Construction of swimming pools in the Algarve by the Palsul Group

Does the construction of a swimming pool require a licensing project?

Are you really set on building a pool at home? Before doing so, it is recommended to know everything that Portuguese legislation says about private pools. Based on Decree-Law No. 136/2014 of September 9, later amended by Rectification No. 46-A/2014, of 10/11,  the license for the construction of swimming pools is no longer mandatory, however, prior communication of the work is required.  

"The performance of urban operations depends on a license, prior communication with a deadline, hereinafter referred to as prior communication or communication, or authorization of use, under the terms and with the exceptions contained in this section." (Article 4 - License a, prior communication and authorization of use)

This means that there must be prior communication of the construction of the pool to the City Council of the place where your house is located. This obligation covers all types of pool construction systems, regardless of the project.

After the communication, the City Council is obliged to give a response within 20 days. If there is nothing against it, you can go ahead with the pool construction project.

Pool Construction Permitting: What Documents Are Required?

The construction of swimming pools requires prior communication of the work to the City Council and this may involve filling out a data form. The main documents required for prior communication of the work are:

• Prior communication form, authenticated by digital signature;
• Legitimacy of the applicant and Property Registration: Citizen Card or Identity Card and NIF - Tax Number; Certificate of Content of the description of the building;
• Plan of the place where the pool will be built;
• Responsibility and Authorship of the Projects: to be signed by the authors of the project to comply with the municipal land use plans;
• Estimate of the total cost of the work;
• Timetable for carrying out construction work;
• Photographic survey: set of current photographs for the construction, alteration, reconstruction or expansion of buildings;

As this is a very bureaucratic issue, you can request all the information directly at the public service desk of your city hall.

Should I ask pool construction companies for help?

In addition to the support you can request from your municipality, there are different pool construction companies in Portugal that also serve throughout the process, from prior communication of the work to the completion of the project. Because it is something so appreciated in our country, you will quickly find a construction company or one exclusively focused on building swimming pools near the residence.

Does swimming pool construction increase IMI?

A house with a pool is really another level, not only for the comfort and tranquility it provides, but also for the privacy you gain. However, you cannot forget the IMI - Municipal Property Tax that increases with the construction of a swimming pool.

But how much does the IMI increase with a swimming pool in practice? Based on Article 43 of the IMI Code, the construction of a swimming pool in residential buildings will be affected by aggravation coefficients (of 0.06 for individual pools and 0.03 for private pools). All in all:

Let's consider the IMI rate of 0.35% for a property of 150 thousand euros. In this case, it is necessary to multiply the IMI rate of 0.35% by 150 thousand euros, which is the Taxable Patrimonial Value (VPT) and which results in 525 €/year to be paid in IMI. With the construction of a swimming pool, the IMI increases because:

• The Taxable Patrimonial Value (VPT) goes from 150 to 159 thousand euros (multiplying 150 thousand euros x 1.06 of the coefficient). Then you multiply 0.35% (IMI rate) x 159 thousand euros (VPT w/pool) = equal to 556.5 €/year (IMI). Instead of €525/year, you will now pay IMI €556.5/year.

In practical terms, the accounts of the increase in IMI for those who have a swimming pool are not very complicated. Any questions you have can be dealt with your accountant or at one of the service desks of the Tax Authority (Finance).

Things to consider before building swimming pools

 

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As mentioned, a license for the construction of swimming pools is not required. Even so, you can't forget a set of elements if you are interested in having this leisure space at home.

• Type of land: understand if the land is suitable for the construction of a swimming pool and whether or not it is necessary to carry out garden cleaning work. You should also understand if the place where the pool will be built receives sun and if it guarantees a certain privacy;
• Pool dimensions: the ideal pool size depends a lot on what you want to do in your home. The bigger a pool, the more expensive the project and also the maintenance, but it may be worth it if you have a large family or if you love to receive your friends at home;
• Type of pool: there are different options for pools. There are those who prefer conventional pools, while the more daring appreciate a sand pool, which can take them closer to the ocean;
• Pool maintenance: specific products and materials will be needed to care for and clean a pool and that can be found in some decoration stores such as IKEA, Leroy Merlin or Maxmat;
• Safety: even for the construction of private swimming pools , you must take safety into account. Aspects such as accesses, depth, signage, corner design, protective covers, types of tiles, etc. cannot be forgotten to ensure the best experience for everyone, from kids to adults.
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• Information obtained through  idealista
• https://www.idealista.pt/news/financas/lar/2022/06/27/52853-licenca-para-construcao-de-piscinas-como-funciona-e-obrigatoria