Buying a swimming pool can be a really exciting experience, but if you want to be sure that you remain happy with your choices for years to come, it pays to put yourself in the shoes of a pool owner rather than a pool buyer.

What to consider when buying a swimming pool

When buying a swimming pool there are natural and obvious things to think about. Careful consideration should go into important aspects like:

• Shape
• Size
• Colour
• Location in backyard
• Salt vs Chlorine
• Lighting
• Price

Although these seem like the most important considerations, truth be told, these factors become less important to you once the pool is in the ground and the novelty has worn off.

Ask any pool owner who has an inkling of dissatisfaction with and they usually say things like:

• “We don’t use it as much as we would have liked”
• “The kids never clean it so it’s just another job for me”
• “It costs more than I thought it would to run”
• “We’ve had to do a bit more pool maintenance than we’d like”
• “It doesn’t look as good as it used to”

In other words; what matters to you most once the pool is in the ground, is often different to what matters to you most when you are choosing which pool to buy.

With that said, here’s a few things you might like to think about when weighing up your options:

What does life look like for you as a pool owner?

Most of the people we talk to, tell us that their dream of having a pool looks like enjoying fun and relaxing times with friends and family. In fact, the picture people most often describe is resort style living at home. Before making your choice, it’s a good idea to get an understanding of what time,effort and cost might be required from you from a pool maintenance point of view.

If you find yourself having to regularly clean your pool, or prepare it for swimming before jumping in each time, will you end up using it less than you envisaged?

This is where a self-cleaning system like Vantage can come in handy. The pool is always clean. There is almost no need to manually vacuum. There’s no mucking about with pool cleaners and you never have to do any work before you swim!

What will you really be using the pool for?

Spend some time considering what you’ll use the pool for. Is it exercise, casual relaxing swims, or fun and games? Knowing how you’ll spend your time in the pool will help you chose the right shape and will go a long way to ensuring you use the pool more!

How important is it that running costs and pool maintenance costs are kept low?

The ongoing costs associated with running your pool can become a bug-bear for some people – the good news is that if you think about it during the process of buying a swimming pool you can make choices that keep your pool maintenance and running costs to an absolute minimum.

There tend to be three cost centres when it comes to swimming pool ownership:

1. Electricity to run your pumps/filtration equipment (and heating systems if applicable)
2. Chemicals to keep your pool water balanced and safe to swim in
3. Maintenance to keep your pool looking like new

Arguably, the most important factor that influences the above cost centres is pool filtration. Put simply, the better your circulation system, the less it costs to run your pool.

When a pool is fully circulated from top to bottom, you do not experience stratification of the water (this is where you get a layer of warm water at the top and colder water beneath). Instead, all water is properly mixed meaning the warmer surface water is mixed with the colder deep water and bug cleaning agents are thoroughly mixed throughout the pool. Highly circulated pools have a more even water temperature, use less chemicals and lose less heat. The Compass Vantage system, for example, reduces chemical consumption by approximately half of what you would expect to use on a standard eyeball and skimmer (traditional) pool filtration system.

Another good way to reduce ongoing pool running costs is to consider the equipment you use on your pool. These days pool management equipment is more advanced than ever.

Energy efficient pumps can dramatically cut electricity consumption, but it is important that you remember these pumps run at lower speeds and can compromise circulation. If you opt for an energy efficient pump you should always couple it with an enhanced circulation and pool filtration system. This will help to ensure that you keep costs low without compromising water quality.

Smart chemical dosing systems also help to reduce the time and cost involved with looking after a pool. Salt chlorinators, pH monitoring systems and automated chlorine feeders can take away the leg work and ensure your pool maintains the right chemical balance.

Another thing to consider in this regard, is the quality of your equipment. If you end up with under-spec’d gear, then everything becomes harder to manage. If your pumps are too small or your filter is inadequate, then your pool will be at higher risk of going green which will cost you more in the long run. Similarly, cheap gear might save you money now, but if you are constantly repairing or replacing equipment you will have regrets!

And on the topic of long-term maintenance; make sure you do your homework. Concrete and Vinyl liner pools tend to require regular maintenance like re-surfacing and re-lining. Most fibreglass pools require very little maintenance other than simple cleaning and water balance management.

What will your pool be like 2, 5 even 10 years from now?

