How Much Does Pool Installation Cost? Consumer Price Guide

Planning on installing a new pool? With Brisbane enjoying 283 days of sunshine a year, you’re making a great choice. So here’s how much your new pool will cost you…

Excited about a new swimming pool but not excited about how much it might set you back?

We get it.

A swimming pool is the proven way to transform your outdoor space, turn your home into a social hub, and enjoy relaxing time to yourself all year round. Although the list of lifestyle advantages is lengthy, the cost of a new pool can seem off-putting for some.

Like any home improvement project, you’ll need to weigh up the costs for both materials and installation. But what can you expect those to cost in Brisbane? And is a new swimming pool a worthwhile investment to make?

We’ll answer those questions (and plenty more).

Let’s dive in (pun intended) and break down the price of a new swimming pool.

If you want to learn more about pool landscaping, check out our other resources:

1. How to Choose the Best Pool Landscaper in Brisbane

2. Pros and Cons of Pool Installation in Your Brisbane Home

3. Plungie Pools Vs. Concrete Pools

What type of swimming pool are you planning to install?

When it comes to your options, most Brisbane pool builders will offer either concrete or fibreglass pools – though vinyl is also an option.

Concrete swimming pools have long been the go-to option for Australians, with the durable material also offering a high degree of customisation so you can enjoy a pool in multiple shapes, styles or designs. However, pouring a concrete shell in your yard may require extensive earthworks and take 3 to 4 weeks.

In contrast, fibreglass pools also provide a durable material with a smooth and comfortable surface that’s dropped in via a pre-moulded shell to save time. However, this can be a double-edged sword as fibreglass pools limit your design options because you’ll be choosing from pre-existing fibreglass moulds. Fibreglass pools may also be more susceptible to cracking and damage due to soil and ground movement.

With the introduction of new pool technology on the market, a third option is to crane in a pre-poured concrete pool to save the time and hassle of site excavation, pouring a concrete shell and the disruption of tradies working in your home for weeks (or months) at a time.

What impacts the price of a new swimming pool?

Building a pool won’t be the cheapest way to upgrade your home (but few home improvement projects can offer the same lifestyle advantages). Pool builders and installers will quote differently. However, there are a few variables to consider that can help you budget for a new pool.

Here’s a deeper dive into the factors that can affect a new pool installation.

Size

Bigger might be better, but it’s also more expensive. The size of your pool will impact your overall costs. This comes down to two major reasons: The cost of more materials (e.g. pouring a larger concrete shell) and the cost of more onsite work (e.g. extra tradies). In most cases, larger pools will also require larger excavation work which can increase your overall costs.

Location

Where do you plan on installing your new pool? While flat areas of land will make for easier installation jobs, this isn’t a reality for all QLD homeowners. Although it’s possible to install a pool on a sloping block, this may require more earthworks and excavation which will cost you more.

Materials

As we touched on above, once you’ve got a hole in your yard or a slab of concrete poured, you’ll need to choose your pool material. Concrete swimming pools are popular because of their design flexibility, though this will require the laying of wet concrete over metal supporting beams which takes time and will add to your costs. 

Alternatively, pre-moulded fibreglass shells can be lowered into your recently excavated space with this option costing less than a traditional concrete pool. Vinyl pools are another option, though the vinyl lining can rip and lead to costly repairs. Finally, modern precast concrete pools can be lowered into place to enjoy the speed of a fibreglass pool with the durability of concrete.

Learn more about our Plungie® drop-in pools

Comparison costs for swimming pool types in Brisbane

Inground swimming pools are the most expensive type to install due to the preparation and excavation costs. You can typically pay less for an above-ground vinyl pool, though many homeowners prefer the sleek and integrated appearance of an in-ground pool.

Although the factors listed above will impact the quote you receive from a Brisbane pool builder, here are some estimates for average costs.

*Doesn’t include delivery or installation

When it comes to your new pool, drop-in swimming pools remain the most economical because of their precast nature. Although a fibreglass pool is typically cheaper to install then a concrete swimming pool, drop-in concrete pools don’t require the same structural reinforcement as a fibreglass pool or the need for tradespeople that a traditional concrete pool requires.

Don’t forget about the long-term costs of a pool

No matter what type of pool you choose, you’ll need to maintain a certain level of care (unless you want to wake up to an algae-filled pool or worse!).

There are a range of after-installation costs to be aware of that can sting your budget if not planned for. These include:

• Water Filters: Factor in the costs of running, maintaining and servicing water pumps and water filters
• Water Sanitisation: Factor in the cost of chemicals, chlorinators or salt water pool treatment
• Pool Cleaning: Factor in the cost of robots, suction cleaners or self-cleaning pool systems
• Pool Add-Ons: Factor in the cost of heat pumps, water features, pool covers or other extras

To give you an idea of averages, you can expect to spend $80 to $110 a month to run a pool pump. $100 to $1,500 per year on pool heating costs. And $50 to $1,000 on annual pool cleaning depending on your choice of pool cleaner.

Explore our range of landscaping extras to bring your pool and surrounds to life:

• Decking
• Pool Surrounds
• Retaining Walls

Find the affordable swimming pool you need with Brizscapes

Choosing the right swimming pool for your Brisbane home is no small decision, especially with so many styles, designs, options and add-ons available. That’s why it’s crucial you get an exact quote before you commit to a pool building team. A professional installer can break down your costs clearly and provide a written quote so you know what to expect.

At Brizscapes, we’re known for our award-winning landscape designs and treat every project as a chance to showcase our unmatched skill and expertise. We’ll come out to your home and provide an on-site consultation to walk you through your options so you can plan for your new pool with confidence. 

Our team is happy to help you compare your options and come up with the pool choice that meets your needs, so put our knowledge to the test today. Learn more about our pool builder services by calling us on 0439 532 152 or request your own 100% obligation-free quote online now!