Swimming pool

You need a license for any building work in Spain.

Swimming pool is approx. 20.000 euros, 25.000 if you want the area tiled and planted.

I was told by our builder that you only need a licence if you expand the living space of your house. 

Builders have been known to say anything! Always get the facts direct from the Council, in writing.

It was information from a lawyer he works with.

Even lawyers get things wrong, I've been there! My advice is to get the facts from the source in writing, not from a third party.....so many people have been caught out in the past by taking the builders' word for it, or misguided info from a solicitor. If your build is deemed illegal, you are the one responsible, not the builder!

You don't risk anything untill you sell the property. Then the fine will be deducted from the selling price. Or if you die, it will be withheld from the heritage. And this I know for sure :-)

if they had to demolish everything that was built illegally, there would be no more Camposol.

You're first sentence is true, but it's only one of the options the Council and the law has. Many, many people in the Valencia region and around Alicante wish they had followed the law and not just accepted what agent's, solicitors and builders told them! The illegal build at Camposol probably remains untouched because of the numbers involved, but many individuals have had their dreams smashed by not following a very simple process.

You clearly have your take on the law in Spain and good luck to you, so there's no point in arguing over it. My point is, why take a risk when it only costs an extremely small percentage of the cost of the build to get things right. No more worries or problems left for other's to deal with.

Not true, we wanted to erect an open fronted garage but was refused, permission was finally given for a pergola type car shelter.