So How Much Does a Pool (Really) Cost? Dreaming of a pool for your backyard but unsure what it will set you back? We have the answers.
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One thing’s for sure, we sure do love our swimming pools. According to research by Roy Morgan, Australia has one of the highest rates of pools per capita in the world, with nearly 2.7 million Australians living in a house with a pool. While the lifestyle benefits of having a pool may be plentiful, particularly given our climate, the costs of buying and installing a pool have risen sharply in recent years in Australia.
Adding a swimming pool to your outdoor area or backyard can transform your summer lifestyle – think pool parties, weekend swims with the kids or simply somewhere to cool off on those searing hot days.
But a new pool doesn’t come cheap. Rising material costs and increased demand have seen pool costs in Australia rise between 20 and 30 percent since 2020.
Prices crept up during the pandemic with the rise of the ‘staycation’ and more people wanting to put a pool in their backyard. Add to that supply-chain logistical costs, which were then passed onto the consumer, and a skilled labour shortage that ultimately saw tradies put their rates up. What is the cost of different swimming pools? While factors such as pool size, design, interior finish, site accessibility and the cleaning system you choose will all affect the final price of your swimming pool, you can expect to pay the following costs to install a pool. The approximate prices in Australia are:
Concrete pool measuring 4 x 8 metres: AU$80,000 to AU$250,000.
Fibreglass pool measuring 4 x 8 metres: AU$50,000 to AU$100,000.
Prefabricated plunge pool with a three-metre diameter: AU$35,000 to AU$75,000.
Hidden costs when building a pool
The pool itself isn’t the only cost to factor into your budget. An allowance of approximately 30 percent of the cost to build should be allocated to landscaping, fencing, decking and foliage.
And then there’s getting the pool in. Poor access for machinery may require the use of a crane or other specialist equipment, which can add to the total project cost.
Ground conditions, such as a high water table, soft soil or rock beneath the surface can lead to unexpected excavation costs too.
Then there are optional extras such as lighting, heating, decking, automation and other special features that people tend to underestimate.
Even known elements such as pool fencing can blow the budget due to the variations in price depending on the type you go for, with frameless glass fencing considerably more expensive than aluminium panels.
You will also need to factor in the cost of an electrician as pool builders are not licensed to do electrical works.
Timber decking around a pool may cost you between AU$300 and AU$600 per square metre, including installation.
When selecting pool fencing in Australia, expect to pay between AU$400 and AU$800 per linear metre, installed, depending on whether you choose tubular steel or glass.
Are plunge pools worth it? If you’re watching the budget or your backyard is on the small side, you may want to consider a prefabricated plunge pool. Although they are not as large, they are more budget-friendly, offer a welcome cool off in summer, provide enough space for the kids to play water games, and take up less of your outdoor area. Plunge pools have surged in popularity in recent years due to their affordability, compact size and reduced running costs. A prefabricated plunge pool is much cheaper than a fully tiled pool built in. And they come in a range of materials, including concrete, fibreglass and even steel tanks. Gone are the days of huge pools taking up the whole backyard as people want to maximise their outdoor space while minimising maintenance, making a smaller, easy-to-maintain pool the way to go. How can I build a pool on a budget? Apart from choosing a smaller-size pool, what are some other ways you can bring down the cost of a new pool? Some tips to consider
Line your pool with ceramic pool tiles instead of more expensive glass mosaics.
Choose stone pavers over timber decking. You’ll need to do some research, but there are reasonably priced stone pavers on the market.
Opting for an above-ground pool over an in-ground design will also give you significant cost savings as it won’t require out-of-ground formwork,
To minimise running costs,
Add a pool cover to conserve up to 90 percent of water, which is typically lost through evaporation.
Install a rainwater tank to top up your pool.
Invest in an energy-efficient, variable-speed water pump.
Add a backwash-minimisation system to prevent excessive backwashing and reduce water wastage.
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