0.13 (+0.7%)
Tornar Concrete swimming pools remain the most popular choice in Spain for bespoke, highly durable constructions, accounting for around 60% of private pools built. Their ability to adapt to any shape, superior structural strength and decades-long durability make them an investment that increases property value by 10–20%.
This comprehensive guide explores everything from traditional construction methods to the latest innovations in precast concrete systems, comparing costs, timelines and advantages against other materials. Whether you’re planning a residential pool in your garden or a commercial project for a hotel or wellness centre, understanding the available options will help you make the best decision.
Contacte
TancarWhat are concrete swimming pools and why choose them?
Concrete swimming pools are permanent structures built on-site or using prefabricated reinforced concrete panels, offering maximum customisation in terms of shape, size and finishes. Unlike prefabricated polyester or above-ground pools, concrete is built specifically for each project, adapting to complex terrain and particular requirements.
Why are they still popular? Their exceptional durability of 40–50 years with proper maintenance, total customisation (any shape, from rectangular to natural organic forms), and superior structural strength for sloping or uneven terrain make them the preferred choice when seeking a permanent, high-quality solution.
Concrete has been the standard material in pool construction since the 1960s, evolving continuously from traditional casting methods to prefabricated systems that reduce construction times and improve precision.
What types of concrete swimming pools are there?
Not all concrete swimming pools are built the same way. There are four main methods, each with specific advantages depending on budget, timeframes and the type of project.
Traditional concrete (in-situ casting with formwork)
The most traditional method: excavation, timber or metal formwork, concrete pouring, 7–14 days’ curing, waterproofing and finishing. It offers complete adaptability to any shape (including complex geometries or natural-style pools) and maximum structural strength, ideal for uneven ground.
Disadvantages: Longer timeframe (8–15 weeks from excavation to completion), labour-intensive, and weather-dependent (cannot be built in extreme temperatures <5°C or >35°C).
When to choose it: Projects with unique shapes, a generous budget, and no time pressure.
Approximate cost: €18,000–€35,000 for an 8x4m pool, €160,000–€330,000 for a 25x12m pool
Sprayed concrete (shotcrete)
Pneumatic application of high-pressure concrete onto steel reinforcement. Advantages: rapid application (1–3 days vs weeks of casting), adaptation to complex shapes (infinity pools, organic shapes), and higher concrete density (less porosity).
When to choose this: Projects with complex shapes, difficult or rocky terrain, or when maximum strength is required.
Approximate cost: €20,000–€40,000 for an 8x4m pool, €180,000–€380,000 for a 25x12m pool
Concrete blocks
Construction of walls using prefabricated blocks on a concrete base, followed by internal filling and waterproofing. Advantages: faster construction than traditional casting (walls erected in 3–6 days), lower initial cost, more accessible in remote areas.
Disadvantages: Limited shapes (mainly rectangular), more joints = greater risk of leaks if not properly waterproofed.
When to choose this: Tight budget, simple shapes.
Approximate cost: €15,000–€28,000 for an 8x4m pool, €130,000–€260,000 for a 25x12m pool
Comparison of construction methods
Method | Duration | Cost 8x4m | Cost 25x12m | Customisation | Best for |
Traditional casting | 8–15 weeks | €18–35K | €160–330K | Total | Custom shapes, residential |
Sprayed/shotcrete | 8–12 weeks | €20–40,000 | €180–380k | Total | Complex shapes, difficult terrain |
Concrete blocks | 6–12 weeks | €15–28k | €130–260K | Limited | Tight budget |
How much does a concrete swimming pool cost?
Costs vary significantly depending on the region, size, finishes and complexity. Approximate price ranges by size (traditional concrete):
- Small pool (8x4m): €18,000 – €35,000
- Medium-sized pool (10x5m): €30,000 – €55,000
- Olympic-sized pool (50x25m commercial): €160,000 – €500,000+
Factors that increase the cost:
- Overflow/infinity pool: +20–30%
- Heating/cooling system: +€8,000 – €20,000
- Premium finishes (mosaic tiles vs porcelain tiles vs natural stone): €3,000 – €15,000
- Underwater LED lighting: €1,500 – €5,000
- Automatic cover: +€5,000–€15,000
Additional costs to consider: Planning permission (€300–€1,500), electrical connections (€1,500–€3,000), landscaping around the pool (€2,000–€10,000).
How long does it take to build a concrete swimming pool?
Timeline by construction method:
- Traditional concrete: 8–15 weeks
- Shotcrete: 8–12 weeks
- Concrete blocks: 6–12 weeks
Breakdown of traditional construction phases:
- Excavation and levelling: 3–6 days
- Formwork and reinforcement: 5–8 days
- Concrete pouring: 1–3 days
- Concrete curing: 7–14 days (critical — do not skip)
- Waterproofing: 3–6 days
- Plumbing/electrical work: 5–8 days
- Tiling (ceramic/liner): 5–12 days
- Filling and commissioning: 2–4 days
Factors that extend timelines: Adverse weather conditions, rocky ground, mid-project design changes.
How is a concrete swimming pool built, step by step?
