What influences the cost of a pool in NZ?
The truth is, it can be hard to give accurate price guidance on a pool project without working through the finer details., this is because each and every pool, landscape design and backyard are different.
Take one of our most popular pools (the X-Trainer 8.2) for example. This pool can be installed with lights, filtration equipment and ready to be landscaped for around $45,000 - $50,000, but it is not uncommon for people to spend $60,000 or more depending on what optional extras they choose (like Vantage self-cleaning for example).
So what are the things that are likely to influence the price of a pool?
The size and type of the pool
As you would expect, the bigger the pool, the higher the price. As a pool increases in size, almost every related element upsizes too. You will require a bigger excavation, larger pumps and filters, more labour to install and of course a bigger pool shell.
Site access
Site access often plays a major role in determining the overall cost of a pool installation. If you are installing a pre-moulded fibreglass pool (like a Compass Pool) you’ll have 2 key considerations. The first thing to think about is the excavation. How easy is it to get excavation equipment into your backyard and to remove excess soil? If equipment has easy access it is likely to help keep costs low.
The second thing is; how easy will it be to get the pool shell into place? The most ideal situation is to be able to drive into the site and lower the pool into place using a Hi-Ab, however, some projects require cranes to lift pools over buildings which can cost more.
Site conditions
Another thing that can influence the cost of the pool is the nature of your backyard. Not everybody has a nice simple flat site. In many cases, we may need to install your pool fully or partially above ground using MaxiRib™ technology. This system allows us to install your pool out of the ground to match your design requirements – handy if you want the top of your pool to be level with an existing deck or retaining wall. Although installing a pool using a MaxiRib system can look more expensive at the outset, it is often cheaper than completing extra groundworks such as retaining and in-filling to create a flat site (and almost always cheaper than switching to a highly engineered concrete pool alternative).
There are also some cases where extra engineering precautions may need to be taken to ensure you have a lifetime of hassle-free pool ownership. We may need to design engineered solutions to place your pool particularly close to a building or if your site has tricky soil conditions.
The quality of your pool shell
Not all fibreglass swimming pools are made equal. It pays to be mindful of the old saying “you get what you pay for”. Although the industry has minimum manufacturing standards, there are several brands that build to a significantly higher level – Compass Pools for example offer a minimum of 3X industry standard when it comes to use of Vinyl Ester resin (arguably the most essential ingredient to building a long-lasting pool).
A good test of quality is to ask to see written warranties. Do they exist? How long are they for? And can they be transferred to the new owners when you sell your house?
Circulation systems
Now, this is an important one! The key to minimising the long-term costs of pool ownership is to ensure you have fantastic circulation in your pool. The problem is, most pools have a basic one suction/two return (eyeball and skimmer) system. It might cost more upfront to install an enhanced circulation system such as Vantage or Logic, but it will seriously reduce the cost of chemicals, heating, maintenance and much more…. wouldn’t you prefer to save hundreds of dollars every single year?
Customisations and optional extras
The truth is, there are so many choices to help make your pool perfect for you. Whilst most pool builders will offer you a “standard package”. You’ll also get to choose from a wish list of extras like: multi-coloured LED light upgrades, energy-efficient pumps, automated Chlorine and pH control systems, coping pavers, swim-jets, water features, spa combos and more.
Compass Pools are also uniquely customisable. These days you can add beach zones, waders, vanishing edges, acrylic windows and more.