Concrete Pool Cost Calculator Australia (Above & Inground)

Planning on building a concrete pool in Australia?

Use the calculator below to estimate how much it will cost to build your concrete swimming pool!

What Factors Affect The Cost Of A Concrete Pool?

Before engaging a concrete pool builder, it's worthwhile thinking about the kind of pool you want and how much it will cost.

There's a lot that can impact the cost of a concrete swimming pool. Here are some of the most important things to consider:

• Pool size
• Pool type (inground or above ground)
• Site access
• Interior finish
• Waterline tiling
• Add-on spa
• Pool heating
• Robotic pool cleaner
• Chlorinator

Pool Size

As you would expect, larger concrete pools tend to be more expensive than smaller ones, as more material, more excavation and more soil removal is required. The labour cost goes up with the pool size too.

Pool Type

Above ground concrete pools tend to be much more expensive than inground concrete pools, as they required greater support and retaining walls to reinforce against the pressure exerted by the water in the pool.

Site Access

Difficult site access means that bobcats and excavators can't easily access the site for excavation. They may have be craned into position. Soil removal and other aspects of the build also become more difficult.

Interior Finish

Pebble and bead finishes are more expensive than a regular concrete finish. Certain types and colours of pebblecrete and beadcrete may add further to the overall price.

Waterline Tiling

Waterline tiling makes a pool look great, though it does add to the cost. The amount and type of tiling used here will affect the cost.

Add-on Spa

An add-on spa adjacent to the swimming pool adds substantially to the cost. Extra concrete formwork is required, along with air jets, a gas heater and the associated plumbing.

Pool Heating

Pool heating usually comes in one of two forms - heat pumps or solar heating. Expect to pay $3,000-$4,000 for an installed heat pump.

Robotic Pool Cleaner

While entirely optional, many choose to use a robotic pool cleaner to reduce how much time they have to spend taking care of their pool. Dolphin pool cleaners by Maytronics (such as the Dolphin S200) are industry standard these days and will set you back about $2,000.

Chlorinator

Traditional chlorine pools don't need a chlorinator at all, which makes them a cheaper option. However, salt water pools have become the norm in Australia, meaning that a chlorinator is required. This lifts the price slightly.

For those who want to swim in a magnesium or mineral pool, a chlorinator designed for mineral pools will be required.

How Much Do Concrete Swimming Pools Cost In Australia?

A standard 7m x 4m inground concrete pool without a spa or any heating, will cost about $50,000-$65,000.

The same above ground concrete pool (7m x 4m) will cost approximately $80,000-$110,000.

To contrast, a 9m x 4m inground concrete pool with waterline tiling, a pebblecrete finish, heating and a robotic pool cleaner will cost $58,000-$78,000.

Concrete Pool Cost Per Square Metre - How Much Is It?

In the calculations above, we established that a simple 7m x 4m inground pool costs $50,000-$65,000. Considering this, the concrete pool cost per square metre is $1,800-$2,300/m².

For an above ground pool, the per square metre price becomes $2,800-$3,900.

Are Concrete Pools More Expensive Than Other Pool Types?

Concrete pools are more expensive to build and install than fibreglass pools. While the earthworks and excavation for the two is fairly similar, fibreglass pool shells manufactured offsite are considerably cheaper than concrete pools pour onsite.

The installation process also tends to be easier and faster for fibreglass pools, which lowers labour costs and makes for a cheaper build.

In saying that, fibreglass pool customisation is very limited compared to concrete pools, and that is one of the main reasons that homeowners continue to opt for concrete pools.

What Are Some Factors That Can Unexpectedly Raise Concrete Pool Costs?

The biggest factor that can raise costs unexpectedly is unforeseen ground conditions. If, mid way through excavating, the builders unexpectedly comes across bedrock, a natural spring or some other unfavourable conditions, the cost of the build can skyrocket.

This is why comprehensive soil tests should be undertaken before any construction or site works commence. These will identify the soil conditions, as well as whether natural springs or a high water table is present.

How Can I Reduce The Cost Of My Concrete Pool?

There are a couple of ways to reduce the cost of your concrete pool.

• Reduce the length or width of your pool
• Opt for an inground rather than above ground pool
• Skip waterline tiling and fancy pool surfaces like glass beads
• Skip the spa
• Don't get a pool heating system

Any of these steps will save you money on your pool build. However, the best thing you can do is discuss your options directly with your concrete pool builder.

They will be able to advise you on the most effective ways to cut costs without lowering build quality.