One thing we like to remind people of, is that we actually spend more time looking at our pools than we do swimming in them! Your pool will become a major visual feature of your home and it should be enjoyed year-round.

All pools look great at the beginning of their lifetime, but not all will stand the test of time. It pays to do some research so that you can satisfy yourself that what you buy today will still look great well into the future.

Ask about cosmetic and structural warranties and then look for product reviews to ensure you are buying a quality product. Did you know that every single Compass Pool is made with strict quality control conditions to ensure we can offer a pool that lasts a lifetime?

Each and every pool is allocated a unique number tracked throughout the build process right down to the tiniest detail. This helps us ensure that every pool that leaves the factory will perform as we promise!

Will your pool be attractive to the next owners when you sell your home?

It always pays to consider how your pool will impact on the sale of your home when the time comes to move on. The more a potential buyer sees the pool as an asset (and not a liability) the better the chances of your pool contributing to a higher sale price.

Here’s some tips to ensure your pool is attractive to the next people:

1. Consider how they will use it – choose a size and shape that appeals to the masses.
2. Keep running costs low – the cheaper a pool is to run the more people like it.
3. Take the hard work away – the less time and energy the pool requires the happier people feel about owning it.
4. Remove the risk – look for a pool with solid warranties that can be passed on to the new owners!

Summary

To sum up I’ll leave you with this thought:

The average pool buyer ends up having their pool for 10 years (120 months). The process of buying and installing a swimming pool takes up only a few of those months. Yes, you have to get the basic obvious stuff right. But if you really want to maximise the value of your pool and be totally satisfied that you have made the right choice you need to think about the factors that will impact your enjoyment for the remaining  months after you buy the pool!

If you would like some guidance through the decision-making process, then get in touch with your local Compass Pools dealer. Our pool consultants can take a look at your backyard and then sit with you and discuss what is really important to you. They will then make recommendations so that you end up with a setup that is right for you. The best part is that it is free and there is absolutely no obligation or expectation for you to buy a pool…so why wouldn’t you?

Sometimes it can be hard to answer the question “how much will my pool cost” straight off the cuff. The reason for this is simple, each and every backyard is different and there are a number of things that can influence the over-all cost of a pool project.

Take our most common pool for example; the 8.2 X-Trainer swimming pool. This pool can be installed, with pool lights and filtration equipment or around $35,000 but it is not uncommon for people to spend $50,000 or more by adding in extras like the vantage self-cleaning system, heat pumps and pool covers.

Some of the things that can influence the cost of your pool project

1. The size of the pool you buy

As you would expect, the total cost of a pool installation increases with the size of the pool. This is not only because of extra materials used in the construction of your pool shell, but also because of the added work onsite. For example, your excavation and soil removal costs grow too. Generally speaking, it is fair to assume that you will need to budget between $3000-$5000 when upgrading from one size pool to the next. This may be one of the reasons of an increased popularity of our Plunge pools over the past few years.

2. Access to your back yard

Most jobs are pretty straight forward, and even if you do have difficult access it doesn’t mean it’s going to cost an arm and a leg to come up with a solution. Poor access for diggers and soil removal trucks can make the job a little harder. The easier it is for your pool builder to get machinery (and your pool) onto site, the cheaper your pool project will be. Trickier jobs may require the use of a crane or other specialist equipment which can add to you total project cost.

3. The site where you want your pool

The most cost effective place to install a pool tends to be a flat area of your backyard. This is because you can minimise the amount of ground work/ landscaping that may be needed to create your ideal pool-scape. In the past, fibreglass pools have been limited to simple installations on flat sites. If you had a sloping site the only real option was to opt for a concrete pool. With the invention of Maxi Rib technology you can now put a Compass Fibreglass Pool anywhere from Hillsides to rooftops. Choosing a Compass Maxi Rib pool often works out much cheaper than opting for a complex-engineered concrete option. In fact some people report that the cost savings can be many thousands of dollars. Moreover, it allows us to build infinity edge swimming pools.

4. Ground conditions

In most cases the soil in your backyard will be more than fine for a straight-forward pool installation. In backyards where there is a high water table, soft or reactive soils, or rock beneath the surface, extra work is often required. It can be helpful to pass on any information you may have about the soil conditions in your backyard while working with your pool consultant. This will help you avoid any surprise costs further down the track.

