With temperatures already soaring across Spain, homeowners are increasingly searching for affordable ways to cool off without spending tens of thousands of euros on a traditional swimming pool.
One option attracting attention online is a compact prefabricated pool that can be installed above ground and costs less than €2,000.
The ‘Pedro Abad’ model, manufactured in Spain and available at Leroy Merlin, is currently being sold for €1,900 plus VAT.
It is designed to offer many of the benefits of a conventional pool without the need for major construction works.
Measuring just 3.15 metres by 2.40 metres and with a depth of 1.2 metres, the fibreglass pool includes integrated steps, a side lounging area, filtration connections and anti-slip features.
Unlike many inflatable or temporary summer pools, the sleek design is intended to become a permanent feature in a garden and can even be installed partially raised above ground level, creating a modern resort-style look.
Its relatively low price point is also turning heads.
By comparison, a traditional built-in swimming pool in Spain can easily cost €15,000 to €30,000 or more once excavation, construction, tiling and landscaping are factored in.
The €1,900 Pedro Abad pool sits at the budget end of Spain’s growing market for compact prefabricated pools.
At the other end of the scale is the Horizon TECH 3×2 mini pool, which starts from €9,680.
Designed to resemble a luxury built-in pool despite being fully above ground, the model measures three metres by two metres and is marketed as not requiring planning permission or a building licence.
Weighing just 480kg when empty, it is specifically aimed at terraces and small outdoor spaces and comes equipped with a heat pump and saltwater chlorination system.
For buyers looking for something even more eye-catching, the KITPOOL Miami from Leroy Merlin starts at €15,990.
The elevated steel pool features a panoramic glass viewing panel, integrated lighting for night-time swimming and an internal bench area.
The model is designed to create the appearance of a high-end resort pool while avoiding many of the costs associated with traditional in-ground construction.
But before rushing to order one, many homeowners are asking the same question: is it actually legal?
The answer depends largely on how and where the pool is installed.
According to Idealista, prefabricated pools that do not require construction work can often be installed without a building licence, particularly removable or raised models.
However, many town halls may still require a ‘declaracion responsable’, which is a formal notification confirming the installation complies with local regulations.
The situation changes if excavation work is required.
If homeowners need to dig into the ground, alter the terrain or carry out building works to install the pool, planning permission will generally be required.
Requirements can vary significantly between municipalities, meaning homeowners should always check with their local town hall before starting any work.
Experts also warn that installing pools on terraces or rooftop spaces presents additional challenges.
In those cases, the weight of both the water and bathers must be assessed carefully to ensure the building’s structure can safely support the load.
Professional technical advice is strongly recommended before installing any pool on an elevated structure.
