Holiday homes with pool: Benefits, planning & tips
Renting a holiday home with a pool – advantages, planning & tips
Vacationers love booking holiday homes with a swimming pool — especially when the pool is located in a spacious and attractively landscaped garden. But what exactly are the advantages of having a pool? What should you consider when building one, and what is important when renting out a vacation home with a pool?
Advantages of a swimming pool – how your holiday home benefits
A swimming pool immediately increases the attractiveness of your holiday home. Families with children especially value a property with a garden swimming pool, as the bathing fun is right outside the front door — with privacy included.
If the pool is heated and usable in cooler months, that is another strong selling point. The added appeal is already visible in booking searches: holiday homes with a pool are clicked far more often than comparable properties without. You can take advantage of this higher demand and set your rental price higher thanks to this popular feature.
Plan, build or buy the right pool
If you want to make your holiday accommodation more attractive by retrofitting a swimming pool in the garden, a few points should be clarified in advance. Are there legal requirements or restrictions at your property’s location? Are you allowed to build a pool at all?
Once you know the official rules, budget plays a central role. It determines the size, style and equipment. Important questions include:
Where should the pool be located? A sunny spot away from trees is best.
What design do you prefer? Round, rectangular, or the elegant infinity pool?
Which material suits your project — fiberglass, stainless steel, or another?
Do you want a chlorine or saltwater pool?
Should it be usable in cooler months with a pool heater?
Will it be an indoor pool, which comes with its own specific requirements?
In addition, you will need basic equipment such as a skimmer, a pool pump, and good water circulation technology to keep the pool clean and functional.
Swimming pool in the garden: Design ideas
Building the pool is only the start. The surrounding area also makes a difference. Popular materials for pool surrounds include wood, tiles, and WPC (wood-plastic composite). Mosaic floors add an elegant touch and turn the pool into a real eye-catcher. Terracotta pots with colourful flowers bring Mediterranean flair, and a wide staircase entry feels more comfortable than a simple ladder.
Comfortable loungers, umbrellas, and lounge furniture create a true feel-good oasis. A garden shower is also highly recommended: guests can rinse off sunscreen, sweat, or salt water before and after swimming. If your property is aimed at families, think about a shallow non-swimmer area or a separate children’s pool. Lighting also plays a role — at night, spotlights can highlight the pool beautifully.
Pool maintenance – What to do
A well-maintained pool is essential, both for your guests and for the long-term value of your property. Basic cleaning usually takes place twice a year: in spring before the first use and in autumn after the season ends.
Before filling the pool, it should be thoroughly cleaned and checked for any damage. Choosing a location away from trees helps keep leaves and branches out of the water. A pool cover provides even more protection from debris, reducing the need for frequent skimming.
Regular maintenance of the pool pump and filter is necessary to keep the water clear. The pH level should be tested weekly, whether chlorine or salt water is used, to prevent scale build-up. Guests should also shower before swimming to avoid sunscreen residues affecting water quality — a small sign by the pool can help remind them.
Regulations around swimming pools
Safety is crucial when renting out a property with a pool.
Private swimming pool at a single house: Regularly test water quality and pH. Always cover the pool when not in use.
Community pools: Depending on the size, you may need to provide a non-swimmer area, children’s area, life rings, or facilities such as showers and outdoor toilets.
Rules differ by country:
In Austria, a building permit is required even for a small pool.
In France, fencing is mandatory.
In Germany, a lifeguard is required for pools over 1.6 metres deep.
In Great Britain, private swimming pool regulations in the UK require at least three meters between the pool and the house wall.
Always check the applicable local regulations carefully, as non-compliance can lead to high fines.
Swimming responsibly: Sustainable choices for holiday home pools
Owning a private pool is a luxury that can also be made more sustainable with thoughtful choices. In periods of drought, local rules may restrict filling or refilling pools, so it’s wise to plan ahead. Choosing a pool size that fits your real needs helps save both water and energy. Installing solar panels or using a green energy provider can reduce the environmental impact of heating your pool.
Water efficiency
Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation — this also helps keep the water cleaner.
Check regularly for leaks to avoid hidden water loss.
Install a backwash recycling system if you have a sand filter, so you don’t waste water during cleaning.
Energy efficiency
Use a variable-speed pump — these consume far less electricity than traditional single-speed pumps.
Optimize filtration schedules so the pump runs only as long as necessary.
Choose high-efficiency pool heaters if solar alone isn’t enough.
Chemicals and materials
Use saltwater chlorination or mineral systems to reduce the use of harsh chemicals.
Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products around the pool area.
Select durable, long-lasting pool materials that don’t require frequent replacement.
Landscaping and surroundings
Plant drought-resistant vegetation around the pool area to save water.
Provide natural shade (trees, pergolas) to reduce water evaporation and heat gain.
With these measures, you can enjoy your pool while caring for the planet.
Professional support from Interhome
Furnishing, maintaining, and renting a holiday home takes time and effort. With over 60 years of experience, Interhome offers the expertise and support to make your holiday rental stress-free and rewarding.
Depending on your needs, our services can include:
Personal advice on pool design and maintenance
Expert rental management and reliable monthly payments
Support with professional photos to showcase your property
Practical extras such as cots or highchairs on request
Local service offices to handle cleaning, maintenance, and guest support
With Interhome, you benefit from our experience and ensure your holiday home is always in the best hands.
Want to find out more?
Let us advise you free of charge and without obligation. We would be happy to show you your personal rental potential and together work out the right offer for you. Just reach out by filling out the Contact Form.