5. The quality of your pool shell

You could be forgiven for thinking that all fibreglass pools are made the same way. The truth is there can be a huge difference between one pool brand and the next. More expensive pool shells usually cost more for a reason. The most reliable and resilient resins for example can be two to three times more expensive that standard options. Added technology (such as the unique Compass Ceramic core) add extra cost but, enable you to enjoy greater peace of mind in the long run.

6. Your preferred operating system

Not all pools are created equal. In fact, we believe that the way you choose to look after your water is one of the most important decisions you’ll make throughout the process of buying your pool. You see, pools have traditionally been circulated using the industry-standard eyeball and skimmer system. This system is known to consume more power, require more chemicals, and demand more upkeep from pool owners. To help reduce ongoing running costs, (and make your pool easier to run and healthier to swim in) we have introduced two amazing pool operating systems to the market. The Vantage self-cleaning and circulation system takes away all of the hard work involved with looking after your pool. Not only does Vantage remove the need for manual cleaning (yes it really does clean itself!), it also dramatically boosts circulation which prevents algae and bacteria growth. Another alternative to traditional circulation is our exclusive Logic system which is designed to slash power consumption and maximise circulation at the same time. Both of these systems may require an initial investment in the beginning, but they also have the ability to save you money and time for the rest of your time as a pool owner.

7. The optional extras

As you can imagine, there’s a huge variety of optional extras that you can add to your pool package. From covers to heat pumps, water features and programmable LED lights. These days your options are almost endless, you can even choose to add automated systems which monitor your chlorine and pH levels and dose your pool with the necessary additives to keep your water balanced and safe to swim in.

Other costs to consider

Most pool dealers will price their base pool package to include the following items:

• Excavation and removal of soil
• Supply and installation of pool shell
• A concrete beam to lock your pool in place
• Basic pool lighting
• A pool pump
• Filtration equipment

When developing your overall swimming pool budget you will want to not only plan for your base pool package but for all stages of your backyard pool project. This includes any optional extras (like heat pumps etc.) as well as surrounding landscaping options. In general terms landscaping may include pool fencing, concreting, paving, or decking to create and ideal surround for your pool area.

The best way to get a clear understanding of what it will cost to put a pool in your backyard is to meet with a professional Pool Consultant. A typical consultation will involve getting a pool builder to view your site in person. They will then sit with you and thoroughly discuss your plans; during this conversation they will ask questions so that they get a true understanding of what will be important to you in the long run. Once they get a clear understanding of your needs, they will make a recommendation of what options will work best for you. If you agree they will then be able to give you a detailed quote to help you with your budgeting process.

If you would like to arrange for a Compass Pools dealer to visit your home click here. Explore our swimming pools to choose the one that suits your requirements and explore pool design ideas.

One common question we get asked is “how long will it take to build my new pool?” The answer to that question depends on a number of different factors which include (but are not limited to):

• The planning process
• The type of pool (concrete or fibreglass for example)
• The time of the year
• Your local consent authority
• Other contractors

Let’s take a look at how these factors can influence your pool construction.

The planning process

Planning your new pool can be a lengthy process as there are many decisions to be made:

• What type of pool is best for you?
• What shape?
• What size?
• What colour?
• Where will you place the pool?
• If you’re building a new house, should the pool be installed before or after?
• What landscaping should happen before or after your pool is installed?
• What kind of pool fencing will work best for you?

It stands to reason that one of the biggest influencing factors of how long it will take before you are swimming in your new pool, is the time spent making decisions on your preferences. For some people pool planning can be a relatively quick process, but for others it can take months of discussion and design work, especially when a more complex concrete pool is involved.

The reality with swimming pools is that once they are in the ground, they are there forever, so it pays to give yourself a comfortable timeframe to ensure the right decisions are made.

The type of pool you choose

The length of time it takes to build your new pool is heavily influenced by the type of pool you choose. The difference in construction time between a fibreglass and concrete pool can be significant. One of the benefits of installing a pre-moulded fibreglass swimming pool is that the pool shell arrives pre-built. Instead of having a number of different contractors on site for several weeks or more (standard procedure with concrete pools), your fibreglass pool can usually have water in it within a couple of days and the installation completed with a couple of weeks.

While one benefit of concrete pools is that you are not limited by shape or size, it pays to remember that concrete pools, especially if you opt for detailed and complex shapes, may take several months or more to complete.

