Above ground fibreglass pools – Compass Pools Australia

How Much Do Above Ground Pools Cost?

CPA — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 06:46:30 +0000

One of the first questions most people want answered when purchasing an above ground pool is ‘how much will the above ground pool cost me?’ To answer this question, we will need to combine the initial purchase price as well as the ongoing cost of running your pool of choice.

Some pools cost less to purchase upfront, but once you factor in repairs, replacements and ongoing running expenses, they often end up costing more than you think. Below we will look at the price points for different above ground pools, from inflatable options all the way to fiberglass and concrete. We will also discuss other important financial factors to consider in the long run for your pool.

The cost of above ground pool options

The cost of Above Ground Portable and Inflatable Pools

Portable and inflatable pools come in a variety of different options, sizes and price points. They range from as little as $50 to $2000+ and are readily available at many retail outlets, such as Bunnings or K-Mart. The pros of a portable or inflatable pool are that they are affordable, have an instant set up, and are a great way to test how often your family will actually use a swimming pool without spending a large amount of money. Many people who invest in these types of pools often go on to invest in a more permanent option in the future.

There are of course plenty of downsides to these kinds of pools too; for starters they are not a permanent option. They are hard and sometimes expensive to look after and will not contribute any added value to your home in the future. If you are looking for a permanent option then it is unlikely that a store-bought, low-cost pool will be the right solution for you. Just remember that despite these pools being temporary, they do require the same amount of fencing as any other pool within Australia. So, make sure to factor in the cost of swimming pool fencing into your above ground pool cost budget.

The cost of Above Ground Vinyl Liner Pools

Above ground vinyl liner pools are a more permanent (but still affordable) option. The initial purchase cost for vinyl pools can start anywhere from $10,000 +. The pros of these pools are that they are usually installed by professionals, look slightly more traditional in style, and can have a longer life span then a store-bought portable pool. Keep in mind that above ground vinyl liner pools need their liners changed around every 6-10 years (some last longer) depending on the amount of natural wear and tear they endure.

They are also more easily damaged than fiberglass or concrete options. A replacement liner costs anywhere between $3000 to $4000+ plus installation.

The cost of Above Ground Modular Pools

Modular pools are permanent self-supporting above ground pools that are pre-made and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Modular pools can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000+ and are often designed to be ‘plug and play’, meaning that installation is usually pretty quick. These types of pools, such as the ones from The Little Pool Co can be landscaped and designed into your backyard space any way you choose.

This cost depends on your style choices, the materials and the professionals used to help create your backyard dreams. Unlike above ground vinyl-liner pools, modular options last a much longer time and there generally is less upkeep required to keep them looking good over their lifetime.

Little Pool Co are a great above ground modular pool option

Shipping container pools and pre-moulded concrete plunge pools are also a good example of pre-made modular options. When choosing a modular pool pay careful attention to the materials from which your pool is constructed; will they stand the test of time or are they likely to degrade over the years. Light weight options usually make the installation process cheaper and faster (easily manoeuvred with smaller cranes).

The cost of Above Ground Fibreglass Pools

The cost of installing an above ground fibreglass pool depends on the method you choose to use for your pool’s installation: the traditional way, or with a purpose-built above ground fibreglass pool.

The Traditional Way

Most fibreglass pools need to be installed fully within the ground in order to prevent the water pressure from bowing the sides of the pool shell. Essentially, the ground is used as a barrier to prevent the sides from expanding when the pool is filled with water. Therefore, to install a fibreglass pool above ground, extensive earthworks and retaining walls need to be built to ensure that the pool sits fully in the ground (in other words raise the ground not the pool).

In some cases, these earthworks can cost up to $30,000+ depending on the amount of work needed to transform your backyard into a suitable inground installation site. This price does not include the cost of the pool itself, which can range from $25,000 to over $70,000, depending on the size, shape, features and landscaping options that you choose. The end result will be a beautiful, top quality looking pool, but it requires a larger financial outlay than an ordinary inground pool.

Purpose-Built Above Ground Fibreglass Pool (MaxiRib^TM Technology)

Compass MaxiRib ™ above ground fibreglass pools are designed and manufactured with special support Ribs attached to the outside of the pool shell. These Ribs provide the support needed for the walls to not bow under pressure when the pool is full. These purpose-built above ground fibreglass pools save on the cost of earthworks and retaining walls, as they can support themselves without needing to be fully in ground. The MaxiRib^TM system prevents the need for extensive earthworks and often allows you to come up with a design that looks much better then raising the overall ground level around your pool.

Purpose built above ground fibreglass pools (like Compass MaxiRib^TM Pools) can range in price depending on your installation site, but often cost anywhere between $12,000 and $25,000 on top of the cost of a standard inground pool shell. This may seem like quite a high upfront cost, but in many cases using this system will allow you to build an above ground pool for less than the cost of an above ground concrete pool or less than the cost of doing substantial earthworks and retaining.

Compass Pools has over 25 years of experience, proven results and knowledge when it comes to installing above ground fibreglass pools. Our MaxiRib^TM technology allows for Compass Pools to be installed out of ground any way you choose- whether that’s half in, ¾ out, or fully above the ground. This type of technology gives you much more flexibility for installation when compared to the traditional installation methods.

Compass MaxiRib Pool installed by Central Pools

Concrete Above Ground Pools

Concrete above ground pools cost often above $50,000 but can stretch well above $100,000 depending on the shape and size of the pool. Concrete pools often cost more because they usually require a lot of prep work, designing, engineering, and expensive materials, such as concrete and extra steel to provide structural support. Above ground concrete pools usually take 9-12 weeks to install (minimum) rather than days. One draw card of concrete is that you can create any shape, size or depth of your choosing, just keep in mind that these freedoms usually come with a higher price tag than fibreglass options.

What other costs should you be aware of when purchasing an above ground pool?

1. The cost of Pool fencing

Pool fencing within Australian is a legal requirement, and all pool fencing must adhere to your local government standards. Pool fencing can range in price depending on the product used, but often the price starts at $100 per m for standard powdered coated aluminium options.

2. Landscaping

The way you design your backyard oasis around your pool is entirely up to you. When it comes to landscaping, the sky is the limit and you can decide how much you want to spend on your designs.

3. Water Filtration and Circulation

When choosing a pool, it is important to consider the cost of water filtration and chemicals. A pool that is self- cleaning, such as Compass Pool’s Vantage technology can help to reduce the amount of money and time you spend cleaning your pool.

Thinking of an above ground fibreglass pool?

Authorised Compass dealers are your local experts in installing top quality Compass fibreglass pools, whether partially or completely out of the ground. They can help you design your project and provide you with a cost estimate. Find your local Compass pool dealer now to get your free quote on an above ground Compass pool.

The post How Much Do Above Ground Pools Cost? appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Are Cheap Swimming Pools Worth It?

CPA — Fri, 22 May 2020 06:29:58 +0000

Many people want a pool to lounge in somewhere in their backyard, but their budget constraints make them consider buying a low-cost pool. But, are the cheapest pools worth it, and how does one define an affordable pool? If you pick out from a range of cheap swimming pools, won’t you make up for it later with maintenance and problems because it uses lower-quality materials?

If you’re considering buying a cheap pool, this is for you. We’ll go over everything you need to know about buying the cheapest pools available, and we’ll give you several alternatives that you may want to consider. This way, you know you’re going to get the most bang for your buck with this large investment.

Factors that Influence Pool Costs

What factors determine whether a pool gets a cheap or high price? Are some factors more influential? There are several factors that go into deciding your pool’s final costs, and there’s a big difference between high-end pools and the cheapest pools. They include:

Size – A larger pool is more expensive than a smaller pool. It costs more to manufacture, transport and install. The running costs are also higher with a larger pool because you’ll have to buy more chemicals to keep it safe.
Design – A simple pool design like a rectangle with no frills is going to be much more cost-effective than an elaborate pool. If you add things like steps, jets and have more complicated features, you’ll pay for it in the pool’s final price.
Inground or Above Ground – Above ground pools require you to have a level area like a concrete slab to put them on, and this equates to a more affordable pool. An in-ground pool means you have to dig out the yard to suit your pool. It’s more labour-intensive, so it’s going to cost more.
Yard Access – When the company transports your pool to your home, they’ll have to get into your backyard to install the pool. If there are things in the way that the company has to work around, this will drive the cost up. The same goes for yards with odd shapes that the installation company has to accommodate to get your pool in place.
Pool Material – Plastic pools are examples of extremely cheap pools, but they don’t last long. Other materials include fibreglass and concrete. While you can’t call fibreglass cheap, it is more affordable than a concrete pool. Both last longer than plastic, though.

Concrete isn’t the pool you want if you’re after a low-cost pool. This is the most expensive and labour-intensive pool out there, even when compared to fibreglass. The company has to build your concrete pool from scratch right at your home, making it a very long and expensive process. A prefabricated pool like a fibreglass one will only take a few days, and this timeline goes down if you want it above ground.

Your budget will dictate the pool you end up with. You may be able to afford a more durable option if you sacrifice some of the extra features you want, such as an infinity edge or water features.

Above Ground Pools vs Inground Pools

Now that you know which factors play the biggest role in whether a pool has a cheap price tag or an expensive one, we’ll go over your options for an in-ground pool and above ground pool. This will help you understand your options and tailor your purchase to your needs and wants.

Above Ground Pools

Above-ground pools give you several awesome options. The installation process does not involve excavation, reducing the costs. All you need for your above ground pool to sit on is a level area, as well as an electrical hookup close by. Many people use a concrete slab instead of trying to level the ground because the ground can settle over time and knock the pool askew.

If you have a sloped yard that you don’t want to or can’t level, Maxi Rib technology allows you to have a gorgeous infinity pool. With the help of this pioneering technology, you can have the pool you want, and you won’t have to spend so much on excavation.

Once you get it on your level area and hook it up, all you have to do is fill it up and it’s ready to go. This adds a convenience factor to this affordable pool. You have a choice of several different above ground pools, including vinyl-lined, fibreglass and inflatable. They come with features such as metal frames or reinforced vinyl or plastic shells.

Many of these above ground pools come as complete kits. Once the company delivers and positions them, they’re ready to fill and use. If you decide to buy the cheapest pools available, you’ll spend more on maintenance and repairs to keep your pool in working condition than you would if you go for a slightly more expensive above ground pool.

Vinyl-lined Pools

Vinyl-lined pools have a straightforward setup process, and you can take them down and transport them if you move to another house. These types of affordable pools usually come with repair kits because they can get damaged. You can tear the lining, and then you have to patch it to make it waterproof again. Every five to seven years, you’ll have to replace the liner.

Cheap Inflatable Swimming Pools

Next are the cheapest pools of all, the inflatable pools. These are plastic pools that you blow up and fill with water. Since this is a very quick process, you can use it within hours. However, they’re not durable at all. They’re very easy to damage, and you can rip the walls or flooring if you’re not careful. They’re convenient, though – you can pack them up in the winter months or if you need to move them.

