Those of you who have started looking will know, and those who are about to look will find out, that your choice nowadays is unbelievable. That choice may depend on various criteria such as your budget, use of the pool, available space, number of pool users, filter type, sanitation and security. 

The following are some examples of the types of pool available: 

Above-Ground Pools 

These range from the inflatable and plastic frame models which can be purchased in supermarkets or online for around €100 to €500, through to the more robust metal and wood-framed pools ranging from €2,000 to €12,000. The quality of the cheap ones is questionable but in the end you get what you pay for. If it’s only to last a season, then why not? 

However, most of the filtration units supplied with budget pools are only just good enough to cope with the size of the pool and as they are above ground the water tends to be warmer. Warmer water is more susceptible to algae growth so keeping the water chemically balanced is more critical. 

Only in-ground pools or partially in-ground pools are covered by the security laws in France. So if you are looking for a cheap way to cool off then this may be your best option. 

Planning requirements depend on the size and how long the pool stays up. Above-ground pools under 10m² generally need no declaration. Pools between 10m² and 100m² that remain in place for more than three months require a déclaration préalable de travaux. As always, it’s worth checking with your local mairie if you’re unsure. 

Fibreglass or Monobloc (Coque) Pools

These range from around €15,000 to €30,000 depending on size and specification. You will need to make sure that the transport cost and the associated lifting equipment (often a crane) are included, as this will bump the price up considerably. Installation can be DIY or by a professional. Some companies offer a day with an installer included in the cost. 

The size of these pools is dictated by road transportation restrictions so they tend to be limited to around 3.5m–4.5m wide and up to about 10m–11m long. Any kind of filter can be used on these pools. 

A déclaration préalable de travaux (prior works declaration) is required for pools between 10m² and 100m². Pools over 100m² require a full permis de construire. Security legislation applies to all in-ground pools. 

Concrete Pre-cast Pools 

The same points as for block and liner concrete pools apply to pre-cast pools, but they have the added challenge of having to be transported, ensure that the price includes transport and lifting. 

Panel (Section) Pools 

These pools can be constructed from galvanised steel, aluminium, resin, composite, polystyrene, or even wood panels. They are assembled on-site and then fitted with a liner, making them one of the most popular choices in France. Planning permission and security compliance is needed for these pools. 

For all of the above in-ground pools, you will also have to consider the following: 

Filtration 

Sand 

The most commonly used filter medium. Filters to 30–40 microns (or finer with glass media, see below). Needs a pump house or local technique to house the filter dome and pump, which can add to the cost. Some départements in France insist that the backwash water must go into a separate tank or soakaway rather than into the mains drainage, which will further increase the cost. 

Glass Media 

Increasingly popular as a replacement for sand, glass filter media (such as recycled glass granules) filters to around 15 microns, significantly finer than sand, and lasts longer before needing replacement. It can be used in a standard sand filter without modification, making it a straightforward upgrade. 

Zeolite High-Filtration Media 

Can be used instead of sand to give a finer filtration of around three microns. More expensive than sand but worth it for those who want the cleanest possible water. 

Cartridges 

Filter to 10–15 microns. Often housed behind the stepladders or in a compact unit together with the pump. When used in a hanging unit over the side of the pool, there is no need for a separate pump house. Easy to clean with a hose pipe, so there is no problem with separate tanks to take waste water. 

Diatomaceous Earth Powder (DE) – the finest of all filter mediums 

Filters to around two microns. About the same cost as a sand filter. Needs to be housed. Needs regular recharge with fresh powder. Less commonly used in France than sand or cartridge systems, but favoured by those who want the very best water clarity. 

Sanitation 

Chlorine 

The most commonly used and widely available sanitiser and the cheapest option to purchase and maintain. Can cause skin and eye irritation in some people, so those with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema should seek medical advice. 

Salt (Électrolyse au Sel) 

An electrolyser liberates chlorine from a salt solution to sanitise the water. The result is a gentler, less chemically harsh swimming experience than traditional chlorine dosing. Needs to be fitted in-line with the filter. Units typically cost between €1,000 and €2,500 depending on pool volume and specification. The salt cell will need replacing every 3–5 years. 

Ultra-Violet (UV) 

Uses ultra-violet light to sanitise the water, significantly reducing the amount of chemical sanitiser needed (though a small residual of chlorine or other sanitiser is still required). Units cost from around €500 to €2,500 depending on the system. 

Active Oxygen (Oxygène Actif) 

A chlorine-free alternative that uses hydrogen peroxide or granules to sanitise the water. Popular with those who want to avoid chlorine altogether. Generally more expensive to maintain and requires more careful monitoring of water balance. Best suited to smaller pools or pools that are not heavily used. 

Automatic Dosers 

Automatically monitor the pH and sanitiser level and adjust accordingly. Very efficient use of chemicals and takes a lot of the guesswork out of pool maintenance. Can be expensive (from €1,500 to €4,000 depending on the system). 

Don’t Forget: Tax, Security, and Planning 

Remember that any in-ground or semi in-ground pool must comply with French security law (one of the four AFNOR-approved devices: barrier, alarm, cover, or enclosure). The fine for non-compliance is €45,000. You must also declare your pool to the tax authorities within 90 days of completion, as it will affect your taxe foncière. For planning permission requirements, pools between 10m² and 100m² need a déclaration préalable, and pools over 100m² need a full permis de construire. 

A good pool company will give free advice on all of the above. They will also deal with the planning application for you, often within the cost of the pool.