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
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 both Australia and New Zealand. We spoke with industry experts to get the lowdown.
Image: Personal Pools (Master Pool Builders Association Australia, Australian Pool of the Year 2022).
“Prices crept up during the pandemic with the rise of the ‘staycation’ and more people wanting to put a pool in their backyard,” says Samartzis. “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.”
Dreaming of a pool? Find a pool and spa specialist near you on Houzz
“Prices crept up during the pandemic with the rise of the ‘staycation’ and more people wanting to put a pool in their backyard,” says Samartzis. “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.”
Dreaming of a pool? Find a pool and spa specialist near you on Houzz
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, according to Samartzis, are:
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, according to Samartzis, 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.
The approximate prices in New Zealand, according to Marks, are:
- Concrete pool measuring 4 x 8 metres: NZ$40,000 to NZ$200,000.
- Fibreglass pool measuring 8-9 x 3.5 metres: NZ$50,000 to NZ$90,000.
- Prefabricated plunge pool with a three-metre diameter: NZ$30,000 to NZ$60,000.
Hidden costs when building a pool
The pool itself isn’t the only cost to factor into your budget, says Samartzis. “An allowance of approximately 30 percent of the cost to build should be allocated to landscaping, fencing, decking and foliage.”
The pool itself isn’t the only cost to factor into your budget, says Samartzis. “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,” says Veda Dante, technical writer at Splash! magazine.
“Ground conditions, such as a high water table, soft soil or rock beneath the surface can lead to unexpected excavation costs too,” she says
“Ground conditions, such as a high water table, soft soil or rock beneath the surface can lead to unexpected excavation costs too,” she says
“Then there are optional extras such as lighting, heating, decking, automation and other special features that people tend to underestimate,” says Dante.
“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.”
“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,” says Dante.
According to Samartzis, timber decking around a pool may cost you between AU$300 and AU$600 per square metre, including installation. In New Zealand, this figure may come closer to NZ$600 to NZ$1,000 per square metre.
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. In New Zealand, the cost of framed glass fencing begins around NZ$630 per linear metre and increases to about NZ$1,150 for unframed glass fencing.
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. In New Zealand, the cost of framed glass fencing begins around NZ$630 per linear metre and increases to about NZ$1,150 for unframed glass fencing.
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,” says Dante. “A prefabricated plunge pool is much cheaper than a fully tiled pool built in-situ. And they come in a range of materials, including concrete, fibreglass and even steel tanks,” she says.
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,” says Dante. “A prefabricated plunge pool is much cheaper than a fully tiled pool built in-situ. And they come in a range of materials, including concrete, fibreglass and even steel tanks,” she says.
“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,” adds Amy Smith, co-founder of Prestige Plunge Pools.
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?
Samartzis offers the following tips:
Apart from choosing a smaller-size pool, what are some other ways you can bring down the cost of a new pool?
Samartzis offers the following tips:
- 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, Samartzis advises that you:
- 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.
Your turn
Are you planning a new pool or have you included one at home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
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Are you planning a new pool or have you included one at home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Looking for pool design ideas? Don’t miss this story 22 Cooling Pools to Gaze Upon From Around the World
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, says Chris Samartzis, CEO of the Master Pool Builders Association Australia. In New Zealand, pool costs have risen by about 16 per cent over the past 18 months, says Michelle Marks, region manager New Zealand for the Swimming Pool & Spa Association (SPASA).