Fibreglass Pools

When you get a fibreglass pool, you’re getting a fibreglass shell that will last a lifetime with proper care. Compass Pools offers Maxi Rib technology that supports the fibreglass shell. It fixes the pool to the ground or onto a concrete slab, and you can install it on sloping or uneven terrain. The company delivers the shell to you, so installation is relatively quick.

They do come pre-designed, so it’s not possible to customise them as much. However, there are several shapes, sizes and features you can pick from. Fibreglass pools also have bacteria and algae-resistant surfaces to make them more hygienic. You won’t use a lot of chemicals to clean them either, and you won’t have to resurface them. Although they definitely are not cheap pools, having a fibreglass pool installed is one of the best staycation ideas out there.

Inground Pools

Generally speaking, inground pools are always more expensive than the above ground pool. Whichever company installs your pool will have to excavate your backyard before they can install your pool, and this means creating the pool involves more work. These factors all cause the price to go up.

Another important factor that affects the cost of your inground pool is the size. Usually, a plunge pool is the cheapest pool because it’s much shorter and less wide than a traditional pool. However, they’re much deeper. This allows you to relax and enjoy your pool. But, it also means that the company has to perform more excavation work, so this may not be a feasible option for your budget.

There are three main inground pool types to choose from: vinyl-liner, fibreglass and concrete. We mentioned earlier that concrete pools are the most expensive and labour-intensive option available, so most people go for vinyl-liner or fibreglass. There is a huge selection of prefabricated designs available in several colours. They’re easier to install, and the company will deliver the pool straight to your yard and install it into the ground without having to build it up from square one.

This helps control the costs, but it can be expensive if you have a yard with a difficult access point or if your yard has an irregular shape. For a more affordable pool option, many people choose fibreglass instead of vinyl-lined. Fibreglass is more durable and stronger, and it can last a lifetime. It is also easy to clean, saving you time. Vinyl-lined pools, on the other hand, are prone to damage. You’ll have to replace the lining periodically as well.

Little Pools Are a Viable Option

If these options all sound like they may be out of your budget, try a Little Pool – it is on the more cost-effective end of the spectrum. Little Pools are 100% above ground pool, saving you on labour costs. You’ll need an electric connection and a concrete slab for your pool to sit on, and you’re ready to fill it and use it. You’ll get a complete kit when you order your Little Pool that features steps, lighting and a filtration system. If you have money left over, you can get some nice extras.

Little Pools use the latest technology to ensure you get the best build quality on the market. We are Australia’s leading manufacturer of in-ground, full-sized fibreglass pools. And, our partnership with Little Pools means that their products are as long-lasting and durable as traditional fibreglass pools, and they’ll require minimal maintenance to last for years.

This does cause the price to go up slightly. But, it can be worth it to pay more upfront because the pool will more than makeup for it with the low-maintenance design.

Check Compass Pools’ Durable and Lasting Fibreglass Pools

Anyone who wants a more durable pool and is willing to pay slightly more for it should take a look at the fibreglass pools available at Compass Pools. We have options available for a broad range of budgets, and we create the best fibreglass pools in Australia. Our pools use the highest-quality materials available combined with the newest technology on the market.

If you want to know more about our fibreglass pools, our blog has dozens of articles available. We have everything you need to get the most out of your new pool. Are you interested in learning more? If so, you should contact our team of dedicated pool experts at your local Compass Pools dealership. We’ll discuss your options and help you pick the best pool without breaking your budget.

The post Are Cheap Swimming Pools Worth It? appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Above-ground pool options

CPA — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 01:21:55 +0000

If you like the idea of having your own swimming pool but your site is not well suited to an in-ground solution, then the good news is that you still have plenty of options.

Sometimes it simply isn’t practical to install a pool completely in the ground. For example:

Your site is sloping and some or all of your pool will need to be out of the ground
You would like your pool to be level with an existing deck or other outdoor living area
Your pool needs to be partially raised out of the ground to avoid engineering difficulties
It isn’t practical to excavate and remove soil from your backyard (usually access issues for machinery).
You would like your pool somewhere unusual (like an apartment rooftop!)

There are several choices when it comes to above-ground swimming pools. In this article we explore the pros and cons of some of the more permanent options available to you when planning your new pool. Like most construction projects there are options for different budgets so to help keep things simple we’ll start at the lowest price point.

Vinyl liner pools

Vinyl liner pools are a great starting point if you want a family pool but have a limited budget. These pools are typically constructed using kitset steel frames and walls which are then fitted with a made-to-size vinyl liner.

Pros of vinyl liner pools

Budget friendly (you can DIY install for less than $10,000)
Fast to install

Cons of vinyl liner pools

They don’t look as good (may not be suitable for some houses)
They can be easy to damage with sharp objects
They fade easily if chemicals are not well managed
The liner will require regular upkeep and replacement

Pre-made portable pools (shipping container pools, plunge pools, and The Little Pool Co for example)

In more recent years the demand for better looking, yet budget-friendly, swimming pools has certainly ramped up, and with that demand has come the rise of a new generation of portable pre-made pools. Some great examples that are currently available in Australia include shipping container pools, concrete plunge pools and freestanding fibreglass pools like the Little Pool Co.

Although a larger investment than a vinyl liner, these options are far more aesthetically pleasing and tend to be more permanent in terms of their expected lifespan.

Take The Little Pool Co Pools for example: these are freestanding fibreglass pools which can simply be placed onto a concrete base, filled with water and connected to power. You can literally be swimming the day your pool arrives on site. The nude (no exterior cladding) pool packages start from less than $17,000– perfect if you are planning on building a deck around your pool.

Pros of pre-made portable pool options

Great for sites where access is limited, or it is hard to do earthworks
They look like permanent pools (more upmarket)
They can be installed very quickly
There are plenty of budget friendly options (starting from around $17,000)
They usually include everything you need (pumps, filters and lights)

Cons of pre-made portable pool options

They are limited to smaller sizes
There are currently no self-cleaning pool options

Swim Spas

Similar to premade portable pool options, swim spas have risen in popularity over the last decade. Swim spas are best described as a hybrid between a spa pool and a swimming pool. In many cases modern swim-spa designs include both spa and swimming zones.

Like shipping container pools or portable above-ground fibreglass pools, swim spas can be a good option if you are restricted to a small space, or if you are hoping to avoid a major excavation.

Swim spas can range in price from around $22,000 up to $45,000 depending on your preferences, which often means they are similarly priced to a permanent pool of the same size.

Pros of swim spas

There are plenty of choices on the market
They are quick to install
Some have built in swim jets for exercise

Cons of swim spas

They often run at higher temperatures than swimming pools (higher running costs)
They don’t offer the same aesthetic WOW factor as a traditional pool
They are limited in size

Partially in-ground fibreglass pools

If you are looking for a larger, more permanent pool, you might consider opting for a traditional fibreglass solution with a specially designed structural support beam (known as a drop-edge beam). This means you can install your pool up to one metre out of the ground. Drop-edge beams are often a cost effective way to raise the height of your pool to match existing decks, retaining walls or other raised areas in your backyard.

Pros of using a drop-edge beam

You get to have a full-sized pool of your choosing
Usually a cost-effective way to raise your pool out of the ground
Often adds aesthetically to the pool area (as shown in photo)

Cons of using a drop-edge beam

Not always suitable for every backyard
Can take up too much space
Not always the most cost-effective solution

Above-ground, free standing fibreglass pools (Compass Maxi Rib pools)

Compass Pools have been pioneering above-ground pool installations for over 20 years. In fact, our Maxi Rib system was the first of its kind and won an Australian design award for innovation! The Maxi Rib System allows you to have a full-sized Compass Pool almost anywhere you want it: from hillsides to rooftops. Maxi Ribs open up a world of design possibilities including vanishing edges (infinity pools), acrylic windows, waterfalls and much more.

Pros of Compass Maxi Rib above-ground pools

You can get a full-sized above-ground swimming pool
Customisable with the Compass range of add-ons
Can come equipped with the Vantage self-cleaning and circulation system
Often more cost effective than extensive earthworks or highly engineered concrete alternatives

Cons of Compass Maxi Rib above-ground pools

Costs more than a traditional inground pool

Specifically engineered concrete solutions

The final alternative is to opt for a specially designed concrete solution. Sometimes, if your site has multiple challenges then the best way to go is to opt for a specially designed concrete solution that matches your site perfectly.

Pros of Specifically engineered concrete solutions

A design that matches your site perfectly
A good way to overcome challenging site limitations
Create the WOW factor with a unique pool shape/design

Cons of Specifically engineered concrete solutions

Concrete is harder to look after than fibreglass pools
Often the most expensive option
Much longer construction process than the above alternatives

Want help finding the best above-ground pool solution for your backyard?

If you’re not sure what solution is right for your backyard, the best thing we can recommend is to get your local Compass Pools dealer to call out for a full site inspection. This service is FREE and comes with no expectation to buy. They’ll be able to help you find the best option for you, your family and your budget!

Click here to locate your nearest Compass Pools Dealer and request a site visit.

The post Above-ground pool options appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Pool and backyard costs combined

CPA — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 23:35:17 +0000

When setting out your budget for your dream pool, it’s a good idea to break down the various components of the project so that you know exactly what kind of bill you will be facing. As well as the cost of the pool installation itself, there will be other costs associated with labour and materials.

It’s not as simple as asking how much a swimming pool will cost, as clearly there are many different sizes, shapes and specifications of pools. There are a few basic rules, for example pool prices will vary according to the size and style you go for. Total above ground pool prices installed could, in fact, really surprise you if they’re an option you hadn’t considered before! The cost will also depend on whether you’ll decide to go for a DIY pool installation or you’ll go with a professional pool builder.

Groundwork

The cost of groundwork to prepare your area for your pool is a factor that can vary greatly according to the challenges presented by your site and the amount of time it takes to overcome them.

If you are planning an inground pool, this could be the most expensive option. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact figure for this, as it will depend on the total amount of labour hours spent on preparing your area and equipment hire, such as diggers.

Above ground swimming pools prices can, in certain cases, represent a more affordable option, and are worth investigating if creating an inground pool would involve a lot of work on a difficult site. For example, if you have difficult access or rocky ground on site, you can take advantage of Compass Pools’ unique Maxi Rib technology to provide an appropriate level of support. Generally, though, because of the more expensive fibreglass pool shell and more demanding landscaping, a high-quality above ground pool can be cost more than a standard inground option.

Pool

It’s hard to give an estimate of an inground pool. Prices will vary greatly according to the size and shape of your pool.

One way to know for sure how much your pool will set you back is to purchase a prefabricated fibreglass pool shell.

Compass Pools provides a wide range of sturdy, hygienic and long-lasting pool shells to suit a variety of backyard sites, design aspirations and styles. Ranging from a 12.34 m long Fastlane lap pool to a compact 2.8 m plunge pool perfect for small plots, you will find a pool to suit your lifestyle and budget.

For more elaborate projects, for example for infinity pool prices, expect to pay more to reflect the extra work involved. In fact, an infinity pool is one of the most costly pools, adding up to $35,000 to a pool project, with the total setting you back up to $70,000+ for the pool shell and installation alone. This cost is due to the specialised nature of the infinity pool – you will need a special edge to your top pool and the addition of a hiding pool to accommodate the water that flows over the infinity edge.

