Swimming pool prices : the cost of splashing out on a pool

Do you want to be the coolest family on the block this summer? A swimming pool can add value to your home and lifestyle, if you do it right. But what does installing a pool really set you back? Here's a run-down on swimming pool cost and prices for different types of pool.

Installing a swimming pool in your backyard can certainly set you back some serious dollars, but it can also add value to your home, making it a worthwhile consideration. But what can you expect to pay for the luxury of your own pool?

The cheapest option if you've got your heart set on a pool is an above-ground model. Sydney-based company Pool Express in Surry Hills, New South Wales, will sell you a three metre by five metre pool for $2999, which includes pumps, filters and ladders. A timber decking around your pool will cost another $2000 to $6000, depending on the size of the area.

Inground swimming pools

If you're thinking an in-ground pool is more up your alley, your swimming pool cost will leap. You'll need to stretch your budget to $10,000 for a small pool or up to $30,000 if you want to cut laps with your family and friends. Remember, you'll need to pay for soil evacuation first, which will cost an additional $1000 to $8000.

It's best to hire a pool contractor to manage the construction of your swimming pool, and the best way to make sure you're getting value for money is to compare several quotes (swimming pool prices will vary from one place to the next and between products of differing qualities). Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you get a detailed breakdown of where your money is going.

Swimming pool costs

The cost of a swimming pool will be higher once you've added in extras - like feature tiling and waterfalls. These are nice to look at, but they can add significantly to the price tag. With safety fencing to keep youngsters away from the pool a legal requirement, this should be given priority over decorative touches.

It's also worth making sure you look into the cost of keeping your pool clean before you set out, as chemicals alone can set you back up to $50 a month, depending on the size of your pool. Then there's the cost of lighting and heating, which can also add up.

But if you're sensible and consider solar-powered heating and lighting, look at covering your pool to minimise evaporation and run your pool's filtration system only during off-peak hours, you can save bundles.

If things don't go right, installing a pool can be a nightmare; so before signing any contracts, check that a pool builder is a registered building practitioner and that they have specific experience installing and servicing pools.

To start planning your own backyard oasis, check out swimming pool prices and cost in your area: