How Much Does A Swimming Pool Cost?

One of the best ways to beat the heat of the Aussie summer is to lounge around the pool. Unfortunately, getting one for your backyard isn’t as simple as you might think. There are lots of considerations to keep in mind before you dive in, including pool size and shape, type of pool cover, and more. And, of course, don’t overlook the cost, as pools can be a significant investment.

So, if you’re itching to dive into your own pool at home, here are a couple of things you might want to know, such as the factors that affect the price, permits, maintenance, and other additional expenses.

Factors Affecting Swimming Pool Cost

There’s no one-size-fits-all price for pools. Each one is unique in the sense that the problems you need to solve to get each one made are different from the next. This is why it’s so important to find a pool builder who can help you design and create the perfect pool for your home or business. You’ll want to consider several factors when determining how much a swimming pool will cost. Here are a couple of influential ones that’ll have a big impact on your final project cost:

Type of Pool

The type of pool you choose definitely affects the overall cost. This includes factors such as whether the pool is in-ground, above-ground or a lap pool, as well as the lining materials like vinyl, fibreglass, and concrete.

• In-Ground Pools: In-ground pools are typically more expensive than above-ground pools due to the excavation, materials, and labour involved. According to some sources, in-ground pool installation costs can vary significantly based on the liner material: concrete pools tend to be the most expensive, whereas vinyl and fibreglass pools are generally more affordable.Above-
• Ground Pools: Above-ground pools are generally cheaper because they require less labour for installation, and the materials are often more cost-effective. While they may lack the visual appeal of in-ground pools, they offer a budget-friendly alternative.
• Lap Pools: Lap pools, despite being narrower than traditional in-ground pools, have a similar installation time and cost because their long length still necessitates substantial materials and labour. Lap pool costs also depend on the chosen liner material, with vinyl being the most economical and concrete the priciest.
• Pool Shell Material: As mentioned previously, lining materials can impact the total cost of a pool. Vinyl liner pools tend to be more affordable, both in terms of initial installation costs and long-term maintenance. Fibreglass pools are considered low-maintenance and have a relatively fast installation period, which can result in thousands of dollars in cost savings over the lifetime of the pool compared to concrete. Concrete pools, on the other hand, offer greater customisation options but come with the highest costs due to the labour and materials involved.

Size of Pool

The size of the pool unquestionably influences the overall cost. This is mainly due to the materials required, labour involved, and excavation requirements.

• Materials: Larger pools require more materials than smaller ones. This includes the lining material (vinyl, fibreglass, concrete), the decking around the pool, and the filtration system. More materials translate into higher costs.
• Labour: A larger pool usually involves more labour than a smaller one. More time is needed to dig the hole, install the liner, build the decking, and install the filtration system. The cost of labour often fluctuates based on the prevailing labour rates in your area.
• Excavation requirements: For in-ground pools, larger pools necessitate larger holes and, correspondingly, more work in excavation. This could require additional machinery or necessitate more time, both of which impact the cost.

Design Features

Sure, those infinity pool designs by the edge of a balcony make for great Instagram-worthy shots, but the costs involved in building and maintaining one yourself could make you think twice about getting it for your own home. Design features, such as the infinity edge, often tack on a hefty extra over the cost of a traditional pool. Others, not so much, so it’s important to carefully weigh which design features you think your pool must have versus what you can do without.

Here are a couple of design features that have a significant impact on your pool cost.

Waterfalls: One aesthetic feature often installed on new pools are waterfalls. Unfortunately, installing this feature means extra time, materials, and labour. And if you’re thinking of those lush, rock-clad waterfalls, you’re definitely adding a few more zeroes to your budget. They can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand bucks, depending on the size and complexity.
Infinity Pool Design: Everybody loves these – like you’re swimming straight off the edge into the abyss! However, this dreamy feature comes with a hefty price tag, my friend. You’re gonna have to shell out for additional structural supports and a special filtration system to keep that water constantly flowing over the edge. Expect this design to cost anywhere from 20% to 30% more than a traditional pool.
Slides: Who wouldn’t want to turn their backyard into a mini Wet’n’Wild? But remember, slides aren’t just large bits of fibreglass – they need a proper foundation and support for safe use. Depending on the size and the type of slide, you could be looking at spending anywhere from $1,500 to over $4,000.
Lighting: Nothing adds to the ambience of an evening poolside like great lighting. LED lights are a popular choice, long-lasting and energy efficient to boot. Expect to dish out $150 to $300 per light, and installation can cost you $400 to $500 – and remember, a single light in a large pool won’t suffice.