Of course, the installation of the pool is only one aspect of the pool project. While it may only take a couple of weeks to install a Compass fibreglass ceramic pool, it takes most households between 3 and 6 months on average to feel satisfied that they have completed their pool landscaping. That means that your pool can be up and running while you add the finishing touches at your own pace.

The time of the year

As you can imagine, when weather gets warmer more people start to think about swimming pools. In summer time, most pool builders are inundated with enquires from people who want to be swimming in their new pools as soon as possible. If you want to enjoy a lengthy first summer in your newly-built pool it’s a good idea to be talking with your pool builder at the June/July point or even earlier. During February/March for instance, many pool retailers are prepared to offer extra incentives to fill their books for winter.

Naturally, summer weather lends itself to construction. Many people choose to renovate, build and undertake other major projects when the weather is more stable. Because of this, the demand for mid-summer pool builds does increase dramatically and spaces fill up quickly.

That’s not to say that if you enquire in November (or even December) you will miss out on swimming that season, however it does pay to get in early!

Often in January or February people make the mistake of thinking “we’ve missed out on this summer so there’s no rush”. The reality of the situation is that if you plan your pool, install it early and then complete the landscaping in spring, you will have a pool area that is finished and ready for the entire next summer. No mess and no disappointment at a time when you want to be enjoying your pool.

Local consent authority

Every new pool that is built needs to be passed by the local authorities. Once you have completed your planning process, a development application (or complying development certificate, or permit submission) will need to be lodged. In most cases this is something that your pool builder will do for you (although separate fees may apply). This application needs to show the details of the construction process and outline how safety standards will be met.

The processing time for a permit varies from town to town and can also change depending on demand (4-6 weeks is not unusual). As mentioned above, summer is a busy time for the pool industry so processing times during peak season are often at the higher end of the guidelines you are given.

The construction of your pool cannot start until approval has been given from your local authority. The earlier your application is submitted the more likely your project will be finished on time.

Other contractors

Most pool projects require several different contractors from electricians to concreters, fencers and pavers. The availability of your contractors can also have an effect on how long it takes before you are swimming in your new pool. In most cases your pool builder will have a list of preferred contractors whom they trust and work closely with.

From time to time there are elements of a pool installation that will rely on another contractor completing their part of the project first (for example your pumps cannot be switched on unless an electrician has established a power supply). Because of this, we suggest having a firm plan before the project commences. If each contractor knows when to show up and is aware of the scheduled timeline of events, you lessen the risk of having your project delayed.

Generally speaking, fibreglass pools can be ready to swim in sooner than you might expect, and our authorised Compass pool dealers typically plan to complete a standard installation in around 10 working days. However, outside influences can delay this process so the earlier you can speak to your pool builder the better, to ensure that your pool is ready to swim in when you are.

I’m not sure about you, but the appeal of having my own swimming pool arises from the idea of having my own backyard oasis – resort-style living at home. I picture sunshine, fun-times, and pure relaxation. What doesn’t immediately spring to mind is the weekly (sometimes daily) tasks that go hand in hand with keeping pool water clean, healthy, and safe to swim in.

A big part of having a healthy pool (that doesn’t go green and doesn’t give you sore ears after swimming) comes down to how well the water is circulated and filtered throughout the day. Unfortunately, maximising circulation is something that is often overlooked by salespeople and customers alike during the initial pool planning and set-up phases.

To put it simply, a well-planned circulation system can be the difference between a pool that you love to own and a pool that risks becoming just another household chore to look after. If you stop and think about it, if water is moving regularly it tends to be healthier. If a stream loses its ability to flow it quickly becomes stagnant. It’s the same with pool water.

Experts (and Aus/NZ pool standards for that matter) suggest that the entire volume of water within your pool needs to be pumped out, filtered, sanitised, and then returned to your pool at least once every single day. Traditionally circulated pools certainly have the ability to move this much water, but the problem is they tend to only move a small portion of the water over and over again.

A traditional pool is run using what is known as an eye-ball and skimmer system. Essentially, a skimmer box removes surface water using a pump. That water is then pushed through a filter and then returned to the pool through jets on the wall opposite the skimmer. These jets or ‘eyeballs’ are typically located in the top 1-2ft of water.

It doesn’t take much imagination to see that the top 1-2ft of water moves regularly while the deeper parts of the pool are left to sit still- a perfect breeding ground for algae and bacteria!

