Tips for Building a DIY Fibreglass Plunge Pool on a Budget

G’day! So, you’ve been dreaming about adding a plunge pool to your backyard, but the thought of the cost has you hesitating, right? Trust me, you’re not alone. Well, here’s the kicker – you can install a DIY plunge pool yourself using fibreglass, and it won’t break the bank.

The popularity of fibreglass plunge pools in Australia has gone through the roof, especially when space and budget are tight. Picture this: it’s a typical scorching Aussie summer day and all you need to do is take a few short steps outside to cool off in the comfort of home. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

Let me show you how you can turn this dream into a reality and save heaps in the process.

Planning and Design

First things first: planning. This isn’t just about deciding where your pool will go; it’s about setting a budget and getting your design spot-on. Think about the functionality of your overall layout and how a plunge pool will fit into your outdoor space. Measure twice, cut once, as the saying goes. Ideally, choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight but isn’t too exposed to leaves and debris to keep future maintenance down.

Hot Tip: Use Google Maps to get a top-down view of your home as a starting point. The bird's eye perspective is a game changer. If sketching on paper isn’t your thing, use a simple free online tool. It’s much easier to make changes on paper (or a screen) rather than having an “oh dear” moment once your excavation starts.

Benefits of Fibreglass Pools

Why fibreglass, you ask? Well, fibreglass pools are known for their durability and low maintenance.

• They're also quicker to install (on sloping or flat ground) than other types of plunge pools, like vinyl or custom concrete.
• Fibreglass shells weigh a lot less than pre-cast concrete plunge pools, saving you thousands in crane hire fees.
• While lighter, fibreglass pools have longer warranties than precast concrete, vinyl liner, and custom-built concrete pools.
• The smooth surface of fibreglass pools means less algae build-up, saving you time and money on cleaning and chemical use.

Fibreglass plunge pools are cheaper and easier to install and maintain and have longer warranties you say? Make sure you do your homework however you will find the answer is “yes”.

Let me tell you about Grace in Moama, New South Wales who wanted a 4.5m plunge pool. She was quoted up to $48,000 for a concrete pool built on-site and up to $33,000 for a pre-cast concrete pool delivered to her property. This did not include the crane to lift it in. Can’t be that much thought Grace. Turns out that lifting a 10,000kg pre-cast concrete pool would cost $6,500 in crane hire fees. The total cost before site works and installation tallied up to a bank account scorching $39,500. We were able to deliver the same size fibreglass pool kit to Grace for a total cost of $22,000. Weighing just 500kg, the cost to hire the crane was $1,200.

Sourcing Fibreglass Pool Kits

Let's think about where you can get fibreglass plunge pool kits from. There are heaps of suppliers across Australia with affordable options. It's tempting to go for the cheapest but trust me, spending a bit more upfront on quality saves you from costly repairs later. There is no such thing as “cheap” and “good quality” whether it is furniture, a car or a pool.  Stick with national suppliers known for their quality and decades-long experience making pool shells and you won’t be a new manufacturer's guinea pig.

Hot Tip: Sometimes, suppliers like us will have Factory Seconds with slight cosmetic imperfections. These minor imperfections don’t affect durability or warranties, which means you can save a bundle without sacrificing quality.

DIY Installation Tips

Ready to get started on your fibreglass plunge pool? Here's a straightforward guide to help you through the process:

1. Excavation: You will need an excavator to dig a hole in the shape of your pool. A bobcat typically removes the soil to a waiting truck. If access is narrower than 3m, smaller equipment will be needed, increasing time and cost. Ensure soil removal is included in your excavation quote.

   Check sites like www.fillwanted.com.au for free soil removal options. Avoid excavating more than 1 week before installation to prevent the excavation collapsing in from rain or unstable soil.

2. Retaining: If your plunge pool is being installed on a sloping block or above ground, you won’t need as much excavation work. You will need to build retaining walls to hold in the backfilling material between the pool shell and the retaining. Go for cheap blockwork that can be hidden with a range of cladding for an awesome looking finish without spending a fortune. 
   

3. Base Preparation: To ensure your pool is level and has adequate groundwater drainage, lay a bedding layer of porous material like crusher dust or small aggregate (no larger than 7mm). This layer doesn't need to be compacted, and you won't need a concrete slab. Your DIY pool kit should include a copy of the Australian Standards 1838:2021 for fibreglass pool installation to guide you through the process.

4. Pool Placement: With the help of a crane, carefully place the fibreglass shell into the excavation or retained area. If it is not perfectly level or in the right position, the shell can be easily moved without needing to get the crane back to site.

