The Best Types of Swimming Pools to Build in Kenya
Introduction: Dive into Your Dream Pool in Kenya
A swimming pool in Kenya is more than a luxury, it’s a lifestyle upgrade, offering a refreshing escape from the equatorial heat, a hub for family fun, fitness, and relaxation. But choosing the right pool raises questions about cost, maintenance, durability, and fit for your property. This guide explores the best types of swimming pools to build in Kenya, breaking down their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision. By the end, you’ll be able to know which is one is best to create your ideal aquatic retreat, with insights tailored to Kenya’s unique climate and needs.
Understanding the Main Types of Swimming Pools in Kenya
Selecting the best type of swimming pool to build in Kenya depends on construction, design, and suitability. Here, we outline the top options, highlighting their appeal and practicality for Kenyan homeowners.
Above-Ground Swimming Pools: Affordable & Flexible
Above-ground swimming pools are a top choice for Kenyan backyards due to their affordability and ease of setup. These non-permanent structures sit on the surface, often with elevated entry points for added safety.
- Benefits:
- Cost-effective, with lower upfront costs than inground pools.
- Quick installation, often ready in days.
- Safer for kids and pets due to elevated design.
- Portable—relocate or dismantle as needed.
- Drawbacks:
- Less visually appealing, with limited customization.
- Shorter lifespan and minimal boost to property value.
- Best For: Renters, budget-conscious owners, or those seeking a temporary solution.
For an affordable, flexible option among the best types of swimming pools to build in Kenya, above-ground pools deliver quick aquatic enjoyment without major construction.
Inground Swimming Pools: Customization & Lasting Value
Inground swimming pools are among the most desired types of swimming pools to build in Kenya, offering permanence, flexibility, and value. Built into the ground, they blend seamlessly with your landscape.
- Benefits:
- Highly customizable in shape, size, and depth.
- Boosts property resale value significantly.
- Durable, lasting decades with proper care.
- Aesthetically pleasing, enhancing your home’s appeal.
- Drawbacks:
- Higher initial costs and longer installation (weeks to months).
- Requires regular maintenance for water quality and structure.
- Best For: Homeowners seeking a long-term, family-friendly investment.
Inground pools stand out as a premium choice among the best pools to build in Kenya, combining beauty and lasting worth.
Inground Pool Materials: Concrete, Fiberglass, and Vinyl-Lined
The material you choose for an inground pool impacts cost, durability, and upkeep. Here’s how the top options compare:
- Concrete (Gunite/Shotcrete) Pools
- Pros: Ultimate customization—any shape, size, or depth. Highly durable, lasting decades. Aesthetic finishes (plaster, tiles, stone) elevate appeal.
- Cons: Higher cost, longer build time (months), and more maintenance (algae-prone, needs resurfacing every 10–15 years).
- Note: Gunite (dry mix) offers flexibility; Shotcrete (wet mix) speeds construction and boosts durability.
- Best For: Unique designs and long-term use in Kenya.
- Fiberglass Pools
- Pros: Low maintenance, with a non-porous surface resisting algae. Fast installation (days), durable, and energy-efficient. Smooth, swimmer-friendly finish.
- Cons: Higher initial cost than vinyl; limited shapes due to pre-molded shells. Risk of “floating” if not installed properly.
- Best For: Low-upkeep, quick setups for Kenyan homes.
- Vinyl-Lined Pools
- Pros: Most affordable inground option. Flexible designs with varied liner patterns. Smooth, comfortable surface.
- Cons: Liners need replacement every 5–10 years, raising long-term costs. Less durable, prone to tears.
- Best For: Budget-friendly starts with decent customization.
When weighing the best types of swimming pools to build in Kenya, material choice balances cost and longevity. Vinyl offers low upfront cost, while fiberglass saves on maintenance, and concrete excels in durability and design.
Table 1: Comparison of Inground Pool Materials
| Material | Initial Cost (Relative) | Durability | Maintenance Level (Long-term) | Installation Time | Customization | Surface Feel |
| Concrete | High | Very High | High (Algae, Resurfacing) | Months | Very High | Rough |
| Fiberglass | Medium-High | High | Low (Algae Resistant, No Resurfacing) | Days | Medium | Smooth |
| Vinyl-Lined | Low | Medium | Medium (Liner Replacement) | Weeks | High | Smooth |
Specialized Pool Designs for Every Lifestyle
The best types of swimming pools to build in Kenya go beyond basic construction, offering specialized designs tailored to unique lifestyles, spaces, and preferences. From fitness-focused to eco-friendly options, these pools cater to diverse needs in Kenya’s evolving market. Explore these standout designs to find the perfect fit for your home.
