How Much Does It Cost To Build A Concrete Pool? [2024]

Concrete pools are more expensive than other types of pools, but they can be long lasting and tailored to your exact specifications. How much does it cost to build a concrete pool? That will depend on the size of the pool and other factors. These are some things to think about before you install a concrete pool.

1. Start with a good design that suits your home
2. The cost of the swimming pool is not the only consideration
3. How much does it cost to build a concrete pool?

Start with a good design that suits your home

The shape of a pool is just one consideration, but it is an important one. Swimming pools can be rectangular, oval or kidney shaped, but concrete swimming pools can be made into almost any shape you like. Some have even been designed to look like guitars or they can bend around a landscape or turn 90 degrees.

Think about the shape of the pool first and see how it will fit into your yard. After you've decided on a shape, think about:

• The colour of the tiles inside the pool
• Pavers around the pool
• A separate spa attached to the pool
• The pool coping you want

The colour of the tiles inside the pool is important because the tiles will affect the colour of the pool. Do you want light coloured tiles that will make the water appear light coloured or do you want darker tiles to darken the water? You can also mix colours to create a concrete pool that has a distinctive appearance.

Pavers around the pool should flatter your home and garden design. They come in a variety of stones and colours. Some of you choices include:

• Travertine
• Brick
• Concrete
• Clay
• Natural stone pavers
• Timber

Pavers come in a variety of sizes from mosaics to large format pavers. Aside from choosing pavers, you need to think about other aspects of pavers. For example, natural stone pavers need to be sealed or they will discolour when exposed to chlorine. Brick pavers aren't often used, but they can be a good choice if you have a saltwater pool. Concrete pavers can look like natural stone and are less expensive than other types of pavers. They are also salt resistant, so can be another good choice for a saltwater pool.

Timber pavers need to be sealed and only certain types of timber can be used around pools. The timber should be able to tolerate being soaked in water and should be resistant to rot.

Pool coping is what lines the pool above the water line. It doesn't have to match the pool pavers, but it should complement the pavers.

Pool coping is an important choice and should be chosen after you have decided what tiles you want in the pool and the pool pavers you prefer. While a complementary colour to the pavers may be one way to decide what type of coping is best for the pool, it can also be a different texture and colour.

The cost of the swimming pool is not the only consideration

A concrete swimming pool is expensive, but also look at the other costs. The tiles inside the pool will vary in price and every pool needs pavers and coping. Also consider the cost of pool fencing, which is required in all Australian states.

For approximate costs of pool fencing, read How much does pool fencing cost? To find out how much pool pavers cost, read How much does paving cost per square metre?

Other costs to consider include a heating system, a filtration system and excavation costs. Excavation costs may be part of your pool quote, but make sure they are included in the cost because excavation can be quite expensive. You may also want to include any structures you want built near your pool, landscaping and whether you want a waterfall or spa attached to the pool. All of these will come at an extra cost.

Don't overlook pool maintenance costs, either. Pool maintenance is important and also look into the cost of heating the pool. Read How to Heat a Pool: Your Options for an overview of your heating options. Solar is the least expensive to run, but is expensive to install. Over the life of your pool, it can be a good option because it will save money over the years. To find out how much pool heating will cost, get quotes from pool heating specialists and compare their prices.

How much does it cost to build a concrete pool?

The cost of a concrete pool depends on the size of the pool. The average cost of a concrete pool in Australia is around $50,000 to $75,000, but a smaller pool might cost around $35,000 to $40,000 for a 6m X 3m pool and a larger pool can cost $100,000 or more.

It's important to ask what is included in a concrete pool price. As mentioned, pool tiles vary in price and excavation may or may not be included in the price. The price will also be dependent on the shape of the pool, access problems and possible problems when excavating. For example, if the excavator runs into a large rock under the surface, it will cost more to remove the rock.

Some pool installers also include heating in their price. When you get quotes for concrete pools, ask for an itemised quote so you know what is and what is not included in the price.

The cost of the pool is one consideration and you won't know how much your concrete pool is going to cost until you get quotes from several pool builders. Don't forget the other costs, which can be between 25 percent and 100 percent of the cost of the pool. On the lower end of the scale, the extra cost will be for fencing and paving. At the higher end of the scale, it may include landscaping, a pool structure and other inclusions.

Some typical concrete pool prices may be:

• $50,000 for a 7m X 3m concrete pool
• $64,000 for a 10m X 5m pool
• $64,000 for a 15m X 3m pool
• $70,000 for a 12m X 5m pool

Concrete pools are priced by the depth and square metres of the pool. A larger pool may not cost as much per square metre as a smaller pool because excavation costs and other costs will be lower. If you want to add a spa, it might cost an extra $13,000 to $15,000 depending on the installer.

A water feature such as a waterfall will cost more and may cost $2000 or more. Adding a bench in the pool may cost around $370 per square metre and a full width step entry may cost around $600 per square metre. Mosaic tiling is the most expensive type of tile and can cost an extra $14,000 to $19,000 for glass pearl effect mosaic tiles. A pebble pool interior may not cost more, but find out costs from pool suppliers because some will charge for any type of pebble or pool tile.Standard coping (250mm wide) may not come at a higher price, but if you want something different, it may cost more:

• 300mm coping may cost $32 per metre
• 400mm coping may cost $92 per metre
• 500mm coping may cost $155 per metre

These are approximate prices only and will vary depending on the pool builder you choose. A good pool builder will give you an itemised quote and include extra costs for features outside their standard range.

*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.