Concrete pool cost tends to come in at more than fibreglass shells due to the more complex nature of their design and installation. You will also find that you are hit with higher maintenance costs with a concrete pool, and on average you will have to have it resurfaced once every 15 years.

Another factor to consider if you are thinking about a concrete pool is whether your soil is stable enough to accommodate it. If not, this could be a very costly mistake. It’s worth bearing in mind that a fibreglass pool has the ability to move with the soil, so it is a safe bet wherever you live.

Trades

Your pool installer will provide the expertise to safely install your pool and in most cases, he will provide tradespeople to complete the works once the pool is situated on the block.

You’ll need a plumber to connect the pipe from your filter to your discharge point, and possibly also to carry out drainage on site. To give you a starting point, the average cost of a plumber per hour is $75 per hour for a master plumber.

Next, you will need an electrician to provide circuit-to-pool equipment, with heat pumps and control systems being hard wired. Electricians charges can oscillate around $85 per hour.

Paving or decking

Once your pool is safely installed, you will need to finish off the surrounding area to make it a suitable place to relax and enjoy your new feature.

If you go for paving, you can work out a price based on a range of $35-$60 per coping paver. If you’re after a rough estimate at this stage for a 7 m swimming pool, it would be wise to budget between $6,000 and $10,000 for paving, including some extra for a seating area.

There are other options besides paving, of course. Decking is popular and stylish. The average cost for the materials for a standard size deck is between $3,400 and $6,500, but of course, this can vary wildly according to the type of material – treated pine is very affordable, or you can splash out on hardwoods such as spotted gum or merbau.

Artificial turf is another practical option, and you will find this good value for money, so for each square meter expect to pay around $80.

Remember you will also have to factor in labour costs to install any of the above materials.

Fencing and safety features

Australian regulations state that fencing is a safety requirement around pools, so this is a cost you won’t be able to avoid.

Again, the cost depends on what sort of material you choose for your fencing. The price is around $200 per metre for timber fencing, up to $600 per metre for glass fencing.

If you’re on a tight budget, you could go for aluminium fencing which is around $150 per metre.

Pool house

An optional extra is a pool house to provide shelter and shade when you’re having a break from the pool.

Like many other items, the cost will depend on how elaborate a model you choose. A simple timber pergola is often a good place to start. For an average-sized pergola of 5 m by 3 m, you could pay around $2,550 for one fashioned from treated pine, while an insulated model made of hardwood would set you back in the region of $3,750.

Pool landscaping

Landscaping around your pool area can be as simple or as complex as you like. For the lower end of the budget scale, you could spend a few hundred dollars on foliage that thrives in pool areas and plant it up yourself, perhaps splashing out for some extras like gravel or ornaments.

At the other end of the spectrum, a full landscape of your pool area with copious, plants and trees, and other elements such as garden ornaments, sculpture or other such accessories could set you back tens of thousands of dollars.

Accessories

It’s not just about the pool…think of the loungers or deck chairs you will need to fully enjoy your new feature, as well as other furniture, such as outdoor tables or sofas, and even maybe a fire pit or some striking sculptures. The sky is really your limit here, and a conservative estimate of the minimum you would spend on some simple loungers or chairs would be in the region of a few hundred dollars.

Heating

The cost of heating your pool is an ongoing one. Unless you live in one of Australia’s hottest climate zones, you will need to heat your pool to make it useable during the cooler months of the year.

Of course, solar heating is the most reasonable way of funding your heating costs. In this case, the cost to set up your solar heating system would be up to $4,500, with running costs of approximately $250 a year – as you can see, it’s a pretty good value for your money.

Running costs for other systems would average at around $500 to $1000 for electrical heating and $500 to $1,500 for gas heating. The prices and running cost vary according to the climate and size of your pool. Please refer to our Pool heating article for more insights into different pool heating systems.

Chemicals

Another ongoing cost is that of the chemicals (usually chlorine) needed to keep your pool sanitised. This tends to be around $100 per year. Note that how often you need to top up your pool chemicals will depend on how often you use the pool and whether you cover it when not in use.

Filtration system

Your filtration system is essential to keep your pool safe and free from debris such as leaves, dirt or anything else that makes its way into your pool. You will have a choice of a regular cartridge filter, a sand filter or a glass filter. The one factor to bear in mind here is that a cartridge filter requires more maintenance than the other types.

The typical cost to install a filter system is around $1,500-$3,000, which includes the plumber and electrician fees. Then you have to factor in the cost of running your system. On average, the cost of running your filtration equipment will be approximately $0.50-$1.00 per hour depending on your energy provider.

Typically, you will need to run your filtration system for six to eight hours per day in the summer months, and up to four hours per day in winter, but you may need to alter this according to the size of your pool, how heavily it is used and weather conditions.

An economy pump that runs at different speeds could save you up to as much as 60% off your bill, or you could work your system only in off-peak periods to slash your bill even further.

Cleaning

For cleaning – an absolutely vital part of your pool care programme – you have a number of choices: robotic systems, cleaning your pool yourself or having it cleaned by a professional team for a monthly fee, to name three of these.

A robotic cleaner will set you back in the region of $1,500. They are pretty efficient, working independently of your pool filtration system, and can even be controlled by your smartphone.

It’s hard to put a figure on the cost of employing a professional to come and clean your pool on a regular basis so it’s probably worth you doing a bit of research in your local area or asking neighbours for recommendations if they already have a pool.

One way to avoid cleaning costs is to purchase a Compass Pools self-cleaning pool. The cost of the self-cleaning system is built into the price of the pool you purchase, so you won’t have to find extra money in your budget for this.

The system is pretty ingenious. It’s based on circulating the water, keeping it debris-free, safe and clean. Nozzles embedded in the floor of your pool keep the water circulating around the pool, ensuring that water is distributed evenly from top to bottom keeping the temperature constant and spreading chemicals to eliminate bacteria evenly throughout the pool.

One of the great advantages of this system is that your bacteria-killing chemicals will work more efficiently, therefore saving you money. In terms of power, it’s also affordable to run.

They also work automatically every day, so their operation takes up very little of your time and thought, which is not the case with robotic cleaners which you will have to unpack and set up on each occasion.

The verdict

It’s really tricky to put a price on the total cost of a pool project without looking at every aspect of your lifestyle, design dreams and choices. As a very rough figure, for a fibreglass pool installed by professionals, you would need to allocate between $45,000 to $75,000 with very basic landscaping. Of course, this figure will vary according to what accessories and extras you choose, and also the level of landscaping you opt for. For an above ground infinity pool, you should expect to pay between $70,000 to $110,000.

The best way to get a feel of how much a pool project will set you back is to ask the experts and get a quote based on your individual circumstances and choices. Contacting a Compass Pools dealer is the first step in your exciting journey to pool ownership, and a lifetime of enjoyment.

The post Pool and backyard costs combined appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Stunning and affordable backyard pool design ideas

CPA — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 22:12:52 +0000

Setting out on your pool design project is an exciting time…finally your dream is becoming a reality! But you are likely to have all sorts of questions to ask and choices to make before making your final decision about the design of pool which will fit your backyard beautifully and give it the ambience you crave. Read on to find out what questions you need to ask before you select your plan, and to understand what the go-to pool designs are right now.

Planning is key

First of all, planning is key. There are many considerations to take into account before you settle on a pool design, as well as lots of questions to ask!

Let’s start with the basics: what is the ground like in your backyard? If it’s a level surface, then you are on to a winner, as constructing an in-ground or above ground pool should be possible.

If your property is set on sloping land or a hillside, or a particularly rocky or uneven surface, you may think that you face a challenge. But do not despair – above ground pools are perfect for this situation. A fibreglass shell for an above ground pool, for example, can be installed securely on this type of terrain. Here, Compass Pool Australia’s Maxi Rib technology comes into its own, providing a strong and durable structure ideal for this situation.

Next, think about where you plan to position your pool within your plot. Many pool owners go for central positioning to make their pool the centre of attention. Others will place it near to their house, to create a seamless transition from house to backyard to pool. Of course, you may also need to think about how your pool installer will access your backyard and how this can affect positioning.

Finally, give some thought to how you intend to use your pool. There are some great options for families, such as the lap pool with its wide, easy access ledges, that are ideal for children or not so confident swimmers. Of course, the primary function of a lap pool is to provide unobstructed lap swimming, so this is a highly versatile option for many families.

If your backyard is particularly compact, a plunge pool could be a good option for you. These small, deep pools take up the minimum of space but still provide an environment for gentle exercise, or when customised with jets, can double up as a spa.

What happens next?

Onto the final stages of preparation before you can really get stuck into your backyard design ideas.

Get in touch with your local council to find out about approval requirements, and check out your site map to find out whether there are any cables or pipes running underneath your pool area.

You will also need to avail yourself of the safety regulations for your area, which you will be able to find on your local building authority website.

Once you have gathered some pool ideas, get in touch with your local authorised Compass Pools Australia pool builder, who will be able to efficiently install your above ground pool with the minimum of hassle.

Best small courtyard design ideas

When it comes to courtyard designs, size certainly shouldn’t matter. In fact, if your backyard comprises a small courtyard then you have plenty of scope to create a wonderful oasis incorporating a tranquil pool.

Given your courtyard’s compact dimensions, the ideal pool design for you is a plunge pool. This small, deep pool will allow you space to swim, exercise and relax. Available as in-ground or above ground options, they are a versatile way to achieve your dream of having a pool in a small space.

If you have a modern-build house, a contemporary, straight-edged design could be for you. Surrounding tiling in neutral tones will enhance the fresh, modern feel to this design. Opt for some leafy plants in pots placed at intervals around your pool for a really luxe look – try palms and hibiscus for a really lush feel.

Good small backyard designs also take into account proximity to your neighbour’s property. There are lots of clever features you can incorporate to give your pool area a more private feel. If your pool area is right up against your neighbour’s perimeter, an elevated deck, for instance, can detract the eye from their fence or wall and provide an attractive view and a feeling of spaciousness.

Plunge pools suggest luxury, so why not recreate a spa look in your courtyard? Place comfy seating around the edges of your pool, and keep the colour scheme of surrounding tiling neutral and calming. You can even add jets to your pool to make it into a sumptuous experience.

For a soft, appealing look, opt for a plunge pool shell with a rounded edge. The 4.5 Courtyard model by Compass Pools Australia is made for this look. When it comes to landscaping, you can really indulge your imagination here. Go for romantic, flower-bearing plants around your pool area such as agapanthus and bromeliad for colour and structure. Add height with grasses or bamboo, and mix in features such as rocks and natural materials to complete the wild, romantic look.

Best contemporary ideas

If cool and contemporary is your style, there are endless pool designs you can choose from.

For this kind of look, you’ll find that shape is key. Clean, straight lines work really well to convey an up-to-the-minute look, best epitomised by the infinity pool. These ideal pools trick the eye into thinking that your pool goes on forever, creating a feeling of freedom and luxury. You may be surprised to learn that infinity pools are achievable small backyard designs, as even a small rectangular pool can provide the basis for this stunning look.

