No compromise..when we build our house it is havng a pool and it will be installed under a pergola with removeable roof as and when required

We have a solar heated spa, yes, its easier to maintain but not so sure about cheaper to run, possibly apart from the amount of chemicals used - we still have a pump running around 6-8 hrs a day. But the chemicals arent the same as in most pools ie most pools use salt & chlorine, our spa uses just chlorine, but you cant use the same chlorine as what you use in a pool, spa chemicals are actually more expensive & I havent been able to find them in bulk either to make it cheaper. One thing is certain, it is definitely easier to clean, even if it gets gunky. Last year we used it an awful lot, this year we have hardly used it at all, for various reasons.

Having said all that, come hell or highwater, by next summer we will have a pool .

You can always invite Michael Barrymore round for a pool party.

Without kids, I'm definetly not going for a pool. We aren't really water people anyway...
And don't have the money!!

Now, with kids, and if you have the money.... probably! But a spa thingy sounds great too. Though less for kids.

Well it looks like a pool for the permanant residence then.
Mind you I was probably kidding myself I had any choice in the matter once the missus put her weight behind the kids "we want a pool" campaign!

Now that the decision to get a pool has been made, after all the exhaustive research above.

The next question is has anyone any idea of price to have a basic pool installed? Obviously it depends on many things, like size, shape etc. etc. but has anyone hade one installed and could give us an idea of price/size/shape etc. and if in the Perth area who they got to actually install it.
Plus any tips to where an ideal location is i.e. which direction it needs to face.

Bye the way I really like the idea of podgypossum to have some sort of pergola with a removable roof!

Having had a pool for the last 6 years I would definitely get another.

It would have to have a heat pump heater (can use geothermal heat) and a good cover. The latter really means a rectangular shape, otherwise it's not practical to pull the cover on and off.

The only thing that puts me off about Oz pools is the dam silly law about having to fence it in. Most of those I've seen on agent's sites look - well, utilitarian!

Phiza, expect around $30,000 for a fairly basic pool. You will probably get some companies who quote around $20K, but by the time you add landscaping, fencing & all the other things that they conveniently dont tell you about, you will be up for another $10K. I would budget for $30K as a minimum, if you want anything flash (like heating, larger size, large rocks for landscaping etc) expect to add it onto the price.

Simone, I absolutely agree with you actually, if we didnt have kids I wouldnt be in the slightest bit fussed, as we have the spa & its lovely. But its not in the slightest bit practical for 2 six year old boys , so roll on the pool.

PP, You don't want a Pergola, you want a Vergola

This site has a couple of good photos to explain the principle.
http://www.vergolansw.com.au/domestic.htm