Managing expensive pool costs

Managing pool costs is essential if you want the right look for your outdoor area without surprising your bank account. These days, the cost of an average, 8x4m pool starts at between $35,000 and $40,000.

Smaller pools aren't much cheaper. A 4x4m plunge pool will cost around $30,000, as most of the cost is in labour and site excavation.

The latest self-cleaning, in-pool cleaning systems will set you back another $20,000 or $30,000 - an option which may well be worth the savings in maintenance.

Prepare for swimming pool costs across the board

When you're budgeting for a pool, include costs for fencing, landscaping, paving, cleaning systems and covers. Director of The Swimming Pool Construction Company, Dean Jones, advises a minimum budget of $20,000 for landscaping a standard backyard.

He also recommends gas heating (around $4000) for the flexibility that it brings for year-round pool use. Keep in mind that if you want your pool heated continuously with gas, you're looking at an additional $3500 per year.

Neglecting a few common things in your budget can almost double your costs. "Many companies don't include tipping fees, soil cartage or rock excavation in their quotes," Dean says.

"It's easy to end up with a cartage bill of $2000-$3000 if cartage isn't included in the quote, and rock excavation that involves hammering or blasting can cost $9000-$10,000. Most builders know the rocky suburbs and factor this into the quote. 

"Services, which can cost $2000-$3000, like power to operate the pool and cleaning system and connecting the pool to the sewer, are also easily forgotten."

Landscapes: get quotes

To avoid spiralling costs and delays, Dean advises to get landscaping quotes before you start on the pool, and choose your finishes, tiles and pavers early in the process. If you choose a company that does the complete pool and landscaping package, expect the design process to make up about 10 per cent of the overall budget.

"Often it's much less, but making sure the design element is budgeted for can avoid surprises as the design process gets started," says Out From the Blue landscape architect Francis Dickinson. "A professional design service is a way of delivering a detailed, well-thought-out project that achieves your wants and needs without guesswork at important construction moments.

"It's often the case that a landscape architect will have a working relationship with contractors that also allows good communication and problem solving."

Above all, don't try and build a pool on the cheap. Cheap quotes are more likely to leave out something important, like soil cartage.

Diligent budgeting will ensure the only 'wow' you express will be how fantastic your pool looks - not how out-of-pocket you are.

Contact a pool builder to find out more about managing expensive pool costs: