Pool installation in Australia costs $20,000-$100,000+ depending on pool type. Fibreglass pools cost $25,000-$50,000 (2-4 week install), concrete pools cost $35,000-$100,000+ (8-12 week install), vinyl liner pools cost $25,000-$45,000, and plunge pools cost $20,000-$40,000. All pools require council DA/CDC approval and must comply with AS1926.1 fencing requirements. Licensed builders handle permits, excavation, plumbing, electrical, and filtration systems. Budget an additional $2,000-$15,000 for pool fencing and $1,400-$4,600 annually for running costs.

Updated January 2026 24,500+ Australians served

Fibreglass pools are the fastest to install (2-4 weeks) and offer the lowest maintenance with smooth, non-porous surfaces that resist algae

Concrete pools are fully customizable for any shape, size, or depth, but take 8-12 weeks to build and cost $35,000-$100,000+

Council approval is mandatory - you need a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) before any work begins

Pool fencing is legally required under AS1926.1 - budget an additional $2,000-$15,000 for compliant glass, aluminum, or steel fencing

Annual running costs are $1,400-$4,600 including electricity, chemicals, water, and maintenance. Heated pools cost 2-3x more to operate

Regional pricing varies: Sydney/Melbourne 10-20% above national average, Brisbane/Perth at average, Adelaide/Hobart 10-15% below average

Price Comparison

Pool Installation Cost Guide Australia 2026

Comprehensive pricing for all pool types

Pool Installation Price Guide - By Type & Timeline

Pool Type	Price Range	What's Included
Fibreglass Pool	$25,000-$50,000	Pre-made shell, excavation, installation, plumbing, filtration, basic landscaping. Install: 2-4 weeks
Concrete Pool	$35,000-$100,000+	Custom design, excavation, reinforced concrete, tiling/pebblecrete, equipment, fencing. Install: 8-12 weeks
Vinyl Liner Pool	$25,000-$45,000	Steel/polymer frame, vinyl liner, excavation, equipment, basic finish. Install: 3-5 weeks
Plunge Pool	$20,000-$40,000	Compact design (2-4m), fibreglass or concrete, full equipment package. Install: 1-3 weeks

*Prices include excavation, installation, equipment, and basic landscaping. Add $2,000-$15,000 for AS1926.1 compliant fencing. Costs vary by size, location, and site conditions. Running costs: $1,400-$4,600/year.

Pool Pricing 2026

Pool Installation Costs by Type

All builders are fully licensed, insured, and registered with state building authorities

Fibreglass Pools

Pre-made shell, fast install

$25k-50k installed

2-4 week install
Low maintenance
Smooth surface
Best value

Concrete Pools

Fully custom design

$35k-100k+ installed

8-12 week install
Any shape/size
Premium finishes
Most durable

Vinyl Liner Pools

Flexible liner system

$25k-45k installed

4-6 week install
Soft surface
Easy repairs
Budget friendly

Plunge/Lap Pools

Compact design options

$20k-40k installed

Small space
Exercise focused
Lower running costs
Quick install

What's Included

What's Included in Professional Pool Installation

Complete turnkey installation with everything you need for your dream backyard pool

Excavation & Site Prep

Professional excavation, soil removal, leveling, and base preparation for your pool site

Pool Shell Installation

Fibreglass, concrete, or vinyl pool with professional installation and quality finish

Filtration System

Quality pump, filter, salt chlorinator, and automated cleaning system setup

Plumbing & Electrical

All pipes, fittings, wiring, underwater lights, and required safety switches

Interior Finish

Premium surface finish, coping, waterproofing, and optional tiling

Training & Handover

Equipment operation training, chemical balance guide, and maintenance instructions

Note: Pool fencing (legally required), heating systems, and extensive landscaping are usually quoted separately.

Detailed Comparison

Pool Types Compared: Which Is Best?

Detailed breakdown to help you choose the right pool for your needs and budget

Fibreglass Pools

Most popular choice for Australian homes

$25k-$50k BEST VALUE

Advantages

Fastest installation: 2-4 weeks total
Low maintenance: Smooth gelcoat resists algae
Lower chemical costs: Save $200-400/year
Comfortable: Smooth on bare feet
Strong warranty: 25+ years structural

Considerations

Limited shapes: Pre-made moulds only
Width limit: Max 4-4.5m (crane access)
Gelcoat fading: Resurface after 15-20 years
Soil movement: Can cause cracks (rare)
Limited colors: White, blue, grey options

Best For

Budget-conscious families, fast timeline needed (4-8 weeks), standard shapes acceptable, lower maintenance priority, first-time pool owners

Recent Installation

Stunning beachfront infinity pool showcasing modern fibreglass design.