- Lap Swimming Pools
- Purpose: Designed for fitness, these long, narrow, rectangular pools have consistent depth for seamless laps and turns.
- Pros: Ideal for exercise; space-efficient for smaller or narrow plots; lower water volume cuts chemical and heating costs.
- Cons: Limited versatility for recreation or group activities.
- Best For: Serious swimmers seeking an affordable, efficient option among the best pools to build in Kenya.
- Architectural Swimming Pools
- Purpose: Custom-built to blend with your home’s architecture, using matching materials for a cohesive look.
- Pros: Stunning aesthetic appeal; boosts resale value; reflects unique style and vision.
- Cons: Expensive due to custom design, materials, and labor; lengthy planning and installation.
- Best For: Homeowners wanting a luxurious, integrated masterpiece in Kenya.
- Infinity Swimming Pools (Vanishing Edge)
- Purpose: Create a striking illusion of water merging with the horizon, often on elevated or sloped sites.
- Pros: Breathtaking beauty and luxury; perfect for grand views (ocean, mountains); suits sloped properties.
- Cons: High cost and complex engineering; requires a balance tank and expert construction.
- Best For: Properties with scenic vistas, ranking high among the best types of swimming pools to build in Kenya.
- Plunge Pools
- Purpose: Compact and deep, designed for cooling off, relaxation, or therapy, with optional jets for a spa-like feel.
- Pros: Great for quick dips; fits small urban or backyard spaces; lower build and maintenance costs; hydrotherapy potential.
- Cons: Not suited for intense swimming or active recreation.
- Best For: Space-limited homes needing a versatile, relaxing option.
- Spools (Pool + Spa Combo)
- Purpose: A hybrid of pool and spa, blending relaxation with features like jets and lighting for a compact retreat.
- Pros: Combines pool and spa benefits; cost-effective vs. separate units; heatable for year-round use.
- Cons: Limited space for swimming or active play.
- Best For: Budget-conscious owners seeking dual-purpose relaxation in Kenya.
- Natural Swimming Pools
- Purpose: Eco-friendly pools use plants and biological filters in a regeneration zone for chemical-free water.
- Pros: Environmentally friendly; gentle on skin, eyes, and hair; serene, pond-like aesthetic; potential rainwater harvesting.
- Cons: Complex maintenance of ecosystem; higher initial cost; large space needs; may attract wildlife.
- Best For: Eco-conscious homeowners prioritizing sustainability among the best types of pools to build in Kenya.
- Shipping Container Swimming Pools
- Purpose: Repurposed metal containers fitted with liners and filtration for a sustainable, modern pool.
- Pros: Quick setup (as little as an hour); cost-effective vs. inground pools; durable, low-maintenance; eco-friendly and portable.
- Cons: Limited shapes due to container sizes; industrial look may not suit all; requires crane access.
- Best For: Innovative, budget-friendly, and mobile pool solutions in Kenya.
Beyond the Basics: Key Considerations for Your Kenyan Pool Project
Building the best type of swimming pool to build in Kenya goes beyond design—it requires smart choices about systems, costs, and functionality. These factors shape your pool’s performance, cleanliness, and long-term value. Explore these essentials to ensure your project succeeds. 
- Water Treatment Systems: Chlorine vs. Saltwater Pools
- Chlorine Pools
- Purpose: Sanitize water using chlorine tablets, liquid, or granules to kill bacteria and algae.
- Pros: Lower setup cost; powerful, adjustable disinfection; straightforward monitoring.
- Cons: Strong odor; higher hands-on maintenance; may irritate skin, eyes, or lungs; wears on suits and equipment.
- Best For: Budget-friendly sanitation for Kenyan pools.
- Saltwater Pools
- Purpose: Use a salt chlorinator to convert salt to chlorine via electrolysis for ongoing sanitization.
- Pros: Gentler on skin, eyes, and hair; softer water; less maintenance; less harsh on equipment.
- Cons: Higher initial cost for chlorinator; salt corrosion risk; complex repairs if system fails.
- Best For: Low-maintenance, comfortable swimming in Kenya.