If you want your pool water to be as healthy as possible you should really consider ways to ensure bottom-to-top circulation. Again, the more the water moves, the harder it becomes for algae and bacteria to grow.

It’s this knowledge which has helped shape the way we build pools. Compass customers get the choice of two additional revolutionary circulation systems. Our most popular option (vantage) is well known as the ‘self-cleaning pool’ option, but arguably the best benefit is its ability to dramatically improve pool water circulation. Vantage removes water from the pool floor using a special ‘main drain’ and returns water through a series of perfectly-timed, fully-automated jets on the pool floor too. This ensures that a huge amount of movement occurs in the depths of the pool while the eyeball and skimmer system moves the top!

Vantage has been shown to reduce chemical inputs, increase heat-pump efficiency, maximise distribution of sanitising pool chemicals and let’s not forget that it also cleans your pool at the same time. So, as well as saving on operating costs you also get to eliminate the needs for expensive pool cleaning equipment and you don’t have to lift a finger to keep your pool looking tidy!

The Compass Logic™ system offers another great alternative to traditional circulation (the standard eyeball and skimmer approach). Logic works on similar principles to Vantage in the sense that it focuses on creating circulation in the depths of the pool (which is typically a problem area for most pools).

We start by removing water from the deep end of the pool using two drains which are strategically placed 2/3rds down the pool wall. We then return the water using special swing jets which are designed to push freshly-filtered water toward the bottom of the pool. The swing jets also change direction each time they switch on working to maximise chemical distribution, evenly spread warm water which has been heated by the sun, and move water in as much of the pool as possible.

The Logic™ system can even be enhanced to create a dramatic reduction in power consumption. These days it’s common for people to use ‘energy efficient pumps’. In simple terms an energy efficient pump runs at high speed for a short period of time and then shifts back a gear to run at low speeds for most of your filtration cycle. The problem with this when you have a traditional pool is that when running at low speeds your low-flow pump further reduces water mixing and movement in your pool.

To combat this issue we use a supercharged skimmer unit which requires little-to-no suction from the pool pump. Then we re-direct pump suction to focus mainly on the wall drains. This means we can fit an energy efficient pump to the pool set-up without sacrificing and water movement. Using an energy efficient pump in this way will mean you can dramatically cut power (to the tune over $600 per year) without worrying about your pool turning green.

When it comes to owning a pool, much of the effort that is required comes from the need to keep your water balanced, clean and healthy to swim in. The question is how does that fit into your dream of being a pool owner. With the correct set-up from the get-go you can make life much easier.

For most people, investing in a swimming pool is a reasonably big deal and it is natural to think about ways to keep the over-all project cost as low as possible. Of course one of the options is to consider a DIY pool installation. The obvious benefit of going down the DIY path is that you could make initial cash savings. But before you start what else do you need to consider?

Are you biting off more than you can chew?

Installing your own swimming pool is not for the faint hearted. In fact, it requires technical thinking, plenty of foresight not to mention trade skills like plumbing and building. For example, if your excavation is slightly over dimension, you may find that you require significantly more backfill material and time to correct the issue. Without intimate knowledge of the installation process you are far more likely to run into issues which have the potential to quickly off-set any savings you were set to gain.

To ensure your pool is installed correctly, plumbed safely and property drained to prevent structural damage, the following steps are critical:

1. Free-draining bedding material under the floor of the pool shell
2. Efficient filtration plumbing to minimise system pressures, and fully compliant with AS1926.3:2010 Water Recirculation Safety Standards.
3. Cement-stabilised backfill (to minimum specifications) compacted and washed in around the walls and steps
4. Sub-soil drainage around the full perimeter of the pool, in addition to a compliant stand-pipe system
5. An engineered concrete bond beam, with re-enforcement properly tied to the fibreglass coping to suit soil reactivity outside.

The skills you need to build your own pool

Confident setting up plumbing for your pool?

Installing a swimming pool is a major construction project which requires a great deal of management, it involves excavation, ground preparation, plumbing, concrete laying and electrical work. It is essential that you have a good understanding of the engineering principals used to determine the best location to build your pool and the best practices for installation. Remember, it is important that you install your pool in compliance with all engineering requirements and the Australia and New Zealand standards, if you don’t, you may find your warranty is null and void and that your insurance company is not willing to come to the party either! Many people who embark on a DIY installation end up outsourcing to professionals for this reasons alone.

