Choosing the Right DIY Swimming Pool Kit for Your Budget and Space

Feeling overwhelmed by the skyrocketing cost of professional swimming pool installations? You’re not alone. One of our customers recently was quoted over $80,000 to have an 8m pool installed — no wonder they were hesitant! DIY swimming pool kits have quickly become the go-to solution for Aussies wanting to create their backyard oasis without draining their bank accounts. 

If you’ve ever thought, ‘Can I really do this myself?’—the answer is yes! Whether you’re a weekend warrior or just handy enough to tackle a new project, a DIY swimming pool kit could be the perfect way to have your very own swimming pool sooner and add value to your home.  

This guide will help you figure out how to choose the perfect DIY swimming pool kit that suits your budget, backyard, and lifestyle. Whether you’re picturing a small plunge pool for a quick dip or a bigger setup for family fun, we’re here to help you make it happen By the end, you’ll feel confident about making the right choice and getting your DIY pool project off to a smooth start.

Assessing Your Backyard Space for a DIY Swimming Pool

First things first—size matters…at least when it comes to figuring out which pool is best for your backyard. Before choosing a DIY swimming pool kit, you’ve got to take a good look at your space. How much room do you have? Is your backyard level or sloping? And don’t forget to check if construction equipment can easily access your yard—there is nothing sadder than seeing your pool taken back to the factory because there wasn’t enough access space.

Available Space

The size, shape, and condition of your backyard play a big role in determining what type of DIY swimming pool kit you can install. After all, no one wants to squeeze a huge pool into a small yard and have no room to move about—it’s all about balance!

Got space to spare? That’s awesome! Bigger backyards give you options, whether it’s a family-sized pool for weekend barbies or a sleek lap pool for your morning exercise. One of our Western Australian customers had a large open space and used it to create a mini-resort, complete with a waterslide, water feature and sun lounge area. If you’ve got the space, go big and make it your dream oasis!

Dealing with a smaller yard? No worries. Smaller spaces don’t mean you have to give up on your pool dreams. A plunge pool or lap pool can fit perfectly in a compact yard, giving you all the benefits of a pool without taking over your entire space. And bonus—they’re usually easier to maintain, leaving you with more time to enjoy it.

Terrain and Ground Conditions

Next up, let’s talk about what’s happening below the surface. If your backyard has a slope or uneven ground, you might need some extra work—like levelling or building retaining walls. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to factor into your budget. A customer of ours in a hilly Queensland suburb faced the same challenge, but with some smart planning, they made it work and saved thousands on what a full-service, full-price pool company were quoting!

Here’s a tip: fibreglass pools are incredibly strong but are lightweight. Fibreglass swimming pools can be craned into place for a fraction of the cost of lifting in a pre-cast concrete pool.

Access and Layout

Access for construction equipment is a big deal when installing a pool. Access at least 3m wide is ideal. If your yard has narrow access points, you might need to use a smaller excavator and bring in a crane to lift the pool over your home. Fancy, right? Access is something to think about early in the process. When placing your pool, don’t just focus on aesthetics—consider the sun, shade, and how the pool fits into the flow of your backyard. You want it to look great and feel amazing when you’re swimming or lounging by it.

Local Regulations

Before you get too excited and start digging, check your local council’s regulations. There are rules about easements, setbacks, and pool fencing that will determine where and how your pool can be installed. Getting familiar with these rules early on will save you a lot of headaches—and avoid those dreaded approval delays. This is easy - give your local council a call or drop in for a chat over the counter.

Understanding Your Budget for a DIY Swimming Pool Kit

We get it—budgeting isn’t the most exciting part of planning your dream pool, but it’s one of the most important steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. Before you start browsing pool designs, it’s essential to know what kind of costs to expect. The type of pool you choose—whether it’s fibreglass, vinyl liner, or concrete—will have the biggest impact on your total cost, and whether you can do DIY or not.

