You're considering installing a pool and wonder what it might cost?
You need to know if the dream is feasible or perhaps you are keen to get going but need to allocate a budget.
The following are the major aspects to consider in formulating that answer.
The pool cost
Let's start with the big ticket item, the pool.
You will understand already the obvious, pools can cost $50,000 to $250,00 or more. there are many factors that influence the price, so let's take a look at this...
Fibreglass Pools
Are fibreglass pools cheaper? Generally, yes.
This depends on access, if the block is sloping, and other factors like the one shown below. The engineer requested that the paving that surrounds the pool required concrete piers to be added at a rough cost of $15,000.
So while the pool may cost $50,000-100,000, other factors can come into play to make a concrete pool be a better option.
Concrete Pools
The average pool in Melbourne suburbs tends to be 7 or 8 m long by 3.5m to 4.5m wide. You will be hard pressed these days to find this cost less than $100,000. Add in-flor cleaning and other add-ons and you could add as much as $20,000 - $50,000 more to the price.
In the image below, there is a spa included, which raised the price to above $150,000
Again, you can increase the cost when you start looking at tile selections and another $5,000 creaps in.
Or jets get added, or lighting, or...
What costs are there beyond the pool
There is no project that only ever contains just the cost of a pool.
Paving
The most common three surfaces around a pool are paving, decking, and concreting.
A honed concrete surface is the cheaper option and should be considered as an aesthetic choice and gives a clean look. The cost for this can start at about $400/m2.
Decking is a step up in cost from concrete and starts around $500/m2 (not including coping which is another discussion on viability)
Paving is more costly again with coping being one cost and then the surrounding another. Paving is generally around $500-1000/m2 and depends upon the paver cost to purchase, the pattern to be laid, and the application method, ie thin tiles require a different method of laying, while some pavers have special sealing requirements.
In the below image, a pool raised out of the ground has the additional cost of what to do with the pool walls. Render is common, while the batons in this image are a high-end feature with a higher cost to install.
Pool fencing
The two most common fence materials are glass and powder-coated.
The average pool fence is anywhere between $5,000 - $15,000 and just comes down to the sheer length that is required to be installed.
With this project in Rosebud, a powder-coated baton and rod curve metal fence was added as a feature, which connected to a glass fence for a clear view to the pool from the patio.
Custom curve fencing has a higher cost to it.
For this Ivanhoe project, the glass pool fence was mounted on the side and is an increased cost slightly, to the usual spigots.
Powder-coated tubular fences are often used as shown, in sections where plants are going to be hard up against it. This is more visually appealing.
Pool Covers
If you would like a pool cover to prevent evaporation and help keep in the warmth of the water, there are a few options.
Some people will look at the cheapest options of having a roller on the end of the pool which starts at $1000.
Then you can have an in-ground pool cover or a Remco cover.
This image shows a Remco cover was installed in a project we built in Balwyth North.
Remco covers require being permanently submerged in the pool, with this one having the pool built to house it and we built a deck over it.
It certainly is the premium and can start at $30,000 and go a long way up from there when you consider the pool and external additions.
This image shows a typical in-ground pool cover.
They are neat and you can walk over them.
Our team of landscapers installed this one with beautiful crazy paving around it. For budgeting purposes, allocate around $10,000 to have this bought and installed.
A cautionary note: I have experienced pool companies include this with the quote for the pool; however, they do not include installation generally, which is a large cost in itself.
a pool is seldom in isolation
When a pool is installed, it is often part of the overall landscaping.
Below is a design that shows a pond, pergola, decking, all being part of the pool design.
So, answering the questions of, "what does a pool cost" is perhaps a wrongly worded question that should be, "What does a pool project cost?"
Every design is different, and that is why a conversation with a professional and experienced designer, is invaluable.
Our team of landscape architects designed this garden in Ashburton with multiple zones for entertaining.
The costs of a pool project can include the whole garden and indeed, a pool should never be installed without considering the whole garden and how it should function and how the aesthetic desires play out.
Easements & BUildings: the angle of repose
If you haven't heard of the term 'Angle of repose,' look at the diagram below.
Some hidden costs can be engineering that stipulates additional concrete piers and other inclusions to stablisie the pool.
The diagram here shows the additional costs that can arise due to the angle of repose.
Research and discussion with experienced trades is your best investment.
Summary
I hope you found this article informative.
We are always free for a conversation and to help direct you to the right answers for your unique project.
Additional reading on pools, spas & landscaping in Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula...
Which is better for Melbourne - a fibreglass or concrete pool
All you need to know about installing a pool cover roller
What is the right style of pool coping for your pool?
The most common mistakes to avoid when engaging a designer or landscaper
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