The lap pool is another design that is rapidly gaining popularity. As their name suggests, they are suitable for swimming laps and are long and narrow in shape. Compass Pools Australia offers a number of lap pool designs, for example, the Fastlane, the X-Trainer, and the Vogue. You can complement this clean and stunning design with a water feature emptying directly into the pool or a deck with glass surround for an ultra-modern look.

Another way to incorporate a modern vibe into your pool design is to create a sleek seating area adjacent to your pool. You can achieve this with decking, or with clean, neutral tiles. Add some comfortable seating with cushions in accent colours, some strategic lighting and even a fire pit for warmth and focus, and you have a desirable, modern look for your backyard which will be the envy of your neighbours!

Best family pool ideas

When you think of a classic swimming pool, images of lazy summer days spent with the family splashing about and having fun spring to mind.

Create a classic swimming pool look with a family pool from Compass Pools. Their Contemporary pool shell is perfect for all the family, providing depth in the centre and shallow areas at both ends – great for pool games. Large steps and bench seating at both ends means the pool is fully accessible for all the family. From 8.3 to 10.9 metres, this model is good for a medium-sized garden.

If you are tight for space, there are also plenty of options for small backyard ideas. The Vogue model comes in a range of sizes, with the smallest measuring 7.15 x 3.0m. It also boasts a step ledge where kids can rest, a perimeter rail to provide support and anti-slip steps and flooring for safety.

Make the surrounding area appealing for all the family with some effective pool landscaping ideas. Deck jets add fun and excitement to your pool area. They are jets fixed on the decking next to your pool creating jets of water that spurt into the pool. You can even backlight them for some extra fun after dark!

You can also have fun with coloured lights around the pool, or strings of fairy lights around your decking area to create a magical atmosphere.

A covered lounge area overlooking your pool is also fantastic for all the family to use. Providing shade and a place to rest, this is a wonderful resource for families with small children. And once they get that little bit bigger, mum and dad can supervise them from the comfort of their lounger!

Of course, if your pool is intended for small children’s use, you will need to be ultra-aware of safety regulations. You will require fencing on all sides, and beyond the fencing, there has to be a safety zone of 900 mm minimum around the pool. You mustn’t place any large objects there which could be used by children to climb over the fence.

Best nature-inspired ideas

Nature lovers can really run wild with their passion when it comes to planning a swimming pool.

Even a small plunge or courtyard pool can be landscaped to reflect a wonderfully natural look to it. Fill in the surrounding area with rocks and gravel, planting grasses or succulents in the spaces in between to give an impression of an organically created environment.

For a truly stunning look, add a waterfall that empties into the pool, mimicking something you may stumble across in the natural world. You could go for a rocky waterfall, which will look as natural as possible as the water trickles between the nooks and crannies. Or, for the more ambitious, what about an infinity waterfall? This links two levels of pools so that the upper level cascades into the lower one, creating movement and interest. This is a great small backyard idea as it makes the most of space going upwards when surface area is at a premium.

Planting the adjacent garden area with specimens that attract birds, insects and butterflies is another way to feel at one with nature while you are relaxing in your pool. Acacia attracts butterflies and insects, while the pods provide food for seed-eating birds. The luscious blooms of the New South Wales Waratha will attract birds in abundance to your pool area, while the Red Flowering Gum flowers exude nectar making beautiful exotic birds such as parrots flock to it in droves. Plant rice flower bushes too, which will add structure and shape to your wildlife area and attract colourful butterflies.

The final word

Whichever look you go for, it’s a good idea to start planning way before you want your pool installed. Use Pinterest to capture and sort pools by design, and see if you go and see some examples of pools to get an idea about what might work for you. Above all, enjoy the planning stages and remain open-minded as to what design would work for your backyard…you may be surprised at what inspiration you find!

Would you like to explore more pool design ideas?

Head to our pool gallery to see pool projects completed by authorised Compass Pools dealers.

OPEN POOL GALLERY

The post Stunning and affordable backyard pool design ideas appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

All about above ground pools

CPA — Wed, 29 May 2019 00:29:02 +0000

If you are considering an above ground pool, you are sure to have lots of questions and want to find out more. First off, what is an above ground pool? They are exactly what their name suggests: pools that sit above ground level. There are lots of different types of above ground pools, and you can choose shells made of plastic, rubber, fibreglass or concrete as well as additional features to suit your budget.

Above ground pools available for sale come in a variety of designs, shapes and sizes, and can be accommodated even in smaller backyards or on uneven terrain, so are the ideal choice for many people.

Why are above ground pools popular?

Above ground swimming pools offer an alternative to in-ground pools, which may be difficult to install in some backyards because of access or the type of ground you have.

This makes them a relatively straightforward way to transform your backyard–and even your lifestyle.

Quality is uncompromised. At Compass Pools, we combine value for your money with durability and design excellence, allowing you to achieve your dream of enjoying your very own pool.

They are suitable for all different types of terrain, whether it’s rocky, uneven or sloping, and are also great for smaller gardens that can’t accommodate a conventional in-ground pool.

Above ground pools are versatile, coming in a variety of shapes, sizes and crafted from different materials such as concrete or fibreglass.
Just like in-ground pools, above ground pools can be heated to make swimming all year round a pleasure. You can also use your pool as an above ground spa – somewhere to go and relax and soothe away your stresses and strains.

Safety features such as fencing and gates that lock to keep your little ones safe can be added. (Note that children should be supervised around swimming pools at all times.)

It’s good to know as well that above ground pools are safer simply because of their higher entry points.

A bonus is that depending on the materials used for their shell, they are simple to maintain and require fewer chemicals than an in-ground pool.

Types of above ground pools

Above ground pools are commonly made from fibreglass, but you can also install an above ground concrete pool, a pool made from plastic, rubber or vinyl, or even an upcycled shipping container!

More about plastic, rubber and vinyl pools

There are many different types of these pools, ranging from inflatable pools, up to those with metal frames, to pools with reinforced plastic or vinyl shells for durability. These can often be an affordable solution, are usually straightforward to set up, and you can take them with you if you move house. However, although they come with repair kits, they tend not to be the most durable pool available, and you need to take great care not to tear their lining. Generally speaking, you will need to replace the liner once every five to seven years.

More about fibreglass pools

A fibreglass above ground pool shell provides a sturdy and durable basis for a lifetime of swimming pleasure. Working with high-quality manufacturers such as Compass Pools means you will have access to a unique and exclusive technology called Maxi Rib, providing appropriate support for the ceramic fibreglass shell on any terrain. Its rib-like structure offers support to allow the pool to be fixed above ground level on a concrete platform or directly on the ground. The pool can then be installed on uneven or sloping sites.

And because the shell is manufactured off-site and delivered to you ready to install, it can be set up for use relatively quickly compared to in-ground pools.

While the shell will be pre-designed, you may not have as much ability to customise them as concrete pools which are constructed on site. However, many fibreglass shells come in a range of shapes and sizes, and landscaping allows you to add individual touches.

Another major consideration is hygiene. Fibreglass pools have an algae- and bacteria-resistant surface, making cleaning easy. This means they don’t need as many chemicals to keep them clean, which makes for a more comfortable swimming environment, particularly if you or a family member has sensitive skin.

It’s also good to know that fibreglass pools don’t need repainting or resurfacing, so they are ideal for busy families.

More about Maxi Rib technology

The Maxi Rib technology we offer at Compass Pools surrounds the shell of your pool in a unique rib-like structure, customised to fit the shape of your backyard. These ribs hold the whole pool structure and contents securely in place, which means any kind of land can accommodate a pool – even if you live on the side of a hill or have a yearning for a rooftop pool!

This innovation also means that pools built with Maxi Rib technology can withstand all kinds of weather and wear and tear, and will serve you reliably year after year.

This technology opens up the possibility of installing an affordable pool on almost any kind of site, making what used to be a dream for many people a reality.

What about concrete pools?

The great advantage of concrete pools is that they are made on site, so you will have the chance to offer your input into their design. This is great news if your backyard is an unconventional shape and you need to customise your pool’s design to make it fit.

Because of the nature of their construction, installing them is a longer process than pre-made fibreglass pools, and they will need to be surfaced with tiling or pebbles once construction is complete.

Due to their porous nature, above ground concrete pools are more susceptible to bacteria and algae, so they will need diligent cleaning and more chemicals.

Is it true that above ground pools can be made from shipping containers?

Yes, it’s absolutely true and not surprising when you consider that their long and narrow shape lends itself perfectly to swimming pools!

Steel shipping containers require preparation before they are ready to be transformed. They are cleaned out and rust-proofed, then lined with steel, vinyl or a fibreglass shell.

They are popular in major urban areas such as Melbourne and Brisbane, where space is at a premium.

They can be installed much like the fibreglass shells by fixing them on an above-ground platform.

On the downside, they come in a choice of only two lengths – six or 12 metres – but only one width. And of course, just one shape – a long rectangle. If you’re into swimming laps, this is ideal, but many families may wish for greater flexibility in design.

Because they are not that easy to customise and resemble a big box, you can use clever landscaping to make their appearance more attractive.

What’s great about them is that they can be transported with relatively little hassle, so if you move house you can take your pool with you!

Why would an above ground pool work for us?

As we’ve already seen, above ground pools open up a whole world of possibility to potential pool owners.

They come into their own on difficult sites. For example, if your outside space is on a slope or hillside, or particularly uneven terrain, above ground pools are ideal. These factors are no barrier to an above ground pool. With the Maxi Rib fibreglass technology, you can rest assured that it will fit securely on your site, no matter the geography or weather.

So you thought an infinity pool was the preserve of the super wealthy? Think again! The versatility of fibreglass above ground pools means that an infinity pool can be created with the minimum of fuss in your backyard.

And even if you have a tiny backyard, you might be surprised at how well above ground swimming pools can fit right in. Your pool contractor will be able to advise on how to use landscaping and positioning to make the most of your compact space.

Why do they look good?

Above ground pools can bring a vibrant, luxurious look to any kind of backyard – big, small, uneven or awkward-sized!

While the shells come in standard designs, clever landscaping can bring a variety of looks to your pool along with careful choice of plants, accessories and poolside furniture. So, you can make your above ground pool the stand-out feature of your backyard, or let it blend into the background as a natural extension of your outside environment.

You can also add your own personal touch by choosing external steps, pool heating, water management system, and lighting in a range of colours.

Even a simple design will bring the wow factor to your backyard and completely change how it looks and feels. But if you want to really pull out all the stops, you can even go for an infinity pool. This type of above ground pool has “disappearing edges” which create the illusion of the water having no boundary and flowing seamlessly into the ocean or sky, and are a truly stunning addition to any backyard.

Above ground pool ideas – landscaping

A key design tip is to make your above ground pool the focal point of your backyard, and landscape around it, creating an attractive and practical space.

Landscaping incorporates many elements: decking and railing, safety features such as locking gates and the inclusion of plants, trees and flowers which can provide shade or simply a beautiful, natural backdrop.

