Have you always dreamed of having a pool in your home? No matter what stage you of planning you’re in, you have to know that a swimming pool is a major investment with many options to choose from when it comes to design, functionality, and features. And the key to any good investment is research, so here are some questions that can guide you along the way to ensure you get the pool of your dreams.
1. Why am I getting a pool?
Since this is a huge renovation project, consider why you are going for a swimming pool. What do you need it for? What is it’s purpose in your home? This helps you determine what size, shape, depth, or type of construction you would want. Would it be for laps, relaxing or recreation? Do you want it to be for your kids to play in with their friends? Or is it an additional aesthetic enhancement to your backyard view?
2. Is my site ready for a pool?
Look at your backyard and take note of any slopes, because this makes construction more costly. Swimming pools are always easier to build on a level site. If there are certain ground conditions such as sand, rocks, or unstable soil, this could make building trickier.
Is there enough space? The size and location of your property is another factor that plays in when determining the size and shape of your pool. For urban sites, there could be strict requirements when it comes to property boundaries, so determine the shading from neighbouring buildings and trees that could limit your pool size.
3. Where should I put it?
As soon as you know what type of pool you want, you’ll now have to determine where to put it. Make sure to check your local council and building regulations regarding restrictions, pool fencing requirements, site coverage allowance, and proximity to stormwater drains.
4. Inground or above ground?
While soil excavation and removal can be costly, in-ground pools would generally have a more permanent feel compared to most above-ground types.
But if you happen to have a steep site, then it may be faster, cheaper and easier to install an above-ground pool made of fibreglass with a surrounding deck, especially if access to your pool area is tricky.
5. How much would it cost?
A basic concrete pool would cost around $50,000 which is definitely more expensive than one made of fibreglass, which would be about $25,000 upwards. Although with a concrete pool, you have the benefit of having a customised shape and size.
When it comes to maintenance, the largest cost would be the lining. Some concrete pools would require to be acid-washed every three to five years, plus replastered or resurfaced every 10-15 years. Meanwhile, vinyl-lined pools may puncture, and you might need to repair this every five to 10 years. The cheapest option would be a fibreglass pool which comes with 25- or 35-year structural warranty.
There are also many great additional pool-installations that would be factored into your expenses such as covers, decking, landscaping and heating systems (if you live in a colder area) There would also be ongoing costs for filtration and chemicals needed for cleaning the water.
6. Concrete or Fibreglass?
Both options are very durable with the help of modern technological advancements in pool construction. Plus with the use of sprayed concrete techniques compared to boxed poured concrete, the process is much faster and could take about three months. Just be wary of bad weather, which could hamper construction and eventually cause mould if the surface if not properly finished.
What’s great about concrete is that if you’re looking for that unique and customised look for your home, it offers flexibility in terms of shape, size and depth. This gives you a more personalised outdoor area. With concrete, you can also create an enviable infinity edge. There are also a variety of finishing options for a concrete pool’s interior. These include marble plaster, coloured quartz, tiles, pebbles, swimming pool paint or vinyl.
Meanwhile, a fibreglass pool would take as little as three days to build. This is because fibreglass pools are pre-moulded into various shapes before they are usually positioned in an excavated hole or set above ground. If you’re worried about durability, these are built with extra-strength stiffening supports.
7. What are the fencing laws?
Each state in Australia requires by law that all types of residential swimming pools and spa pools are fenced. This standard applies to pool fences all across the country, but when it comes to territory, each state may have its own specific laws and permits to ensure each pool fence complies with the national standard. To ensure you meet your full legal responsibilities, then you may get in touch with your local council or your state’s consumer affairs department for more information.
8. Who is going to build it?
Since this a major investment, you want to make sure you are putting this project in good hands. Try asking for referrals from your friends, relatives or colleagues that have pools in their homes. Word of mouth recommendations is the best way to find trustworthy pool builders. If you’re unable to find any good personal recommendations, then SPASA is the peak body that represents many professionals and businesses across the country’s pool and spa industry.
9. What else should go around it?
Paving, fencing, landscaping and a pump house, all of which can equal the cost of the pool. So whichever material you want to use, whether it’s timber, composite decking, pavers or stone, you must consider the maintenance and slip resistance it provides. Composite decking, for example, would contain no timber, therefor it is rot, split and fade-resistant.
Experts at https://www.cityscapespoolsandlandscapes.com.au/ say it’s best to take in account how much space you have to determine whether your pool surrounding area will meet with its existing paving, this would dictate the thickness of the material you would need to use.
