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Table of Contents
- Mistakes During the Planning Phase That Will Slow You Down
- Installation Mistakes That’ll Cost You—And How to Avoid Them
- Mistakes During the Post-Installation Phase That Will Trip You Up
- Common Safety Oversights and How to Avoid Them
- Building Your Pool with Confidence
- DIY Swimming Pool Construction FAQs
Mistakes During the Planning Phase That Will Slow You Down
Planning might not be the flashiest part of your DIY swimming pool construction project, but it’s where things either fall into place or start to fall apart. Get this right, and you’ll be off to a strong start. Rush it, and you could be chasing problems long after your pool’s filled with water.
Here are the most common planning faceplants we’ve heard of—and how to sidestep them like a pro.
Skipping Council Approvals and Permits
Mistake: Jumping into the build without checking what approvals you need.
Why it matters: Paperwork is about as exciting as watching your neighbour’s grass grow—but skipping it is a rookie move that can land you in serious hot water. Fines, work stoppages, or a half-finished pool that can’t legally be used aren’t as rare as you’d think.
What to do instead:
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Reach out to your local council or a private certifier before you touch a shovel
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Check what's required for both the pool and permanent fencing
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Know that this step is about more than ticking boxes - it’s also about protecting your family, your property value, and your peace of mind.
Underestimating the Budget
Mistake: Overlooking the little costs that add up over the project.
Why it matters: DIY can save you thousands—but it doesn’t mean it’s cheap as chips. Plenty of folks forget to factor in extra costs like soil removal, temporary fencing or retaining walls and then get caught out mid-project with no room left in the budget.
What to do instead:
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List out every stage: excavation, plumbing, fencing, landscaping
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Add realistic costs, then a buffer for the unexpected.
Choosing the Wrong Pool for Your Space
Mistake: Picking a pool that looks amazing online but doesn’t suit your backyard.
Why it matters: We’ve all seen that Instagram-perfect pool and thought, “Yep, I want that.” But what looks amazing online might be entirely wrong for your actual backyard—or your sanity. The last thing you want is trying to wedge a pool shell into your yard like a doona into a shoebox.
What to do instead:
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Measure your space properly using builders string, marking paint or anything else you can find
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Think about how the pool will be delivered and placed to make sure it will fit and there aren’t any immovable obstacles in the way - large trees etc
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Check the minimum distances and space required for your equipment and shell delivery in the tip sheet we provide
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Use our virtual reality tool so you can see how different pools will look in your yard.
“I bought a house with a massive pool. It took up the whole yard and didn’t leave a lot of room for the BBQ or lawn for the kids. This time around, I want something smaller which will leave room to live” — one of our DIY legends in South Australia
Overlooking Site Preparation Needs
Mistake: Assuming your yard is “pool-ready” just because it looks flat.
Why it matters: A yard that looks pool-ready might be hiding all sorts of fun. We've heard of more than a few DIYers caught out by huge tree roots, underground pipes or services, or backyard surprises you wouldn’t wish on your worst mate like solid rock.
What to do instead:
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Spend a couple hundred dollars getting a soil test
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If you have big trees, check what species it is and whether they have far-reaching roots
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Use free tools like BYDA to download a map showing where sewer, water and power is located on your property.
Installation Mistakes That’ll Cost You—And How to Avoid Them
Once the planning is sorted, it’s go time. You’ve got your shell ready, your site marked out, and probably a few eager mates on standby. But this is where a lot of DIYers get caught off guard. Not because they’re lazy or clueless—but because they don’t yet know what to expect.
Let’s help you avoid the stuff-ups that others have had to learn the hard way.
Skipping the Ground Rules: Literally
Why it matters: The base under your pool is everything. If the ground’s soft, uneven, or has poor drainage, your shell can shift, crack or sit off-level—sometimes not for months, but eventually.
What to do instead:
- Use a laser level or string line to match the base to your pool’s taper (we’ll give you a dig sheet with these details)
- If you’re working with clay soil, include sub-soil drainage before laying bedding material
- Always measure and recheck—eyeballing it won’t cut it here. Overexcavation adds to your installation costs and time to install the pool
- Heavier clay zones may need a deeper base—we provide an engineering detail specific to your soil type.
