Above-ground and in-ground mini pools

Mini pools are all the rage. They're the ideal solution when you're dreaming of having a pool but have major space constraints. In towns and cities, or in areas where every square metre counts, these little aquatic wonders are a clever and elegant alternative. As well as fitting into small gardens, these small pools offer a variety of designs and features, allowing you to create a personalised relaxation area.

Advantages of mini pools

Optimising space

Mini pools are designed to maximise the use of limited space. Unlike traditional pools, they fit easily into small gardens, courtyards or terraces. Their compact size means they can be set up intelligently, using lost corners or narrow areas to create a water feature without sacrificing the rest of the garden.

Aesthetics and customisation

When it comes to design, mini pools offer a multitude of possibilities. They can be customised to match the style of your home and garden.

From mosaic tiles to natural wood finishes, and a variety of shapes such as square, round or rectangular, each mini pool can be unique.

The integration of decorative elements such as waterfalls, water jets or LED lighting creates an ambience that is both aesthetically pleasing and relaxing.

Easy maintenance for your mini pool

One of the main advantages of mini-pools is their simplified maintenance. Compared with traditional pools, they require fewer chemicals and less cleaning time.

The smaller water surface area of these small pools means less debris to filter and easier management of water quality. The filtration systems often included in mini-pool installations are efficient and require little maintenance.

Maintenance costs are reduced, while providing clean, clear water throughout the season.

Easy installation

Installing a mini pool is quicker than installing a conventional pool. Mini pools can be installed in just a few days, compared with several weeks for a traditional pool.

This speed is due to their small size and the simplicity of the earthworks required. What's more, mini above-ground or semi-underground pools can often be installed without the need for planning permission, further simplifying the process.

The different types of mini pools

Mini above-ground pools

Advantages and disadvantages

Mini above-ground pools are easy to install and affordable.

They do not require any major earthworks, which considerably reduces the time and expense involved in installing them.

They can be moved or dismantled as required, offering great flexibility.

However, they can sometimes be perceived as less aesthetically pleasing than in-ground pools, and their integration into the landscape often requires additional work to harmonise their appearance with the rest of the garden.

Materials available

Mini steel pools: steel pools are robust and durable, able to withstand the elements and wear and tear. They offer a solid structure, but may require maintenance to prevent corrosion.

Wooden mini-pools: appreciated for their natural aesthetic appeal, wooden pools blend harmoniously into outdoor environments. They require regular maintenance to preserve their beauty and integrity.

Mini pools in composite materials: composite materials combine durability with low maintenance. They stand up well to the elements and are available in a variety of finishes and colours, offering a wide range of aesthetic options.

In-ground mini pools

Installing the mini pool

Installing an in-ground mini-pool requires earthworks to dig the planned site. Once the hole has been prepared, the pool structure is installed, followed by the filtration and water circulation systems.

Finishing touches, such as coping stones and pool decks, are then added to complete the installation. The process is more time-consuming and costly than for an above-ground pool, but the end result is more aesthetically integrated and durable.

Material options

Mini concrete swimming pool Concrete: concrete is a versatile, durable material that allows you to fully customise the shape and size of your pool. It is highly resistant and can be finished with a variety of coatings, such as tiles or liner.

Mini swimming pool in polyester shell Our polyester shell pools are prefabricated and delivered in a single piece, which simplifies and speeds up the installation process. They are available in different shapes and sizes. Their smooth surface makes them easy to maintain.

Semi-underground mini pools

Aesthetic and practical benefits

Mini in-ground pools combine the advantages of above-ground and in-ground pools.

They are partially embedded in the ground, offering better aesthetic integration while requiring less earthworks than fully in-ground pools.

This configuration also allows greater flexibility in terms of design. It offers creative solutions for sloping ground or spaces with topographical constraints.

Finally, semi-underground mini-pools are more accessible. They make it easier to get in and out of the water, making them ideal for families with children or people with reduced mobility.

Prices and charges for mini pools

Purchase and installation costs

The purchase and installation of a mini pool represents a high investment, but this can vary depending on the type of pool chosen.

Cost comparison between different types of mini pools

• Mini above-ground pools These are generally the most affordable. The cost can vary between €1,000 and €5,000, depending on the materials and equipment included.
• In-ground mini pools More expensive because of the earthworks and materials used, with prices ranging from €10,000 to €30,000.
• Semi-underground mini pools They offer a compromise in terms of cost, with prices ranging from €5,000 to €15,000, depending on depth and materials.

Find out more about all-inclusive price of a swimming pool in our dedicated section.

Maintenance costs

Regular maintenance of a mini-pool guarantees clean, safe water. Maintenance costs vary according to the size of the pool and the equipment used.

Products and equipment required

• Chemical products chlorine, bromine, pH+, pH- and other water balancing products. These products are essential for maintaining water quality.
• Cleaning equipment pool hoovers, skimmers and brushes. These tools help keep the pool clean by removing debris and algae.

Frequency and cost of maintenance operations

• Weekly maintenance These include checking and adjusting chemical levels, and cleaning the water surface and walls. The monthly cost of chemicals can vary between €20 and €50.

Energy cost of a mini pool

It's well known that swimming pool heating and filtration systems can consume a lot of electricity. This represents a significant proportion of the annual budget.

Electricity consumption of filtration and heating systems

Heating system The cost of heating depends on the type of heating used (electric, solar, heat pump) and the frequency of use. On average, an electric heating system can add between €50 and €100 a month to the energy bill, depending on the size of the pool and the desired temperature.

Filtration system Power consumption: a filtration system needs to run for several hours a day to keep the water clean. The average electricity consumption of a filtration pump is around 1 to 2 kWh per day, which can represent a monthly cost of 10 to 20 euros.