Having a pool on the seafront is a luxury requiring specific planning. Salt, strict Balearic regulations and maritime environment protection demand specialized maintenance and appropriate materials. This guide prepares you to enjoy your pool without problems.
Regulations in Balearics (2025)
Minimum distances to sea
- Public maritime-land domain zone: First 100 meters coast = NOT BUILDABLE
- Protection servitude zone: Additional 100 meters = severe restrictions
- Pools: Generally permitted from 100m coast (varies by municipality)
- Alcudia specific: Verify General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU) by zone
Construction requirements
- Municipal license: Mandatory (cost ~€600-1,200)
- Technical project: Signed by architect/technical architect
- Purification system: Closed, no discharges to sea
- Safety fence: Mandatory if children <12 years
- Responsible declaration: To town hall upon work completion
Anti-salt design and materials
Recommended coatings
- Vitrified tile: Maximum salt resistance, permanent colors
- Reinforced liner: Economical, but renew every 8-12 years
- ❌ Avoid: Epoxy paints (deteriorate quickly with salt)
- Coping: Porous natural stone (non-slip) or reconstituted stone
Powerful filtration system
- Sand filter: Oversized 20% vs indoor pool (salt particles)
- Pump: Stainless steel or composite (not iron, rusts)
- Salt electrolysis: Recommended (easier maintenance than manual chlorine)
- Cover: Essential to reduce evaporation and salt air entry
Specific seafront maintenance
Salt challenges
- Airborne salt: Sea breeze constantly deposits salt in pool water
- Consequences: Increases salinity, corrodes metals, stains coping
- Analysis frequency: Weekly in summer (vs biweekly in indoor pool)
Weekly maintenance routine
- Surface cleaning: Collect leaves, accumulated salt (daily in windy season)
- Water analysis: pH, chlorine, salinity (digital kit ~€100)
- Chemical adjustment: pH correction (tends to rise with salt)
- Filter cleaning: Backwash 2 times/week vs 1 time normal
- Robot cleaner: Daily use in high season
Annual maintenance costs
4×10m pool on seafront
- Professional maintenance: €120/month × 6 months = €720
- Chemicals: €600-800/year
- Water (filling + replenishment): €200-300
- Pump electricity: €400-600/year
- Repairs/contingencies: €300-500
- Annual total: €2,220-2,920
Marine environment protection
Mandatory good practices
- Zero sea discharges: Closed circuit system
- Controlled draining: Only to sewage network, never directly to sea
- Eco products: Chlorine without stabilizers, biodegradable when possible
- Backwash control: Filter backwash water to municipal network
Penalties for non-compliance
- Pool water discharge to sea: €3,000-600,000 depending on severity
- Construction without license: €30,000-300,000
- Inspections: Coastal authority can inspect coastal property without prior notice
Conclusion: responsibility and enjoyment
A seafront pool is a privilege that carries environmental responsibility. With proper design, salt-resistant materials and professional maintenance, you'll enjoy your pool for decades without negatively impacting the surrounding marine environment.
Interested in Alcudia Luz?
Alcudia Luz villas include pools designed with sustainability and low maintenance criteria.