How much does a pool cost in Australia?
Most Australian homeowners spend between $35,000 and $100,000 to install an in-ground swimming pool, with many family-sized pools sitting in the $50,000–$70,000 range once you factor in installation, fencing and basic landscaping. Smaller above-ground or modular plunge pools can start closer to $10,000–$25,000, while larger custom concrete pools with high-end finishes can exceed $100,000.
Typical pool cost ranges in Australia (installation):
- Vinyl pools: from around $10,000+ for above-ground options
- Modular / plunge pools: roughly $20,000–$40,000+
- Fibreglass pools: typically $25,000–$75,000+ depending on size and access
- Concrete pools: often $50,000–$100,000+ for custom in-ground designs
Average pool costs by type in Australia (2025)
| Pool type | Typical install cost (AUD) | Ongoing costs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete pool | $50,000 – $100,000+ | Higher – resurfacing, more chemicals & power | Custom shapes, luxury designs, complex sites |
| Fibreglass pool | $25,000 – $75,000+ | Lower – smooth surface, less maintenance | Families who want a low-maintenance in-ground pool |
| Vinyl-lined pool | From ~$10,000 (above-ground) | Medium – liner replacement every 6–10 years | Budget-conscious buyers, smaller or temporary pools |
| Modular / plunge pool | $20,000 – $40,000+ | Low to medium – small volume of water | Small backyards, courtyards, sloping blocks |
If some pool time is precious and enjoyable to you, why not create that experience right at home? Believe it or not, a swimming pool can be a luxurious and value-enhancing addition to your home, if it has an open backyard and ample compound space. If you are considering this idea, then you should definitely do a cost-benefit analysis. It can be an expensive affair so you have to take conscious, deliberate steps.
In-ground swimming pools are perhaps the most popular type of pool you will find in places with flat terrain, while above-ground swimming pools are common on slopes and uneven terrains. But there are also other types of swimming pools that you can consider. Let’s take you through these types in this blog, along with the average cost you will most likely incur in Australia.
How much does a concrete swimming pool cost?
A concrete pool in Australia usually starts around $50,000 and can easily reach $100,000 or more once you add custom shapes, finishes, fencing and landscaping.
A concrete pool shell is built by using a mixture of cement, water, gravel or stone. The process is different from the traditional method, in which concrete is used. The finishing of the pool shell is done with tile, aggregate, or plaster, making it visually appealing, comfortable, and nice to walk on.
A concrete swimming pool is quite design-friendly, but it comes at an increased cost. You can calculate the starting cost point for building a concrete swimming pool in the range of AUD $25,000-$30,000. The top-end swimming pools may not have a price ceiling. So, it can be difficult to pinpoint the maximum cost point for building such a pool.
There are different factors that determine the cost of building a concrete swimming pool in your house. The desired size of the pool, the spaciousness of your backyard, soil quality, water supply, and your home’s terrain are key influencers of installation and labour costs associated with a concrete swimming pool.
How much does a fibreglass swimming pool cost?
A fibreglass pool in Australia typically costs from around $25,000 for a smaller shell through to $50,000–$75,000+ for a larger, family-sized in-ground pool with installation, fencing and basic paving. The pool shell itself is pre-made off-site and craned into position, so site access is one of the biggest cost drivers – tight access that needs a crane or extra labour can quickly push your price up.
Because fibreglass pools are smooth and non-porous, they usually have lower long-term maintenance and chemical costs than many concrete or vinyl options. That’s why many homeowners see fibreglass as the sweet spot between overall cost, durability and ease of ownership.
An impressive alternative to a concrete pool is a fibreglass pool, which is created from a shell of reinforced fibreglass which is coated with a protective gel. The shell is made off-site and is then installed in a single piece in your home’s site by excavating a hole the size of your pool in the ground. These pools don’t have liners, which is a characteristic of vinyl swimming pools.
Building a fibreglass swimming pool is cheaper than a concrete swimming pool. The starting point for its installation cost is around AUD $25,000 and it can go up to AUD $50,000 depending on several factors. Access to your pool area is paramount because any issue with it can shoot up the cost. Backyards that lack access to equipment and materials often require hired cranes, which can increase the cost. So, it’s important to keep these factors in mind while building a fibreglass swimming pool.
There are both upsides and downsides to a fibreglass swimming pool. Compared to a vinyl pool, a fibreglass pool requires less maintenance and repair work, meaning your long-term cost will be low. However, they come in pre-set sizes and shapes so you don’t get much flexibility to design them as you get in a concrete pool.
How much does a vinyl swimming pool cost?