Infinity edge design
Premium gelcoat finish
Fast professional install

Beachfront infinity fibreglass pool - Australian pool installation

Concrete Pools

Premium custom-built pools

$35k-$100k+ PREMIUM

Advantages

Unlimited customisation: Any shape or size
Premium finishes: Pebble, tiles, aggregate
Maximum lifespan: 50-100+ years
Built-in features: Spa, ledges, benches
Property value: Adds 10-15% to home

Considerations

Longest timeline: 8-16 weeks install
Highest cost: 40-100% more than fibreglass
High maintenance: More chemicals needed
Resurface: Every 10-15 years ($8k-$20k)
Permanent: Cannot relocate if moving

Best For

Luxury homes, unique shapes (infinity, freeform), built-in features wanted, forever homes, budget over $50k, premium aesthetic priority

Recent Installation

Premium rectangular concrete pool with glass fencing and modern landscaping.

Clean rectangular design
AS1926.1 compliant fencing
Premium finishes

Rectangular concrete pool with glass fencing - Australian pool installation

Vinyl Liner Pools

Budget-friendly with soft surface

$25k-$45k FAMILY SAFE

Advantages

Affordable: Similar to fibreglass pricing
Soft surface: Gentle on feet, kid-safe
Custom sizing: More options than fibreglass
Easy repairs: Patches are cheap & simple
Moderate timeline: 4-6 weeks install

Considerations

Liner replacement: Every 7-12 years ($3k-$5k)
Can puncture: Sharp objects, pets can damage
Fading: Colors fade after 5-7 years
Wrinkles: Can develop over time
Less common: Fewer Aussie builders

Best For

Budget-conscious buyers, families with young children (soft surface), moderate timeline acceptable, comfortable with liner replacement every 10 years

Recent Installation

Modern vinyl liner pool with water features and family-friendly design.

Integrated water features
Soft family-safe surface
Premium landscaping

Modern vinyl liner pool with water features - Australian pool installation

Plunge & Lap Pools

Compact pools for small spaces

$20k-$40k COMPACT

Advantages

Small footprint: Perfect for courtyards
Lower running costs: 30-50% savings
Exercise focused: Lap swimming, fitness
Fast install: 2-4 weeks typical
Affordable heating: Year-round use

Considerations

Limited entertainment: No games, diving
Not family-friendly: Too small for kids
Resale concerns: Some want full-size
Still need fencing: Same compliance costs
Shallow depth: Usually 1.2-1.5m only

Best For

Small blocks/courtyards, singles/couples without kids, fitness enthusiasts, tight budgets, lower running costs priority

Recent Installation

Modern plunge pool and spa combination in a compact Australian backyard.

Compact design for small blocks
Integrated spa features
Year-round heating

Modern plunge pool and spa in Australian backyard

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Fibreglass	Concrete	Vinyl Liner	Plunge/Lap
Upfront Cost	$25k-50k	$35k-100k+	$25k-45k	$20k-40k
Install Time	2-4 weeks	8-12 weeks	4-6 weeks	2-4 weeks
Lifespan	25-40 years	50-100+ years	20-30 years	25-40 years
Maintenance	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★
Customization	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆
Running Costs/Year	$1,200-2,500	$1,800-3,500	$1,400-2,700	$800-1,800
Resurfacing Needed	15-20 years	10-15 years	7-12 years (liner)	15-20 years

WombatVision Pool Planner

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Sample Project

8m x 4m Concrete Pool

Pool Installation $35,000

Equipment $8,000

Total Estimate $43,000 - $55,000

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Installation Timeline

How Long Does Pool Installation Take?

From design approval to your first swim - here's the complete timeline

Design & Council Approval (2-8 weeks)

Site assessment, design finalization, engineering plans, submit DA/CDC, wait for approval

Excavation (1-3 days)

Mark out pool location, excavate hole, remove soil, prepare base, install drainage

Shell Installation (1-8 weeks)

Fibreglass: 1 day crane lift. Concrete: 6-8 weeks for shell, curing, finishing. Vinyl: 2-3 weeks for panels and liner

Plumbing & Equipment (1 week)

Install filtration system, connect plumbing, electrical work, lighting, automation setup

Fencing & Landscaping (1-3 weeks)

Install compliant pool fencing, coping/paving, backfill, basic landscaping, final grading

✓

Handover & Swim!

Final inspection, safety certificate, equipment training, water balance, enjoy your pool!

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Finance projects from $25,000-$100,000+ with flexible payment options through our trusted partner Fundd.

