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.

Video transcription: A great question we’re often asked is, if I’m going to build a house, how do I go about planning the pool? If it is such that you’ve got a block that when the house is built, you’re going to lose your access, it’s really important to consider putting the pool in first. At Compass, we call that a sleeper pool. So you can certainly come to us and talk to use about installing a sleeper pool.

The other consideration is, if you’re going to have access, we can certainly put the pool in after the house is built. But the consideration might be, if it’s going to be anywhere near the house for example, you want to make sure you consult with your builder and ensure that the footings for that house are constructed in such a way that it lets you come up and excavate near the house. So there are those sorts of considerations that must be taken into account.

If you’re at that point and you think, yes, I really need to talk to someone about whether I build the pool first or do it after, certainly bring your plans into Compass and we’ll talk to you about it. Give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.