How much does a pool cost?

Cooling off in a swimming pool on a scorching summer day can be a great way to relax, especially if that piece of paradise can be found in your own backyard.

If you are looking to install a pool, or are just dipping your toes in with some preliminary research, there’s plenty to plan for. With a wide variety of swimming pools to choose from, there can be choices for the more budget-conscious through to the ready to spend home owner. Here’s what you may want to consider before taking the financial plunge.

How much does a pool cost?

The cost of a pool can vary substantially depending on factors such as the size, style and materials used—in fact, according to the trades job listing website hipages, a pool can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000. It’s worth noting that pools on the more affordable end of the spectrum tend to be above ground, so if you’re thinking of installing an in-ground pool, then your installation cost is likely to be a minimum of $35,000.

At the most affordable end of the scale, hipages says that basic above ground pools can start from as low as a few thousand dollars, while swimming pool supplier Compass Pools says an above-ground vinyl-lined pool can set you back $10,000+.

Further along the cost scale, another option is a pre-fabricated plunge pool. hipages says plunge pools range between two to six metres long and 1.2m in depth, so they can fit in a small space, and their cost typically starts from about $8,000.

Inground fibreglass pools can range from around $25,000 to $50,000 fully installed, according to hipages, though the cost can vary depending on the landscaping you choose. If you prefer a concrete inground pool, hipages says the average cost can range from $50,000 to $75,000, although they can go as high as $100,000 or more depending on the design and size. On the other end of the cost spectrum, inground vinyl-liner swimming pools can start from around $10,000.

Having a good idea of the type of pool you want before approaching installers for quotes could help you get a more accurate cost estimate, which is important if you’re on a strict budget.

Pool types and average costs in Australia

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Source: hipages, 2025.

Will your pool be installed in-ground or above-ground?

This initial decision will help direct your focus when considering other aspects of your pool design, and the subsequent bill. Above-ground pools are generally cheaper as they won’t require the same amount of excavation needed to install an in-ground pool, and a small pool can potentially be put up by a home handyperson in a matter of days.

In-ground pools are usually the more expensive option, but they can offer a wider variety of additional fixtures and aesthetic features than the above-ground variety. In addition, they tend to be very durable, potentially giving you more years of enjoyment. For instance, according to the full service pool and spa company Backyard Oasis, the vinyl lining of an above-ground pool may only last for six to nine years, while the pool structure itself may have a lifespan of seven to 15 years.

In contrast, pool company Barrier Reef Pools says a good quality fibreglass pool can have a typical lifespan of 30 years. A concrete pool has the advantage of being almost fully customisable in style and design; however, it may need to be resurfaced after 15 years, something that can set you back around $10,000, according to Barrier Reef Pools.

Pool costs to be aware of

Regardless of whether your pool is in-ground or above-ground, there are a number of factors that may affect the installation process and potentially incur added expenses. Depending on your backyard, an above-ground pool may require surface-levelling services, plus a sand base or concrete slab for the pool to rest on. An in-ground pool requires excavation, which may cost extra if access to the site is restricted, for example, due to narrow side entrance ways. Additionally, the progress and price of an in-ground pool may be affected by further complications, such as the discovery of underground rock during the excavation process.

What other costs impact new swimming pools?

In addition to the initial costs, there are a number of other factors during and after construction that may cause your expenses to ripple out:

• Landscaping: An attractive aspect for many people of having a swimming pool is designing it to complement your property and lifestyle. This usually requires landscaping, which can be a considerable additional expense. For example, you may wish to add decking around an above-ground pool, or paving if your pool is in-ground. There are also a variety of aesthetic details available which you might wish to consider, including the interior finish of the pool, water features, an attached spa or plants and trees to surround it.

• Safety fencing: All swimming pools are required to comply with safety guidelines and pool fencing rules. While the law can differ depending on where you live, there are some regulations, including the installation of a fence, that are common to all states. Once a pool is filled with 300mm of liquid or more, it is generally required to have a safety barrier or fencing. Hipages says the cost of pool fencing can range from $200 per metre for timber fencing to $600 per metre for top of the line glass fencing.