5. Backfilling and Water Filling: Backfilling is essentially filling the space around your fibreglass pool shell. Use cement-stabilised crusher dust to backfill around your pool, as this prevents erosion from groundwater and future pool movement. During this process, slowly fill your pool with water to ensure it remains level and the pool walls stay straight.

   For compliance with Australian safety standards, install temporary pool fencing once the pool has more than 300mm of water in it.

6. Plumbing and Connections: Once your fibreglass pool shell is in place, it's time for plumbing. Connect the return jets, skimmer box, and any additional plumbing provisions with Class 9 PVC plumbing and two-part pressure glue. Pressure test all plumbing connections for leaks before backfilling. To manage groundwater levels, install a 100mm PVC standpipe with a hydrostatic valve on the pool floor.

7. Finishing Touches: Once the pool is in place and all systems are connected, it is time to showcase your style and finish off the surrounding area with your chosen landscaping, decking, or paving.

For a more comprehensive installation guide, check out the detailed instructions on our DIY Fibreglass Pool Installation Process From Start To Finish Guide.

Safety Tip: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and adhere to local regulations to ensure a safe and compliant installation.

Plumbing and Filtration Systems

Keeping your pool clean and the water safe to swim in is a must, right? Go for a budget-friendly filtration system. Ideally, source from a pool kit company with national buying power so you can benefit install Australian-made equipment. Choosing Chinese-built equipment to save money may end up costing you plenty with repairs and replacements in the future. Reputable plunge pool kit suppliers have all-in-one kits with everything you need including the pump, filter and chlorinator.

Quick Tip: Consider energy-efficient variable speed pumps to save up to 80% on your annual electricity bill. Plunge pools are often installed close to your outdoor deck. Variable speed pumps are also whisper quiet and won’t intrude on your peaceful 10 minutes of me time (before the kids find you).

Landscaping and Aesthetic Enhancements

A plunge pool is more than just a pool; it's a part of your backyard oasis. You can create a magazine-cover-worthy area with some budget-friendly landscaping. Think native Australian plants, simple decking and a few outdoor lights to set the mood.

Creative Idea: Use 600 x 400 pavers around the pool edge to really define your space.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintaining a fibreglass pool is easy peasy but it is not a total hands-off “put it in and walk away” type deal. I’ve been looking for the magical Pool Cleaning Fairy for 25 years without success! Here are some tips:

• Regular Cleaning: Skim the surface for leaves and debris, and vacuum the pool floor and walls regularly. Plunge pools are compact by nature so it really is a 10-minute job each week at the most.

• Chemical Balance: Keep an eye on the water's pH and chlorine levels and you will avoid 90% of the problems pool owners experience (green or cloudy water, stinging eyes etc).

• Inspect Equipment: Empty the leaf basket in your pump regularly. If this is chockers, water flow is reduced, and your pump starts working harder, which will shorten its life.

Pro Tip: Investing in a good pool cover can significantly reduce maintenance time by keeping out unwanted leaves and debris. The bonus is a pool cover uses the sun to heat your pool water by up to 8 degrees for free.

Cost-Saving Tips and Tricks

Finally, let's talk about some extra ways to save money on your DIY fibreglass plunge pool:

• DIY vs Professionals: While hiring professionals can make the process easier, doing it yourself will save you thousands of hard-earned dollars. Reputable pool kit suppliers should give you tip sheets, access to How-To videos, and be available to take your calls on weekends if you need pointing in the right direction.

• Recycled Materials: Use recycled materials for decking and landscaping to cut costs.

• Lean on Friends and Family: Ask for help from friends and family during the installation process. Many hands make light work and can save a big chunk of labour costs. After seeing how awesome your plunge pool is and the money you saved, they will be ringing you up soon enough to help install their pool!

Building a DIY fibreglass plunge pool on a budget is totally doable with a bit of planning, some elbow grease and the right support. It isn't just a home improvement project—it's about crafting a special spot for your family to create lifelong memories. Imagine this: a sunny afternoon spent in the pool, followed by a laid-back barbecue with your friends as day turns into night. The laughs, the fun, and the pride of having built it yourself—it's simply unbeatable.

Excited to get started? There’s no better time to start your pool project. Begin planning today, and share your DIY pool-building journey with us. We’re here to support you every step of the way, and we can’t wait to see the amazing backyard retreat you create.

Additional Resources

• The Essentials You Must Know Before Buying a Pool
• DIY Pool Installation Guide - Step-by-step guide to installing your pool.
• Questions? - Get in touch we’re happy to help answer any questions you may have.

Happy pool building!