A swimming pool can make the hot summer Australian weather feel like a day in paradise. Concrete pools are a popular choice because of their long lifespan, and they can increase the value of your home. Concrete pool prices can differ significantly and range between $35,000 for a small pool to over $100,000 for a larger pool with landscaping and high-end amenities.
Costs can vary, depending on where you live in Australia. The most significant factors affecting the price are labour and the distance of your home from the concrete factory. These costs are the main variables that affect local concrete prices and installation services.
Costs for concrete pools vary significantly. Here are a few examples of things that can affect the price.
Size and Depth – The size and depth of the pool are the most significant factors that affect the cost. A larger pool requires more material, more labour, and excavating costs. All of these things add up in the final price. A 15 square metre pool has a base price of about $24,000, but the price goes up to about $39,000 for a 36-metre pool. This is just the base price and does not include excavating, landscaping or other add-ons.
Materials Choice – Even when talking about concrete pools, you have material choices that can affect the cost. You can choose a poured concrete pool, concrete block pool or a concrete pool with a tiled surface. Concrete block is the least expensive option, but it might limit you as to the size and shape of your pool. Masonry blocks are an option at about $4 each. Poured concrete is the most versatile in terms of design but is more expensive than blocks. Pool tiles can range from about $25 per square metre to $90 per square metre.
Excavation Costs and Utilities – Another factor that affects the cost of installation is whether any levelling or grading is needed. Also, the depth of the pool affects excavation costs. It can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,500 and up for excavation costs. If you need to run utilities to the pool, the distance from the power source will affect the price.
Local building Requirements – Another factor that has an impact on cost is local building codes and requirements. They may dictate the thickness of the concrete, fencing requirements, proximity to electric lines, and distances from the home. They also have different costs for applications, design approval and inspection costs.
Landscaping and Extras – Landscaping and extras can add a high cost to the project. Landscaping can add another $1,500 to $5,000 to the project. These costs can include paving, building an outbuilding, retaining walls and installing a pool garden. You can also choose natural-looking materials, such as river rock, which will add more to the final cost.
Concrete pools are more expensive than fibreglass or pools with a vinyl lining. Some elements cannot be changed, but others can be adjusted to bring the project within budget.
Inground – Choosing to install your pool inground means that a hole will have to be excavated. The size and depth of the pool are the main factors that affect excavation costs. Excavation costs generally range between $1,500 and $5,000 but hitting rock can double the price. The type of dirt and slope of the site also affect excavation costs.
Above ground – You can have a concrete or concrete block pool installed above ground, but you still need paving or concrete around the pool. Above ground swimming pool cost is generally less expensive than an inground pool due to differences in excavating costs.
Concrete pool resurfacing – Concrete pools are the most long-lasting, but they do need to be cleaned and maintained. About every 10 or 15 years, it will need to be resurfaced. Concrete pool resurfacing cost is around $2,800 to $15,000 depending on the size of the job and pool.
Repairs – Occasionally, the pool may develop cracks, the surface may deteriorate, or the pump might need repairs. Concrete pool repair cost should be considered when deciding to install one. Plumbing repairs can range from $500 to $1,500. Decorative surface repairs generally cost under $1,000.
Renovations – Sometimes, the pool might need a renovation. You may decide to get a different tile for the surface, resurface the concrete or upgrade the pump to a more efficient one. Regardless of whether the renovations are necessary or to give you more enjoyment from your pool, costs can range from around $4,000 to $15,000.
Heating – When estimating the cost of a concrete pool, the prices of heating must be factored into the initial and ongoing costs of the pool. You can choose electric, gas or solar heaters. There are benefits and drawbacks for each type, depending on your project location and size. Solar heaters begin at around $1,000, and electric ones range between $4,500 to $6,000.
Advantages of Concrete Pools | Disadvantages of Concrete Pools |
Long-lasting and durable | Concrete pool cost is expensive |
Range of designs and styles | Need to be resurfaced about every ten years |
Can add value to your home | Ongoing costs of operation can be high |
Make a beautiful addition to your home |
When hiring a pool installer, the cheapest one might not be the best. Here are a few tips for getting the right person for the job.
Tips to Create an Accurate Estimate
Tip #1 – Know the size and depth of your pool
Tip #2 – Research the costs of any extras you want
Tip #3 – Check with local building codes to find out requirements
Tip #4 – Get several estimates before awarding the contract.
Licencing and Qualifications
How to Save When Hiring a Concreter
Tip #1 – Provide accurate estimate information and get an onsite inspection
Tip #2 – Shop around, but don’t let price be the only deciding factor
Tip #3 – Check with a realtor about how much the pool will add to the value of your home.
* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources