When another sweltering summer swings around many of us can’t help but wonder, ‘why didn’t we get that pool installed?’ With life being so busy, it’s no surprise that it would fall by the wayside – after all, like any major home renovation, installing a pool is a big project to undertake. But with planning, budgeting, and research, you can make sure that you don’t let another pool-less summer melt away.
Pools aren't just pools
From temporary, above-ground types, to in-ground pools of various construction, you’ve got choices. Before you dive into pool installation, you need to match your pool to your property.
Keep in mind: an above-ground pool will be an easier install – if you’re handy, you might even be able to do it yourself – but it does require a flat piece of land. An in-ground option will require digging and some landscaping irrespective of whether you live on the flattest of plains or steepest of hillsides. So, consider your patch and think: what do you want out of your pool? Is it a functional place for a quick dip or a stylish, designer addition to your home?
But first, how much?
The price is influenced by construction type and installation complexity – common options include fibreglass, poured-concrete, vinyl-lined, and gunite. The more landscaping required the more work there is to do so the price will reflect that. The good news is when you factor in materials and designer elements, your own choices control the cost.
Tradie websites like hipages, put the cost of a concrete pool anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000, with the average price somewhere around $50,000. Whereas a fibreglass pool shell is initially cheaper – they are pre-fabricated, and they basically get ‘dropped-in’ to the excavation. You can get one of these for between $7,000 and $25,000, but you need to add on the cost of installation, which can be anywhere from $20,000 to $75,000. These are estimates, of course, and will vary from place to place.
Get creative!
Go ‘to the nines’ with your pool design or keep it basic – you can even choose to design it yourself or consult a landscape architect. Explore what’s possible with elements like lagoons, a variety of pebble finishes, water features and fountains, poolside gardens, wooden decking and paving options. Why go on holiday to Bali when you can build a mini-resort at home? Top tip: avoid large plants around the edge of your pool – they will block valuable sunshine from warming your pool naturally and cause your heating costs to rise.
For year-round bliss: heating options
Not all summers are created equal. While we imagine them as a blissful barrage of wonderfully hot, heat-shimmered days, there’s always a cheeky cool spell or three, especially in the south of the country. Heating is the answer to keep pool-time a pleasure. And if you want to enjoy your pool all year round, it’s essential.
It’s up to you what type of heating to get, whether it’s gas, solar or electric. They all have their positives, but gas is considered one of the most effective as it maintains your pool water to almost any temperature you choose, depending on your system. Not only do you have control over temperature, but a quality gas system also heats water extremely fast – perfect for an impromptu spa session in the middle of a dreary winter.
If you’re looking at installing a pool and spa combination, gas heating is a good bet because its rapid heating is even more effective in a small volume application. Gas heaters can also be combined with other types of systems to create a heater booster. Consider partnering gas with solar. Combining these two sources reduces gas bills and extends your swim season when solar alone won’t do the job.
The nitty gritty - regulations
Each state and territory has different rules, so first things first: pick up the phone and get in touch with your local council. Naturally, you’ll need to know what you have to do to comply with local rules, especially on development approvals, requirements around fencing and water management.
For example, across most of Australia, there are strict rules on pool fencing, and this is found in the relevant Australian Standard. So, speak to your local councils and consult pool experts first. In addition to chatting with local experts, industry bodies like the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia are a font of information. And, if you’re looking for a pool builder, check that they’re a member of SPASA to make sure you’re getting the right people for the job.
As always, consult with local experts as find out which option is best for your pool requirements.
Thinking of getting natural gas installed for barbecue season? Give us a call on 1300 001 001.
