Swimming pool types

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.

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.

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.

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.

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). 

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.

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.

The best pool shape for most people is a rectangular or an L-shaped pool. Rectangular pools are great for lap swimming, while L-shaped pools can accommodate both leisure activities and exercise.

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Both also provide flexibility in landscaping and have classic appeal that never goes out of style.

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The "best" pool though, is the one that suits you, your home and your lifestyle best. 

Classic pool shapes can be found in Greek and Roman pools, which are both formal designs based on ancient pool structures. Grecian pools feature rectangular shapes, while Roman-style swimming pools have an arch or slight curve at one or both ends of a rectangle.

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Both styles provide a classic and timeless look to your outdoor space.

When choosing the size of your pool, take into account your available space, how you plan to use the pool, who is going to use the pool, your budget, the use of the total outdoor area and any potential obstacles that might limit your choices.

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Consider the size of the pool in relation to the size of the yard, the amount of sun exposure, and the amount of maintenance required. Think about the type of pool you want, such as an above-ground or in-ground pool.

The most popular family sized swimming pools in Australia are 7m x 3m or 8m x 4m. Of course this is a very general rule and pool sizes vary a lot. 

In Australia, the most common pool sizes range from 6m x 3m to 9m x 5m for inground or above ground pools. Lap pools vary considerably, however are usually in the range of 10-15m long and 2.5-4m wide, whilst plunge pools are mostly 2.5m to 3.5m diameter for round plunge pools, or 4.5-6m long and 2.5-3.5m wide for rectangular plunge pools.

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.

In short, all are a form of concrete and are quite similar. Concrete is a mix of water, cement, sand and coarse aggregates, normally gravel or stone. The cement binds the sand and aggregate together which hardens to form concrete.

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Gunite differs from concrete in two main ways. Firstly, unlike concrete which uses large and small aggregates, gunite only uses small particles. The other difference is in how it is mixed. The concrete for swimming pools typically comes pre-mixed and needs to be applied in one go to avoid weak points, whereas a dry mix of gunite is fired through a howe with the water being added at the point of delivery. Unlike a concrete pool, this means you can stop and start when using gunite without any issues. Due to this difference in technique and the smaller particles, gunite also offers a smoother finish and is less prone to cracking than concrete.

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Shotcrete is pretty much the same thing as concrete (it comes ready mixed), but instead of being poured when it is applied, it is fired out of a hose at high speed - hence the name!

For small backyards, you the best choices are either a plunge pool (which are typically round, square or rectangular), or a freeform pool. Plunge pools can be prefabricated and installed quickly or custom build. Freeform pools, with curves and irregular shapes, can be tailored to the exact size and shape of the space available, however must be custom build on site. Freeform pools also provide more room for the addition of patio furniture, decks, and landscaping to make it look even more inviting.

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Adding these features can create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

For the best shape pool, opt for a classic rectangular design. It offers a sleek and modern look that provides plenty of space to swim laps or enjoy other water exercises. Sticking with a rectangular shape pool also gives you the most options when it comes to pool types - you now have the option of both concrete and a fibreglass pool. Whereas if you go with a freeform pool or L-shaped pool, or any other shape that is less common, you will be limited to a concrete pool.

The cheapest swimming pool to build is an above ground vinyl-liner pool. These pools are affordable and can be great for those with tight budgets who are looking to enjoy more leisure time.

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Although they require a liner change approximately every 10 years, these pools offer great value for money.

The standard size of a pool is typically 9m x 4m, 8m x 4m, 7m x 3m, or 6m x 3m. The depth is usually around 1.2 -1.8 metres and may feature a deep and shallow end.

Classic pool shapes can be found in Greek and Roman pools, which are both formal designs based on ancient pool structures. Grecian pools feature rectangular shapes, while Roman-style swimming pools have an arch or slight curve at one or both ends of a rectangle.

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Both styles provide a classic and timeless look to your outdoor space.

By far the most popular pool shape in Australia right now is the rectangular pool. It is most often 6m x 3m, 7m x 3m or 8m x 4m in size and can have various configurations for steps and other features. In the larger sizes it is common to have a long bench seat down one side and in the smaller sizes, one end is typically a large seat and step combination.