How much does a plunge pool cost in Australia in 2024?

A plunge pool is a compact, shallow water feature designed primarily for cooling off and relaxation. It's distinct from traditional swimming pools due to its smaller size, making it ideal for installation in limited spaces such as small backyards or garden areas. Plunge pools are designed for leisure rather than exercise, and their minimalistic design and reduced water volume allow for easier maintenance and lower operational costs than traditional swimming pools.

Plunge pools can range in price from around $10,000 to $50,000+. An estimate average price can be estimated at around $30,000.

There's a few key factors that affect the price of plunge pool, including:

• The material the pool is made from
• The size and depth of the pool
• Whether the plunge pool is above ground or in-built
• The installation process and its complexity
• Any custom designs or additional features
• The price of labour in your local area and any any permits require.

Let's explore these in more detail:

There are two main materials that plunge pools are constructed from:

Fibreglass

Fibreglass plunge pools are made from a pre-formed, one-piece fibreglass shell that forms the pool's inner lining. The shell is smooth, non-porous, and finished with a gel coat that provides colour and texture. 

How much do fibreglass plunge pools cost?

Fibreglass plunge pools tend to cost between $10,000 - $50,000+ (excluding installation). The final price can depend on the pool's size and any extra features that you require. Many providers will give you a custom quote after you've provided them with your pool requirements.

Concrete

Concrete plunge pools tend to be the more expensive of the two materials. The interior surface of a concrete plunge pool is made from sprayed concrete, such as gunite or shotcrete, and then finished with plaster, aggregate finishes, tiles or paint. The concrete itself serves as the structural component of the pool, which is then reinforced with steel to ensure the pool's structural integrity. Concrete pools are often finished with custom tiling to give them a more pleasing appearance.

How much do concrete plunge pools cost?

Concrete plunge pools start from around $15,000 and can go up to $50,000+ (excluding installation). Some concrete models will come up as pre-cast structures which will have a lower price point due to their fixed size. While custom pools where more extensive installation is required will have a higher price point.

The size of a plunge pool hinges on whether its pre-built or custom made. Pre-built plunge pools typically 2-7 metres in length, 2-4 metres wide and 1-2 metres in depth, depending on the individual pool you choose. Custom built plunge pools can vary on this and are more open to the specific requirements of the individual buyer and the capabilities of the supplier.

As a general rule, the bigger the pool the higher the price. But what you pay will also come down the the complexity of design, the material and any additional features you choose to purchase.

Another key factor that will affect the price of your plunge pool is whether its above ground or in-ground. Each option has its own distinct advantages and cost implications. Here's a look both:

Above-ground plunge pools:

Above-ground pools are lower in price than their in-ground counterparts due to simpler construction requirement's. Their installation doesn't require extensive excavation or landscaping work. They can also be installed much faster than in-ground pools, due to the same reasons. They're also flexible in nature, meaning they can be placed on different surfaces without extensive preparation and can even potentially move with you should you move to a new property.

Price wise you'll find many above-ground pools in the $10,000 - $30,000 price range, although certain models can exceed this

In-ground plunge pools

In-ground pools are more expensive upfront. The excavation, construction, and finishing processes are labour-intensive and require more materials. However, they allow for greater customisation in size, shape, and depth. You have more freedom to design a pool that fits your space and design preferences perfectly. Also, while the initial investment is higher, in-ground plunge pools can increase the value of your property. They also tend to have with a lifespan that can surpass that of above-ground models.

For in-ground plunge pools many models will be around $30,000 - $50,000+, you'll then need to factor in installation costs on top of this.

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The price of installing a plunge pool often comes down to whether the supplier you choose to go with includes installation in their overall pricing for a plunge pool. The installation price will often be quoted separately as every space is different, as a guideline we recommend accounting for at least 25-50% of your overall plunge pool budget to installation. This range accounts for variable such as the complexity of the installation, the need for site preparation, and any custom features or challenges related to your specific location.

The installation process will typically follow these stages:

Design and planning: the first stage involves the planning and design of the plunge pool to ensure it fits the desired space. This will involve you (the buyer) providing your sizing requirements to a supplier and then awaiting a plunge pool recommendation from them or you selecting a pool that fits your size requirements.

Site preparation: this stage takes place after the design and planning is finalised. It includes excavating the site for your pool (if you've chose an in-built pool), and levelling the site. Proper drainage solutions are also planned and implemented during this stage to prevent future issues.

Foundation and structural build: after excavation, the foundation for the pool is laid. For a concrete plunge pool, this involves forming the shape of the pool and pouring concrete to create the shell. For fibreglass pools, it involves positioning the pre-formed shell or preparing the structure for the liner.

