Pros and Cons of Pool Installation in Your Brisbane Home

Looking to add some fun, resale value, and built-in entertainment to your Brisbane home? Then you may be considering a pool installation.

After all, a pool is a great way to instantly update your backyard and to add a space for friends and loved ones to get together and have fun. Not to mention the ideal escape from those sweltering Queensland summers.

But (there’s always a but), installing a new pool is a big investment, and a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are many factors to take into account before you slip into your swimmers and dive into your own backyard oasis. To help you make an informed decision, here’s everything you should consider if you’re wondering whether or not a pool installation is worth it.

Before you consider cost and whether or not a pool installation is worth it, you must understand the pool options and figure out what type of pool you would want – and what would work for your space.

There are many factors to consider here, so let’s break them down together.

#1 – Pool type 

At Brizscapes, we offer four pool types:

• Concrete: Concrete pools are extremely customisable and durable, as the coating is sprayed directly onto the pool on-site, so you can have basically whatever shape you want. That said, concrete can be more difficult to maintain as it is a porous surface (and thus welcomes algae). It’s also rough to the touch, arduous to install, and more costly in the long-term,
• Plungie®: Plungie® pools come pre-made and can be craned into your yard onto a pre-engineered concrete slab for use within a matter of days. This generally means shorter installation time and a lower overall cost of construction. In short, it’s a no-fuss, no-muss approach to pool installation.
• Fibreglass: A fibreglass pool is coated with a non-porous material called gelcoat. This makes it smooth and nonporous. Overall, fibreglass pools are easy to maintain and quick to install, as the fibreglass shell is manufactured offsite. They are also compatible with salt systems and good for the home’s resale value. That said, they also have a higher initial cost, and their size and shape is far less customisable than other options.
• Vinyl: Vinyl pools are extremely affordable to install, and they are also fairly customizable when it comes to shape, size, and depth of the pool. However, the liner of a vinyl pool must be replaced every 5-9 years, and the warranty can often be questionable. Like concrete, vinyl pools also tend to harbour algae, and require chemicals to keep clean.

It’s important to have a clear understanding of which type you would prefer before you start the project. That way, you can make sure that you choose the right type for your yard and lifestyle. You can also be sure that you ask the right questions to your potential installer.

#2 – Pool placement 

When it comes to placement, your options are in-ground, semi-recess, and above-ground. Here’s how each choice will be installed differently.

In-ground: An in-ground pool, as the name suggests, is dug directly into the ground in your yard. In-ground pools are generally considered to be more aesthetically pleasing and more convenient than above-ground counterparts, particularly as there is less external maintenance and no concern about the ground below. That said, in-ground pools have higher installation costs. They are also permanent, and come with more safety concerns for children than their above-ground counterparts.

Above ground: Above-ground pools, unlike their in-ground counterparts, are semi-permanent, easier to install, and less costly overall. That said, an above-ground pool requires more external maintenance. They are also more difficult to customise, and they do not add to a home’s resale value like an in-ground pool.

Semi-recess: In some ways, a semi-recess pool is the best of both worlds, as it is half in-ground and half above ground. It has the permanency of an in-ground swimming pool, but it can be installed when pipes, power lines, and other obstacles prevent a fully in-ground installation. Semi-recess pools are also faster to install than their in-ground counterparts, and somewhat safer.

#3 – Positioning 

Next, it’s important to consider positioning and if your site will require excavation or other preparation. This will help you determine what pool type is best for you and what pool is possible for your needs. If you want an in-ground pool, for example, and your yard’s size, slope, and access don’t allow for it, then you may not want to move forward with the investment at all.

It’s important, then, to understand any setbacks that might come into play for your project, and the additional costs (for example, if the team has to level a slope, build a retaining wall, or haul away excess soil).

#4 – Pool surroundings 

Finally, you must consider if you would like to include additional elements, like decking, lighting, or landscaping features. These will not only factor into your final cost, but also into the team you choose for your pool install. If you want landscaping and decking, does the team you’re looking at offer those things? Or do they work with someone who does? This is important to figure out when determining if a pool makes sense for you and your home.

✘ Installation costs 

A pool installation can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the pool type and positioning. This is an important downside to consider if you have budget concerns.

✘ Ongoing maintenance costs 

No matter what type of pool you have, you must always factor in the time and costs of ongoing maintenance.

✘ Seasonality 

Although Brisbane enjoys nice weather most of the year, an outdoor pool might not get use 365 days of the year. Queensland’s winter months can get chilly, so factor in your expected usage when working out how much bang you’ll get for your buck.

✘ Insurance costs 

If you’re thinking responsibly, you will also have to increase your liability insurance in case of a pool accident.

Let’s talk about price >>> Read our Pool Installation Price Guide to keep more money in your pocket

A brand new pool is an exciting prospect and a fun addition to any backyard. That said, it is a big investment, and it will take time to install and maintain. So is it worth it in the end? When answering this question, it’s first important that you consider all the pros and cons to make sure that it is the right investment for you and your loved ones.

If you need a little help, here’s how to spot Brisbane’s BEST pool builders from a mile away. Additionally, remember that a pool’s ultimate value depends on many factors, including the type of pool – remember, in ground is always going to be more valuable – and the area you live in. At the end of the day, though, if it will make you and your loved ones happy, we recommend it!

If you have any questions about pool types, positioning, or how much money a pool will cost in your home, feel free to contact us directly by filling out the form here. You can also call us on 0439 532 152 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.