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.

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.

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

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