Plumbing and electrical installation: when the foundation for the pool is in place, all of the necessary plumbing and electrical systems can be installed. The plumbing setup encompasses all necessary pipework for water circulation, filtration, heating (optional), and other hydraulic features, extending from the pool to the plant room or equipment area. Simultaneously, electrical wiring is laid out for lighting, pumps, heaters, and additional electrical components.

Equipment installation and interior setup: the pool's filtration system, pump, heater (if applicable), and other necessary equipment are then installed and integrated with the plumbing and electrical systems, crucial for water quality and temperature control. Following this, the pool's interior is finished with selected materials like tiles or plaster.

Commissioning and inspection: After filling the pool, it undergoes commissioning, involving the start-up of all systems and chemical treatment of the water to ensure safe swimming conditions through pH and chlorine balancing, alongside other necessary adjustments. Water quality is tested to meet recommended standards. The process concludes with a final inspection to verify that everything operates correctly and adheres to safety regulations.

As part of the process of choosing your pool, you'll need to decide what extras you want to have and what features are included as standard with your pool. Often, a plunge pool will include a seating area within the pool, steps for easy access, and a filtration and pump system such as a heat pump.

Additional extras include:

Hydrotherapy jets: Hydrotherapy jets (or spa jets) are a popular extra for those interested in the therapeutic benefits of their plunge pool. These jets provide targeted water pressure to soothe and massage muscles, enhancing relaxation and recovery. While not standard, they're a valuable addition for anyone looking to boost their plunge pool's wellness capabilities.

Singular hydrotherapy jets can cost around $80+ per jet.

LED lighting: LED lights are sometimes included as standard, but more often, you'll see them listed as an extra option. If you want to use your pool at night, then LED lighting is a must. 

Individual pool lights can range from $100 - $400+ per light.

Water features: Additional water features can include waterfalls, fountains, or bubblers, contributing to a more soothing and luxurious plunge pool. 

Automated pool covers and cleaning systems: these features make life easier. Using an automated pool cover means you can seal your pool at the click of a button or automatically at a pre-programmed time; automated cleaning systems, such as robotic or in-floor systems, can keep your pool clean without manual intervention.

Automated pool covers start at around $7,000+.

Custom finishes: If you have a preferred finish in mind for your plunge pool, such as a specific type of tile or then this will often be another additional extra to consider.

Integration with existing landscaping features: If you want your plunge pool to be integrated with any existing landscaping features that you may have present, such as a deck, outdoor kitchen or patio, then you should let the plunge pool supplier you choose know, as additional professionals, such as a landscaper may be required to help with the integration process.

The additional features you choose will depend on what you plan on using your plunge pool, for example, for relaxation, consider hydrotherapy jets and a heating system. Whereas automated covers and cleaning systems are practical choices if you want your pool to be as low maintenance as possible.

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The final major consideration to be aware of is a plunge pool's ongoing maintenance and running costs. Australians spend around $1,000 - $1,400 a year on pool maintenance. These figures generally reference more standard swimming pools, but even so, you can use them as a rough guideline for how much your plunge pool will cost to maintain.

Some of the regular maintenance and pool care tasks you can expect to carry out include:

• Maintaining the correct chemical balance
• Checking the performance of the filtration system
• Cleaning the pool walls and floor
• Skimming the surface for debris
• Vacuuming the pool as needed.

How much does a plunge pool cost in Australia?

An above-ground plunge pool in Australia typically costs between $10,000 to $30,000, while an in-ground plunge pool can range between $30,000 - $50,000.

What are the disadvantages of a plunge pool?

The main disadvantage of a plunge pool is its small size, which limits activities such as swimming laps and playing pool games, particularly for kids. However, for adults, this may be a minor drawback.

How does the choice of material affect the cost of a plunge pool?

Fibreglass plunge pools are slightly more cost-effective, but concrete options offer greater longevity. If you need help choosing the most suitable material for your requirements, ask your plunge pool supplier for their recommendation.

What additional costs should I consider when budgeting for a plunge pool?

When budgeting for a plunge pool, consider additional costs such as installation, any custom features you want, including with the pool, additional pool elements such as pool fencing, and any landscaping work that may need carrying out.

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This guide should have given you some understanding of some of the costs involved if you are considering a plunge pool. They offer an interesting alternative to traditional pools and can be particularly beneficial if you need a space where you can relax, unwind and recuperate.

The key takeaways to remember are to consider what material you want your plunge pool to be, the size of the pool you need, your budget, and the features you want to include. If you can do this, you'll be well on your way to choosing a plunge pool that fits your needs and budget.

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