Can I Put a Pool Next to My House

Yes, in many cases you can put a swimming pool next to your house in the UK, but you must consider planning regulations, building control requirements, and site-specific conditions before proceeding. Whether it is an outdoor in-ground pool, an above-ground structure or an indoor pool extension, the feasibility depends on your property's location, the size of the pool and how close it is to neighbouring boundaries and buildings.

While many domestic pools fall under permitted development rights, there are restrictions to be aware of. You must also think about drainage, safety, ground conditions and potential impact on property value and insurance.

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Pool?

For most private homeowners, building an outdoor swimming pool within your garden can be done under permitted development rights, meaning you do not need to apply for full planning permission. This applies as long as the pool does not take up more than 50 percent of the garden area, is not forward of the principal elevation and is not in a conservation area, National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

If your house is listed or you live in one of these protected zones, you are likely to need planning permission even for relatively minor works. Also, if the proposed pool is particularly large, deep or close to a boundary, your local planning authority may require you to submit an application.

If the pool is part of a larger extension or enclosure, such as a pool house or covered building, then full planning permission is usually required. This is especially the case if the structure affects neighbouring privacy, light or access.

How Close Can a Pool Be to the House?

There are no set national rules that prevent you from placing a pool close to your house, but building control regulations and practical site constraints must be considered. You will need to ensure that the pool does not affect the foundations of your house, particularly if excavation is required. In some cases, a structural engineer’s input is needed to confirm that the ground conditions and proximity to your home’s foundations are safe.

Your pool should be sited to avoid causing damp, erosion or water ingress issues. It should also be designed with proper drainage to ensure surface and overflow water flows away from your property and not towards the foundations.

What About Building Regulations?

Although outdoor pools typically do not require Building Regulations approval, if you install electrical equipment such as lighting or pumps, the electrical work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. This work must be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme.

Indoor pools, or pool buildings that contain heating, plumbing or changing facilities, are more likely to fall under building control. Any significant structure will need to comply with Part A (structure), Part B (fire safety), Part L (energy efficiency) and Part M (access) of the Building Regulations, among others.

Environmental and Drainage Considerations

Drainage is a key consideration when installing a pool. Water from the pool must be managed properly to avoid overloading your garden, harming foundations or affecting neighbours. If you plan to discharge water into the public sewer system, you may need consent from your local water authority.

You should also consider trees and root protection areas. Installing a pool near mature trees may require a tree survey and careful root protection measures to avoid breaching planning conditions or damaging tree health.

Impact on Property and Insurance

Adding a pool to your property may increase its value in some cases, but not always. In the UK’s mild climate, pools can sometimes be seen as a maintenance burden rather than a luxury. It can also affect how attractive your property is to future buyers, particularly if the pool reduces garden space or raises safety concerns for families with young children.

Installing a pool will affect your home insurance. You must inform your insurer and may need specialist cover for liability, maintenance, accidents and structural damage. Failure to declare the pool could invalidate your policy.

Do You Need to Inform the Council or Neighbours?

Even if planning permission is not required, it is courteous to inform your neighbours about your plans, especially if the build involves heavy machinery or prolonged construction noise. If your pool is close to a boundary, local planning officers may need to assess it under neighbour consultation or environmental health rules, particularly if you plan to heat the pool or add lighting.

If you live in a leasehold property or in a housing estate with restrictive covenants, you may need to check with your freeholder or management company before proceeding.

Conclusion

You can usually install a pool next to your house in the UK under permitted development, provided it meets planning and safety criteria. The key considerations include proximity to your home’s foundations, impact on drainage, compliance with Building Regulations for electrics or structures, and potential insurance changes. Always check with your local authority before starting work and involve professionals to ensure the pool is safe, compliant and well-integrated into your property.