A swimming pool is a major investment, and it involves a significant outlay. But for many Australians, it is completely worth it, due to the enjoyment and enhanced quality of life owning a swimming pool can bring.
So how much does it cost to buy a pool? Here we take a look at the different options available to you, the factors you need to take into account, and what they mean for your budget.
What will the installation of your pool cost?
The cost of your pool installation is the initial amount you will have to pay, and the largest outlay in terms of your overall pool price. However, it is not as simple as the price tag on the pool you choose. No two pool installations are exactly the same, so the cost will be influenced by a number of different factors, including:
- The type of pool you are buying;
- The size and shape of your backyard;
- How much ground preparation and excavation work will be needed;
- The soil conditions in your backyard;
- How easily your property can be accessed.
If you approach reputable pool companies, they should take all these factors into account when giving you pool quotes.
Using a professional, experienced pool company with a good reputation will add to the cost of your pool, but this is an investment worth making! Trying to install your own pool is not advisable unless you have significant experience. Even pools sold as “DIY pool kits” can be very complicated to install, and you can end up wasting a lot of time and money, not to mention ruining your backyard, if anything goes wrong. It is always best to leave pool installations to experienced pool companies.
Additional costs to make your pool usable
Once your pool is installed, there are still a number of other jobs which will need to be completed before you can enjoy your pool, so you need to factor these into your pool cost. The main areas to consider are:
1. Electrics
Your pool will need lighting and heating if you want to get maximum use from it – without them you may only be able to use your pool for a few hours each day, and only during the summer months.
Your pool lighting and heating systems should only ever be installed by a qualified, professional electrician. It is highly dangerous to attempt these jobs yourself, so you need to include an electrician’s services when working out the cost of your pool.
2. Fencing
All pools in Australia must be surrounded by fencing which complies with Australian Standard AS 1926. This is a necessary cost to factor into your budget, as it is a legal requirement. It also makes your pool much safer, especially for children.
3. Landscaping
Aside from the exercise and relaxation benefits of owning a swimming pool, another major advantage is that it is a beautiful feature which will make your backyard look more attractive. If you want to gain the biggest benefit from this, you will need your landscaping planned carefully around your pool. This will highlight the pool as a feature and also make sure the poolside area caters for all your leisure and entertaining needs.
A thoughtfully-planned, well-maintained backyard is a pleasure to look at and spend time in, as well as offering you maximum functionality from the available space. It can even increase the value of your property, as it creates an excellent first impression for potential buyers. Because of this, it is worth spending a little extra on the services of a landscaping designer, as they will have the best ideas on design and layout, as well as on features such as tiling and decking.
Choosing the right type of pool
The type of pool you choose has a major influence on your pool price, but it is important to select the pool which is most appropriate for your property and your usage needs. There are three main types of pool available in Australia:
1. Vinyl-liner
Vinyl-liner pools are the cheapest to buy, but they are not particularly strong or durable, so over time they are not necessarily the most cost-effective solutions, as they tend to require significant maintenance. Generally sold as temporary, above-ground swimming pools, their installation will cost you in the region of $25,000 to $35,000.
2. Concrete
Concrete pools are the most expensive swimming pools you can buy. This is because of the amount of work involved in building them, as they have to be constructed from scratch in your backyard, a process which takes several weeks or even months. In addition, they also require surfacing with tiles or pebbles, which adds to the initial pool cost.
The main advantage of concrete pools, however, is that they can be built in any shape and style you choose. This means they are ideal if you have a design idea for a completely unique pool, or if your backyard is an unusual shape which requires a specific solution.
A basic concrete pool installation will cost you between $35,000 and $50,000, although many concrete pool prices reach as high as $100,000 and beyond.
3. Fibreglass
Often seen as the ideal compromise, fibreglass pools offer the strength and durability of concrete with the convenience of a vinyl-liner. Pre-made in factories in a range of standard shapes and sizes, a fibreglass pool shell can be transported directly to your home, so there is far less work involved in the installation. This keeps the costs lower than with concrete, but as there are so many different types and manufacturers of fibreglass pools, their cost varies greatly, from around $25,000 to $70,000 including installation.
The cost of a fibreglass pool depends on the manufacturer you choose, the technology involved in the manufacturing process, and any optional extras you choose such as water features or self-cleaning technology. The size of the pool also has an impact on the cost.
Little Pools aim to offer the best of all worlds. They are compact fibreglass pools designed to be instant, off-the-shelf solutions, but they have been developed in conjunction with one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of fibreglass pools, so they contain all the latest technology and use the highest quality materials, at a relatively low cost. Little Pool prices start at just $28,000.
In-ground vs above ground pool prices
One of the major factors which influences the cost of your swimming pool is the installation method being used. Many people choose to have their pools built into the ground, so they are flush with the rest of your backyard, as this is generally considered more attractive. However, this method involves significant ground excavation work, as the pool has to be built below the surface of the ground. This is a complex process which understandably costs quite a lot of money.
Above ground pool installation costs tend to be much lower. This is because above ground pools are intended to sit on top of the ground, so there is no real excavation work required. In the case of Little Pools, the only ground preparation work needed is for a strong concrete pad to be laid on your backyard for the pool to sit on, to make sure it is completely level.
Aside from being much cheaper, above ground installations have the added advantage of being easier and quicker to complete, so you can begin using your pool practically straight away once it has been positioned and the electrics are connected. With clever landscaping, an above ground pool can also look extremely attractive as a feature in your backyard.
The cost of pool maintenance
When working out what it will cost to buy a pool, many people forget to factor in the cost of ongoing pool maintenance. This should be considered, as it might influence your decision about the right type of pool to buy. These costs include elements such as:
- Energy costs to light and heat your pool
- Cleaning costs
- Repairs
Vinyl-liner pools tend to be fairly costly when it comes to maintenance. They are not particularly hardwearing, so you might find yourself spending cash on repairs more often than you bargained for. The lining will also need to be replaced completely every five to ten years, with an average cost around $3,000 to $5000.
Concrete pools do not retain heat well, so they cost a significant amount to heat. They also have porous surfaces which create ideal conditions for algae and bacteria growth, so larger amounts of chemicals are needed to keep concrete pools clean and hygienic. Other maintenance costs for concrete pools include acid washing, which is recommended every three to five years, and resurfacing, which should be done every 10 or 15 years and can come with a considerable cost.
Fibreglass pools are the cheapest to maintain, as they retain heat well, and their gelcoat surfaces are resistant to bacteria and algae, so they require fewer chemicals to keep clean. They can also last a lifetime without needing relining or resurfacing as long as the chemical balance in the water is properly maintained.
The easier your pool is to maintain, the more time you can spend enjoying it, and the lower the running costs will be. It will also make your pool more attractive to potential buyers, so a pool which requires little maintenance can actually increase the value of your home.
Find out more about how much it costs to buy a swimming pool
Here at Little Pools, we aim to provide convenient, cost-effective solutions which enable you to own a pool without breaking the bank. If you would like more information about the cost of our pools, or to discuss your individual needs, please contact us, and we will be happy to help.