Bear in mind that the plants immediately surrounding your pool should be able to tolerate pool-cleaning chemicals, as these will be present in the surrounding soil.

So, go for specimens such as peach-leaved bellflower, swamp daisy, pineapple sage and ajuga for their hardiness and tolerance.

If you want to create a screening effect, try olive trees, bay laurel or coastal banksia.

You can use rocks placed artfully around the pool to emphasise a rustic look or use spotlights to create a more contemporary vibe.

Consider, too, whether you want an entertaining space around your pool for relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends. Paving and decking can be great if you dream of barbeques by the pool and lazy days just dipping in and out.

Above ground pool prices

The cost of installing an above ground pool can vary according to what type you choose. The most affordable sort of above ground pool tends to be the rubber, vinyl or plastic pool, although we have seen earlier on that, within this category, there is in fact also a spectrum of prices, and how much you pay will depend on whether you opt for a basic inflatable pool, or one reinforced with a metal frame or with a more durable liner.

Heading further up the budget scale, higher quality container pools, for example reinforced shipping container pools, are next, followed by self-standing fibreglass pools. Fibreglass pools with Maxi Rib technology are a little more costly.

If you’re pulling out all the stops with an infinity pool, this is likely to be the most expensive option due to the need for a concealed pool and the extra work required.

There are several other factors to take into consideration when planning your budget. What size and design are you hoping for? How easy is it for contractors to get to your backyard to install it? All these will have some influence on the final price of your pool.

You’ll also need to consider what optional extras you want with your pool – decking or landscaping around the pool to enjoy it to its full capacity, perhaps, or extra lighting, or even a pool with an infinity edge.

As mentioned earlier, pools with a fibreglass shell are generally cheaper and more straightforward to install than concrete pools, so that is another consideration to take into account.

With an above ground pool for every budget and type of backyard, the possibility of having your very own swimming pool is a reality, not just a far-off dream!

What next?

Make sure you check out your local council approval requirements, as well as whether there are any preservation orders on trees that will need to be cleared before you start work. You can also find out whether any cables or pipes run under your planned pool area by consulting your site map.

Above ground pools Melbourne

If you live in the Melbourne area, you have the perfect climate to enjoy an above ground pool all year round, or simply to sit around and take in the relaxing atmosphere on cooler days. Think about installing a heating system, so you can enjoy your pool even when the weather is less summery.

Check out the details on safety standards for swimming pools in Melbourne here before you embark on your dream project.

Then all that remains is for you to contact your local authorised Compass Pools dealer, who will be able to efficiently install your above ground pool with the minimum of hassle.

Compass Pools Melbourne are specialists in constructing fibreglass swimming pools in the Greater Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Latrobe Valley Gippsland areas.

Gordon Ave Pools & Spas install swimming pools in Geelong, Melbourne’s Western suburbs and along the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road.

Above ground pools Sydney

Sydney offers a warm and pleasant climate nearly all year round, and any backyard in the area will benefit from an above ground pool. Because there is plenty of sunshine, the most efficient way of heating your pool in the cooler months is with solar heating, so you may want to factor this into your budget.

Find out about the safety standards regarding pool fencing and gating for the Sydney area before you start. You can find out the details here.

The final piece of the jigsaw is to contact your local authorised Compass Pools Australia pool builder, who will start making your pool dream a reality.

For Sydney North the Compass Sales Centre North Sydney and Central Coast are your local swimming pool professionals.

For Sydney South try Local Pools and Spas.

Above ground pools Brisbane

Brisbane’s sultry climate makes it an ideal location to install an above ground pool in your backyard. Blessed with all-year-round balmy temperatures and plenty of sunshine, there is no greater addition to your home than a stylish and practical above ground pool.

You will need to be fully aware of safety regulations before you start your project, which you can find here.

Now you’re ready to contact your local authorised Compass Pools Australia pool builder for Brisbane to get your above ground pool up and running in no time!

The post All about above ground pools appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Shipping Container Pools: Introducing this new swimming pool trend and alternatives

CPA — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 02:04:17 +0000

Shipping Container Pools

Alternative: Express Pools

Container Pools: Pros and Cons

Shipping Container Pools

Alternative: Express Pools

Pros and Cons of Container Pools

Shipping Container Pools Are Popular

But are they the best solution?

The trend for shipping container pools in Australia is sweeping the nation. These above-ground swimming pools made from upcycled shipping containers are quite popular, due to their convenience and relatively affordable price tags.

The Rise of Shipping Container Pools

When introduced to the market several years ago, shipping container pools captivated the imagination of the nation. The idea of being able install a pool in the backyard with little fuss and construction is certainly appealing.

The Shipping Container Pools Concept

The idea for shipping container pools came from re-purposing shipping containers when they are no longer used for sea transportation. Because shipping containers are long and rectangular in shape they lend themselves well to being used as the framework for smaller backyard swimming pools.

To put it simply, decommissioned shipping containers are rust treated, painted and then lined using a fibreglass pool shell or vinyl liner to create a free-standing swimming pool that can be installed above the ground.

Sydney Shipping Container Pools

The world first saw shipping container pools in Sydney, where the climate is ideal for swimming but land is at a premium. Property owners needed compact swimming pools which could fit easily into small backyards. Once the concept was successful in Sydney, it then spread across Australia, where we now see large numbers of shipping container pools in Brisbane, Melbourne and other major cities. Their compact size and easy installation make them ideal for highly populated areas where property does not always come with a lot of land. However, they are also gaining popularity in more rural areas, thanks to their newfound fashionable status.

Is a Container Pool the Right Choice for You?

And are there any alternatives which might better suit your needs? Before we tell you everything you need to know about Aussie container pools, we’ll proudly present you a shipping container pool alternative – the top quality and fantastic looking Express Pools by Compass Pools Australia.

DISCOVER EXPRESS POOLS

All the Benefits of an Instant Pool without the Pitfalls of a Shipping Container Pool

Compass Express Pools

Looking for an instant pool in your backyard that requires minimal site works? The Compass Express range is the pinnacle of fibreglass technology. These lightweight, portable pools arrive plumbed and ready for swimming from the day the are delivered. Express Pools are designed to last a lifetime with no risk of steel corrosion, no wooden framework, and no heavy concrete! Ask your Compass Pools dealer how the Compass Express range also saves you thousands on installation and landscaping costs when compared to shipping container pools and concrete plunge pool alternatives.

Main Features:

A unique freestanding fibreglass pool
Pre-fabricated for faster installations
Lightweight and easy to transport
Great looking pool colours
Attach cladding directly to the pool frame to create your preferred exterior finish
Can be installed partially in-ground (up to 600mm)

ENQUIRE ABOUT EXPRESS POOLS

See how an Express Pool can be a great shipping container alternative
Talk to us, we’re here to help!

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The Express Pool Shapes

Choose Your

Relax Pool Range
Plunge Pool Range
Lap Pool Range
Refresh Range
Spa Range

Relax Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL (LxWxH)
6 with beach	6.0m x 2.03m x 1.36m	6.72m x 2.33m x 1.39m
5.2	4.99m x 2.03m x 1.36m	5.70m x 2.33m x 1.39m
4	3.75m x 2.03m x 1.36m	4.47m x 2.33m x 1.39m

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Plunge Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
3.8	3.67m x 1.93m x 1.21m	4.37m x 2.22m x 1.24m
2.8	2.67m x 1.93m x 1.21m	3.37m x 2.22m x 1.24m

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Lap Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
10.0	10m x 2.5m x 1.46m	10.81m x 3.03m x 1.5m

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about our Lap Express Pool Range

Refresh Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
6.1 Max	5.88m x 2.75m x 1.46m	6.60m x 3.05m x 1.49m
6.1	5.79m x 2.19m x 1.41m	6.50m x 2.49m x 1.44m

Inspirations Gallery

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Express Pool Shape

about our Refresh Express Pool Range

Spa Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
XT Spa	2.5m x 1.5m x 1.14m	2.83m x 2.12m x 1.14m

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about our Express Pool Spa Range

Relax Pool Range

Relax Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL (LxWxH)
6 with beach	6.0m x 2.03m x 1.36m	6.72m x 2.33m x 1.39m
5.2	4.99m x 2.03m x 1.36m	5.70m x 2.33m x 1.39m
4	3.75m x 2.03m x 1.36m	4.47m x 2.33m x 1.39m

Inspirations Gallery

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about our Relax Express Pool Range

Plunge Pool Range

Plunge Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
3.8	3.67m x 1.93m x 1.21m	4.37m x 2.22m x 1.24m
2.8	2.67m x 1.93m x 1.21m	3.37m x 2.22m x 1.24m

Inspirations Gallery

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about our Plunge Express Pool Range

Lap Pool Range

Lap Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
10.0	10m x 2.5m x 1.46m	10.81m x 3.03m x 1.5m

Inspirations Gallery

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about our Lap Express Pool Range

Refresh Range

Refresh Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
6.1 Max	5.88m x 2.75m x 1.46m	6.60m x 3.05m x 1.49m
6.1	5.79m x 2.19m x 1.41m	6.50m x 2.49m x 1.44m

Inspirations Gallery

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Express Pool Shape

about our Refresh Express Pool Range

Spa Range

Spa Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
XT Spa	2.5m x 1.5m x 1.14m	2.83m x 2.12m x 1.14m

Inspirations Gallery

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about our Express Pool Spa Range

Relax Pool Range

Relax Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL (LxWxH)
6 with beach	6.0m x 2.03m x 1.36m	6.72m x 2.33m x 1.39m
5.2	4.99m x 2.03m x 1.36m	5.70m x 2.33m x 1.39m
4	3.75m x 2.03m x 1.36m	4.47m x 2.33m x 1.39m

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about our Relax Express Pool Range

Plunge Pool Range

Plunge Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
3.8	3.67m x 1.93m x 1.21m	4.37m x 2.22m x 1.24m
2.8	2.67m x 1.93m x 1.21m	3.37m x 2.22m x 1.24m

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about our Relax Express Pool Range

Lap Pool Range

Lap Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
10.0	10m x 2.5m x 1.46m	10.81m x 3.03m x 1.5m

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Spa Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
XT Spa	2.5m x 1.5m x 1.14m	2.83m x 2.12m x 1.14m

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about our Relax Express Pool Range

Pros and Cons of Shipping Container Pools

By Type/Intended Use

Container Pool Advantages

Price

One of the most attractive elements of shipping container pools is the relatively low cost. The average container pool price is between $20,000 and $30,000, so they are well within reach for many homeowners. You can purchase a container pool for as little as $6,000, but be warned – the build quality may not be up to the standard you need for a large investment like a swimming pool, which has to last for many years.

Instant Installation

The other main advantage of the container pool is that it can be installed and used almost instantly. As shipping container pools are above-ground pools, no excavation work is required on your property. The pool simply needs a level surface to sit on, so you do not have to suffer the disruption to your lifestyle that goes with having an in-ground pool installed.

Complete Pool Kit

Additionally, a container pool comes as a complete kit, complete with filtration system and even lighting, so it simply needs to be connected to an electricity supply and then it can be filled and used straight away. Pool builders tend to get booked up quickly over the summer, so if you want an in-ground pool built, you may have to wait months before the work can even begin. As a container pool does not require any building work, it is the ideal, speedy solution for this time of year.