This is one of the areas we get the most “wish I’d done it differently” feedback on. Take the time—it matters.
Rushing the Big Moment: Placing the Shell
Mistake: Dropping the shell in without checking that it’s aligned and level.
Why it matters: If the pool is sitting high on one or more sides, it will show in the waterline. The only way to lower a pool is to have the crane lift it out, scrape out the excess bedding material and drop it back in.
What to do instead:
- Triple-check with a laser level before the crane removes the lifting straps
- Make small alignment adjustments before filling the pool with water
- Take your time here—it’s worth it. No one looks back and says, “I wished I’d rushed that”.
“Getting the shell in was exciting—but it took us two extra hours to get it level. Worth every minute.” — one of our DIY legends in Queensland.
Not Thinking About Machinery Access
Mistake: Realising too late that your site is too tight for a truck or crane.
Why it matters: Without access, placing your shell becomes a real pickle. You don’t want to be dismantling fences or removing trees at the last minute.
What to do instead:
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Measure access points well in advance
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If access is tight, organise crane hire early
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Don’t assume the delivery truck will “figure it out”—they won’t.
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MailMistakes During the Post-Installation Phase That Will Trip You Up
You’ve placed the shell, sorted the plumbing, and filled the esky to celebrate. But before you start handing out invites for the first cannonball, there are a few more things you’ve got to nail down. This final stage is where a bit of complacency can undo all your hard work—and there’s been more than a few DIYers coming unstuck right at the finish line.
Here’s what to keep your eye on.
She’ll Be Right? Not Without Fencing
Mistake:
Putting off permanent fencing—or assuming your temporary setup is “good enough for now.”
Why it matters: Getting your pool fencing sorted early means you’re not only ticking the legal boxes—you’re also creating a safer space for your family and visitors. Many of our customers tell us that having the fence up made the whole project feel real—like their backyard transformation was finally coming together.
What to do instead:
- Install compliant temporary fencing from day one of excavation
- Book your permanent fencing well before the installation starts
- Check your fencing is compliant with non-climb zones as required by AS1926.1. Your fence supplier can help with this.
“My pool fence guy was great. He told me I needed to prune back a small tree so it wasn’t a climbing point. The inspector ticked off my pool first visit” DIY legend in Mildura, Victoria
Crystal Clear Water Doesn’t Happen by Accident
Mistake:
Thinking your pool will look after itself once it’s filled.
Why it matters: This is a classic one. Your pool might be brand new—but it still needs consistent care to stay in top condition. Skipping basic maintenance in the first few weeks is a surefire way to end up with cloudy water or algae.
What to do instead:
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Skim, brush and clean the pool weekly
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Take a water test to the pool shop weekly for the first month to adjust your chemical levels and learn your pool
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Set a simple calendar reminder to build the habit early.
Landscaping? Nah, Later Mate
Mistake:
Leaving the pool surround unfinished—or assuming a few pavers will do the trick.
Why it matters: We often hear from customers dealing with drainage issues or constant debris within weeks of filling the pool. The landscaping around your pool plays a big role in how clean and safe it stays.
What to do instead:
- Use non-slip, well-draining materials around the pool
- Grade surfaces so water drains away from the shell and fencing
- Choose low-maintenance plants that don’t drop half the backyard into your pool.
Approximately 14% of Australians, or 3.1 million people, have a pool or spa at home, reflecting a growing trend in ownership and one of the highest per-capita rates globally. roymorgan.com
Common Safety Oversights and How to Avoid Them
DIY swimming pool construction is exciting - and rightly so. But amongst all the digging, levelling, and cannonball-daydreaming, safety can sometimes take a back seat.
Getting these right isn’t just about ticking off legal requirements. It’s about creating a space where you can relax, knowing your family and friends are safe from day one.
Here are the most common safety mistakes DIY pool builders make and how to stay ahead of them.
Leaving the Site Unsecured
Mistake: Skipping temporary fencing after excavation because “it’s only a few days.”
Why it matters: We get it—once the hole’s dug, you want to move fast. But open excavation poses a real risk, especially with kids or pets around. And in most states, it’s also not legal to leave it unfenced.
