Build & Install

DIY pool building

Imagine transforming your backyard into a refreshing oasis with a stunning DIY pool. The warm sun on your skin, the cool water embracing your body, and the satisfaction of knowing you built it yourself. Let's dive into the various types of DIY pools, from inground to above ground options, and explore cost-saving methods and creative ideas for a resort-style atmosphere.
DIY pool building tips from the experts

Short Summary

  • Create a unique and inviting pool area in your backyard with DIY options such as concrete, wood/plastic, natural swimming ponds, above ground pools & more.
  • Enhance the look of your DIY pool with decking/paving materials and water features for an oasis-like atmosphere.
  • Maintain cleanliness & safety through regular cleaning practices and prompt repairs to ensure long term quality.

DIY inground swimming pool options

DIY inground swimming pools can be an exciting and rewarding project. With several types to choose from, there's a perfect pool for every backyard. Not only will you save thousands of dollars by installing your own pool, but you'll also have full control over the design and materials used.

So let's dive into these pool options and start building your dream pool! Concrete inground pools are a popular choice for those who desire a polished and professional design.

DIY - Above ground

If inground swimming pools just aren't your style or you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, DIY above ground swimming pools may be the perfect solution.

One of the key advantages of DIY above ground pools is that they typically do not require extensive excavation, making them easier and less expensive to install. They also provide a unique addition to your outdoor space, offering endless opportunities for customisation and enhancement. And can be taken with you if you move.

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Above ground pools

Vinyl above ground pools are a budget-friendly DIY pool option. These pools come in kits with clear instructions on how to install yourself. You will need a few friends to help hold things!

Elements to consider when installing your own above ground pool is base preparation. You will also need to buy and install the filtration for the pool. And consider fencing regulations. As always, local council regulations need to be followed.

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Fibreglass pool kits: A convenient option

Fibreglass swimming pool kits offer a convenient and efficient option for those looking to install a DIY pool in their backyard. These kits include all the necessary components for setting up a swimming pool, making the process simpler and more manageable for homeowners. You can purchase the fibreglass pool kit and then hire a professional installer to do the majority of the work for you, or you can tackle the entire DIY pool project yourself - it's up to you.

By choosing a fibreglass pool kit, you can save money on installation costs and enjoy a long-lasting, low-maintenance pool that adds value and enjoyment to your outdoor space.

Installing fibreglass pool kits

Installing a fibreglass pool kit can be a rewarding DIY project that saves you money on installation fees and local builder expenses. The installation process involves preparing the ground, excavating the area, and positioning the completed pool shell in the hole, and back filling around. Once the shell is filled with water and connected to the appropriate plumbing and electrical systems, your new fibreglass pool will be ready for use.

While installing a fibreglass pool kit may seem daunting, with careful planning and attention to detail, you can successfully complete the project and enjoy your beautiful new pool. And, by doing it yourself, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you saved money and created a pool that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.

Enhancing your DIY pool

Once your DIY pool is installed, it's time to think about how to enhance and customise it to create the perfect backyard retreat. From decking and paving to lighting and water features, there are countless ways to add your personal touch and elevate your pool's appearance and functionality.

In this section, we'll explore various options for enhancing your DIY pool, ensuring it becomes a stunning centrepiece in your outdoor space. Start by considering decking and paving options to create a resort-style atmosphere around your pool. Next, explore lighting and water feature ideas to add visual interest and improve the overall ambiance.

With a little creativity and effort, you can turn your DIY pool into an inviting and enjoyable oasis that's perfect for relaxation, entertainment, and fun.

Decking and paving options

Choosing the right decking and paving materials is crucial for creating a visually appealing and functional pool area. Tiles, pavers, and decking can be utilised to enhance the aesthetic of the pool surround, while also providing a safe and comfortable surface for walking and lounging.

When selecting materials for your pool decking and paving, consider factors such as durability, slip resistance, and ease of maintenance. Additionally, choose materials that complement your pool's design and your home's architectural style.

By carefully considering your options and selecting the right materials, you can create a stunning pool area that suits your outdoor space and enhances the overall appeal of your backyard.

Lighting and water features

Adding lighting and water features to your DIY pool can elevate its appearance and functionality, providing a unique and inviting atmosphere for you and your family to enjoy. Underwater lights, fountain jets, and waterfalls are popular options that can create a visually stunning effect.

