Small plot, sloping ground… Can you build a swimming pool anywhere?

Do you dream of having a swimming pool at home, but feel that your land doesn’t meet the usual criteria for such an installation? Think again!

You can make your pool project a reality, whatever the characteristics of your plot of land.
Whether it’s small, on a slope, or even classified as unbuildable, there are solutions to suit every situation.

Follow the guide!

Mini-pools: the solution for enjoying a pool on a small plot of land

If you thought having a large, flat plot of land was a prerequisite for owning your own swimming pool, let us prove you wrong.

The mini-pool: the solution for a small plot of land!

If you have limited outdoor space, it may be difficult to envisage the installation of ainstallation of a shell pool.
Rassurez-vous, il existe des solutions pour pouvoir bénéficier d’une in-ground pool on a small plot.  In fact, it is now possible to design pool shells smaller than 10 m²: these are known as mini-pools. This type of pool has many advantages:

– It’s the perfect option for small spaces.
With dimensions ranging from 4.30 m long to 2.30 m wide and 1.50 m deep, the mini-pool can be optimally integrated into small plots of land;– The small size of these swimming pool models means that there is no need for time-consuming administrative procedures;

– One of the other advantages, and not the least, is cost. A small pool will cost less than an in-ground pool classic, in terms of total budget.
Not only is the price of the pool itself lower, but also the cost of maintenance products.

What regulations apply to mini-pools?

As mentioned above, the installation of a mini-pool (whether semi- or fully in-ground) requires no administrative formalities.
You don’t need a building permit, nor do you need to file a preliminary construction declaration with your local town hall.

If you choose this option, you’ll still need to pay close attention to the planning regulations in force in your commune, and make sure you’re in agreement with the Local Town Planning Scheme (PLU) from home.

Is it possible to build a swimming pool on a sloping site?

It is perfectly possible to install a on sloping ground ! However, this requires ground preparation to ensure a solid, long-lasting installation. Several solutions are available:– Rip-rap This method involves creating an embankment or rock wall to stabilize the soil and prevent slippage.
In addition to the safety it offers your pool, riprap adds a natural aesthetic touch to your outdoor space.

– The use of a retaining wall This sturdy, reliable solution consists of surrounding the pool with a brick or concrete wall to support the weight of the surrounding terrain.– The gabions These metal cages filled with stones form an effective wall to support the ground without the risk of breaking.– Wood decking for above-ground pools and semi-sunken pools Wooden decking: laid out around the pool, the deck can be used as a beach during bathing days.
Wood, renowned for its natural aesthetic appeal, pleasant feel and ease of maintenance, is ideal for creating a natural ambience.

A sloping site also offers the opportunity to create original pools such as the overflow poolsThese include pools with sloping bottoms on a gentle slope, and natural pools.

Questions to ask before building your pool

As you begin your shell pool projectit is important to first ask yourself whether your compatible with the construction of a swimming pool.

Is my land suitable for swimming pools?

A poolable land corresponds to a constructible zone whose surface allows for the a swimming pool with a depth of at least 130 cm.  To be eligible, a plot of land must meet several criteria:

– The nature of the soil (flat, sloping or hilly) and its composition (clay, sand, rock) are all important factors to consider.
This will have a major impact on the feasibility and cost of the project.
Stable, well-drained soil is ideal, and will be less costly than sloping ground, for example;

– The proximity of underground networks must also be taken into account.
To be eligible for construction, a plot of land must not contain an underground network liable to flooding;

– Site accessibility is another criterion to be taken into account.
Digging a pool without direct access can complicate the passage of machinery and compromise the feasibility of the project;

– The planning zone in which your plot of land is located also determines whether or not it is suitable for swimming pools.
By consulting the Your local PLU that you will know in which zone your land is located, whether it can be built on or not.

What administrative procedures need to be carried out before the project begins?

Once you’ve determined whether your land is suitable for a swimming pool, the next step is to start the administrative process.

The steps to take depend on the size of your company. in-ground pool :

– If the surface area of the pool is less than 100 m² and the height of the walls does not exceed 60 cm, a simple prior declaration of work submitted to your town hall is sufficient;

– If the pool area exceeds 100 m² or the walls exceed 60 cm, you will need planning permission.

There are also specific cases (heritage perimeter, protected area, etc.) which require owners to apply to the relevant authorities for special authorization.

Is it possible to build a swimming pool on land that cannot be built on?

The question of building a swimming pool on land that cannot be built on may seem complex, but solutions do exist.  You have three options for carrying out your project to build a swimming pool on land that cannot be built on: – Request a modification or revision of the PLU Requesting a modification or revision of the Plan Local d’Urbanisme is often the preferred route for obtaining authorization to build a swimming pool on such land.
This involves submitting a well-founded application to the town hall, demonstrating that your project will not have a negative impact on the environment or the town’s development plans.

– Obtaining authorization: another option is to prove that the pool is an extension to your home.
To do this, you’ll need to provide solid plans and estimates to back up your claim.

– Obtaining a derogation from the town hall: you can also request a derogation from the town hall, based on the fact that your project complies with the current Town Planning Code.
The local planning department will examine your request, and if it is granted, you can proceed with the construction of your pool.

If, despite all these steps, it proves impossible to build your swimming pool on your non-buildable land, you still have the option of choosing an above-ground poolprovided certain criteria are met.  Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the relevant authorities to ensure that your pool project is a success, even if the terrain is not suitable.