PLANNING REQUIREMENTS
In-ground swimming pools
A Building Licence will be required for the construction of an ‘in ground’ swimming pool.
You should appoint an Architect/Engineer to prepare the necessary plans and structural calculations for submission to the local authority. These costs vary, but are typically between €3,500 and €5,000 including their professional fees, but excluding FPA/VAT.
Constructing a swimming pool without the requisite Building Licence will render your property ‘illegal’ if and when you decide to sell, and the cost of retrospective legalization can be significant.
Above ground swimming pools
Our understanding is that above ground ‘prefabricated’ or ‘compact’ swimming pools do not require a full Building Licence, and can be constructed under a ‘Small Scale Works Licence’.
You will still need to appoint an Architect/Engineer to prepare the necessary plans and structural calculations for submission to the local authority, and these cost should not exceed €1,000.00 (excluding FPA/VAT).