Finally, shipping container pools can easily be transported by truck, so if you ever decide to move home, you can take your pool with you and continue to enjoy it at your new property.

Container Pool Disadvantages

With so many advantages, a container pool might look like the ideal solution for you. However, they do have a number of disadvantages which need to be pointed out.

Limited Choice

Firstly, shipping container pools do not offer a lot of choice, as their shape is restricted to that of a shipping container. They are usually available in a choice of two lengths, either six metres or 12 metres, but the width is the same on every model. This means they might not be suitable for all shapes and sizes of backyard.

Restrictive Shape

The shape of the container pool can also be restrictive in other ways. It might be perfect for swimming laps, but it is not necessarily the best solution for families, who need more space if they want to play games in the water with the kids.

Inability to Customise

The appearance is also an issue here. Shipping container pools are difficult to customise as, ultimately, they all look like shipping containers – long rectangular boxes made of corrugated steel. The only customisation options available involve cutting windows into the sides, or painting the container in a different colour, neither of which is particularly satisfactory when you are trying to create a stylish look for your property. For a shipping container pool to look good, it tends to need some really clever landscaping around it to disguise the more unsightly elements of its appearance.

GET A FREE QUOTE ON EXPRESS POOLS

it’s easy to request a quote on your new Express Pool
the perfect container pool alternative!

Exploring the Container Pool Alternative

Get to Know Express Pools Closer

EXPRESS POOL SHAPES OUR DIFFERENCE

Exploring the Container Pool Alternative

Get to Know Express Pools Closer

EXPRESS POOL SHAPES

EXPRESS POOL DIFFERENCE

Why Express Pools Are So Popular

More About Express Pools

They offer you more choice: Express pools can be customised to include windows, swim jets spa jets and so much more. Most of these things (ex windows) can be added after purchase because the fibreglass shell can be easily access for retrofitting jets etc.
More freedom with exterior finishes: Express pools can have your choice off cladding fit directly to the exterior support frame. You are not limited to a shipping container exterior or specific cladding option. You can literally do whatever you want.
Lower landscaping costs: Decking frames can be attached directly to the pool structure which dramatically reduces decking material costs and labour when surrounding the pool with decks.
Lower crane costs: Express pools are approx. half the weight of container pools and about 8t less than concrete plunge pools which makes them far cheaper to crane into place.
Better colour choices: Express pools are made but one of Australia’s leading pool manufacturers who have awesome colour technology and superior fiberglass pool shells.
Better warranties: The fibreglass interior of every Express Pool is made by Compass Pools Australia and backed by our triple warranty.

TALK TO US ABOUT EXPRESS POOLS

Would you like an instant, self-standing fibreglass pool?
Express Pool might be the solution!

The post Shipping Container Pools: Introducing this new swimming pool trend and alternatives appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Infinity Pool Cost: Why It’s Worth It

CPA — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 06:05:14 +0000

An infinity pool adds a real touch of exclusivity and luxury to your backyard, as well as making your swimming experience more relaxing. But what does an infinity pool cost? How is it constructed? And what are the main benefits for you and your family?

Here we answer all your questions about infinity pools, to help you decide if this stunning feature is right for you.

What is an infinity pool?

You will have seen infinity pools in advertising materials for luxury hotels around the world. They have a “disappearing edge”, so it looks as if the water along one edge of the pool is falling away into nowhere.

This gives the swimming experience a whole new dimension. The disappearing edge makes you feel less confined in the pool, so as you swim you feel more like a part of the surrounding landscape. This enables you to become at one with nature, making your pool an even more relaxing place to be. In addition, you can enjoy the sound of rushing water and the gentle movement of the water as it cascades over the disappearing edge, which add to the benefits of your pool for relaxation.

Infinity pools are usually built on sloping sites, making them ideal vantage points for looking down over the surrounding area. Whether this is a rural scene or a cityscape, it provides a beautiful view while you are swimming, sunlit in the day and illuminated with thousands of lights by night.

As infinity pools are so closely associated with luxury, they bring an instant touch of opulence to your backyard, making your pool design the envy of all your friends. This highly unusual and attractive design feature can also be a great selling point when you are trying to achieve the highest price for your property.

What does an infinity pool cost?

Many homeowners believe that infinity pools cost too much for them to ever own one themselves. However, more and more Australians are now opting for infinity pools in their own backyards, as they are so enjoyable and relaxing to swim in, and uniquely beautiful from an aesthetic point of view.

It is true, however, that infinity pools are not cheap. Including a disappearing edge will add between $25,000 and $35,000 on average to the overall cost of your swimming pool. This means that an infinity pool does require a considerable initial outlay, when you consider that a fibreglass pool alone can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000, even without a disappearing edge.

However, the benefits of this attractive pool will last you for a lifetime, and there are a number of good reasons why an infinity pool costs so much:

1. It has a specially adapted design

Fibreglass pools are not constructed in your backyard from scratch, which is why they are cheaper than concrete pools. The pool shells are prefabricated in a range of different shapes and sizes, to suit most customers, making them easy to transport and install.

However, an infinity edge pool requires the design of the pool shell to be specially adapted so the disappearing edge can be included. As this is not part of the regular manufacturing process, it adds to the cost.

2. It requires extensive structural work

Installing an infinity pool is much more complex than installing a regular fibreglass pool. A significant amount of extra structural work is required during the pool construction process to ensure your infinity pool is strong and durable enough. The type and extent of this work will depend on the shape of your backyard and the design you want for your pool.

If the pool can be installed in-ground, like a regular pool, it will still require concrete beam retaining work to support the sides and top of the disappearing edge.

However, if your pool needs to be installed partially or fully above-ground, as most infinity pools do, this requires a different construction process to give the pool the strength and support it needs. Compass Pools Australia’s pioneering Maxi Rib technology has been designed specifically for this purpose. Exclusive to Compass Pools, the Maxi Rib system can support a fibreglass pool either partially or completely above ground, by creating a super-strong rib-like structure beneath the pool to hold its weight. Your infinity pool is then guaranteed to be strong, safe and durable for many years into the future.

Maxi Rib technology enables infinity pools to be constructed on the vast majority of sites, whether sloped, flat or raised. Thanks to this innovation, fibreglass infinity pools are now being created on many sites where previously this might not have been possible, or the owners may have had to opt for a much more costly concrete pool instead.

3. It’s actually two pools in one

The main reason why infinity pools are so expensive is because two pools essentially have to be constructed on the same site at the same time. The main pool that you swim in has the disappearing edge, but the water that falls off this edge has to go somewhere. This is why another smaller pool is constructed at a lower level, which catches the water that spills over the infinity edge.

This second pool is completely hidden so you can’t see it at all from the main pool, as it is built beneath the infinity edge. However, the second pool still has to be able to hold one-third of the water capacity of the main pool in order to be fully functional.

This makes the construction process of an infinity pool more time consuming and complex, requiring a great deal more work than the process of installing a standard pool, as two pools are being built at once.

4. It needs an expert engineer

Each infinity pool construction project requires a specialist engineer on-site. This engineer is responsible for the design of the entire project, including hydraulics, ground support, the design of the pool support and the holding capacity.

This gives you the reassurance that your infinity pool installation has been overseen by an expert at every stage, ensuring that everything goes to plan and your finished infinity pool will be a safe and relaxing environment for swimming.

Does the size affect the infinity pool cost?

The size of your infinity pool does not affect its cost as much as you might think. The same technology is used to create infinity pools of all sizes, and the amount of work required in the construction process is practically the same. Because of this, the total costs for infinity pools of different sizes are surprisingly similar, so there is no need to limit yourself to a smaller infinity pool if a larger pool would be more appropriate for your needs.

However, infinity pool costs can be affected by a number of other factors. For example, the cost can increase if you want your disappearing edge to go round a corner, as this makes the construction process more complex.

You can also pay more for your infinity pool depending on the extras you choose. A self-cleaning system, for example, will increase the cost of your pool. However, you may decide this is worth it in the long run. An in-floor cleaning system such as the Vantage system designed by Compass Pools Australia saves you the time and hard work of cleaning your pool manually, leaving you with more free time for enjoying your pool. It can also help you save money long-term, as it requires far less chemicals than manual cleaning, which also makes your pool safer and healthier to swim in.

Your pool company will be able to advise you on the range of optional extras which are available for your infinity pool. It is then up to you to work out your budget and stick to it while deciding what your infinity pool should include. Remember, you will also have to consider elements such as lighting, heating and landscaping, so your infinity pool is highly reliable and looks as beautiful as possible in your backyard.

More advice about infinity pools

If you would like to find out more about infinity pools, or discuss the specific options available for creating an infinity pool in your backyard, please contact one of our experienced Compass Pools builders who will be happy to answer all your infinity pool questions.

Infinity pools inspirations

The post Infinity Pool Cost: Why It’s Worth It appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Swimming Pools Melbourne: Your Guide to Building the Perfect Backyard Pool

CPA — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 23:24:51 +0000

Many residents of Melbourne enjoy having their own swimming pools in their backyards. A pool is a wonderful addition to any home — you can spend quality time swimming and relaxing with family and friends, host pool parties, or simply indulge in some quiet time alone in the water.

Owning a swimming pool in Melbourne is an ideal way to stay fit and healthy, and it is also a stunning feature that will bring your backyard to life and increase the value of your property. But if you are planning on buying a pool, it is important to do your research carefully. This is a major investment, so it is essential that you get all the details right if you want to enjoy your pool for a long time to come.

Here’s what you need to know about building pools in Melbourne, and how to make sure you are choosing the right pool for you.

Planning and Safety Laws for Pools in Melbourne

Like all states and territories in Australia, Victoria has its own building regulations which you need to follow if you want to build a swimming pool in Melbourne.

Your pool area must not be directly accessible from any other part of your property, as all pools must have a safety barrier or fence around them of at least 1.2 metres high. The pool gates must be self-closing and self-latching, and you must never prop them open. Additionally, the safety barriers should have a clear space around them, so there are no objects which children could stand on to climb over the barriers.

If you are building a pool in Melbourne, you must take care with your choice of pool builder. All pools here must be constructed by a builder who is registered with the Victorian Building Authority. You and your builder must sign a domestic building contract before any work on your pool can begin.

Also, before your pool construction begins, you must obtain a building permit from a registered building surveyor. You can either use a private surveyor or apply to your local council’s municipal building surveyor. The permit must cover both the pool and the safety barriers, even if they are being constructed by different builders.

Once your pool is completed, it will need to be inspected by the building surveyor, who must issue a certificate of final inspection before you can use the pool.

Which Types of Swimming Pools Are Best for Melbourne’s Climate?

Melbourne is famous for its changeable weather conditions, and it is often said to have “four seasons in one day.” The weather is particularly unpredictable in spring and summer, although storms and strong winds can happen at any time of the year. Temperatures can suddenly drop, causing rain, wind, and thunderstorms, although these sometimes only last for a few minutes before the conditions return to their previous state.