Pool Accessories

Extra goodies you might want to throw into your backyard oasis, like pool covers, heaters, and filtration systems might also add quite a bit to the budget. Sure, they might sound like a dream, but just like that second flat white on a Saturday morning, they come with their own costs.

• Pool Covers: We’ll kick things off with pool covers. Now, these aren’t just fancy pieces of fabric to keep your pool looking classy. A good pool cover locks in your pool’s heat, reduces evaporation, and can keep out leaves and other rubbish – which is pretty useful for overall pool maintenance.
  Start-off costs for a basic plastic cover won’t break the bank. They often start around $100, but fancy automated versions can skyrocket up to $2,500. Remember, depending on how harsh the sun treats it, you’ll likely need to replace it every couple of years.
• Pool Heaters: Next up, pool heaters. Nothing beats a nice toastie swim on a chilly day, right? Well, pool heaters will make sure you can enjoy that luxury. Installation costs will vary depending on the type of heater you choose. A solar heater can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $4,000 upfront, but over time, the sun’s rays will keep those costs down. On the other hand, an electric or gas heater, while cheaper upfront, might run hefty bills each month.
• Filtration Systems: Lastly, we’ve got filtration systems. Every pool needs one of these little troopers to keep the waters free of nasties. You’re probably looking at a range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the type of pool and the size of the system you need. Sure, it’s not exactly a wallet-friendly addition, but in the long run, it saves you a stack by reducing your chemical costs and keeping your pool sparkling.

Installation and Construction Costs

The bulk of the cost of getting a swimming pool has got to be the installation and construction itself. It comprises about 70% – 80% of the total construction cost. This stage of the process involves excavation and site preparation, materials and equipment rental, and, most importantly, labour.

Excavation and Site Preparation

Excavating a pool area isn’t a simple task, and there are multiple factors that contribute to the overall cost. On average, swimming pool excavation costs about $2,500, but it could range between $400 and $4,500. The expenses mainly depend on the factors mentioned below:

• Accessibility: If the pool construction site is easily accessible, especially in an urban area, costs are likely to stay on the lower end. However, if access is limited and additional equipment is needed, this might increase the cost.
• Ground conditions: The type of soil and ground material present at the construction site can influence the excavation cost. If the soil is loose and easy to dig, the process will be smoother and more affordable. On the other hand, if the ground is rocky or challenging to work with, the costs might go up.
• Size and depth of the pool: Naturally, larger and deeper pools require more excavation work than smaller and shallower ones. The scope of the excavation work will directly affect the expenses involved.

Preparing the site for construction might also include expenses for site clearing, such as removing trees, vegetation, and rocks. On average, clearing land and preparing a construction site could cost around $3,423, with a wide range of $1,375 to $5,683.

Materials and Equipment

Materials and equipment also weigh quite heavily on the final project cost. They’re also non-negotiable as they’re necessary expenses that will ensure that your pools are safe and durable.

• Pool Shell Material: The material type you choose for your pool shell will significantly influence the overall cost. As part of the material costs:
• Fibreglass: Installing fibreglass pools can cost between $45,000 and $50,000, with prices potentially reaching $70,000. However, there’s also an option for DIY fibreglass pool kits available for about $20,000 to $25,000, but this doesn’t include other installation costs like excavation or plumbing.
• Concrete: The starting point for a concrete pool is estimated to be similar to that of fibreglass, at about $25,000 to $30,000. However, due to the flexibility to design, there’s virtually no price ceiling for concrete pools.
• Vinyl: If considering an above-ground pool, the estimated starting cost for vinyl pools is at $10,000. These pools have an estimated lifespan of six to ten years. Each time a vinyl pool is damaged, it may need to be completely replaced.
• Plumbing Systems: Inground pool plumbing systems aren’t usually sold as a package – instead, they’re custom designed. The cost of the plumbing materials and installation might range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the complexity of the system.
• Filtration Systems: These are essential to keep your pool crystal clear and hygienic. The typical cost of a pool filter system can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the pool type and filter size.

Labour Costs

Labour costs wildly depending on the type and size of the pool, the landscape of the yard, material costs — and not forgetting your location. On average, labor costs constitute about half of the total pool project cost.

