How much do fibreglass pools cost? [2024]

It's the great Aussie dream – a big backyard with your own swimming pool. If you want a pool that's relatively easy to install and maintain and that’s not too expensive, a fibreglass pool could be a great option for your house.

Read this guide to find out how much fibreglass pools cost and how they compare to the alternatives, such as a concrete pool.

• How much does a fibreglass pool cost?
• What affects the cost of a fibreglass pool?
• How do fibreglass pool costs compare to other pool types?
• Pros and cons of fibreglass pools
• Planning your new pool
• Fibreglass pool maintenance costs
• How much do pool accessories cost?
• How much does poolside paving or decking cost?
• How much does pool fencing cost?
• Questions to ask your swimming pool builder

How much do fibreglass pools cost?

Fibreglass pools cost less than concrete pools in most cases. While concrete pools need to be built on-site, fibreglass pools can have their shells manufactured elsewhere. This means that they can be simply slipped into a pre-dug hole at your home, taking much less time and labour than a full concrete pool build. 

General fibreglass pool costs include:

• $15,000 - $35,000 for the fibreglass pool shell (depending on the size)
• $10,000+ to have a fibreglass pool installed
• $25,000 - $45,000+ for a fully-installed fibreglass pool

The total cost of the project could rise to as much as $60,000 if you want extensive landscaping with top of the range accessories.

What affects the cost of a fibreglass pool?

There are a few things that can change how much a fibreglass pool costs. Some of these factors are out of your control, but others you can tinker with so your pool falls within your budget. These can include:

• The size and shape of your fibreglass pool
• Ease of access to your backyard
• Soil conditions and the presence of rocks
• The slope of the ground
• Landscaping features around your pool
• The pool equipment and accessories you choose, such as the filtration system and lighting

How do fibreglass pool costs compare to other pool types?

Including installation, averagepool prices in Australia are around:

• $8,000 - $15,000 for a small plunge pool
• $10,000 for a vinyl lined pool
• $35,000 - $60,000 for a fibreglass pool
• $50,000 - $100,000 or more for a concrete pool

Fibreglass pools are cheaper than concrete pools, which cost an average of $50,000 - $75,000 to install. Concrete pools also take considerably longer to install (a few weeks or months, compared to a few days for a fibreglass pool). Concrete pools also have higher maintenance costs across their lifetime and may need to be resurfaced after a number of years.

A vinyl liner pool can be cheaper to install, but this may be offset by maintenance costs in the long term, as the liner will need to be changed every 10 years or so. 

Read more: How much do plunge pools cost? 

Pros and cons of fibreglass pools

There are many good reasons to choose fibreglass pools. These pools are:

• Fast to install, typically taking a few days compared to a few weeks for concrete pools
• Available in dozens of styles and colours
• Cheaper to install than concrete pools
• Easier to maintain than concrete pools
• Most cost efficient than concrete pools as they use fewer chemicals 

A downside of these pools is that your options will be limited to the sizes and shapes of fibreglass pool shells designed by the manufacturer.

Fibreglass pools also have a shorter lifespan than concrete pools, but should last around 30 years if properly cared for. 

Read more about the advantages of fibreglass pools here. 

How to plan your new fibreglass pool

Cost is only one consideration when planning a fibreglass pool installation. You need to take the time to think about all the practicalities of your new pool, including:

• Size and shape: This is limited by the size of your garden and the pool shells available, but getting a fibreglass lap pool or a plunge pool are two very different things
• Colours: Aussies tend to go for a tropical shade of blue for their pools, but other options are available. Most suppliers will also have whites, darker blues and greys, but each company is different
• Location:It’s important to consider where your pool is going to go. Your soil type, tree cover and how rocky your area is can all influence where your pool can be sited in your home
• Council requirements: You might need a permit to build a pool where you live. Your local council will also have regulations, such as how far you can build from the boundary of your property. It’s always good to check with your local council to see which permits or regulations you’re privvy to 
• Safety: Your pool fencing needs to be installed to current regulations. Depending on where you live, you may also need a pool permit.

Read more: Find out the differences between inground and above ground plunge pools.

How much is fibreglass pool maintenance?

Once your fibreglass pool is installed, there will also be ongoing maintenance costs across its lifetime. Fibreglass pools cost less to maintain than some other types of pools and you can keep maintenance costs down by:

• Checking the pump is operating correctly
• Cleaning your pool regularly to reduce strain on the filters
• Using a pool cover to prevent evaporation and heat loss
• Maintaining the right chemical balance

Most Aussie homes spend between $600 to $1,500 a year on pool maintenance. Some ways to cut down on these costs include buying pool covers, investing in solar panels or lowering the temp of the pool if you own a pool heater. 

Read more: How much does pool maintenance cost? 

How much do fibreglass pool accessories cost?

All pools rely on equipment to keep them clean and safe to use. Prices for common pool accessories that you’ll likely need for your new fibreglass pool start at:

• $299 for a wall-climbing pool cleaner
• $269 for a 1.5Hp swimming pool pump
• $690 for a self-cleaning chlorinator

How much does poolside paving or decking cost?

Adding a deck or paving to your fibreglass pool can really elevate its look, and even increase your home's value. 

In most cases, the landscaping around the pool area will need to be done to ensure safety and ease of access. This can mean paying for a contractor to install paving or decking.

For poolside paving, expect to pay:

• $40 - $65 per square metre for concrete pavers
• $45 - $75 per square metre for limestone pavers
• $70 - $95 per square metre for brick pavers
• $70 - $100 per square metre for granite, travertine or flagstone pavers

For decking, expect to pay $200 - $1,000 per square metre, depending on the materials. Treated pine decking is at the cheaper end, with hardwood timber and composites at the higher end.

Read more: How much does decking cost?

How much does pool fencing cost?

Having fencing around your fibreglass pool is required by law in Australia, so you’ll need to budget for pool fencing if you’re looking to get a pool installed. Average costs for pool fencing per linear metre are:

• $200 - $350 for treated pine timber 
• $200 - $275 for semi-frameless glass 
• $275 - $600 for frameless glass 
• $450 - $600 for wrought iron 

Australian Standard AS 1926.1-2012 details all the specifications for pool fencing and gates. These apply to all pools that are deeper than 300mm, including inflatable and portable pools. The most critical regulations include:

• The height of the fence and gates must be at least 1.2m tall
• The gap at the bottom of the fence must be no greater than 100mm
• The spaces between the vertical elements of the fence must be no greater than 100mm

Some states and councils also require you to have your pool fencing inspected and your pool registered. They may also require a pool permit before construction begins. Check with your local council to make sure your pool fencing is compliant. 

Questions to ask your fibreglass swimming pool installer

When it comes time to get quotes from fibreglass pool installers near you, make sure you hire an installer with the right qualifications, experience and licensing. Questions to ask include:

• Can you produce a written quote for the installation?
• Are you licensed and insured to install my fibreglass pool?
• Can I see examples of your work?
• Do you have references I can follow up?

It's recommended that you apply for a range of quotes from pool builders for your project. That way, you can be confident that you're choosing a professional who does quality work and will complete the job on time and on budget.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.