The type of pool you choose and how it is installed has a huge impact on the cost. You and I could choose the same model of pool, however, my pool costs $19,000 more than yours.
Why? It comes down to the upgrades chosen, delivery costs, ease of access into your yard, slope of your yard, the type of soil the pool is going into and how you finish the area around your pool.
Let's look at the type of pools and the cost to install the pool without any of the extras like paving, landscaping, automation, robot cleaners and lighting.
Vinyl Liner
Vinyl liner pools are certainly a great option for lower upfront costs. A full-price, full-service pool builder offering a basic installation of a small-sized (4.5m x 2.7m) vinyl liner pool can have it sparkling away in your backyard for as little as $15,000 (and as high as $45,000 for a much bigger pool that is a custom shape). A DIY owner-builder can install a vinyl pool kit for under $10,000. The disadvantage of a vinyl liner pool is the overall cost over 10 years, as the liner normally needs to be replaced every 5 to 8 years, which might cost another $4,000 to $7,000.
Concrete
The big advantage of concrete pools is the ability to design almost any shape and depth. Whereas fibreglass pools can't be customised, concrete is an open design book. This is where the range of costs really gets broad. The same 8m x 4m rectangle-shaped concrete pool might cost an additional $10,000 by increasing the deep end depth from 1.7m to 2.4m and upgrading to a Pebblecrete finish instead of white plaster.
Concrete pools are generally the most expensive option and can not be bought as a kit. Owner Building is only an option for the experienced. While you might save on the installation as an Owner Builder, if not built correctly, you may pay a lot more in years to come fixing problems. A small-sized (4.5m x 2.7m) pool with basic installation by a pool builder will start at $35,000 and can be as much as $120,000 if you really go all out on the design, size and features.
Fibreglass
The starting point for a basic installation by a full-price, full-service pool builder is $30,000 for a small pool (4.5m x 2.7m) and up to $70,000 for a large pool, depending on upgrades and site conditions. This assumes a well-made pool shell with a 35-year lifetime structural warranty and Australian-made pool equipment.
If you decide to buy the same small pool as a DIY pool kit and hire a local installer to complete the installation, you will generally save at least $5,000 from the full-price pool builders quote. If you decided to owner-build and project manage, arranging trades and materials, you could save closer to $10,000.