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Flexible Terms

Competitive Rates

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Competitive Rates

Running Costs

Pool Running Costs Australia (Annual)

The #1 question: "Can I afford to run it?" - Here's the honest answer

Fibreglass Pool

LOWEST COST

$1,200-2,500/year

Electricity (8hrs/day)

$400-800

Chemicals

$300-600

Water (top-ups)

$100-200

Maintenance

$200-500

Cleaning

$200-400

Concrete Pool

HIGHEST COST

$1,800-3,500/year

Electricity (8-10hrs)

$600-1,000

Chemicals (higher)

$500-900

Water (backwash)

$150-300

Maintenance

$300-800

Cleaning (scrubbing)

$250-500

Vinyl Pool

MID-RANGE

$1,400-2,700/year

Electricity (8hrs/day)

$450-850

Chemicals (moderate)

$350-650

Water (top-ups)

$120-250

Maintenance/patches

$250-600

Cleaning

$230-350

Plunge Pool

BEST VALUE

$800-1,800/year

Electricity (smaller)

$250-450

Chemicals (less)

$200-400

Water (minimal)

$60-150

Maintenance

$150-400

Cleaning (quick)

$140-400

Running Cost Reduction Tips

Smart strategies to save $500-1,500/year on pool running costs

Reduce Electricity Costs

Variable speed pump: Save $500-800/year vs single-speed
Run pump off-peak: 10pm-7am = 30-50% cheaper electricity
Solar heating: Free running after $4k-8k install
Pool cover: Reduce evaporation 95%, heating 70%

Reduce Chemical Costs

Saltwater system: Generate own chlorine, save $200-400/year
Pool cover: Less debris = less chemicals needed
Correct filtration time: Don't over-filter (6-8 hrs enough)
Regular testing: Balanced water = less corrective chemicals

Upgrades & Add-ons

Pool Features & Add-ons Worth Considering

Enhance your pool with these popular upgrades

Pool Heating

EXTEND SEASON

$3k-12k

Gas heater (fast)

$3k-6k

Heat pump (efficient)

$4k-8k

Solar panels (eco)

$4k-12k

Electric (small pools)

$3k-5k

Extend swimming season 6-12 months

Water Features

RESORT STYLE

$2k-15k

Waterfall feature

$3k-8k

Deck jets/fountains

$2k-5k

Spa jets (hydrotherapy)

$3k-7k

Infinity edge

$8k-15k

Creates resort-style ambiance

LED Lighting

AMBIANCE

$1k-5k

Basic LED lights (x4)

$1k-2k

Color changing RGB

$2k-4k

Fiber optic system

$3k-5k

Landscape lighting

$1k-3k

Night swimming + ambiance

Automation

SMART CONTROL

$2k-8k

Basic timer system

$500-1k

App control (pump/heat)

$2k-4k

Full automation system

$4k-8k

Auto chlorinator

$1.5k-3k

Control everything from your phone

Saltwater System

POPULAR

$1.5k-3k

Salt Chlorinator Unit

Converts salt to chlorine automatically

Benefits:

Softer water, less eye irritation
Save $200-400/year on chlorine
No chemical storage required

Gentler on skin and eyes

Pool Covers

SAVE 50-70%

$500-4k

Solar cover (manual)

$500-1k

Safety cover (mesh)

$1k-2k

Auto roller system

$2k-4k

Save 50-70% on heating costs

Pool Terminology

Pool Installation Terms You Should Know

Understanding the terminology helps you make informed decisions

Fibreglass Pool

A pre-manufactured pool shell made from fibreglass-reinforced plastic, delivered in one piece. Fastest installation (2-4 weeks) and lowest maintenance option.

Concrete Pool (Gunite/Shotcrete)

A custom-built pool where concrete is sprayed (gunite=dry, shotcrete=wet) over a steel rebar frame. Allows any shape or depth. Takes 8-12 weeks to construct.

DA / CDC Approval

Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) - mandatory council approval required before pool construction. CDC is faster (10 days) but has stricter requirements than DA (4-8 weeks).

Pool Coping

The cap or edge around the pool that covers the pool shell's top edge. Materials include pavers, natural stone, concrete, or bullnose tiles. Provides a finished look and safe edge for swimmers.

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Expert Resources

Our Pool Installation Guides

Free expert guides written by our team to help you plan, budget, and execute your pool installation project with confidence

Pool Installation Cost Guide 2026

Complete pricing breakdown for fibreglass, concrete, and vinyl pools

Read Guide

Choosing the Right Pool Type

Compare fibreglass, concrete, vinyl, and plunge pools to find your perfect fit

Read Guide

Pool Maintenance Guide

Keep your pool crystal clear with proper maintenance and care

Read Guide

How to Choose a Pool Builder

Expert tips on selecting the right pool builder for your project

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Verified Reviews

What Our Customers Say about Pool Installation

Real pool installation reviews from verified Australian customers

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Based on 188 verified reviews

Sarah M.

Sydney, NSW

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Got 3 quotes for a fibreglass pool. Saved over $8,000 by comparing! Builder was professional, finished in 3 weeks. Kids absolutely love it. Best investment we've made.

Fibreglass Pool Installation 2 weeks ago

James T.

