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Buying a pool is one of the most exciting investments you will ever make for your family. However, looking at the price of a pool kit versus the final figure in your bank account can sometimes feel like two different stories.
At Affordable Pools, we pride ourselves on transparency. We believe the only surprise you should have is how quickly you can get swimming.
Here is a breakdown of the hidden costs of pool installation and our top tips on how to keep them under control.
1. The Foundation
A common misconception is that you can simply pop an above-ground pool onto your grass. In reality, grass is organic matter that will eventually rot, causing the ground to shift and potentially damaging your liner.
For the best results when installing our vinyl-line pools, you need a stable base. This usually involves removing the grass and topsoil and laying a base of washed masonry sand to protect the liner.
When installing the pool, you’ll need to budget for the sand itself, delivery fees, and potentially hiring an excavator if you have a lot of turf to remove.
2. Council Approvals and Compliance
In NSW and across Australia, swimming pools require approval. This might be a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or a Development Application (DA), depending on your property and local council rules.
Council fees can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. Additionally, some councils may require a “damage bond” to cover any potential damage to the footpath or kerb during delivery and installation. The good news is that this bond is refundable if no damage occurs.
3. Pool Fencing
You cannot legally fill your pool with water until you have a compliant pool fence. Australian Standard AS1926.1 is strict, and for good reason. These regulations are designed to give you peace of mind that your pool area is secure against unsupervised access by young children.
Fencing is often the highest “hidden” cost, given that it can vary depending on materials as well as the length required to encircle your pool area.
Using a semi-inground design sometimes helps reduce fencing costs if the pool walls themselves (provided they are high enough and non-climbable) form part of the barrier. Always check this with your private certifier first.
4. Electrical Work
Even if you are installing a DIY pool kit, you legally cannot do the electrical work yourself. You will need a licensed electrical technician to install a compliant power point for your pump and filtration system.
If you are installing an electric heat pump to extend your swimming season, this may also require a dedicated connection back to your switchboard, which can increase the labour cost.
5. Water and Initial Chemicals
Once the pool is built, you have to fill it. Depending on the size of your pool model, you could be looking at between approximately 20,000 to 60,000 litres of water.
Most people fill up their pools through either of two methods:
- Town Water: Filling from the hose is the cheapest option, but it can take days.
- Water Truck: For a more immediate solution, water trucks typically charge between a few hundred and a thousand dollars, depending on volume.
You will also need an initial batch of chemicals to balance the water before anyone jumps in.
How to Minimise Your Installation Costs
At Affordable Pools, our modular system gives you control over the budget. Here is how you can potentially save thousands compared to a traditional concrete pool build:
1. DIY the Assembly
If you’re handy with tools and have a few friends to help, you can assemble our pools yourself. We provide easy-to-read instructions, saving you the labour cost of a professional installer.
2. Pick the Right Spot
Excavation is expensive. If you have a flat area in your backyard, choose that for your pool site. While some of our pools can be installed on uneven terrain, this often requires further earthworks, which can eat into your budget.
3. Choose the Right Model
If you want a saltwater setup, our Palm Cove range is resin-engineered to handle the salt. If you are happy with a freshwater/chlorine system, the Billabong range offers the same BHP Bluescope steel durability at an even more accessible price point.
Ready to Get Started?
Planning a pool installation does not have to be a financial headache. By understanding these extra costs upfront, you can set a realistic budget and avoid any nasty surprises.
If you want a clear, transparent quote for your new pool kit, we are here to help.
Contact our team today to discuss which model fits your backyard and your budget, and let’s get you swimming sooner.