Fibreglass Pools: Worth the Investment

Fibreglass pools cost more upfront than a vinyl liner pool, but they are an investment that keeps on giving. Why? They’re incredibly durable, and their smooth, non-porous surface means fewer chemicals and less weekly cleaning. Translation: less work for you and more time enjoying your pool. Plus, the lower ongoing maintenance costs mean you’ll save money down the road compared to concrete or vinyl liner pools

Fibreglass Pools DIY Score: 10/10
Fibreglass pools are ideal for DIY due to their pre-formed shell, ease of installation, and low maintenance.

In fact, did you know 70% of new inground pools in Australia are now fibreglass, up from just 5% in the 1980s? People are catching on to how great fibreglass swimming pools are. One of our Melbourne customers had their fibreglass pool installed by a local licensed installer in just two days, saving them thousands on labour costs compared to a concrete pool. Fibreglass pools are a hit with DIYers because they’re quick to install and a breeze to maintain

Vinyl Liner Pools: Easy on the Wallet (At First)

Vinyl liner pools are often the most affordable option upfront, making them a popular choice for first-time pool owners. They’re flexible in terms of size and shape, making them great for awkward or oddly shaped backyards.

But there’s a catch: vinyl liners need to be replaced every 5-10 years, and each replacement will set you back between $3,000 and $6,000. Over time, those costs add up. Also, vinyl liners are prone to punctures, especially if you have playful pets or kids. 

If you’re okay with the idea of regular maintenance and replacements down the line, vinyl liner pools are a good entry-level choice. Just keep in mind that what you save upfront might cost you later on.

Vinyl Liner Pools DIY Score: 4/10
Because vinyl liners need to be assembled onsite and stretched properly, this type is not recommended for DIY installation without professional help.

Concrete Pools: The Ultimate in Customisation (But Pricey!)

If customisation is your top priority, concrete pools are the way to go. You can create any shape, size, or depth you want, making them ideal if you’ve got a specific vision for your backyard. Whether it’s a pool that wraps around your patio or a deep-end diving zone, concrete can bring it to life.

But here’s the thing—customisation comes at a cost. Concrete pools are the most expensive to install and take the longest to build. Plus, because concrete is porous, it requires frequent brushing to prevent algae buildup, and you’ll need to resurface it every 10-15 years with a minimum cost of $6,000. If you’re up for higher maintenance and love the idea of complete control over your pool’s design, concrete might be the right fit.

Concrete Pools DIY Score: 0/10
Concrete pools are strictly for professional pool builders and require specialised equipment and experience, making them unsuitable for DIY installation.

Installation Options: DIY vs. Professional Help

You’ve chosen your pool type, and now it’s time to figure out how to get it installed. Should you take on the challenge yourself or bring in the pros? Let’s break down both options to help you decide what works best for your situation.

DIY Installation: Lower Cost, Higher Responsibility

Going full DIY can save you thousands on labour costs, making it the most budget-friendly option. You’ll have complete control over the project, work on your own schedule, and get serious bragging rights when you’re done. But be prepared—mistakes in plumbing or excavation can be time-consuming and be costly to rectify.

That said, DIY is a popular choice across Australia. One of our customers in Dubbo, NSW decided to take on the entire pool installation themselves. With our 7 day phone support and extensive DIY video library, they handled the excavation, plumbing, backfilling and even the landscaping—saving around $17,000 compared to signing up with a full-service, full-price pool builder. Sure, it took them a bit longer, but the savings paid for a brand new deck along with the huge sense of pride knowing they did it themselves.

Pros:

• Lower upfront costs.
• Flexibility to work at your own pace.
• Complete control over the project.

Cons

• Higher risk of costly errors.
• Requires time, tools and project management.
• Some tasks might be more complex than they appear.

Professional Help: Higher Cost, Lower Risk

Hiring a professional full-service, full-price pool builder gives you peace of mind. Sure, it’ll cost more, but you’ll have experts ensuring the job is done right and requires little to no project management by you. 

Rather than hiring a pool builder, loads of our DIY swimming pool customers opt for assisted installation, where a professional installer handles the trickier parts—like excavation, backfilling and plumbing—while you take care of the rest.