A vinyl pool is usually the cheapest way to get into a pool upfront. Basic above-ground vinyl pools in Australia can start from around $10,000, while larger or in-ground vinyl-lined pools will sit higher once you include installation and surrounds. For many buyers, the appeal is the lower initial spend compared to concrete or fibreglass.
The trade-off is that the vinyl liner typically needs replacing every 6–10 years, which adds to your long-term costs. If you’re planning to stay in the home for a long time, it’s important to factor those liner replacements (and potential repairs) into your overall budget when comparing vinyl to fibreglass or modular options.
A vinyl pool is another swimming pool option that you can go for. It comes with a custom-made vinyl sheet or liner between the pool structure and the water. The liner of these pools is made from plastic or metal frames. The prefabricated supporting panels and walls of the pool shell are made of steel, plastic, or aluminium, which are joined to the liner’s frame. Such a swimming pool can be both in-ground and above-ground.
A vinyl swimming pool is a more permanent option compared to other types of pools, but it’s still affordable to build. The starting cost point for building a vinyl swimming pool is about AUD $10,000. The liner has an approximate lifespan of 6 to 10 years, so you might have to bear frequent repairing costs—something that makes it less cost-effective than concrete and fibreglass swimming pools.
You should be mindful of one downside of a vinyl swimming pool; they are less durable and need to be replaced completely when damaged. Most people view these swimming pools as a discounted edition of a traditional swimming pool. However, you can save thousands of dollars on installation and labour costs by building it as an above-ground pool.
How much does a modular swimming pool cost?
A modular or plunge pool in Australia usually costs between $20,000 and $40,000+ installed, depending on the size, finish and any custom features you add. Because modular pools are assembled from pre-engineered components and don’t always require full excavation, they can often be quicker and less expensive to install than many traditional in-ground concrete pools.
Modular pools are ideal if you have a smaller backyard, sloping block or tricky access, as they can be designed to sit partially above ground and work around existing structures. While the pool shell size is more compact, you can still add features like heating, spa jets and mood lighting – these extras will lift the price but also the year-round usability of your pool.
If you are looking for a swimming pool option that is permanent and does not require excavation in your backyard, then a modular pool is what you should look at. Sometimes also called plunge pools, a modular swimming pool is built by assembling different components and parts on site. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they are typically smaller than concrete and fibreglass swimming pools.
The cost of installing a modular swimming pool in your backyard can range between AUD $20,000 to $40,000. The incorporation of additional features can increase the cost to some extent. A modular swimming pool is designed as a plug-and-play pool—something that is quick to install and enjoy. They are far less expensive to install compared to other types of pools because they require less costly building materials.
The best part about installing a modular pool is that you don’t have to level your yard to excavate the ground, meaning you save thousands on labour costs. The overall cost of installation will depend on the style and materials you choose. A modular pool usually has a long lifespan, which can keep your regular maintenance costs low compared to an above-ground vinyl swimming pool.
Other costs to factor into your pool budget
Even once you’ve chosen a pool type, there are extra costs that affect how much your pool really costs:
- Fencing & compliance: mandatory in every Australian state and can add several thousand dollars.
- Landscaping & paving: surrounds, decking, lighting and garden design can sometimes cost as much as the pool itself.
- Heating & equipment: pumps, filters, chlorinators and heaters affect both upfront price and ongoing running costs.
- Ongoing maintenance: chemicals, electricity and servicing are usually lower for fibreglass and modular pools than for large concrete pools.
When we provide a quote, we’ll walk you through both the upfront build cost and the expected ongoing running costs, so you can decide what fits your budget.
Conclusion
These are some of the most popular swimming pool options you can choose from as a homeowner in Australia. The cost will certainly differ, but you can keep it low with proper planning. The pool builder you work with also has a huge influence on the cost of building a swimming pool at home. So, make sure you work with a company that’s reliable and affordable.
Frequently asked questions about pool costs in Australia
How much does it cost to put in a pool in Australia?
For most homeowners, installing an in-ground pool costs between $35,000 and $100,000+ in Australia. The final price depends on the pool type (concrete, fibreglass, vinyl or modular), size, site access, soil conditions and whether you include extras like fencing, paving, heating and landscaping.
Is a pool worth it in Australia?
A pool can absolutely be worth it in Australia if you’ll use it regularly and it suits your block. It can add lifestyle value and may add $10,000–$100,000 to a home’s sale price when it’s well designed and in proportion to the yard, though this depends heavily on location and buyer demand. The key is choosing a pool that fits your budget and works with your outdoor space, rather than overcapitalising.
What is the cheapest inground pool to install?
How much would it cost to have a swimming pool installed?
As a rough guide, expect to budget:
- From ~$10,000 for a basic above-ground or small vinyl pool
- $20,000–$40,000+ for a modular or plunge pool
- $25,000–$75,000+ for a fibreglass pool (installed)
- $50,000–$100,000+ for a custom concrete pool.
