
Salt water possible | Yes | no | no | possible | Yes | possible | possible |
Self-assembly possible | no | no | no | no | Yes | no |
There is no one best pool. Your goals, the characteristics of your garden and your available budget are decisive. If you know these factors, you will find exactly the type of pool that will give you long-term pleasure and suit your lifestyle.
Pool consulting by bluegardens
bluegardens connects you with experienced pool builders, architects and specialists in your region. Our partners are familiar with local regulations, provide advice on all pool types and support you with planning and implementation.
Your advantages
- Free and non-binding advice
- Mediation to certified pool builders
- Support with permits
- Transparent information on all costs
- Support beyond the installation
Which pool is the easiest to maintain
Stainless steel pools are considered very easy to clean because the smooth surface allows little soiling. Beach pools with modern saltwater technology also require little manual maintenance. GRP pools are in the middle range. Natural pools and swimming ponds require regular plant care and a stable biological balance.
Do I need a permit for a pool
Whether a pool requires a permit depends on the federal state, the amount of water and the location of the property. Many smaller pools do not require a permit. Larger systems, natural pools, infinity pools and special structural shapes often require a permit. A pool builder knows the regional requirements.
Can I build a pool myself
Some beach pools are offered as DIY kits. However, most built-in pools, stainless steel pools, natural pools and swimming ponds require specialist knowledge, professional tools and structural planning. For a lasting good result, construction by specialists is recommended.
How long does a pool last
The service life depends on the material. GRP pools usually last fifteen to twenty-five years. Concrete pools twenty to forty years. Stainless steel pools fifty years and more. Natural pools and swimming ponds fifteen to thirty years
What is a salt water pool and what are its advantages
A salt water pool purifies the water through natural salt water treatment. It requires significantly less maintenance products, is kind to the skin and has lower operating costs. The water quality is pleasant and very consistent.
Are beach pools really chemical-free
Beach pools require almost no additional care products as they are cleaned using salt water treatment. Minimal use of pH regulation or algae protection may be advisable.
Which type of pool is suitable for small gardens
Compact GRP pools, small stainless steel pools or mini in-ground pools are ideal for small areas. Precise planning allows functional pools to be integrated even in confined areas.
How much does a pool cost in total
The costs depend on the material, size and equipment. GRP pools from twenty-two thousand euros. Concrete pools from thirty thousand euros. Beach pools from twenty thousand euros. Stainless steel pools from eighty thousand euros. Infinity pools from sixty thousand euros
How useful is a pool enclosure
An enclosure extends the season, reduces maintenance, improves water quality and saves energy. It protects against leaves, dirt and heat loss.
How much ongoing maintenance is required
The cost depends on the type of pool. Stainless steel pools and beach pools little. GRP pools medium. Concrete pools higher. Natural pools and swimming ponds significantly higher
How long does it take to build a pool
A GRP pool can usually be used within a few days. Concrete pools take three to twelve weeks. Natural pools, swimming ponds, infinity pools and stainless steel pools require a longer construction phase.
Can I also use a pool in winter
With heating and a cover, a pool can be used all year round. Stainless steel pools and beach pools are particularly suitable for winter use.