Budget ways to install a pool to cool down this summer

Many Australians are looking to cool off in ways that don’t always involve running air conditioning all the time with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees for days at a time – installing a pool may be the answer.

With recent Commonwealth Bank data showing that household spending on pool sales and services rose 13 per cent over the year to December, people are keen to spend the rest of the summer swimming in their backyards.

Low on cash, though? There are still options around for those who want a pool on a budget.

“Fibreglass swimming pools seem to be a popular choice,” said Danielle Kellar from Summertime Pools “Due to fibreglass pools being pre-engineered and manufactured (they come ready-made in a mould) the installation can be done in as little as four to five days, saving huge amounts of labour and costs on site.”

A typical swimming pool can range from $50,000 to $150,000 depending on the options and features chosen.

Gregory Pools director Ivailo Gregory agreed that installing fibreglass is the way to go if you want to save money but not compromise on quality.

“Concrete is becoming dearer and dearer,” Gregory said, adding that a six-metre pool in fibreglass costs between 15 to 30 per cent less than concrete.

Installing a concrete pool is not only more labour-intensive, but also requires more maintenance, renovation down the track and more chemicals to keep clean, he said.

Even within the fibreglass options, people can save money by getting a cheaper shell, which is the pool mould, and filtration system, but Gregory cautioned against importing pool parts from unknown retailers without warranty.

But it’s not just about the actual pool. There are all sorts of hidden fees to pay attention to from understating what the construction covers to registering your pool with the council, and applying for any relevant permits.

“There are a couple of hidden fees to be aware of during construction – anything that a contract may have an allowance on or if the builder’s costs become higher, they are able to charge a variation,” Kellar said.

This includes issues like excavating rock, tipping fees for soil removal and even the time that an excavator stays on site.

“Trying to lock in a fixed price contract can be beneficial for the homeowner and allow them to budget better,” she said

While it may seem counterproductive, spending a bit more up front will save you costs down the track. Kellar recommended buying good quality and energy-efficient items such as variable speed pumps and inverter pool heaters, which can save thousands on the annual electricity bills.

“Automatic sensitisation systems like salt water chlorinators, ionisers and UV sanitisers can also save thousands on chemicals, and automation that allows you to control the pool’s temperature and filtration cycles is also another great way to save on costs,” she said.

Size also matters. While Gregory can install pools smaller than six-metres –he recommends going with at least a six-metre pool to get bang for your buck.

“The labour is the same either way,” he says.

To really save money, he said people need to look at the whole package

“What equipment are you getting, how will you clean and maintain your pool,” said Gregory, cautioning against a self-cleaning pool option.

“You’ve got to ask yourself: how long is that going to work? Anything submerged in salt water for a long time is prone to failure.”

Instead, Gregory said people should look to getting a robotic cleaner, which is not only efficient and thorough, but can be easily replaced.