• Increased utility bills: According to Canstar Blue, powering a swimming pool pump over summer can cost between $88.65 and $277.34—given it runs for six hours a day for 90 days (summer months). This doesn’t include the energy costs of heating a pool, which could consume up to 17% of your total household electricity usage. In addition, the average-sized pool can lose around 7mm of water per day according to the Swimming Pool and Spa Association. So unless you invest in a pool cover, you could be looking at paying more in household water rates.

• Insurance: The installation of a swimming pool on your property may affect your home insurance policy, if you have one. Consider letting your insurance provider know about what’s being installed, to ensure your swimming pool is covered under your existing home and contents policy, or arrange to have your cover extended.

• Maintenance and accessories: Ongoing maintenance and accessories for your swimming pool are an added expense that you may need to keep in mind. This can include the cost of a professional pool cleaning service, or the chemicals and cleaning tools if you choose to do it yourself.

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How much does solar pool heating cost?

If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly method to heating and running your swimming pool, you may consider installing solar heating and a solar pool pump. According to hipages, average upfront solar pool heating costs can be:

• $2,750 for a 30 cubic metre pool (17 panels).

• $4,750 for a 45 cubic metre pool (36 panels).

• $6,350 for a 60 cubic metre pool (48 panels).

These prices are for the systems only, with installation costing extra depending on who installs them, as well as other factors. Solar pool pumps on their own can range from $200 to $800, not including installation or system costs.

This may seem like a large upfront investment, but hipages suggests that some solar pool systems pay for themselves in energy savings in as little as two years. They also suggest obtaining a few different quotes from local suppliers to give you a better estimate of the overall costs and what options you have.

How can you finance a pool?

There are many ways to finance a home improvement project, including:

• Savings: Drawing from a savings account means you do not have to take on debt to finance the job, which in turn would mean you won’t have to pay interest or fees on that debt. If you can afford to do so, paying for the job out of your savings will generally save you money in the long run.

• Redraw/offset account on your home loan: You may consider the option of making a redraw on your home loan or using funds saved in your offset account, assuming your home loan has one or both of these features. It is wise to consider the long-term impact this could have on your mortgage, as paying for a job this way may increase the total amount you have to repay over time when interest is factored in.

• Personal loan: Depending on your personal circumstances and the cost of the job, you may consider using a personal loan to fund the work. This could be a secured loan or an unsecured loan. It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that interest rates are generally higher for personal loans than for home loans, and it’s a good idea to read the lender’s terms and conditions first (which can be found in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)). You can also compare personal loans with Canstar.

• Credit card: It may also be possible, depending on the cost and your ability to repay the debt quickly, to pay some of the expenses for a pool installation on a credit card. You can read the card’s Key Facts Sheet or PDS to see if your card has insurance cover and to find out the conditions of the policy. It may also be helpful to read the Target Market Determination (TMD). Keep in mind that credit card interest rates are typically much higher than home or personal loans, and interest can quickly accumulate on large balances, so it is a good idea to weigh up your options and consider them carefully. If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off the card’s balance in full each month, it may be worth re-considering whether a credit card is the right option for you. You can also compare credit cards with Canstar.

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Will a pool add value to your home?

The jury tends to be out on whether a swimming pool is among the renovations that add value to your home. Some determining factors may be your home’s location, the climate and whether the pool complements your property aesthetically. Even where your pool ticks all these boxes, not everyone wants the maintenance that can go hand in hand with a backyard pool.

The presentation and maintenance of your swimming pool may also determine its value as an asset. For example, if your swimming pool takes up your entire backyard, leaving room for not much else, it may not be as appealing to a potential buyer as a pool that seamlessly complements your property and landscaping.

With this in mind, it could be a good idea to talk to a local real estate agent about whether or not a pool is likely to add value to your home, based on their experience with other properties in your area.

Overall, even if a pool may not automatically add any financial value to your home, the lifestyle value it may bring might make it worthwhile.

Additional reporting by Nick Whiting.

Cover image source: Sasin Paraksa/Shutterstock.com