When installing lighting and water features, it's essential to plan carefully and take into account factors such as the desired type of lighting and water features, the pool's location, and the necessary electrical wiring. Regular inspection and cleaning of the equipment and features will ensure optimal performance and longevity.

With the right lighting and water features in place, your DIY pool will truly shine, providing a tranquil and enjoyable space for relaxation and entertainment.

Pool maintenance tips for DIY pools

Maintaining your DIY pool is essential to ensure it stays clean, safe, and enjoyable for years to come. Regular skimming, sanitising, and verifying the pool overflow feature are crucial steps for sustaining a beautiful and functional pool.

In this section, we'll provide essential tips for cleaning and sanitising your pool, as well as the best solution for inspecting and repairing any damage that may occur. By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your DIY pool in top condition and enjoy countless hours of fun and relaxation in your backyard oasis.

Cleaning and sanitising

To keep your DIY pool clean and sanitary, it's important to establish a regular cleaning routine. This includes skimming debris from the surface, brushing the walls and floor of the pool, and vacuuming to remove dirt and sediment.

In addition to cleaning, it's essential to sanitise your pool to maintain proper water balance and prevent the growth of algae and bacteria. Various sanitising methods are suitable for DIY pools, such as saltwater, magnesium minerals, and other forms of sanitising. Regular testing and adjusting the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels will help keep your pool water clean and safe for swimming.

Inspecting and repairing

Regularly inspecting your DIY pool for damage is crucial to ensuring its safety and longevity. Identifying and addressing potential issues before they become more severe and expensive to repair can save you time and money in the long run.

To inspect your pool, look for signs of damage such as cracks, leaks, or deterioration. If you discover any issues, it's important to make necessary repairs in a timely manner. This may involve patching cracks, fixing leaks, or replacing damaged components.

By staying proactive with your pool maintenance and repairs, you can ensure your DIY pool remains a safe and enjoyable addition to your backyard for years to come.

Conclusion

In this guide, we've explored the exciting world of DIY pools, from inground and above ground options to creative materials and enhancements. With the right planning, materials, and maintenance, you can create a stunning and functional pool that offers endless enjoyment and adds value to your home. By taking on the challenge of building your own pool, you'll not only save money but also gain the satisfaction of creating a unique and personalised backyard retreat. So why wait? Dive into the world of DIY pools and transform your outdoor space into the oasis you've always dreamed of!

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Frequently asked questions

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What warranties are provided when building a new pool?
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Swimming pool building warranties are provided, and the warranty depends on the state, pool type and company. For example, most concrete pools have a warranty equal to that of the State building licence requirements. So in Queensland, the warranty requirements for a concrete swimming pool are as determined by the QBCC and are usually 7 years. This varies slightly by State, but in most states is a similar period of time.

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Fibreglass pools typically have a longer warrant that covers the structural integrity of the shell, in most cases 25 year or lifetime. That being said, these warranties have stringent requirements on the homeowner to record chemical tests on a regular basis and as such, are not as straight forward as they appear.

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If you have any questions about warranties, please get in touch with us and we'll be happy to assist you.

What is the most popular type of pool?
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The split between fibreglass and concrete pools in terms of numbers and popularity is very close - there is no clear winner. In some areas of Australia concrete pools are more popular and in others, fibreglass are more popular.

What colour options are available for pools?
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Swimming pool interior colour options are vast. Ranging from white through to black, with many shades of blue, grey and green, pools come in loads of colours. Each manufacturer (whether fibreglass or pebble or tiles) has a different range of colour options to choose from. 

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The interior colour of your pool impacts both the perceived water colour of your pool and mood of your pool and pool zone.

What are the most popular pool types?
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The most popular pools in Australia are:

  • concrete pools - each one is custom made, giving the homeowner the ability to have exactly what they want in terms of style, colour, size, shape and depth,
  • fibreglass pools - with a wide range of sizes and shapes to pick from, fibreglass pools are generally a faster install option for those looking to swim sooner,
  • plunge pools - for those with limited space, or who only want to relax (instead of swimming), plunge pools are a fantastic option. They can be made from precast concrete, custom concrete or fibreglass.
  • shipping container pools - for properties on a steep slope, shipping container pools offer a wonderful solution. Only needing a stable footing, they can be perched high above the ground to suit a house on a steep slope.
Can a fibreglass pool be resurfaced?
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Yes. If your fibreglass pool surface is discoloured, cracking or looking worse for wear, it is possible to have the entire interior resurfaced with a fresh layer of fibreglass. The cost of this varies based on the size and other factors, but typically costs in the vicinity of $15,000 to $30,000.

