More and more people dream of having a pool in their garden: once considered an exclusive luxury, today it is also seen as an investment in daily comfort and in the value of the home. However, building one involves a series of choices—technical, aesthetic, and economic—that are good to know in advance.

Types of in-ground pools

In the Italian context, there are several construction technologies for building in-ground pools. The three most common are:

• Reinforced concrete pools, which represent the most durable, long-lasting, and fully customizable solution; you can choose dimensions, depth, coatings, and shape, but they are also the most expensive.
• Prefabricated fiberglass pools, made in a single block and lowered into the ground. They have the advantage of reduced installation times but a more limited range of shapes.
• Modular steel panel pools that offer a good compromise between solidity, versatility, and price, with fairly quick construction times.

Alongside these is a growing attention to finishing materials: in addition to the classic glass mosaic or porcelain stoneware, travertine and marble coatings are becoming increasingly popular, particularly loved for their aesthetic impact and their ability to blend with natural landscapes or classic architectural contexts. These materials add elegance and uniqueness, but also higher cost and greater maintenance.

How much does a pool really cost?

The final price of an in-ground pool depends on multiple factors: construction technology, dimensions, type of terrain, site accessibility, materials, accessories, and finishes. Indicatively, here are the price ranges for the different solutions: let’s say it ranges from 25,000 euros up to a maximum of 100,000 euros, depending on customizations and coating.

To these costs are added:

• Excavation and earthmoving: from 2,000 to 6,000 euros, but up to 10,000 euros if the terrain is difficult to manage or if mechanical removal is necessary.
• Permits and building practices: in Italy, a SCIA or a building permit is almost always necessary, with costs ranging from 500 to 2,000 euros, plus any technical consultations.
• Accessories and systems: filtration systems, underwater lighting, cleaning robots, automatic covers, or heating can add from 5,000 to 20,000 euros to the overall cost.
• Finishes and landscaping: natural stone paving, wooden decking, ornamental greenery, and outdoor furniture can impact up to 30,000 euros or more.
• Finally, annual management costs must be considered, ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 euros depending on size, technology, and frequency of use.

Pool trends 2025: what’s in vogue

Those who decide to build a pool today also look to the future. The trends of 2025 speak of pools that better integrate with the environment, are technologically advanced, sustainable, and meticulously aesthetically detailed.
Among the strongest trends:

• Clean geometric shapes that favor sharp rectangles or sinuous curves inspired by nature.
• Coatings in natural materials, such as travertine and marble, that transform the pool into an elegant extension of the home.
• Smart technology: systems to remotely control temperature, lighting, cleaning, and covering via app.
• Wellness zones: pools with whirlpool areas, cervical jets, submerged loungers are increasingly in demand.
• Infinity edges and infinity pools, which eliminate the visual separation between the water and the surrounding landscape, especially in panoramic settings.

Is it really worth it?

From a real estate perspective, a pool can increase the value of a property, especially in prestigious tourist or residential locations; however, costs and maintenance burdens must be considered: building an in-ground pool is a choice that must stem from a real desire to enjoy it and a well-planned project, respectful of the environment and attentive to design.

Photo credits: yourhomeandgarden.com – maisonlyinteriordesign.com