If you’re not sure you want to go full DIY, this middle-ground option might be perfect. One of our clients in Adelaide opted for a hybrid approach, where the pros handled the complicated parts, and they did the easier tasks, like arranging fencing and landscaping. They saved on labour without taking on the full burden of a DIY project.

Pros:

• Professional expertise means faster, reliable installation.
• Reduced risk of mistakes and guaranteed compliance.
• No need to worry about technical aspects like plumbing.

Cons:

• Higher overall costs.
• Less control over the timeline and process.

Cost Considerations

DIY installation can save anywhere between $5,000 to $20,000+, but mistakes can quickly add up if something goes wrong. Hiring a professional offers peace of mind, but you’ll need to factor in higher costs. Consider your skill level, budget, and the amount of time you can commit before making your decision.

Looking to install DIY? Check out Professional Tips for a Flawless Installation

Customising Your Pool Kit: Features and Extras

Now comes the fun part—customising your pool! Whether you’re adding a few extra features for comfort or going all out to create a luxurious backyard oasis, customising your DIY pool kit can ratchet up the enjoyment factor. Just remember, that every add-on impacts your budget, so plan wisely.

Heating

Want to extend your swimming season? Adding a heating system is one of the best ways to enjoy your pool 6 months a year rather than just summer. Gas heaters, heat pumps, and solar heating are the most common options, each varying in price and efficiency. The cost of a heat pump has reduced massively over the past 5 years while solar heating has become more expensive. The upfront cost for heat pumps and solar heating is now roughly equivalent. Heat pumps provide consistent heating and cost between $300 and $500 per year in electricity to run. Solar heating is cheaper to run however can be inconsistent at the times of year you want to heat your swimming pool the most - spring and autumn.

One of our customers in Perth added a solar heating system, and they’ve been swimming comfortably well into autumn. Yes, the initial cost was a bit higher, but now they save on energy bills in the long run!

Lighting

Pool lighting isn’t just practical—it can completely transform your pool’s look. Multi-colour LED lighting creates a beautiful nighttime ambience and adds an extra layer of safety. LED lights are quick and easy to install and use very little electricity when turned on. 

Picture yourself relaxing in your pool on a warm summer night, with soft LED lighting setting the perfect mood—it’s an upgrade that’s well worth considering.

Water Features

If you’re looking to create a tranquil atmosphere, consider adding a water feature or deck jets to your pool. These features add visual appeal and a calming soundscape, but they do come with extra plumbing and maintenance costs.

Automation and Control Systems

For the ultimate convenience, automation systems let you control your pool’s temperature, water chemistry,  lights, and cleaning schedule with just a tap on your smartphone. It’s a great way to keep your pool maintenance in check, but these systems come with a higher upfront cost.

If you like the idea of being able to adjust the water temperature or set the pool lights—all without leaving your lounge chair, you’ll love automation. It will also save the weekly trip to the pool shop to have your pool water tested. Less driving the car and more driving the TV remote control watching the footy!

Final Thoughts

DIY swimming pool kits are an incredible way to create your dream backyard oasis without breaking the bank. With the right planning and a little bit of sweat equity, you can install a pool that’s perfect for your space, your budget, and your lifestyle.

Whether you’re going for a fibreglass, vinyl liner, or concrete pool, each option has its pros and cons. Fibreglass pools give you long-term savings with low maintenance, vinyl liner pools offer flexibility at a lower cost (but with more upkeep), and concrete pools give you the ultimate in customisation—if you’re prepared to invest the time and money.

If you’re feeling unsure about the DIY route, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Plenty of our customers started out with the same concerns. But with careful planning and guidance, they were able to install their pools and save thousands in the process. Just imagine the sense of pride and accomplishment when you’re relaxing by the pool you built with your own hands!

Ready to take the plunge? We’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for expert advice on choosing the perfect DIY swimming pool kit for your backyard. Let’s make your backyard dream a reality!

If you’re ready to start your DIY journey, why not get in touch with us today? We’ll help you pick the best pool kit and guide you through the entire process—from planning to installation. Not sure yet? No problem!

Download our free guide on DIY pool installation and learn more about how you can make it happen.

Happy pool building!