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.

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!