Having your own swimming pool in your backyard is a great investment. It gives you a private place to exercise and relax every day, provides plenty of opportunities for fun with your family and friends, and increases the value of your home. But before you decide to go ahead with your own pool, it’s important to think about how much a pool costs.
So how much is a pool? Here we take a look at the different factors to consider, so you can plan your pool budget.
The cost of pool installation
The cost of your pool installation is your initial outlay. This is determined by a number of factors, including:
- The size and shape of your backyard
- The type of pool you choose
- The condition of your soil
- Ease of access to your site
- How much excavation work is required
- Your landscaping design
Your pool quotes should take all these factors into account, as long as you are using a reputable pool builder.
It is possible to buy DIY pool kits and attempt the job yourself, but this is extremely difficult unless you are an expert. In the long run, this can cost you more money if something goes wrong such as excavating or concreting, which can be difficult and time-consuming to correct.
Your initial swimming pool cost will be higher if you use a professional pool builder, but it is the most sensible option.
You will also need to consider the other essential elements which need to be in place before your pool is usable. Landscaping will be a large part of this, as the entire pool area needs to look attractive and well cared-for if you want your pool to increase the value of your property significantly. Your pool fencing must also meet the required safety standards in your state or territory.
To add the finishing touches, lighting and heating systems for your pool will also need to be put in place.
Pool prices for different types of pool
Inground pool prices vary widely, depending on the material your pool is made from. There are three different materials most commonly used for pool construction in Australia:
- Fibreglass
- Concrete
- Vinyl-liner
The cost of your pool installation depends on which of these pool types you choose. This will be determined by your individual needs.
1. Fibreglass pools
Fibreglass pools are factory-made in a range of standard shapes and sizes. These days there is a wide selection of fibreglass pools available, so they are suitable for most backyards.
As fibreglass pool shells are ready made and do not need to be constructed on-site, there is less excavation work required than for a concrete pool, and they can be installed much more quickly and easily, which keeps the costs down. A fibreglass pool can be installed in just one to two weeks.
Fibreglass pool prices are determined by the size and quality of the pool you choose, the technology used in its manufacture, and any optional extras you request. These could include elements such as a self-cleaning system, superior water circulation, or specific colour options.
You can have an entry-level fibreglass pool professionally installed for as little as $25,000, but if you want a pool which will continue to meet your needs for many years into the future, you could have an initial cost of up to $70,000.
2. Concrete pools
Concrete pools are custom-built from scratch in your backyard. They are the ideal option if your yard is an unusual shape which makes it difficult to find a fibreglass pool to fit. They also enable you to design a completely unique pool that suits your own tastes.
As there is a lot more construction work required for a concrete pool, they can take several months to build. Once the building work is finished, they also need surfacing, such as tiles or pebbles, which adds to the cost.
Concrete pool costs depend on the scale of the project and the features you want to include. It is possible to have a basic concrete pool built for $35,000 – $50,000, but concrete pools can often cost $100,000 or more.
3. Vinyl-liner pools
Vinyl-liner pools are not as strong and durable as concrete or fibreglass. They are generally used above ground as a simple and cost-effective solution, but it is possible to have vinyl-liner pools installed in-ground too.
In spite of vinyl-liner pool shells being relatively cheap to buy, the installation process is basically the same as that for a fibreglass pool, so the cost of pool installation is similar at around $25,000 – $35,000.
How much does a pool cost to maintain?
The initial cost of pool installation is only half the story when it comes to swimming pool costs. You also have to think about the ongoing maintenance costs in order to plan your budget carefully.
Your ongoing pool costs will include:
- Lighting and heating
- Cleaning
- Filtration
- Painting and relining
How much you have to spend on each of these elements depends on the type of pool you choose and the quality of the systems you have installed.
Vinyl-liner pools tend to require a lot of maintenance. They are not particularly durable, so the lining will need to be replaced at least every five to 10 years. This costs approximately $4,000 for an average-sized pool. In addition, vinyl-liner is easily damaged, so you may also find yourself paying for additional repairs unless you’re extremely careful.
Concrete is harder to clean than other pool materials, as it is porous, so it provides an ideal environment for algae and bacteria to grow. This means you will have to spend more on pool chemicals if you want to maintain a safe and hygienic swimming environment. The aesthetics of concrete pools also need ongoing maintenance work – acid washing is recommended every three to five years, and resurfacing every 10 to 15 years, which can cost a considerable amount.
Fibreglass is the easiest and cheapest to maintain of the three options. Its gel coat surface prevents the growth of algae and bacteria, so it requires fewer chemicals to keep it clean and safe. It also heats the water more effectively, so your energy costs will be lower. In addition, if you maintain the correct chemical balance in the water, a fibreglass pool will never need relining, resurfacing or painting.
Is a swimming pool a good investment?
Swimming pool costs can be considerable, but they are worth it. You and your loved ones will gain a huge amount of pleasure from having your own pool in the backyard, and the health benefits of swimming are widely known, so your health, wellbeing, and fitness will get a significant boost!
In addition, a pool is a great investment, because if it is attractive and well-maintained, it will add considerable value to your home. A pool is one of the main attractions for Australian home buyers. However, the maintenance is something to bear in mind when choosing your pool options. The more easily your pool can be maintained, the more attractive it will be to potential buyers.
Because of this, a fibreglass pool is a wise choice. It is cheaper to install and maintain than concrete, and it is much more hardwearing than vinyl-liner. If you choose a reputable manufacturer such as Compass Pools, you can also benefit from the Vantage self-cleaning system, which will cut down on pool costs and maintenance even further in the long run.
Want to know more about pool prices?
If you would like more information and advice about inground pool prices, please get in touch. Our specialist team are always happy to discuss the various options with you.