Phase 1: Design and permits (1–4 weeks): Technical design, application for planning permission, geotechnical survey of the site.
Phase 2: Excavation (3–6 days): Marking out the perimeter, mechanical excavation, levelling and compaction.
Phase 3: Concrete structure (2–4 weeks): Installation of reinforcement (8–12 mm corrugated steel bars), formwork assembly, concrete pouring (minimum strength 250 kg/cm²), vibrating to remove air bubbles, critical curing period of 7–14 days.
Phase 4: Waterproofing (3–6 days): Application of waterproofing mortar in 2–3 layers, watertightness test.
Phase 5: Installations (1 week): Plumbing (skimmers, nozzles, drains), electrical work (lighting, electrical panel), installation of the filtration system.
Phase 6: Tiling and finishes (1–3 weeks): Gresite (traditional glass mosaic), PVC liner (economy, smooth), or porcelain (premium). Coping with natural stone, wood or ceramic.
Stage 7: Filling (2–3 days): Gradual filling, chemical balancing (pH 7.2–7.6, chlorine 1–3 ppm), system checks.
What maintenance does a concrete swimming pool require?
Weekly maintenance: Check water parameters (pH, chlorine, alkalinity), clean the surface and skimmer, brush the walls (to prevent algae), clean the filter.
Monthly maintenance: Full water analysis, deep filter cleaning, chemical check, visual inspection of the lining.
Annual maintenance: Change filter sand every 2–4 years (€100–300), check the filtration system (€150–300), intensive anti-algae treatment (€50–100), structural inspection (€200–500).
Long-term maintenance: Tiling replacement every 10–15 years (€3,000–8,000), PVC liner replacement every 8–12 years (€2,000–5,000).
Total annual cost: €800–€1,500 (residential) | €2,000–€5,000+ (commercial).
Chemical automation systems (salt chlorinators, automatic dosing systems) reduce manual maintenance by 70% and chemical costs by 30–40%.
Advantages and disadvantages of concrete pools
Advantages:
- Exceptional durability (40–50 years)
- Complete customisation of shape, size and finishes
- Increased property value (10–20%)
- Ideal structural strength for challenging terrain
- Versatile finishes (mosaic tiles, porcelain tiles, natural stone)
- Seamless integration into the landscape (infinity edges, integrated beaches)
- Repairable without replacing the entire structure
Disadvantages:
- High initial investment (€18,000–€35,000+)
- Long construction time (8–15 weeks)
- Weather-dependent during construction
- Rough surface (traditional mosaic tiles less comfortable than gelcoat)
- Higher chemical consumption (porous surface)
- Repairs require specialist professionals
Concrete pools for hotels, sports centres and wellness centres
Concrete dominates the commercial sector due to its durability under intensive use (300–500 bathers per day), compliance with strict regulations and versatility for infinity pools with views or therapeutic pools in spas.
Specific applications:
- Resort hotels: Infinity pools with panoramic views
- Wellness spas: Therapeutic pools, hydrothermal circuits
- Sports centres: Certified 25m/50m competition pools
- Campsites/resorts: Natural pools integrated into the landscape
Commercial considerations: Oversized filtration systems, 24/7 water treatment with full automation, non-slip finishes, compliance with accessibility regulations.
Fluidra offers comprehensive solutions for commercial swimming pools, from design to maintenance, with professional technology and water treatment systems.
Choose the right concrete pool for your project
Concrete swimming pools offer four main construction methods: traditional in-situ casting, sprayed concrete and precast blocks. There is no perfect method — the best choice depends on budget (€15,000–€500,000), timeframes (4–15 weeks), level of customisation and type of project (residential vs commercial).
From bespoke residential pools to high-performance commercial projects, Fluidra offers comprehensive design, construction and maintenance solutions tailored to every need.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a concrete swimming pool last?
With proper maintenance, concrete swimming pools last 40–50 years. The structural shell can last even longer, whilst the lining (tiles, liner) requires renewal every 10–15 years. This durability is far superior to that of polyester pools (20–25 years) or inflatable pools (5–10 years).
Which is better: a concrete or polyester pool?
It depends on your priorities. Concrete offers superior durability (40–50 years vs 20–25), complete customisation, and higher resale value (+10–20% vs +8–12%). Polyester stands out for its speed of installation (1–4 weeks vs 8–15), lower initial cost (€12–25K vs €18–35K for 8x4m), and simpler maintenance. Choose concrete for long-term projects and custom shapes; polyester for a tight budget and urgency.
How long does it take to build a concrete swimming pool?
Timeframes by method: traditional concrete 8–15 weeks, sprayed concrete 8–12 weeks, blocks 6–12 weeks. Factors that cause delays: adverse weather, rocky ground, peak summer season. Best times of year: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October).
What type of concrete is used for swimming pools?
Reinforced concrete with a minimum strength of 250 kg/cm² (preferably 300 kg/cm²) is used. Corrugated steel reinforcement (8–12 mm diameter) provides structural strength. Shotcrete achieves a higher density (lower porosity) than traditional cast concrete. a.
*All prices and timeline estimates given in this article are indicative projections and may vary depending on the type of project and swimming pool.