How much does a pool cost?

The average cost of installing a concrete swimming pool is $50,000 but the cost can be as low as $35,000 or as high as $100,000 depending on your specifications and location. Other types of swimming pools, such as the inground fibreglass pools, cost $25,000 to $75,000. When buying a fibreglass pool shell, the complete kit that comes with fittings costs $9000. Vinyl or resin shells cost between $3,500 to $6,500. You also have to consider the cost of other extras like timber decking and excavation services.

If you are reading this, you are probably thinking of installing a swimming pool. Or maybe you are giving it a good thought and looking for the right answers to help you decide if a pool is right for you. Either way, having a backyard oasis on your property is the best way to beat the heat on a hot day.

Building a swimming pool on your property is definitely tempting, but before you spend your money, you'll want to consider the following:

• Installation charges

• The swimming pool that fits your property and needs

• The right swimming pool installer to do the work

This article has all the info you need to help you make the right decision. You will be taking refreshing dips before you know it.

Types of Swimming Pools

There are three types of swimming pools:

Vinyl-lined pools: these are the most pocket-friendly pools. They can be built as an inground or above ground pool. The material is durable and lasts for 10 years.

Fibreglass pools: building this type of pool is fast and easy. They are more flexible than concrete swimming pools and are less susceptible to cracking. The only downside is, they have a limited range of designs.

Concrete pools: this is the most flexible type as concrete pools can be custom-made. On the downside, they are expensive, they take longer to build, and can crack if the soil is unstable.

How Much Does It Cost to Have a New Swimming Pool Installed?

Without further ado, let us take a look at how much your new swimming pool will cost you.

Cost of an Inground Swimming Pool

Prepare to dig deeper into your pockets if you prefer an inground swimming pool.

Why? Because of the excavation costs.

Inground swimming pools can only be made of fibreglass or concrete. The following are the common charges of these types of pools:

A fibreglass pool sells for anywhere between $6,500 to $25,000.

The average concrete pool costs $50,000 but the cost ranges between $35,000 to more than $100,000, depending on the size and location.

An in-ground fibreglass pool costs between $25,000 to $75,000.

The fibreglass pool shell is a preformed shell that is installed into a levelled hole, which is pre-dug in the shape of the shell.

The price of a fibreglass pool installation also includes the pump, heater, and the excavation work. 

Above Ground Swimming Pools

These swimming pools cost less to build than inground pools but there are factors you need consider to keep the cost down.

For example, if you prefer vinyl or resin shells, the cost is between $3,500 to $6,500 or higher.

Timber decking increases the price by $1500 to $2000. If the location of the pool must be excavated, you will have to spend an extra $2500. If your above ground pool is large, the builder has to pour a concrete slab.

When comparing the prices of an above ground swimming pool or an inground fibreglass, you must include all the add-ons. For example, a fibreglass swimming pool shell costs around $7000, but a complete kit with all the fittings including the pump and filter might cost $9000. The cost goes up if you need to add a pool heater.

Price Breakdown

The following is a table representation of the average cost of pool installation in Australia:

Other Swimming Pool Costs

There is a lot of work that goes into building a swimming pool and everything costs money.

In most areas, you must have a council approval letter and proper pool fencing before you dig up a new swimming pool.

If you prefer an inground swimming pool, you will need paving around the pool. For an above ground pool, a deck has to be installed around the pool. This extra work costs thousands of dollars.

The best thing is to get quotes from different pool builders to get an idea of total costs for pool installation in your area.

Preparation for Your New Swimming Pool

When installing a swimming pool, you have to plan to get it right. These are the key areas to reflect on:

• The shape and size: who will be spending the most time in the pool, and is it for the family, for entertainment or for fitness?

• The location of the pool: before you start digging up your backyard, you need to know the soil type, the rocks around the area and the trees. These determine the location of the pool and the amount of money you end up using for the project.

• Safety: safety comes first when installing a swimming pool and you need to put up proper fencing or else, your installation could be unsafe and unlawful.

• Council requirements: in most areas, you need a council permit to create a swimming pool on your property. The permit ensures that your pool is in line with all regulations.

Services of a Swimming Pool Builder

Even the handiest person can tell you that a DIY swimming pool is not easy. This is why you need to hire a professional pool builder. He or she will help you with:

• Building a pool: a pool builder has the necessary skills to build the swimming pool of your choice. Whether you prefer an in-ground or above ground pool, and one made from vinyl, fibreglass or concrete, a skilled pool builder has the know-how to complete the job.

• Renovate or resurface a pool: if your current swimming pool is not in the best condition, a pool builder can give it the much-needed facelift.

• Repair a pool: if your pool develops a crack and starts leaking, you will have to dig deeper into your pockets to pay higher water bills.

Pool Safety Guides in Australia

Before building a pool, it is important to read the Australian standard AS 1926.1-2012 to get all the information about pool fencing and gates.

The standard is for swimming pools that are deeper than 300mm, including portable and inflatable swimming pools.

The height and fence section are the most important parts of the regulation. Any fence that you put up around the pool should be 1.2m high or more.

If there is a gap at the bottom of the fence, it should not exceed 100mm. Also, the spaces between the fence should not be greater than 100mm.

In some states and councils, your fence must be inspected and authorised by a registered pool inspector.

Contact your local authorities to find out if yours is compliant.

Should you hire just any pool builder?

No, always hire a licensed pool builder.

In some states, like NSW, pool builders must have a swimming pool building license.

In other states, pool builders will have a general building license.

Do not hire just any pool builder or you might come to regret it.

Questions to Ask a Pool Builder

When hiring a professional pool builder, it's important to ask the right questions. 

Some of the questions that you should ask include:

1. Are you a licensed swimming pool builder?

2. Are you insured to work on my type of property?

3. Can I see some of your work?

4. Can you give me a written quote?

5. Can I have some of your references to follow-up?

Talk to at least 3 pool builders to compare the level of service and price.

Where do I get the best swimming pool installers?

Searching on search engines for local swimming pool installers is old school compared to the Airtasker platform. We have all sorts of professional swimming pool builders to get the job done for you. The best thing about Airtasker is, you can see the reviews of the contractors to make it easy for you to make the right decision.