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Ever dreamt of having a pool in your backyard but fell off your chair when you saw the quote from a full service, full price pool builder? You’re not alone. That’s why DIY fibreglass pool kits have become the smart alternative for Aussies who want all the fun of a pool—without the eye-watering installation costs.
Before you start picturing yourself floating around with a drink in hand, remember—installing a pool isn’t just digging a hole and dropping in a shell. There are key steps to getting it right, but the good news? Anyone can do this with the right information, installation guidance videos, tip sheets and a bit of planning.
This guide breaks down the main stages of a DIY pool install—no unnecessary fluff, just what you need to know to understand the overall process to keep more of your hard-earned cash in your back pocket.
Why More Aussies Are Choosing DIY Pools
Aussies love a good DIY project, and pools are no exception. With a DIY fibreglass pool kit, you can:
- Save thousands on installation costs.
- Control your timeline (no waiting months for contractors).
- Get a pro-level finish with the right guidance and support.
Whether you’re after a compact plunge pool or a family-sized entertainer, installing your own pool isn’t as hard as you might think.
Step 1: Planning & Budgeting – Get It Right from the Start
Before you start digging up your backyard like an overenthusiastic wombat, you need to get your plan locked in. This will save you from budget blowouts, council headaches, and timeline disasters.
Know Your Local Rules
Councils have strict regulations on how close your pool can be to fences, homes, and sewer lines.- Check for easements—you can’t put a pool over a main sewer, water, or drainage line.
- Get free service diagrams at www.byda.com.au
- If space is tight, talk to a private certifier to fast-track approvals.
Choosing the Right Pool Kit
Bigger doesn’t always mean better. A 6m fibreglass pool is plenty of space for cannonballs and cooling off without taking over your backyard.
Pro Tip: Grab some builder’s string line from your local hardware ($5) and mark out your pool size on the ground to see how much space you’ll have left for BBQs, outdoor seating, or a fire pit.
Budgeting – What to Plan For
Your DIY pool budget should include:- Pool kit & essential equipment
- Council permits
- Excavation & soil removal
- Bedding & backfill materials
- Equipment hire (if needed)
- Crane hire
- Bond beam (reinforced concrete around the pool edge)
- Temporary & permanent fencing
- Paving & landscaping
- Electrician
- Plumber (if using a sand filter connected to sewer)
Pro Tip: If your site has good access, crane hire can be as little as $500 with a Franna crane—way cheaper than lifting an 8,000kg precast concrete plunge pool!
Step 2: Permits & Compliance – Get Council Approval
No one loves paperwork, but skipping this step could mean big fines, delays, or having to take out your pool.
What You Need to Do:
- Get a site plan (draftsman, online tool, or ask your pool supplier).
- Apply for permits—either through your local council (cheaper but slower) or a private certifier (costs more but faster).
- Submit paperwork—your DIY pool kit supplier will provide engineering details, filtration compliance info, and state-specific forms.
Pro Tip: Download your council’s pool permit checklist and tick off each item—it’ll save you time and stress.
Step 3: Preparing the Site – Dig Smart, Not Hard
Excavation – Getting It Right
Don’t dig too early! Excavation should happen no more than 7 days before installation to avoid rain turning the hole into a mud-filled mess that needs to be dug out.- Check your soil type—sandy = less backfill, clay = needs extra backfill.
- Plan for soil removal—tipping fees can be expensive in capital cities.
- Hire a laser level to make sure your bedding aligns with the contour of your pool.
Pro Tip: If your yard is sloped and your pool will be more than 300mm out of the ground, you may need retaining walls—or you could go for a semi or fully above-ground fibreglass pool.
Step 4: Delivery & Pool Placement – Crane Day!
What to Plan For:
- Crane access—Good access = cheaper crane hire.
- Weather check—Strong winds? Reschedule!
- Confirm pool orientation before lifting.
Pro Tip: High-quality fibreglass pools have dedicated lifting points. If yours doesn’t, be careful—dropped fibreglass shells don’t bounce!
Step 5: Plumbing – Easier Than You Think
You don’t need a plumber to install most of your pool’s plumbing—unless you're connecting a sand filter to the sewer.
- Connect the skimmer box, return jets, and suction lines.
- Use Class 9 PVC pipe and pressure-test everything before backfilling.
Pro Tip: Install spa jets or heating provisions now—even if you’re adding them later. It’s way easier than digging things up later!
Learn more with our video: How to Plumb Up a Fibreglass Pool
Step 6: Backfilling – Locking Everything in Place
What You Need to Know:
- Use crusher dust, gravel, or sand/cement mix
- Backfill in layers while filling the pool with water
- Temporary fencing is required once the pool has 300mm of water.
Pro Tip: If you order pre-mixed cement stabilised backfill, make sure you use it all on the day of delivery. Overnight damp will start the process of the cement going off. You don't want to find a backfill material pavlova in the morning.
Watch Our Video on: The Bedding and Backfill Material To Use When Installing A Fibreglass Pool
Step 7: Electrical & Equipment Setup
A licensed electrician is needed to:
- Install power outlets for filtration and any other equipment such as lights
- Hardwire bigger heat pumps (if heating your pool)
- Earth the concrete bond beam
Pro Tip: Run extra conduit and power points now if you plan to add heating or features later—way cheaper than adding them after the pool is finished!
Step 8: Bond Beam, Coping & Pool Fencing
Coping Pavers
- Choose slip-resistant materials (natural stone, pavers, or exposed aggregate)
- Light-coloured pavers stay cooler in summer.
Need a demonstration? Watch now: How To Build The Bond Beam
Pool Fencing – Must Be Compliant
- Minimum 1.2m high.
- Self-closing, self-latching gate.
- No climbable objects within 900mm.
Pro Tip:
Your local council must approve your permanent pool fencing before they can issue a compliance certificate.
Step 9: Final Water Balance & First Swim!
- Vacuum out backfill dust and debris (manual vacuum only—robot cleaners can get damaged).
- Run the pump and filter continuously for 48 hours to bring up your chlorine levels.
- Test & balance water chemistry (pH, alkalinity, chlorine etc).
Pro Tip: A pool cover reduces chlorine loss, reduces evaporation by 95% and naturally heats your pool up to 8 degrees
Yes, You Can DIY Your Own Pool!
Installing a DIY fibreglass pool in Australia isn’t just possible—it’s achievable for anyone. With the right plan and support, you’ll save thousands and have a backyard you can be proud of.
Watch our timelapse installation video below and get inspired.
Happy pool building!
Additional Resources
- The Essentials You Must Know Before Buying a Pool
- DIY Pool Installation Stages - Including photos and dives a lot deeper into the ins and outs of it all.
