You’ve just decided you want to build a pool. Now where do you start?
Having so many options online can make the decision overwhelming, confusing and scary - that’s where we come in.
Below we’ve listed a few things to consider when building a pool, and it goes far beyond just picking a company or a design.
The biggest takeaway from all of this is knowing your budget, planning for hidden costs and reading the fine print before you sign anything.
Have you decided on how much you’ll spend?
More importantly - what happens when something unexpected comes up?
You never know what’s around the corner. Feedback we hear time and time again from customers is that hidden expenses are one of the biggest frustrations with pool builds. Hitting rocks or clay, site access issues, or a draftsman charging extra because you changed your fence layout - these are real costs that often aren’t discussed upfront. Always read the contract carefully before committing.
Concrete or fibreglass?
Concrete pools offer the most flexibility in design and size, although they tend to cost nearly double what a fibreglass pool does. Maintenance is higher over time, and it’s worth knowing that ground movement can cause cracking down the line. Always go with a well established company that has a strong reputation.
Fibreglass is cost effective, faster to install and comes in a range of colours and shapes - although you can be limited on size and customisation. It’s a great option when you want to keep the budget in check without compromising on the finished result.
Concrete slab or pavers?
This can be a significant expense on top of the pool build itself and is worth researching thoroughly before you commit. Prices vary considerably and the choice affects the look and feel of the entire area - not just around the pool.
Don’t forget the equipment!
Picture this - you’ve just spent all your hard earned money building your dream pool and the pump and filter are sitting out in the open. An Acoustic Box enclosure solves that. One thing we always recommend is having the plumbing done after the enclosure is in place so the installer can cut clean holes in the side for the pipes. Time and time again we see people do it the other way around and it creates a headache - either a large awkward cut or reinstalling pipes entirely.
Plan for the worst, hope for the best. That way you can account for a few variables before they become your problem.
What type of pool equipment do you need?
When consulting with a pool builder they should walk you through the pump type, whether you want heating, and whether you are going with salt or mineral water. If they don’t bring these up - ask. Technology has pros and cons and it’s always best to understand your options before making a significant purchase.
Now for the fence
There are plenty of options when it comes to pool fencing. A few things to consider - if you have kids, a playground nearby or a grassed area next to the fence, frameless glass may not be the most practical choice. In those situations we recommend considering flat top aluminium, PIK fencing, BARR batten or a custom aluminium option instead.
If you’ve gotten this far and have a question, or want to share a tip or piece of advice that helped you through your own pool build - hit the link below. What helped you might help someone else, and that’s what we’re all about.