Can we build a natural pond at French home if cannot have a pool?

Reader Question: What is the position of mairies on natural ponds with a swimming area? There would be no chlorine, just filtration by reeds. We are not allowed a pool but is a swimming pond permitted?

When you say you are not allowed a pool, we assume it is because you are close to a historic monument or because digging will cause problems to communal infrastructure such as pipes.

Unfortunately, the same rules apply to a ‘swimming pond’ (piscine naturelle) as a constructed swimming pool.

If you already have a pond, you can swim in it and, with a bit of luck, manage to make a beach and plant reeds to keep the water clean.

Digging one from scratch, however, is not permitted if you are not allowed to have a pool.

Ponds rarer in modern France

Ponds used for livestock, which used to be found on many French properties, have mostly been filled in.

Farmers can no longer let animals drink directly from rivers, or from ponds that might run into them.

However, there might still be one hidden on your land that you could rehabilitate.

France has reasonably strict rules about pool safety so consider these in your plans if you do make a swimming pond.

An alternative is to install an above-ground pool.

This does not require authorisation, as long as you move it after three months.

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