The real running costs of pools, ponds and outdoor buildings

Allow for care as well as construction

• Pools can need heating, filtration, pumps, chemicals, covers, cleaning, water top-ups, servicing and occasional repairs. The exact cost depends heavily on size, construction, heating method, how long the season runs and how well the pool is covered and insulated.
• Ponds are usually cheaper to run, but pumps, filters, UV units, replacement parts and maintenance still add up. Larger natural ponds may need less equipment but can require specialist management of planting, water quality and silt.
• Garden rooms and offices bring their own ongoing costs. Heating, cooling, lighting, internet, cleaning, insurance and maintenance of cladding, roofs, doors and windows should all be considered.
• Outdoor kitchens, irrigation systems, lighting and water features also create small recurring costs that can become significant when several systems are added to the same garden.

Ask suppliers before buying

Before buying, ask suppliers for expected annual energy use, service intervals, consumables, warranties and typical replacement costs for pumps, heaters and controls.

It is better to understand the running cost before the feature is built. A garden improvement should add enjoyment, not become something you avoid using because it is expensive or difficult to maintain.