...ok the time has come to get some pool installation quotes, so who's been there and done it? What were your final costs and conclusions?



Did you go fibreglass or concrete?

Questions, questions!

Concrete not fibreglass for me but that came down to the work required for both.

Were I to do it all over again, and frankly I would not bother as its just an ongoing expense and work for what it a large garden ornament for us (no kids), I would go fibreglass. Less build pain, more attractive in finish to my mind as well.

I went concrete and honestly regret it.

We went Fibreglass.... By the time we got the pool fitted which is 7 x 3m with spa jets, a large gas heater (so we can use in winter - and we have), the pool cover, cleaning equipment, the tiling done, concrete laid, fence etc it came to about $50k.........

We used Freedom Pools http://www.freedompools.com/

I contacted a number of companies for quotes, many of them never got back to me... Obviously had too much work

Plans are back now all approved so going with a local pool company, fibreglass and not going for chlorine/salt but going for Magnapool which although an extra $3000 up front has little further running costs/chemicals and is better for you

Don't get one to be honest - they are a pain in the arse. I also found that the pool companys use contractors for everything who are lazy bastards. I had to threaten the pool company here in Perth with legal action to get the bloke who was supposed to be putting in the pool heating to come and do the job as I couldn't pave it until that was done - this was after being put off for 2-3 months continually by the pool company.

If you must go ahead with it ensure you have budgeted for paving/landscaping as well. If you get a pool with a cartridge filter as many are selling now be aware that you cannot drop the water level if it rains heavily and the pool looks like overflowing - they are a closed system i.e. no way to get ride of water - you will need an additional valve in the pipe run to allow this to be done.

Ours was put in and they automatically put the valve in to release water.
We had no problems with our build, the pool company even gave us the name and number of the earth mover guy so we could bypass them and save some money. Very little work needed on a month by month basis, Wouldn't be without it.

I would go concrete if starting from scratch. We have a fibreglass pool that is 25 years old and is showing it's age - a relining is on the cards in the next few years.

Having a pool rocks - we enjoy ours and you will too.

I remember Mum and Dad getting a pool installed at their house in Jo'burg. The pool ended up being just an expensive ornament. I wouldn't bother unless you are absolutely certain that it'll be used a lot.

Thanks everyone, very helpful information indeed

Hubs wants to go fibreglass, as apparently it's safer for the kids, but we'd have a problem getting the thing into the back yard, even with a crane.

It'll probs have to be concrete in the end.

I used my pool a lot W. great for parties! Not heading off now??

Staying put Keith

Decided to go ahead with the ensuite, garage conversion and pool

Good luck SC. Your kids will love it!