With weather conditions like these, it is important to install a good pool heating system if you want to be able to use your pool regularly throughout the year. Most pools in Melbourne use solar heating systems, but during the cooler months it can be a good idea to have this system linked to electric or gas pool heating for those times when there is not enough sunlight to produce sufficient solar power.

Melbourne is also prone to occasional earthquakes. These are not usually too severe, but it is important that your pool is made from a strong, durable material that will withstand ground movements without being weakened.

Most swimming pools in Melbourne are made from either fibreglass or concrete. Both are extremely strong materials specifically designed to cope with extreme weather conditions and ground movements, thus lasting for many years. However, each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

1. Concrete Pools

Concrete pools are extremely easy to customise to suit your own tastes and the shape of your backyard. They are built from scratch in your backyard, so you can have a great deal of input into the design. However, the building process is complex and may take months to complete.

Concrete is also the most expensive material used for swimming pool construction. There is more work involved in the construction, and once it is completed, a concrete pool needs to be lined with tiles or pebbles.

Maintenance is another important consideration. Concrete pools are notoriously difficult to clean, and they are prone to algae. This means you will have to spend time cleaning and maintaining your pool regularly.

However, concrete is a proven material which has been used to build swimming pools in Melbourne for many years. It is known to withstand all aspects of the climate, and it’s a good all-round choice if your budget can stretch to it.

2. Fibreglass Pools

In recent years there has been a rise in the popularity of fibreglass pools in Melbourne. Modern technological advancements and Compass innovations mean that our fibreglass composite pools are now built with ceramic core technology. This makes our pools strong and durable, and it has been proven to withstand severe earthquakes in other parts of Australia and New Zealand, including the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

Fibreglass pools are also extremely easy to maintain — they do not attract algae and bacteria, and they can even be installed with self-cleaning systems, so maintenance takes virtually no time or effort.

The main disadvantage of fibreglass pools is that the pool shells are pre-made in factories. This means you can only choose from a range of available sizes and designs, rather than being able to create your own bespoke pool design to suit your property. With our pool customisation options, this is not much of a drawback anymore, enabling you to combine your pool with a spa, have a custom-length lap pool installed, accompany your pool with a wader or beach, have your fibreglass pool installed above the ground, as an infinity pool with a negative edge or even with one edge replaced by glass. The advantage of deciding for a fibreglass pool is that the installation process is much easier. Once work begins, it is likely to be completed within a couple of weeks, enabling you to enjoy your pool practically straight away.

What Are the Most Popular Designs for Pools in Melbourne?

Pool designs vary throughout Melbourne, as different pools suit different backyards and lifestyles. Most families in the suburbs will choose a family pool, as this offers a large area for swimming and games, as well as plenty of safety features and seating areas so the kids can rest whenever they need to.

Singles and couples in the inner suburbs are choosing plunge pools. These small pools only measure 3m x 2m on average, so they are perfect for smaller backyards and still offer enough space to swim and relax in the water.

However, even if your backyard is not particularly large, you may prefer to install a lap pool. These are ideal for anyone who is serious about their fitness — they are long and narrow and designed to give an unimpeded stretch of water for swimming laps.

Pool and spa combinations are also being seen more regularly in Melbourne. This gives the ultimate flexibility, as it is a full-sized swimming pool with a separate spa section containing hydrotherapy jets. You can relax in the spa while the kids are playing in the pool, or enjoy swimming while your other half has hydrotherapy treatments. Even better, the pool and spa can be arranged in a number of ways, creating an impressive design feature that makes a perfect centrepiece for your backyard.

Find Out More About Building Swimming Pools in Melbourne

If you are interested in having your own pool in Melbourne and would like to consult with an expert about the best choices before going ahead, Compass Pools is happy to help. We have two long-established dealerships servicing Melbourne and surrounding areas of Victoria, with friendly professionals always glad to offer all the help and support you need.

Compass Pools Melbourne

Compass Pools Melbourne covers Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Gippsland, and surrounding areas. A family business with over 30 years’ worth of experience, our team of specialists is dedicated to providing the highest standards of service and using the latest pool installation technologies.

Check out their latest awesome pool installations in Melbourne:

Gordon Avenue Pools and Spas

Gordon Avenue Pools and Spas services Geelong, Werribee, Surf Coast, and surrounding areas. Their expert pool builders and dedicated sales staff will ensure you get the excellent service you deserve at all stages of the process.

Please get in touch if you would like more information about the different options available for pools in Melbourne.

Please get in touch if you would like more information about the different options available for pools in Melbourne.

The post Swimming Pools Melbourne: Your Guide to Building the Perfect Backyard Pool appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Compass Pools Dealers at Henty Field Days 2017

CPA — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 11:59:53 +0000

Compass Pools Dealers at Henty Field Days 2017

A crowd just shy of 60,000 people flocked to the Henty Machinery Field Days in September 2017.

Henty Machinery Field Days is home of Australia’s premier mixed farming event. Located in the heart of the nation’s food bowl in southern NSW, on the Cookardinia Road just off the Olympic Highway, mid way between Wagga and Albury.

Two Compass Pools Dealers Talking About Self-Cleaning Pools

Supreme Pools, the local Compass Pools Dealer, of Albury / Wodonga were at the show talking to visitors and displaying the range of Compass fibreglass swimming pools. Compass Pools are the Home of The Self Cleaning Pool.

Talking with visitors to the show also indicated that a lot of people are unaware that they can install a fibreglass pool out of ground. Compass Pools can manufacture a fibreglass pool that is self-supporting and can be installed partially, or fully out of ground. The Compass Maxi-Rib technology can be added to any shape or size pool in the Compass Pool range to create a fibreglass pool that can be installed on sloping sites, above ground, or even on rooftops!

Creative Outdoors & More are the new Compass Pools dealer located in Wagga Wagga, in the Riverina region of New South Wales. They were also in attendance at Henty Machinery Field Days. Give either of these Compass Dealers a call if you are after a pool in the Albury / Wodonga or Wagga Wagga areas and they can explain to you why a Compass Self Cleaning Fibreglass pool is such a great investment.

Self-Supported Self-Cleaning Compass Fibreglass Pools

The post Compass Pools Dealers at Henty Field Days 2017 appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Finding The Right Swimming Pool Manufacturer

Steve Vimpani — Thu, 07 May 2015 06:06:50 +0000

How to Choose a Pool?

If you are thinking how to choose a swimming pool, you might start the decision-making by selecting the material for your new pool. Will it be fibreglass, concrete or vinyl-liner? If you decide for fibreglass, your next step will be choosing the swimming pool manufacturer. There are a few established pool manufacturers in Australia, with Compass Pools Australia being one of them. We proudly manufacture and authorised Compass pool builders install high-quality fibreglass pools that look magnificent and come with a piece of mind with a lifetime structural warranty, a self-cleaning system and many other unique swimming pool features. In this video, you will find out more about factors to consider when choosing a swimming pool manufacturer.

Why People Choose Compass Swimming Pools

Video transcription: There are many reasons people choose a Compass swimming pool. That’s pretty important when you do my job.

One of the great things about it is that we have a small number of people out there who have soil conditions called reactive soil. One facet of our swimming pools is that they are literally twice as strong as a traditional fibreglass swimming pool and they’re built to ground conditions. Anyone who has done a lot of research on reactive soils and the right product for their place often ends up with a Compass pool.

Another reason people choose Compass pools is for a unique ability to be able to install these pools up out of ground, to put them in some really unusual site conditions that have generally only been the domain of concrete pools.

When you spend some time talking to Compass pools, you’ll soon come to understand that the process for building a Compass pool is totally unique. The product that we have here at Compass is different from anything else that is on the market.

In fact we pioneered a couple of different technologies when it comes to the construction of swimming pools. Those technologies are a really important feature of owning a pool that is going to last in the sense that it is going to be durable and give you something that you’re going to be enjoying potentially for the rest of your life.

Something that we’re excited to offer you and will give you tremendous peace of mind when owning a Compass pool is the warranty. The warranty associated with your Compass pool is totally unique and it is unique in the industry. We can’t wait to talk to you about it if given the opportunity to come out and talk to you.

Another great feature of that warranty is that it is backed by a company, an Australian company, that has been manufacturing swimming pools for thirty-five years with the benefit of being continuously owned by the same family. Give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.

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The post Finding The Right Swimming Pool Manufacturer appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Water Tanks And Knowing Your Swimming Pool’s Capacity

Steve Vimpani — Thu, 07 May 2015 06:05:23 +0000

Do you need a water tank when installing a pool and why is it important to know your pool’s water capacity?

Video transcription: We’re often asked, if I install my pool, will I need a water tank? That is a really good question. As a general rule, pools up to around about ten metres generally don’t need a water tank. As soon as you exceed the ten metre mark which correlates to the number of litres in that pool as a rough rule of thumb, if your pool has more than 40,000 litres of water in it, under the BASIX rules it’s generally required that you install a water tank with your swimming pool.

The other tipping point is not just 40,000 litres, because you could have a pool or a volume of water that is a lot less than 40,000 litres, the other trigger is whether the overall project exceeds $50,000 in cost.

Here is another tip. When you’re thinking about the pool, if you’re just trying to avoid a water tank, and you think, I’ll cut down the size simply so I don’t have to have one, really think about. This is something you are likely to live with for a very long time. Most people who are thinking about installing a pool are not thinking about moving from the house in a couple of years. So you’ll soon forget the little bit of extra money you spent on the water tank in the planning of your pool. This is something that is going to be with you for life. If that means you’ve got a greater swimming area or something that suits your lifestyle better, that’s really what we would suggest is the most important consideration. Give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.

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The post Water Tanks And Knowing Your Swimming Pool’s Capacity appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Freestanding Pools Using Maxi Rib Technology

Steve Vimpani — Thu, 07 May 2015 06:02:35 +0000

Video transcription: One of the great things about Compass Pools and one of the great technological breakthroughs is that we won an Australian Design award for creating a product called Maxi-Ribs. Maxi-Ribs lets us take our unique ceramic core shell and free stand the pool without using retaining walls. What I mean by free standing is a that this pool is not necessarily a pool that is actually inserted into the ground. In some cases that pool may be partially out of the ground, meaning it is above ground, or it might be fully out of the ground. There are many approaches and versatile aspects of actually installing a Maxi-Rib pool. Give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.

Learn more about how we use Maxi Rib to build infinity pools.

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The post Freestanding Pools Using Maxi Rib Technology appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Long Term Pool Planning Ideas

Steve Vimpani — Wed, 06 May 2015 19:52:02 +0000

Why you should build a pool that’s future proof?

Video transcription: We’re often told by people looking at planning their pool and installing it, I’ve got young children. I’m worried about them, they’re not great swimmers, there’s a little baby. So what I want to do is I want to create a beach area, something shallow in the pool.

One really important aspect of a swimming pool is when you install it, if you’re planning to stay in your house for quite some time, you’re really going to live with whatever you’ve got for as along as you’re in that house. The important thing is to think, they’re children for a little while, but they grow up. It’s not long before they’re incredibly competent swimmers. They’ve got all their friends home from school and they want to use as much of that pool as practically possible.

