Building a pool is a big investment of money, time and effort, so it’s only fair that a lot of people find it a bit daunting, despite wanting nothing more than their own pool to lounge by on the weekends. It’s something that we see often, and we take pride in being able to guide and direct our clients towards the pool of their dreams, saving them from any potential hidden costs and pool building myths. So, if you’re feeling like a fish out of water when it comes to building your dream pool, read on to find out the top eight pool myths that you need to know before starting your pool build.
8 COMMON POOL BUILDING MYTHS: BUSTED
1. “I Own My House, So I Can Build A Pool In The Backyard”
Incorrect! Yes, you may own the house and the land – but you still need to get council approval before starting construction. Your local council will decide whether you can build a pool based on the zone you’re located in, whether your neighbourhood is affected by a neighbourhood plan, or if there are any overlays that will obstruct your build. Once you’ve got council approval, you need to get building certification through a ‘building certifier’ who will ensure that your dream pool is in line with the Building Act 1975, Building Regulation 2006 and any relevant Australian standards.
2. “Pools Don’t Take Very Long To Build”
Sure, you can put a pool in fairly quickly if you want – but it’s not recommended. Once the pool is in, it will be yours for the remainder of your time at the property (and for some people, that’s the rest of their lives). So, why rush it? Spend the time and get it right the first time. If you opt for fibreglass, you save two weeks on the time the concrete takes to cure – but you sacrifice ultimate customisation. We would recommend prioritising getting the design and the execution right – rather than doing it quickly.
3. “Cheap Materials Will Keep Pool Build Costs Down”
Again, sure, this isn’t a straight myth. But a very common misconception is that you want to keep pool costs down. A pool is going to be the second largest investment that you will ever make as a homeowner (following the purchase of your home), and you are going to be a lot happier in the long run if you simply own that fact. Those few extra fixings aren’t going to increase the cost so significantly that it’s not worth splurging a little bit.
4. “Swimming Pools Don’t Increase The Value Of Your Home”
This one drives us nuts! Why on Earth would an investment into your home not increase its value? According to a recent interview with luxury real estate agent Zed Nasheet of Zed Real Estate, “a custom-designed pool can increase a home’s selling price anywhere between the $100 – $200K price bracket.” These figures will depend on the size of the pool, the number of extra fixings around it, as well as the location and condition of the house itself. However, if all of these factors are in line, you can expect your pool to significantly impact the value of your home. If you don’t believe us, just ask any home valuer and they’ll tell you.
5. “You Need A Big Backyard To Build A Pool”
Majorly incorrect, and more common for those trying to keep pool budgets down. If you are looking for a pool builder that specialises in micro excavations and tight access pools (such as Environ Pools), you can rest assured knowing that your pool will be entirely customised to fit within the space that you have available. If you’re trying to keep costs down, you may find it hard to fit a pre-cut fibreglass pool into your oddly-shaped backyard. And that’s yet another reason that point #3 stands.
6. “Fibreglass Is Better Than Concrete”
Fibreglass and concrete both have their ups and downs. Fibreglass is slightly cheaper and faster to install (though, if you haven’t gathered by now, that doesn’t necessarily mean better), it can also retain heat better and has a better carbon footprint. However, you will be more limited in design and it will actually take heavier machinery (such as a crane) to get the pool into your backyard due to its ‘off the rack’ nature. On the other hand, concrete pools may take longer to build but they are completely customisable, are flexible in shape and design, and allow for better pool scaping and use of water tiles.
7. “A Pool Is Going To Dramatically Increase My Utility Bill”
This is probably one of the biggest deterrents in the pool-building industry, and it’s so far from the truth. According to Canstar, the average cost of a pool (annually) is around $800 – $1,200 which is only an extra $23-odd a week. They’ve accounted for a pool pump in this cost, but not heating. Thankfully, we live in one of the more tropical states in Australia – so heating is something that can be overlooked (but we highly recommend investing a little bit extra up-front to add a pool heater to ensure you’re enjoying your pool all year round).
8. “Financing A Pool Will Be Difficult With My Current Mortgage”
There are many simple ways to finance a pool. The Mortgage Report does an excellent job of summarising it, but at the end of the day, it is unlikely that your current mortgage will even affect your ability to get a loan for your pool. You may choose to get a cash loan, refinance your mortgage, or even just get a personal or “pool loan” for the job. These are all great options whether you have the money saved for a pool or not, as you may be apprehensive to spend your life savings in a lump sum like that. And for those who want the pool and don’t quite have the funds, your bank will almost certainly have a cost-effective approach for you. Just give them a call to discuss what options you have available, and what will be the best for your situation.
WHAT POOL BUILDING MYTHS?
So, now that we’ve busted all of these pool building misconceptions, are you ready to start building your dream poolside escape? At the end of the day, a pool can be one of the best investments you can make for your home – as it will provide you with endless weekends of bliss, lounging around or dipping your toes in the water. If you have kids, you won’t need to worry about entertaining them each and every weekend because your pool will have that covered. Fun, safe and active entertainment, as well as a relaxing space to re-energize.
Environ Pools are one of Brisbane’s most decorated concrete pool builders and for good reason. We’re committed to ensuring that you get the most cost-effective build while offering our expertise on materials, design and fixings. We’re the expert team that you need to make that dream a reality, so get in touch with us today to find out more.