One of the unknowns when it comes to building a new pool in your backyard is what you’ll find when you start digging the hole for your pool. DIY’ers often become overwhelmed and budgets get blown when soil conditions are outside of ‘normal’. What will you do if you hit rock or discover that you have a high water table in your backyard? Do you have the right equipment and the confidence to deal with these situations effectively?

And don’t forget to consider the time and effort it will require to install your pool. It may only take a professional team a week or two, but how long is it likely to take you?

Will you save money?

The answer is possibly; it depends on how much work you end up being able to do yourself vs how much help you will inevitably outsource to other contractors. If you account for your own time, you may also find it costs you more than having an experienced person on site who can do the job quickly.

The truth is that most pool companies make little-to-no-margin off the installation component of your pool. And the cost that they charge you is a direct reflection of the costs that they are likely to incur during the installation process. When you engage a professional pool installer, the key difference is that you know that your pool will be installed by someone who has plenty of experience in the industry, and you can rest easy knowing that they will understand all of the potential risk factors for your site.

If not installed correctly (or in the best location) in your backyard, your pool may be impacted by unforeseen issues in the future such as high ground water pressure or excessive loading on the pool walls.

What happens if something goes wrong?

One of the good things about having your pool professionally installed is that you obtain a certain peace of mind that it has been installed properly and that if anything does go wrong you have someone to fall back on. If you choose to go down the DIY path you need to be prepared to stand behind your own work. And if you decide to sell your property within 6-7 years, you’ll likely need to provide Home Owners Warranty Insurance.  Manufacturers warranties may protect you should your pool shell prove to be defective however, you as the builder have to ensure that your pool is built with strict adherence to the AUS/NZ pool standards and the manufacturers engineering specifications.

What ongoing support will you get from your pool supplier?

The installation of your new pool is really only the beginning of your story as a swimming pool owner. In theory, your pool should be a feature of your backyard for decades to come.  One of the great things about buying from a professional installer is that you tend to have someone close by that you can call on for help and advice in the future. If you buy a DIY pool kit you may want to ask the following questions:

• Where is the seller from? Are they close enough to provide you onsite support should you end up needing it?
• How long have they been in business and what are people saying about them and their product online? Do they have a reputation for being helpful or do they leave you to fend for yourself if the going gets tough?
• What happens if you need help with any of the equipment on your pool in the future?
• What does their warranty cover and how protected are you as a consumer if you install the pool yourself?

Ultimately, if you are a practically minded person and have a reasonable level of experience in construction projects, you may find that installing your own swimming pool is a viable option that can help you save money. However, it is fair to say that installing your own pool is a risky decision for the average “weekend warrior” and there is real potential that you can end up costing yourself more than you set out to save in the first place.

So what other ways can you save money if you are not keen to install your own pool?

Just because installing your own pool may not be a good idea, it doesn’t mean that you can’t make savings with a bit of DIY in other areas. There are plenty of elements of the project that you can still safely do yourself including fencing, landscaping, decking and paving to name a few.

The thing about swimming pools is that once they are in the ground they are there to stay, so the decisions you make at the purchasing stage can affect your overall satisfaction further down the track. There are plenty of factors to consider that will influence your choices as you create your ideal pool. In this article we take a look at some of the important questions/points you’ll need to think about so you end up with the best pool for you and your family.

1)     What is your motivation for buying a pool?

The first and most important thing to consider is what you want to get out of owning a swimming pool. Some people see a pool as the perfect way to relax and unwind, some use their pool to bring the family together, others to keep their teenagers at home. Whatever your motivation, try not to lose sight of what you want from your pool. Along the way you’ll need to make decisions about what features you want to include in your new pool, so always refer back to what you want to achieve and the pool buying decision making process will be easier.

2)     What is the best way to run/operate your new pool?

This is often something that people don’t pay enough attention to at the beginning of the process. The way your pool runs/operates will have a huge influence on the following things.

1. The ongoing electricity costs of filtering your pool
2. The amount of chemicals needed to keep your water safe to swim in
3. The amount of your time required to look after the pool
4. The value your pool adds (or takes away) from your home

Most backyard swimming pools installed over the past 40 years operate the same way. Water is skimmed off the surface of the pool through a skimmer box. It is then pumped through a filter and returned to the pool through jets (commonly called return eyeballs) close to the surface in the pool wall. The “theory” is that all pool water is circulated during the daily cycle while the pump is running. The problem is that the top third of the pool generally gets circulated over and over again, and the deeper sections can be under-circulated. We call this operating system ‘traditional’ circulation, and it does have its limitations.

