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.

The cost of building a pool in Australia can vary greatly depending on the type and size of pool you choose. On average, installing an inground pool could range from $45,000 to $100,000 or more.

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You may want to read about the cost of a pool in more detail in this article: Cost of a Swimming Pool.

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.

Preparing for a pool building project involves several important considerations to ensure a smooth and successful construction process and end result. The list is too long to cover off in this FAQ, so instead, please download our Pool Buyers Checklist here as this comprehensively covers this topic.

The time it takes to build a new pool can vary depending on several factors, including the pool type, design complexity, site conditions, and the specific requirements of your project. Generally, the process can range from a few weeks to several months.

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For fibreglass pools, the installation process is typically faster, as the pool shell is pre-manufactured and delivered to the site. The installation can be completed within 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the site preparation and additional features.

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In the case of concrete pools, the construction process involves more steps, such as forming, steel reinforcement and curing. The installation timeframe for a concrete pool is typically between 10-16 weeks, depending on the pool's size, design intricacy, and weather conditions.