A pool without a building permit: the conditions
A small pool of up to 50 m² does not need a building permit. It needs a small-scale works approval, which is issued faster, costs less and does not require a structural study.
In short: A pool with a water surface under 50 m², a depth of up to 1.5 m and no more than 1 m above natural ground level does not need a building permit in Greece. A small-scale works approval is enough, with an engineer's signed declaration before work starts. A 9 × 5 m prefab pool (45 m²) is within the limit.
The rules today
In the past, small pools of up to 50 m² needed no permit at all if they met certain specifications. Today a small-scale works approval (έγκριση εργασιών μικρής κλίμακας) is required. It is not a building permit: it is issued faster and at lower cost, and before work begins an engineer signs a declaration covering the structural, electrical and mechanical aspects of the pool.
The conditions
- Water surface under 50 m².
- The structure does not rise more than 1 m above natural ground level.
- Depth up to 1.5 m.
- No structural study is required.
- A compact plant room with filter and circulation.
- A reinforced concrete floor, and walls that are not reinforced concrete.
- Excavation or backfill of no more than 1 m.
- The mandatory planting of the open part of the plot is kept.
- An engineer's signed declaration before work starts.
For each plot, the engineer confirms the conditions before construction. Contact us and we will check your case.
Why a prefab pool fits here
The walls of a prefab pool are steel panels, not reinforced concrete, exactly as the small-scale works approval requires. With panels 1.10 m or 1.50 m high, it stays within the depth limit. That is why it is the most common choice for a pool without a building permit.
Maximum size
A 9 × 5 m pool (45 m²) is within the limit, while a 10 × 5 m pool (50 m²) is not. See the size chart.
Taxes and the E9 return
The pool is declared on the E9 property return and affects the ENFIA property tax and the deemed living expenses. You will find the amounts and categories on the pool legislation and tax page.
Price of a prefab pool without a building permit
The price is given on request and agreed with you. Each pool is priced individually, depending on its dimensions, depth, system (skimmer or overflow), lining, equipment and access to the plot. For a price and a free quote, call us on +30 212 104 8320 or message us on WhatsApp / Viber +30 693 650 5824. See also what affects the cost.
Questions
Can I build a pool with no approval at all?
No. A pool under 50 m² does not need a building permit, but it does need a small-scale works approval and an engineer's signed declaration.
What is the maximum depth for a small-scale pool?
Up to 1.5 m, with the structure rising no more than 1 m above natural ground level.
Why is a small-scale pool usually prefab?
Because the walls must not be reinforced concrete. The steel panels of a prefab pool meet this condition.
See also
Prefab pools
Prefab pools with 2 mm galvanized panels, 1.10 or 1.50 m high, and a PVC liner with a written 10-year…
Pool sizes
Prefab pool size chart from 4×3 to 12×6 m: surface area, water volume with 1.10 or 1.50 m panels, and when a…
Legislation
Pool legislation in Greece: small-scale works approval, E9 declaration, ENFIA reduction, deemed living…
Small pool
A small prefab pool for your yard or garden, up to 50 m² with no building permit. Choosing position, size and…