- Key Insight: Chlorine suits tight budgets but needs more care; saltwater offers ease and comfort.
- Chlorine Pools
- Heating Your Pool: Extending Your Swim Season
- Purpose: Heaters make pools usable year-round, even in cooler Kenyan evenings or seasons.
- Solar Pool Heaters
- Pros: Eco-friendly; low operating costs using free solar energy; long-lasting with care.
- Cons: Higher initial cost; weather-dependent; needs space for panels.
- Electric Pool Heaters
- Pros: Reliable, fast heating; weather-independent.
- Cons: High electricity costs; less eco-friendly.
- Heat Pumps
- Pros: Energy-efficient, using air heat; lower costs over time; eco-friendly.
- Cons: Slower heating; higher upfront cost; less effective in very cold air.
- Best For: Solar or heat pumps align with Kenya’s climate for efficient, sustainable heating among the best residential types of pools to build in Kenya.
- Filtration Systems: The Heart of a Clean Pool
- Purpose: Filters keep water clear and safe, removing debris and contaminants.
- Pros: Prevents cloudiness and sanitation issues; extends equipment life; reduces repair costs.
- Cons: Requires regular cleaning and occasional replacement; quality varies by system.
- Key Insight: A high-quality filtration system is non-negotiable for a top quality swimming pool in Kenya, ensuring a pristine oasis.
- Ongoing Maintenance Costs in Kenya
- Overview: Budgeting for upkeep is key. Monthly costs range from KES 5,000–15,000 for smaller pools, or KES 22,620–105,560 for larger ones (>80,000 liters), covering labor, chemicals, and cleaning.
- Factors: Pool size, type, usage, and water rates impact costs. Monitor pH, alkalinity, and chlorine/salt levels for safety and longevity.
- Tip: A pool cover cuts evaporation and debris, saving money in Kenya’s hot climate.
Egret Swimming Pools: Your Leading Partner in Kenya
Knowing the best types of swimming pools to build in Kenya is not enough. Choosing the right contractor is critical for your swimming pool project is very important. Egret Swimming Pools, with over seven years of excellence, leads the way in crafting durable, affordable pools for relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation across Kenya.
Why Choose Egret Swimming Pools for Your Project? 
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- Quality Craftsmanship: Builds lasting pools with top materials and KEBS-approved equipment, emphasizing durable fiberglass for strength and low upkeep.
- Design Expertise: Customizes size, shape, and type to match your vision, for homes, hotels, or commercial spaces.
- Minimal Maintenance: Designs pools for less upkeep, saving time and cost.
- Client Collaboration: Involves you throughout, aligning the pool with your dreams.
- Safety & Compliance: Uses KEBS-approved gear and chemicals, meeting strict safety and regulatory standards.
- Timely Completion: Delivers projects on time and within budget, ensuring satisfaction.
- Countrywide Service: Builds and renovates pools nationwide, from small residential to large commercial projects.
Egret Swimming Pools combines expertise, quality, and fair pricing, making them the go-to for the best types of swimming pools to build in Kenya.
Conclusion: Making Your Dream Pool a Reality With the Best Pool Contractors in Kenya
Choosing the best types of swimming pools to build in Kenya shapes your lifestyle, property value, and budget. Options range from affordable above-ground pools to customizable inground ones (concrete, fiberglass, vinyl-lined), plus specialized designs like lap, architectural, infinity, plunge, spools, natural, and shipping container pools. Each offers unique pros and cons, balancing cost, maintenance, and flexibility.
Key considerations include but not limited to: water treatment (chlorine vs. saltwater), heating (solar, electric, heat pumps), filtration, and ongoing costs—ensure your pool remains enjoyable. Partnering with a trusted expert like Egret Swimming Pools brings quality, safety, and tailored design to life. Contact them for a cost estimate and guidance to craft the best type of swimming pool to build in Kenya, perfectly suited to your needs and space.
Need a reliable contractor for your swimming pool project? Get in touch with us today
If you are searching for a swimming pool contractor in Kenya who can deliver on the job and help you realize your dream of installing a swimming pool then no need to look further. Egret Swimming Pools guarantees you expertise, professionalism, affordability and timely delivery of your pool project.
Get in touch with us today to book a site visit or inquire about our services. Use any of the contact details below:
- Call Us Via: +254726545148
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- Email: info@egretswimmingpools.co.ke | egreteswimmingpools@gmail.com
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