What to do instead:
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Set up compliant temporary fencing from the first day of excavation. It’s not expensive
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Make sure it fully encloses the area—no gaps, no shortcuts
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Keep it in place until your permanent fencing is installed and certified.
Forgetting About Drainage
Mistake:
Overlooking how water flows around your pool—especially after a storm.
Why it matters: Bad drainage = slippery surfaces, dislodged paving, cracked concrete, and standing water that attracts mozzies (and drama).
What to do instead:
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Grade your pool area so water flows away from the shell
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Use strip drains near retaining walls or enclosed zones
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Avoid pooling around the shell, coping or fence posts—it’ll save you trouble down the track.
Forgetting Electrical Safety
Mistake:
Not having an electrician earth the steel in the concrete around the pool.
Why it matters: Doing it yourself (unless you’re a licensed sparkie) is not just risky—it’s illegal.
What to do instead:
- Use a qualified electrician for all electrical earthing work
- Make sure steel reinforcement and fencing around the shell are properly earthed
- Check that your electrician signs off on compliance before inspection.
Upon completion, installing permanent fencing is mandatory. Australian standards, such as AS1926.1-2012, dictate that pool barriers must be at least 1.2 meters high, with self-closing and self-latching gates. Non-compliance can lead to substantial fines and increased drowning risks.
poolsafetysolutions.com.au
poolsafetysolutions.com.au
Building Your Pool with Confidence
Taking on a DIY pool build isn’t a weekend project—it’s a proper challenge. But it’s also one of the most satisfying things you’ll ever tick off the list. When you stand back and look at that finished pool, knowing you made it happen… yeah, that’s a feeling that’s hard to beat.
Of course, things won’t always go exactly to plan. There’ll be moments where you second-guess a measurement, run into a delay, or wonder if you should’ve just paid someone else to do it. But if you can avoid the common mistakes we’ve covered in this guide, you’ll stay one step ahead—and keep your budget and build on track.
A few things we want you to remember:
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Start strong with solid planning—permits, budget, layout. It sets the tone for everything
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Stay sharp during installation—level it, test it, and check it twice
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Finish with care—safety, fencing, water balance and maintenance are the final 10% that matter most.
And if at any point you feel like you’re out of your depth? That’s normal. You’re not doing this alone. We’ve helped a lot of Aussies through this process—not because we’re on site but because we’ve answered the same questions, solved the same issues, and supported customers from start to splash.
So, take your time. Ask the questions. Trust the process. You’ve got this. And remember—we’re just a call or message away if you need a hand.
So, take your time. Ask the questions. Trust the process. You’ve got this. And remember—we’re just a call or message away if you need a hand.
Do I need professional help for any part of my DIY pool construction?
Usually, yes—for a few key things.
While you can take on most of the project yourself, we always recommend calling in the pros for anything regulated or specialised—like plumbing into sewer lines, electrical work, or crane operation. Many of our customers install the pool themselves but bring in licensed tradies for those crucial parts.
Think of it this way: DIY doesn’t mean doing everything solo—it means owning the process and knowing when to outsource the tricky stuff.
While you can take on most of the project yourself, we always recommend calling in the pros for anything regulated or specialised—like plumbing into sewer lines, electrical work, or crane operation. Many of our customers install the pool themselves but bring in licensed tradies for those crucial parts.
Think of it this way: DIY doesn’t mean doing everything solo—it means owning the process and knowing when to outsource the tricky stuff.
Can I upgrade my pool later with things like heating or lights?
Absolutely. A lot of our customers start simple, then add extras once they’re up and swimming. Just make sure you leave space and access for future upgrades during installation—especially for wiring or plumbing feeds.
Thinking ahead now = less digging later.
Is it possible to install a pool without using heavy machinery?
It’s doable—but be prepared for a workout.
Smaller plunge pools can sometimes be installed with just a few mates, some hand tools and a lot of elbow grease. But for larger shells or tricky terrain, you’ll need machinery to make life easier (and safer).
It’s not about muscle—it’s about momentum. The right tools speed everything up and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Smaller plunge pools can sometimes be installed with just a few mates, some hand tools and a lot of elbow grease. But for larger shells or tricky terrain, you’ll need machinery to make life easier (and safer).
It’s not about muscle—it’s about momentum. The right tools speed everything up and help you avoid costly mistakes.