So when you’re thinking about your pool, you really want to think as long term as possible. They might be small now, but they’re small for a very short time. Give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.

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Fixing Swimming Pool Installation Access Issues

Steve Vimpani — Thu, 07 May 2015 05:44:33 +0000

What to think about with regards to pool installation access

Video transcription: I talk to a lot of people have anxiety about access to their house. The first thing to let you know is just about everything is possible. Ideally, we’d turn up at a block, it would be flat, we would have no house in that spot and we could drive straight in with all the equipment. Realistically when a pool is built, we literally want to turn up with the biggest digging machine and excavator and as many tipper trucks, usually three, as we can, to keep running that fill out of that property.

Most properties that we consider have great access are properties that you can pretty much drive a car to where you want to put the pool. That is pretty much as good as it gets in most cities today. Outside of the city, on rural properties and so forth, that is an added bonus because it is often very easy to get to the site you want to put the swimming pool.

If you do have constrained access, don’t be overly concerned about it. Just know that the more equipment and the more time it takes for us to get in and get the fill out of that site and then actually bring sand in, which is also used as part of the installation process, the costs associated with that are generally greater, but completely justifiable.

As you could imagine, when we’re taking a one piece shell, a swimming pool, and lifting it to the site, most often we’re using cranes. The general crane lift is not overly complicated. That’s probably not fair to the crane guys. They’re really good at what they do and it is a real discipline for them to lift the pool. But generally in most cases lifting a pool into the site is non problematic.

Sometimes, on very rare occasions, we might use exceptionally large cranes because we just can’t get anywhere near the block. In that case, the cranes can get fairly expensive. But there is a way to install just about every pool. On the odd occasion we’ve even used helicopters to lift pools into place. That is quite a sight, seeing helicopters buzzing over your roof with a swimming pool hanging off it. It’s pretty exciting actually.

It’s really difficult for us also, and obviously it’s difficult for you, to tell what’s under the ground. A lot of people know through experience if they’ve built on their site or they’re lived in the area for a while, they’ll know whether or not we’ll have to contend with rock. If we can get a decent sized machine into the site and access is reasonable, rock is not a great issue. The smaller the machinery, the longer it takes to excavate, the greater the cost associated with excavation. These are just pretty standard things.

In other cases, certainly around the area where we work a lot, we have high water tables. That may mean we actually employ an ancillary company to come in and insert spear points around the pool area. That is a like a big pump and vacuum system which sucks the area dry for a day or two before we excavate the pool.

We dig every day, it’s our job. As much as we want to put the swimming pool in, part of that process is coming out and excavating. I don’t think there is much we haven’t seen under the ground and there is always a way for us to deal with it. Give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.

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The post Fixing Swimming Pool Installation Access Issues appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Advantages of Pool Cleaning And Circulation Systems

Steve Vimpani — Thu, 07 May 2015 05:39:26 +0000

The hands-free pool system takes care of cleaning the swimming pool

People think that cleaning a swimming pool requires a lot of time and heavy work. If you are considering a swimming pool but are afraid of the time needed to clean the pool, then a pool with the Vantage pool cleaning and circulation system might be a solution for you. You do not need to know how to clean the pool because your pool will clean itself. To learn more about our exclusive hands-free swimming pool, click on the button below, watch the above video or continue reading. Get a pool you don’t have to clean.

HANDS-FREE SWIMMING POOL

What are the main benefits of pool circulation systems?

Video transcription: With ten years’ experience working with Compass Pools, probably the biggest inclusion for a swimming pool that makes the biggest difference when I talk to people and revisit pool owners is certainly the Vantage in-floor cleaning and circulation system. Everyone gets really excited by the fact that it cleans the swimming pool. That’s a great thing and we love the fact that it does. But the in-floor cleaning and circulation is so much more than that.

It’s a system that is designed to effectively circulate the pool water. Let’s face it, a swimming pool is very similar to a bath, it’s just a lot bigger. If you get in the bath at night and make the water all dirty, when you get out you can pull the plug. You can’t pull the plug easily on your swimming pool. So some time ago, the industry determined, how do we make that pool healthy? To do it, we’ve done it through the use of sanitisers and a fairly basic circulation system.

That circulation system consists of a skimmer box. That skimmer box system, which is installed at the top of the pool, is the only exit point for water. This is a real challenge because that system is purely taking the water from the very top of the pool, taking it usually through a pump, a filter, a sanitiser and then returning it at the opposite end of the pool, generally through two return lines.

Anybody who works in the pool industry knows that is a fairly ineffective way to treat water. How we know this is, if you go up and put your foot into the top layer of the swimming pool and say, that feels nice, and then you dive into that pool, you’re going to get a very distinct temperature difference. The water on the top is heated by the sun that continually travels across the pool and that warm water actually accumulates or lifts up all the chemicals. So they sit very concentrated in that top layer of pool water.

The idea with an in-floor cleaning and circulation system is to stir that chemical right back through the pool so we have a chemically treated pool that is healthy from top to bottom. All the chemicals don’t just stay in the top layer where they are getting evaporated and you’re having to spend more money trying to make that pool look after itself. Circulation is one of those fundamental aspects that we really want to get right in the swimming pool.

Not only does Compass have its Vantage in-floor cleaning and circulation system but Compass also has another system that is designed to circulate water effectively. This is fundamentally different from what any other pool manufacturer is producing today. The benefit of these systems is not only do we get a healthy pool from top to bottom, we also get a pool temperature that is even right throughout the pool.

We’re able to reduce the chemical consumption within the swimming pool and we’re also effectively able to reduce the electricity draw on the pool from having water so effectively turned over in the swimming pool and by the ability to employ energy efficient pumps with both of those systems.

There are lots of different options when it comes to the inclusions you choose with your Compass pool. Each of those options that suit a range of budgets have been carefully considered to ensure that we’re doing the absolute utmost in how we treat that water, how we effectively turn and stir that water through the pool. We want to ensure that we make it healthy for everybody to swim in that pool with the least possible effort, time and energy having to be spent on your pool. Give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.

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The post Advantages of Pool Cleaning And Circulation Systems appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Fibreglass Swimming Pools Versus Concrete Pools

Steve Vimpani — Thu, 07 May 2015 05:30:08 +0000

Concrete vs Fibreglass, which is best and why

Video transcription: We’re often asked, what is the difference between a concrete and fibreglass pool? That’s a great question. The one tremendous advantage that concrete has over fibreglass is that you can shape that concrete pool any way you want to shape it. If you want to go round a right hand bend in your yard or so forth, then you can certainly do it. But if there’s a Compass shape that appeals to you, that you certainly think is going to suit your backyard, then the benefits of a fibreglass pool over a concrete pool seriously stack up on the fibreglass side.

Generally fibreglass pools are much quicker and easier to install. This cuts down on both the build time and sometimes some of the associated costs that are unforeseen in relation to concrete pools. This is because of the nature of the job and the fact it is an ongoing building process.

One of the biggest points of dissatisfaction for a lot of people who own a concrete pool is surface finish. When you swim in a Compass pool and you brush up against it or the kids are playing and they get a bit rough in that swimming pool, they’re going to be hitting up against a surface that is glass smooth. It’s a really nice finish on your skin.

Most concrete pools, because of the frightening costs associated with tiling the whole pool, are usually left with a finish that is quite rough and abrasive, like small stones, like a pebble creek or such. That is one aspect that I tend to talk about to a lot of people who’ve owned both, that they’re certainly concerned about.

Talking to people who own concrete pools, they often talk about the fact that they’re much colder than a fibreglass pool. So temperature can certainly be an issue for some people. Another difference between fibreglass and concrete is warranty. When you build a concrete pool, it’s considered construction work. Construction work is covered by a six year building warranty. When we build a Compass pool shell, we’re backing our pool shell with a lifetime warranty that has even got a bigger story than that. I’d encourage you to come and talk to us about it.

The great thing about a fibreglass pool versus a concrete pool is fibreglass pools are much easier to look after. Anyone who has owned a concrete pool and has subsequently owned a fibreglass pool knows the difference. There is more work associated with a concrete pool generally because of a combination of two things. One, most pools suffer from circulation issues and concrete pools generally have a porous surface. So unless you can get your chemicals moving to the very bottom of the pool, if you get algae in that pool which usually starts at the radius and down at the bottom of the concrete pool, it’s very difficult to get out.

A fibreglass pool has an inert smooth surface making it much easier to look after and much less susceptible to algal issues. Give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.

Above ground fibreglass pools – Compass Pools Australia

How Much Do Above Ground Pools Cost?

The cost of above ground pool options

The cost of Above Ground Portable and Inflatable Pools

The cost of Above Ground Vinyl Liner Pools

The cost of Above Ground Modular Pools

The cost of Above Ground Fibreglass Pools

The Traditional Way

Purpose-Built Above Ground Fibreglass Pool (MaxiRibTM Technology)

Concrete Above Ground Pools

What other costs should you be aware of when purchasing an above ground pool?

1. The cost of Pool fencing

2. Landscaping

3. Water Filtration and Circulation

Thinking of an above ground fibreglass pool?

Are Cheap Swimming Pools Worth It?

Factors that Influence Pool Costs

Above Ground Pools vs Inground Pools

Above Ground Pools

Vinyl-lined Pools

Cheap Inflatable Swimming Pools

Fibreglass Pools

Inground Pools

Little Pools Are a Viable Option

Check Compass Pools’ Durable and Lasting Fibreglass Pools

Above-ground pool options

Vinyl liner pools

Pros of vinyl liner pools

Cons of vinyl liner pools

Pre-made portable pools (shipping container pools, plunge pools, and The Little Pool Co for example)

Pros of pre-made portable pool options

Cons of pre-made portable pool options

Swim Spas

Pros of swim spas

Cons of swim spas

Partially in-ground fibreglass pools

Pros of using a drop-edge beam

Cons of using a drop-edge beam

Above-ground, free standing fibreglass pools (Compass Maxi Rib pools)

Pros of Compass Maxi Rib above-ground pools

Cons of Compass Maxi Rib above-ground pools

Specifically engineered concrete solutions

Pros of Specifically engineered concrete solutions

Cons of Specifically engineered concrete solutions

Want help finding the best above-ground pool solution for your backyard?

Pool and backyard costs combined

Groundwork

Pool

Trades

Paving or decking

Fencing and safety features

Pool house

Pool landscaping

Accessories

Heating

Chemicals

Filtration system

Cleaning

The verdict

Stunning and affordable backyard pool design ideas

Planning is key

What happens next?

Best small courtyard design ideas

Best contemporary ideas

Best family pool ideas

Best nature-inspired ideas

The final word

Would you like to explore more pool design ideas?

All about above ground pools

Why are above ground pools popular?

Types of above ground pools

More about plastic, rubber and vinyl pools

More about fibreglass pools

More about Maxi Rib technology

What about concrete pools?

Is it true that above ground pools can be made from shipping containers?

Why would an above ground pool work for us?

Why do they look good?

Above ground pool ideas – landscaping

Above ground pool prices

Purpose-Built Above Ground Fibreglass Pool (MaxiRib^TM Technology)