when planning your dream backyard, it’s essential to work with an honest pool builder who has extensive experience and is upfront about all the things you need to think about when creating your dream backyard.

If you want to be on the front foot, here are some considerations you must include in your budget (and check if your pool builder does or does not cover them).

Pre-planning

• Do you want an area around the pool for seating?
• What choices are available for a filtration system, pool water, heating and robotic cleaning systems?
• Where will your pool equipment be located, and how will it be protected?
• Where will you store the kids’ pool toys and floats?
• Do you want a swimming pool cover? If yes, will it be integrated into the pool area or temporary?
• Do you need to consider sewer mains?
• What do you want your pool area to look like in three months?

Approval to build

• What is the cost to apply for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), Construction Certification and Occupation Certificate? Are these costs included in the quote?
• Do you need a GeoTech report?
• Who draws up the plans, and is that cost included?
• Is engineering required?

Site Costs

• Are there any access issues, power lines, trees or fences to consider?
• Do tip trucks, cranes, and excavators have unobstructed access to the site of the pool?
• Are sewer lines or other services located where the pool will be?
• Is excavation a fixed cost or charged by the hour?
• What happens if the excavator hits rock?
• Is there space to stockpile the dirt, or does it need to be loaded directly into a truck?
• Who covers the cost of dirt and rock removal from your backyard?
• Is temporary fencing included in the quote, and who organizes it?
• Does the site require traffic control when the shell is delivered?

During Construction

• Do fence panels need to be temporarily removed? If yes, who is responsible for removing and replacing them?
• Can an excavator lift the pool into its hole, or will a crane be required?
• Can a concrete truck back up to the pool edge to pour the bond beam, or will a concrete pump be required?
• Pools require electrical work for filtration, heaters and water features. Is this work included in the price? If you choose a gas heater, is the labor to connect to the gas supply included?

Handover

• Who pays for the water to fill the pool?
• What is the handover process?
• Does your pool builder supply a pool cleaning kit (telescopic pole, broom, leaf scoop, vacuum head, hose and chemical test kit)?

Finishing the dream

• Excavators, trucks, and cranes will transform your grassy backyard into mud and dust during a pool build. How will your pool builder leave your backyard?
• Who will complete the hardscaping and landscaping?

A pool is a significant investment, and your choices will ultimately determine the most expensive part of your pool build.

Your local Narellan Pools pool builder has extensive experience in pool design, site constraints and backyard design.

There are five variables to consider when planning your pool building budget.

1. Site costs including excess soil removal, rock excavation, retaining walls or the need for an above ground Pool.

2. Accessories including a variable speed pump, water management system, robotic pool cleaner, MagnaPool® mineral pool water system, heat pump, spa jets, swim jets and additional lighting.

3. A combination install, or just a pool? Adding a spa and splash deck and the equipment required to run them can add up to as much as your pool shell: the larger your combination install, the more pipes, filtration equipment, hardscaping and fencing you’ll require.

4. Fencing choices of aluminium or glass can vary significantly. Also, the length of the fence required for a pool with extensive surroundings can quickly add up.

5. Hardscaping and landscaping options. When it comes to your pool’s surroundings, it pays to plan. Are you happy with small plants or want established trees and shrubs? The difference can be up to $500 per plant!

Do you want a 1-metre width of tiles around your pool or a larger area for sun loungers or a day bed? The more hardspace around your pool, the more concrete (and tiles or pavers) you’ll require.

When it comes to finishing the pool deck, tiles are cheaper than travertine, and 20mm thickness is less than 40mm. A dropped edge will add to the cost of your coping tiles, whilst a bullnose finish will save you cash.

Composite decking will cost more upfront than natural timber but requires no ongoing maintenance. 200sqm of turf will be more than 20sqm. Then there’s sun loungers, day beds, egg chairs, a built-in cabana, an outdoor kitchen and a cantilever sun umbrella.