Some pool companies like Compass now offer enhanced circulation systems, because the more your pool water is mixed and filtered the healthier it will be. Proper mixing and filtration will lead to lower chemical use (as chemicals are not just concentrated in the top layer of water, being burnt off by the sun). You’ll also notice that the pool water is easier to manage from a sanitisation point-of-view, when enhanced circulation systems are used, because chemicals used for balancing are adequately mixed throughout the whole pool.

The operating system you choose can have a big impact on your electricity bill too. These days, energy efficient pumps are very popular and are quickly replacing the traditional fixed-speed filter pump. With electricity savings of up to 80% using these latest-technology pumps, it’s a natural choice to make. The one problem with energy efficient pumps is that when they operate on low speeds (to maximise the savings in electricity consumption) the flowrate of pool water being circulated is reduced and there can be a subsequent decrease in water quality in the deeper sections of the pool. To get the true benefit out of an energy efficient pump, your pool’s operating system should have a way of maintaining efficient circulation for proper filtration and mixing of all the pool’s water. To find out how to make energy efficient pumps work in your pool, ask your local Compass Pool’s dealer about the exclusive Logic enhanced circulation system.

Of course, the ultimate way to look after your pool is to opt for the famous Vantage in-floor system. Vantage not only ensures maximum circulation, chemical efficiency and energy efficiency, it also cleans the pool for you, which allows more time to swim, relax and enjoy! The Vantage in-floor cleaning and circulation system also adds value and appeal to future buyers when the time comes to sell your home.

3) What type of Pool will work best for you?

A pool is a pool right? Wrong! The type of pool that you choose to buy can have a long-lasting effect on over-all satisfaction with your decision.

As mentioned before, your pool is a permanent structure which means it can only be replaced or upgraded at major cost once it has been installed. You need to be satisfied that the pool you purchase meets your immediate needs, budget requirements, and long term needs. Product warranties, reliability and of course personal needs and wants, are all factors in this equation.

Ultimately you will need to choose between concrete, fibreglass or vinyl-liner pools. Find out more about concrete and fibreglass to know which pool will work best for you.

Many people choose the fibreglass pool option for the following reasons:

• Fiberglass swimming pools are relatively cost effective
• Fibreglass pools can be easier to keep clean and healthy
• They are generally quicker to install than concrete pools
• They are warranted for at least 25 years, and usually, require less ongoing maintenance

But are all fibreglass pools equal? – The answer is no. Whilst most Australian manufacturers make a reliable product, there are some that have distinctive and important differences. For example, in the mid 90’s Ian Mewett (co-founder of Compass Pools) helped pioneer a technique of pool manufacturing using a ceramic and vinyl-ester composite core. Compass Pools owes much of its success and credibility to its patented ceramic core technology, which ensures that Compass ceramic pool shells are tougher and more durable, and are therefore more able to cope with seasonal ground movement as well as the effects of long-term immersion in pool water.

4) What pool manufacturer/brand should you choose?

As you probably know, there are quite a few pool manufacturers throughout Australia, some of whom include: Compass Pools, Leisure Pools, Narellan, Barrier Reef and Freedom Pools to name a few major ones.

Choosing the right manufacturer or pool brand is about reducing your risk and obtaining peace of mind that you will be looked after during the purchase, installation, and in the years after your pool has been handed over.

Here are a few things to investigate about the pool manufacturer before committing:

• How long have they been in business?
• What do people say about the brand online?
• What is (and is not) covered in their product warranty and does their warranty comply with current Australian Consumer Law requirements?
• Have they been making pools at least as long as they warrant them for?

 5) What pool builder should you work with?

Chances are that almost every major manufacturer will have a pool retailer representing their brand in your area. In some cases these representatives will be subsidiaries of the manufacturer, franchisees, or independent dealers.

It goes without saying that the business which actually installs your new swimming pool can have a HUGE impact on your over-all satisfaction and future enjoyment of your pool. It pays to work with people who are reliable, honest and skilled at what they do, as well as being licensed and insured.