Here are a couple of labourers you might need:

• Pool Installation Experts: You’re looking at around $5,000 to $12,000 for labour from a licensed pool contractor who’ll do all the heavy lifting (installation of the pool shell, equipment, plumbing, and electric works).
• Excavation Crew: Hiring blokes to dig out your backyard is gonna be your first labour expense. This job can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the pool size and the ground conditions. Excavation labour costs can range from about $500 to $2,500.
• Electricians & Plumbers: Get ready to shell out approximately $500 to $2,000 for electrical and plumbing work necessary to connect the pool and pool equipment to your home.
• Landscape artists: Once the pool is in, you might want it to blend in with your backyard. Landscaping work can cost additional thousands, depending on how fancy you want to get. The national average for landscaping is around $3,000, but this number can be significantly less (or more) depending on your desires and the current state of your yard.
• Fence Installers: In Australia, all swimming pools must have a permanent barrier to restrict access by young children. Most councils need a temporary fence around a newly built pool for safety reasons, but this needs to be replaced with a permanent structure once the pool installation is complete, so don’t forget to account for fencing in your total labour costs. Fence labour costs can run around $30 to $80 per metre, depending on the type of fencing you choose.

Additional Costs and Considerations

While the installation and construction, materials and equipment, and labour make up a large portion of the pie for the cost of a swimming pool, don’t forget about other ongoing expenses, such as maintenance and fees you need to take care of before you can even initiate the building process such as permits.

Maintenance and Operation Costs

To keep your pool hygienic and safe, you’ll need to continually monitor and maintain it. This includes regular cleaning, maintaining proper chemical balance, and paying for the utilities that come with operating the pool pump and other relevant equipment.

• Chemicals: Maintaining a healthy and safe chemical balance in your pool is an essential ongoing cost. You may need materials like chlorine or salt, pH up or down, UV blockers, algaecide and more. The total cost for these items varies, but on average, Australians might spend around $600 to $1,500 or more annually on pool maintenance, encompassing chemical expenses.
• Cleaning Equipment and Services: Equipment like pool skimmers, brushes, and robotic vacuum cleaners are an important part of pool maintenance, and their cost could be factored in as a one-off cost or the estimated lifespan of the equipment. Algeacide and filter cleaning, on the other hand, costs around $460 per year.
• Utilities (Electricity & Water): Operating a pool will inevitably bring some additional costs to your utility bills, especially caused by the pool pump. This might cost around $100 a month with a regular pump or about $1,200. Heating your pool can also significantly affect costs, with a range of $100 to $1,500 per year, depending on the duration of use and heating method.

Permits and Regulations

In Australia, installing a swimming pool often requires a building permit. This not only includes the pool itself but also the safety barriers surrounding it. Furthermore, property owners who choose to act as owner-builder for work over $16,000 must apply for a certificate of consent.

The cost to acquire a building permit for a swimming pool varies, but for estimation purposes, some builder consultants suggest that the average cost of a pool permit is around $475. Please note that the exact cost might fluctuate depending on the complexity of your pool project and local council fees.

Local regulations also require pools to be fenced for safety purposes, with non-compliance potentially resulting in penalties. Safety fencing is an additional cost to consider as it can vary significantly depending on the type and style of fencing chosen.

Geographical Considerations

There are also some geographical considerations that you need to take into account. Here are a couple of them:

• Climate: Sunny days are perfect for a dip, so it’s a no-brainer to put your pool in a spot that gets loads of sunlight. But remember, regions with more extreme weather conditions might require additional construction considerations. For example, cold climates might call for better insulation or even a pool heater, while hot climates might need extra shading options. Keep an eye on the weather, and you’ll save yourself a pretty penny.
• Soil Conditions: The type of soil in your backyard plays a significant role, too. Sandy or rocky soil can make excavation a real headache, leading to higher labour costs. Poor drainage can mean you’ll need extra waterproofing or drainage systems to keep everything in good shape. It’s advisable to have a professional assess your soil before you commence digging.
• Access to Utilities: Last but not least, hooking up your pool to the essentials like water, electricity, and gas can be a bit tricky. Easy access to utilities means less work, and you know what that means—lower costs! But sometimes, you’ll need extra pipes, wiring, or maybe even a separate shed to house your pool equipment. So, be sure to factor in these hidden costs when choosing your pool location.