What’s it cost to build a pool?

Turning your backyard into a personal paradise is exciting. But if you’re new to the world of swimming pools and spas, getting a grip on design, material and equipment costs can be overwhelming. Read on to demystify the process and see what your budget will buy you…and who you should get to build it.

The fundamentals

Every pool build incurs some fundamental costs including excavation, construction and essential equipment. Almost immediately, your design and construction choices will determine the overall financial outlay, as will your geographic location, so let’s take a closer look.

Excavation and construction

First things first, you need to excavate – this means getting access to the site and digging the hole to contain your new pool. Costs will vary according to accessibility – the easier it is to get excavating machinery and other equipment in and out, the better. The more access you have, the bigger the machinery you can use and the quicker the job will be done. The other big factor here is the type of soil and any difficulties presented by the terrain – like steep slopes awkwardly shaped spaces.

Depending on your site, you may need to repair or relocate service lines and you’ll also need to cover the costs of removing excavated material and building debris. Excavation will be built into the overall construction cost.

Inground pool options and costs

Construction includes the structural components, plumbing and reinforcing. The choice of pool construction material is the single biggest factor in cost at this stage, with a degree of variation between concrete, fibreglass and vinyl lined pools.

Concrete

Concrete pools are a long-lasting option and offer the greatest flexibility for customisation, which is reflected in the cost. Pricing varies based on the size and complexity of the design and will quickly increase when you introduce additional construction features like bench seating, beach entries or tanning ledges or opt for expensive flourishes, like a fully-tiled interior.

One of the best ways to see what your dollar will buy you is to check on the annual SPASA Awards of Excellence for your region. Just click on the button for your geographic area and follow through to the ‘Project’ awards, which are segmented by installation value. Concrete pools are banded by value as: Up to $60,000, Up to $80,000, Up to $120,000 and Up to $240,000. There are also separate categories for Small/Courtyard Pools Up to $40,000 and Up to $80,000.

Fibreglass

Fibreglass pools are pre-moulded, which makes them quicker to install. They typically cost less than concrete pools, though this depends on size and shape. The smooth and durable fibreglass surface is non-porous, resistant to algae and offers a low maintenance alternative to concrete.

Again, available access will determine cost, as the pool shell usually needs to be lifted and dropped into place using a crane. Depending on your site, this may mean lifting the pool over the house completely or avoiding existing obstacles like overhead powerlines or other non-movable services. Access limitations dictate the size of the crane required, which has cost obvious implications. Interruptions to the neighbourhood, like traffic control for example, are also contributors to cost.  

Again, for a general guide, check out the SPASA Awards of Excellence in your region under the Projects category, where you’ll find the industry’s best fibreglass pool installations Up to $40,000, Up to $80,000 and Over $80,000.

Vinyl-lined

Vinyl pools are often regarded as cost-effective option, given that the initial install outlay is less than a concrete or fibreglass pool. The wide variety of liner colours and patterns offers some customisation, but the liner will need to be replaced periodically, which add to overall ownership costs. Traditionally, these liners have needed replacing every eight to 12 years or so, though vinyl technology improvements are delivering potential for longer lifespans – up to 20 years, according to some manufacturers.

The material is reasonably algae- and stain-resistant, but it can become brittle or crease and tear as it ages, often on the pool floor. Vinyl is also likely to bleach if your pool water isn’t correctly balanced, which makes proper pool care and maintenance essential.

The 2024 SPASA Awards of Excellence has new categories for vinyl-lined pools – Up to $60,000,  Up to $120,000 and Over $120,000. Keep an eye on the awards website over the next few months, to see typical project examples in each category as the state winners are announced.

Basic elements and equipment

Every pool needs a pool deck and fencing, along with a filtration system (including a pump, filter and skimmer), a chlorinator and some basic lighting. Your pool quote probably includes filtration, chlorinator and lighting – it’ll be spelled out in the itemised document – but it’s unlikely that the pool deck and fencing are a part of the build cost.

Fencing

Temporary fencing is usually supplied for the duration of construction, but you’ll need to decide on your permanent fencing choice and ensure you meet with local compliance requirements.

Fencing is sold by the linear metre and pricing varies according to the material choice – expect to pay somewhere between AUD 200 and 600 per linear metre, with frameless glass sitting at the upper end of the scale.

Pool deck

The pool deck is another area where costs vary wildly, depending on the size of the space and the material choice. These include timber or composite material decking, concrete, tiling and paving…and then there are choices within choices – concrete and brick pavers sit are around half the cost of other materials such as limestone, travertine and granite, for example.

As a minimum, you can probably allow two or three thousand for a concrete pour and preparation, with the addition of anywhere between AUD 50 and 100 per square metre for paving, depending on the material.

The added extras

Additional equipment, technology and design features add to the base cost.

Sanitisation and filtration

A basic chlorine sanitisation system is a cost-effective option, generally sitting somewhere between AUD 1500 and 3000, and is probably included in the build cost – be sure to check your quote.

Other alternatives to chlorine include minerals pools or saltwater systems, both of which require a little more investment – either in upfront costs or ongoing outlay. You’ll need to do some calculations based on estimated salt or mineral usage for your specific pool to better understand the financial impact.

UV and ozone systems are designed to boost sanitisation capability, improve clarity and reduce the need for traditional chemical treatments. They’ll add about AUD 2000 to 5000 to the budget.

Heating

Depending on your location, the addition of a heater can really help extend the swimming season. Unless it was included specifically in your original estimate, expect to pay somewhere between AUD 5000 and 10,000, depending on pool size. Don’t forget to factor in additional energy costs associated with running the heating system you select.

Cleaning

The ultimate ‘how long’s a piece of string?’ question, cleaners come in all shapes and sizes, with degrees of automation and functionality that make them more or less suited to specific pool environments and to your desired lifestyle.

In most cases, you can make that decision a little further down the track, but if you’re thinking about an in-floor cleaning system, it’s best to speak up at the design stage. You won’t get much change from AUD 10,000 for your troubles, but you will get a self-cleaning pool.

Everything else

Building a swimming pool is a significant investment, and understanding the elements and costs involved is key to making informed decisions. The outlay can extend to landscaping, outdoor rooms, kitchens and barbeques, heating, seating, décor, design and other lifestyle additions.

Whether you opt for a basic pool or aspire to create a luxurious retreat, careful planning and prioritising essential features will ensure that your dream pool not only enhances your home but also aligns with your budget. By assessing the available choices available and being aware of the potential for future additions, you can transform your backyard into a haven that suits both your vision and financial reality.

Who can you trust?

When you decide to buy a swimming pool or spa, it’s the fist step in your journey to a better lifestyle for you and your family.

Making informed decisions means speaking with an expert who can guide you through the purchase and installation process, so finding someone you can trust is important.

The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia (SPASA) is the industry’s peak body and a member-based organisation, with a charter to help everyday Australian access the health and lifestyle benefits that pool ownership delivers. Our members are serious about their business, their qualifications, and their projects. They represent the industry’s best pool builders, retailers, technicians, manufacturers, and other allied trades.

To make your swimming pool or spa dreams a reality, we’ve developed PoolQuotes and SpaQuotes – simple online tools that match you only with builders and installers that can deliver what you need, when you need it.

Just answer a few simple questions online and we’ll connect you with multiple business that will provide a quote, along with any guidance you’re after. Because we only connect you with SPASA members, you can be assured your builder adheres to established national standards and meets the expectations of the industry’s peak national body. Most importantly, they are available to take on your project in the timeframe you require.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, visit the PoolQuotes or SpaQuotes websites and get started today.