Here are a few tips to help you decide who to work with:

• Ask to speak to current and previous customers about their experience
• Ask to see display pools or pools that they have installed recently
• Search what people say about them online – check out their Facebook page and the tone of customer feedback
• Ask questions about their business history – how long have they been operating in your area (their website may include business and staff profiles and other interesting information)

 6) Think about what can be added later and what has to go into the pool at the beginning?

Looking at your overall budget, you may decide to stage or delay certain optional features. For example, you may choose to include plumbing provision for a heat-pump but wait a year or two before you purchase and install the actual heating system. But there are some decisions that need to be made before your pool gets installed in the ground. A good example is the Vantage in-floor cleaning and circulation system which can’t be added after the pool has been installed. To avoid future regrets, do your research and be just as careful in deciding the options you exclude, as the options you include.

So make sure you talk with your pool consultant about the “must haves” that need to be decided on before your pool is ordered. It is better to plan for these things in your immediate budget and then stage the roll-out of other extras like landscaping or heating when the time is right. That way you can have your cake and eat it too, or as we say, have your pool and enjoy it too!

If you want to be swimming in your new pool in summer then you actually need to be planning the construction of your pool well before things start to warm up. It comes as no surprise that most people begin to think about buying a pool when it is already hot. Unfortunately, by the time you sort out a plan, get approval from local authorities and then get scheduled into your pool builder’s timeline, the chances are that your pool may not be fully finished until the following summer.

It pays to have everything sorted before summer starts if you want to enjoy a long summer of swimming

Naturally, spring and summer brings warmer and drier weather so most pool builders become very busy with pool installations during this time. The earlier that you solidify your plans the more likely it is that your pool will be ready for you to enjoy all summer long.

To a certain degree deciding what type of pool (and what pool company) to go with is the easy part. Once you’ve made that decision there is still a number of factors which can influence when your pool goes in the ground. A few of the things that impact on when your pool will be installed include:

1. Your design plan: it’s one thing to decide what shape, size and brand of pool you want but before your pool plan can be submitted to authorities for approval you’ll have to decide on its exact position as well as where the pool enclosure boundaries will be. The sooner you make these crucial decisions the sooner your pool builder will be able to get the ball rolling for you.
2. Obtaining Consent: before you install a swimming pool in your backyard you must obtain consent from your local council/planning authority. This process involves submitting a detailed plan of the pool and surrounding areas for their consideration. The approval process can take up to six weeks (sometimes longer if they ask for more information). During that time construction is unable to begin.
3. Your pool builder’s production timeline: Once you have received the appropriate approvals, your pool builder can place your pool into their installation timeline. It is important to remember that your pool builder may have several pools ahead them before they can begin construction on your site. The earlier you get the ball rolling the more chance there is that your pool builder’s timetable will match yours.
4. The type of pool you choose: it goes without saying that some pool types are far faster than others to install. Whilst a composite fibreglass pool can usually be installed over a number of days (with a typical handover in a couple of weeks), it can take several weeks or even months to complete a concrete pool.

The early bird gets the worm!

Although a Compass pool can be quick and easy to install, we still tell people that the best advice is to allow yourself several months to go through the planning and approval process. In other words if you truly do want to be swimming in your new pool on Christmas day it pays to have your pool contract locked in place by the beginning of spring.

The best advice is to have an honest conversation with your pool builder about the timeframes you can expect to work within. All companies are different and some will be “booked up” for summer sooner than others. If you are getting close to summer and your pool builder is suggesting that your pool will be installed within a tight time frame, make sure you’re not walking into an “over-promise/under deliver” situation.

Never sacrifice the pool you want for the sake of timing

It pays to remember that once your new swimming pool goes in the ground it is there forever, so make sure you are completely happy with what you are about to commit to. Once you have your heart set on one particular pool brand, don’t let timing get in the way, there will be plenty more summers to come!

It’s also a common misperception that if your pool is not in the ground for Christmas then you’ve missed the boat. NOT TRUE! The fact is the swimming season extends beyond January through to March and many people keep using their pools well into April and even later with pool heating systems.

The bottom line is that there is never really a ‘wrong’ time to order your new pool. If your pool is installed in winter it simply means you have plenty of time to complete the surrounding areas before summer arrives. If your pool is installed during summer it means you get to enjoy it straight away, even though the landscaping may not be finished. Either way, your pool will provide you with years of family fun!