Melbourne, VIC

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Wanted a custom concrete pool with specific features. The builder understood our vision perfectly. Process took 10 weeks but worth the wait. Pool looks amazing!

Concrete Pool Installation 1 month ago

Lisa K.

Brisbane, QLD

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Small backyard, needed a plunge pool. Got quotes within 24 hours, all builders were helpful. Chosen builder did fantastic job, pool fits perfectly. Very happy!

Plunge Pool Installation 3 weeks ago

5.0/5 Average Rating 188 Customer Reviews Wombat™ Verified Pool Installation

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about this topic

How much does pool installation cost in Australia?

Pool installation costs vary by type and size: Fibreglass pools $25,000-$50,000 (installed), Concrete pools $35,000-$100,000+, Vinyl liner pools $25,000-$45,000, Plunge/lap pools $20,000-$40,000, Above-ground pools $3,000-$10,000. Costs include excavation, pool shell, filtration, fencing, and basic landscaping. Premium features like heating, waterfalls, or infinity edges add $10,000-$50,000+.

How long does pool installation take?

Installation timeline by pool type: Fibreglass pools 2-4 weeks (fastest), Vinyl liner pools 4-6 weeks, Concrete pools 8-12 weeks (slowest but most customizable). Timeline includes: excavation (1-3 days), shell installation/construction (1-8 weeks), plumbing/electrical (1 week), fencing (1-2 weeks), landscaping (1-2 weeks). Weather and council approval can extend timelines.

How quickly can I get quotes?

Most customers receive their first quote within 4-8 hours. You'll typically have up to 3 quotes from licensed pool builders within 24-48 hours. All builders are fully licensed, insured, and registered with state building authorities.

What's included in a pool installation quote?

Standard inclusions: excavation and site prep, pool shell (fibreglass/concrete/vinyl), filtration system (pump, filter, chlorinator), plumbing and water supply, electrical work and lighting, pool interior finish, basic coping/surrounds, handover training. NOT usually included: pool fencing (legally required, $2,000-$8,000), landscaping beyond basics, heating ($3,000-$8,000), water features, decking/paving. Always clarify what's included in writing.

Fibreglass vs Concrete: Which pool is better?

Fibreglass: Faster install (2-4 weeks), lower maintenance, smooth non-porous surface, cheaper upfront ($25K-$50K), limited shapes/sizes, less customizable. Concrete: Fully custom shapes/sizes, premium finishes available, longer lasting (50+ years), more expensive ($35K-$100K+), higher maintenance, 8-12 week install. Best choice depends on budget, timeline, and customisation needs.

Do I need council approval for a pool?

Yes, almost always. Requirements: Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC), engineering plans, soil tests, setback compliance (usually 1m from boundaries), pool safety certificate before filling. Some exempt development exists (rare). Approval takes 2-8 weeks. Builders often handle this process. Never start without approval - illegal pools must be removed.

Are all pool builders licensed and insured?

Yes, all pool builders in our network have: Structural Landscaping License (NSW), Building License (other states), $20M+ public liability insurance, Home Warranty Insurance, proper WorkSafe compliance. We verify all licenses before approval. Always verify yourself - check state licensing authority website.

What ongoing costs should I expect?

Annual pool running costs: Electricity (pump/heating) $500-$2,000/year, Chemicals (chlorine, pH balancers) $300-$800/year, Water (top-ups, backwashing) $100-$300/year, Maintenance (cleaning, testing) $500-$1,500/year if DIY. Total: $1,400-$4,600/year average. Professional servicing adds $1,200-$3,000/year. Heated pools cost 2-3x more to run.

Can I finance pool installation?

Yes! Financing options available: Home improvement loans ($5K-$100K, 3-7 years), Secured personal loans (better rates), Pool builder payment plans (0% finance often available), Refinance mortgage/redraw. Typical rates 6-12% p.a. $40,000 pool = ~$650/month over 7 years. Many builders offer in-house finance. Compare rates carefully. Consider bundling with other projects like home renovations for better financing terms.

Is the quote service really free?

Yes, absolutely! Our service is 100% free for homeowners. We earn a small commission from builders when you hire them, but this doesn't affect your quote price. You save thousands by comparing licensed builders easily and safely.

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Pool Fencing

AS1926.1 compliant pool safety fencing for legal compliance

Glass & aluminum options

Safety compliant

Professional installation

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General Fencing

Timber, Colorbond, glass fencing for property boundaries

Tree Removal

Clear trees for pool excavation and better sun exposure

Home Renovation

Bundle pool with renovation projects for better value

Last updated: February 2026

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Australia-wide coverage

Prices are estimates based on market research and may vary by location, project size, site conditions, and specialist. Always get multiple quotes for accurate pricing. Pool installation requires council approval (DA/CDC) and compliance with AS1926.1 fencing standards.

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