Getting a site-specific quote is essential, because factors like access for machinery, soil type, retaining walls and council requirements can significantly change the final cost.
If some pool time is precious and enjoyable to you, why not create that experience right at home? Believe it or not, a swimming pool can be a luxurious and value-enhancing addition to your home, if it has an open backyard and ample compound space. If you are considering this idea, then you should definitely do a cost-benefit analysis. It can be an expensive affair so you have to take conscious, deliberate steps.
In-ground swimming pools are perhaps the most popular type of pool you will find in places with flat terrain, while above-ground swimming pools are common on slopes and uneven terrains. But there are also other types of swimming pools that you can consider. Let’s take you through these types in this blog, along with the average cost you will most likely incur in Australia.
Concrete swimming pool
A concrete pool shell is built by using a mixture of cement, water, gravel or stone. The process is different from the traditional method, in which concrete is used. The finishing of the pool shell is done with tile, aggregate, or plaster, making it visually appealing, comfortable, and nice to walk on.
A concrete swimming pool is quite design-friendly, but it comes at an increased cost. You can calculate the starting cost point for building a concrete swimming pool in the range of AUD $25,000-$30,000. The top-end swimming pools may not have a price ceiling. So, it can be difficult to pinpoint the maximum cost point for building such a pool.
There are different factors that determine the cost of building a concrete swimming pool in your house. The desired size of the pool, the spaciousness of your backyard, soil quality, water supply, and your home’s terrain are key influencers of installation and labour costs associated with a concrete swimming pool.
Fibreglass swimming pool
An impressive alternative to a concrete pool is a fibreglass pool, which is created from a shell of reinforced fibreglass which is coated with a protective gel. The shell is made off-site and is then installed in a single piece in your home’s site by excavating a hole the size of your pool in the ground. These pools don’t have liners, which is a characteristic of vinyl swimming pools.
Building a fibreglass swimming pool is cheaper than a concrete swimming pool. The starting point for its installation cost is around AUD $25,000 and it can go up to AUD $50,000 depending on several factors. Access to your pool area is paramount because any issue with it can shoot up the cost. Backyards that lack access to equipment and materials often require hired cranes, which can increase the cost. So, it’s important to keep these factors in mind while building a fibreglass swimming pool.
There are both upsides and downsides to a fibreglass swimming pool. Compared to a vinyl pool, a fibreglass pool requires less maintenance and repair work, meaning your long-term cost will be low. However, they come in pre-set sizes and shapes so you don’t get much flexibility to design them as you get in a concrete pool.
Vinyl swimming pool
A vinyl pool is another swimming pool option that you can go for. It comes with a custom-made vinyl sheet or liner between the pool structure and the water. The liner of these pools is made from plastic or metal frames. The prefabricated supporting panels and walls of the pool shell are made of steel, plastic, or aluminium, which are joined to the liner’s frame. Such a swimming pool can be both in-ground and above-ground.
A vinyl swimming pool is a more permanent option compared to other types of pools, but it’s still affordable to build. The starting cost point for building a vinyl swimming pool is about AUD $10,000. The liner has an approximate lifespan of 6 to 10 years, so you might have to bear frequent repairing costs—something that makes it less cost-effective than concrete and fibreglass swimming pools.
You should be mindful of one downside of a vinyl swimming pool; they are less durable and need to be replaced completely when damaged. Most people view these swimming pools as a discounted edition of a traditional swimming pool. However, you can save thousands of dollars on installation and labour costs by building it as an above-ground pool.
Modular swimming pool
If you are looking for a swimming pool option that is permanent and does not require excavation in your backyard, then a modular pool is what you should look at. Sometimes also called plunge pools, a modular swimming pool is built by assembling different components and parts on site. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they are typically smaller than concrete and fibreglass swimming pools.
The cost of installing a modular swimming pool in your backyard can range between AUD $20,000 to $40,000. The incorporation of additional features can increase the cost to some extent. A modular swimming pool is designed as a plug-and-play pool—something that is quick to install and enjoy. They are far less expensive to install compared to other types of pools because they require less costly building materials.
The best part about installing a modular pool is that you don’t have to level your yard to excavate the ground, meaning you save thousands on labour costs. The overall cost of installation will depend on the style and materials you choose. A modular pool usually has a long lifespan, which can keep your regular maintenance costs low compared to an above-ground vinyl swimming pool.
Conclusion
These are some of the most popular swimming pool options you can choose from as a homeowner in Australia. The cost will certainly differ, but you can keep it low with proper planning. The pool builder you work with also has a huge influence on the cost of building a swimming pool at home. So, make sure you work with a company that’s reliable and affordable.