What is the smallest pool size?
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Small pools, usually called plunge pools, come in various sizes. It is possible to have a custom plunge pool built to any size you like, however if you are looking for a plunge pool shell (usually manufactured out of fibreglass or precast concrete), the smallest sizes are around 2.5m x 2.5m (round or square) or 3.5m x 2.5m (rectangular). 

How much does a swimming pool cost?
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In Australia, pool costs vary a great deal based on the type of pool and also the location. For example, pools are more expensive in Sydney than they are in Brisbane. As a general guide for a 7m x 3m in-ground swimming pool on a flat site with 5m access, these are the approximate pool costs:

  • concrete pools typically cost between $50,000 to $80,000
  • fibreglass pools typically cost between $45,000 to $70,000

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If you’re after a smaller plunge pool, they typically also cost between $45,000 to $60,000 fully installed depending on the type of pool (eg. precast concrete or fibreglass), size and installation requirements.

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Other types of pools such as vinyl liner above-ground pools are considerably cheaper at around $5,000 to $15,000 fully installed, however these have a much shorter lifespan.

On top of this you will always have pool fencing and electricals.

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And anything you want to put around the pool, like surrounds and landscaping. Plus any additions to the pool, like heating, automation.

Which is best: concrete or fibreglass pools?
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Of course this answer is one of personal preference, however here is our unbiased view on the strengths of each pool type to help you decide what is best for you.

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Concrete pools:

  • can be fully customised in design, style, colour, size, shape etc. allowing for unique shapes, sizes and depths
  • the steps, bench and ledge design can be fully tailored to what you want
  • the interior can be fully tiled, pebble or glass bead and can also have waterline tiles
  • can be built anywhere
  • can be constructed to retain on sloping blocks
  • are very durable and long-lasting
  • do not require a crane for installation
  • typically take between 10-16 weeks to install
  • in Australia, concrete pools usually come with a 7 year warranty - that being said, a concrete pool will last much longer than 7 years!

Fibreglass pools:

  • typically take between 2-6 weeks to install, however extensive tiling, decking and surrounding landscaping may push this timeframe out
  • have a set range of styles, colours, shapes, sizes and depths depending on the pool shell brand
  • generally require a crane for installation (except where the truck can park directly adjacent to the installation location and can simply drop the pool into place)
  • most come with a 25 year or similar warranty - however please note that most fibreglass pool warranties require that the homeowner meet very stringent maintenance, testing and documentation requirements for the warranty to remain valid.
Can you build a pool yourself in Australia?
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Yes, you can build a pool yourself in Australia, but it requires a lot of experience and qualifications. You need to obtain permits, have plumbing and electrical qualifications, an excavator license, and extensive experience with construction in order to complete the task.

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If you are committed to saving money on your pool build, but are not keen on full DIY, then perhaps a DIY fibreglass swimming pool kit is the way to go. Purchase the kit and then hire the various tradespeople yourself to do the specialist tasks. By doing as much of the work yourself as possible and acting as the project manager, you can still save a considerable amount of money (in the range of $5,000 to $10,000) when compared with using a local pool builder to do the entire job for you.

What is the cheapest way to build a pool?
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The cheapest way to build a pool is to install an above-ground model. They require fewer materials, labour and installation costs than other pool types, making them the most cost-effective choice for those on a budget.

Can I DIY my own pool?
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Yes, DIY swimming pools are possible with the right skills, tools and a bit of hard work. The most popular DIY swimming pools are fibreglass swimming poos, tank pools and above ground vinyl pools.

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Ultimately, you will need to weigh the time and money involved against the risk and satisfaction of building your own pool.

How many types of swimming pools are there?
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There are 5 main pool types in Australia.

They are

  • Vinyl above ground pools
  • Precast plunge pools
  • Shipping container pools
  • Fibreglass pools
  • Concrete pools

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The type of pool is dictated by its material and where it was constructed (on or off site). 

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Each type has its own advantages, so you can choose the best option for your needs.

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