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It's pretty much every Australian's dream to buy a home with a pool, but the reality is that pools usually fall off the wish list for more important things like catchment areas and new kitchens. So many house hunters end up choosing the no-pool house with the idea of putting one in later, but it's not always that simple.
If you plan to add a pool after you buy, here's a clear guide to help you weigh the costs, understand the council approvals, and explore how your home loan could help make it happen.
What’s the cost of installing a pool in Australia?
A backyard pool can be a lifestyle upgrade and a selling point, but it's not a small spend. Here's a quick breakdown of the main pool types and what you might expect to pay:
Concrete pools | From $50,000 to $100,000+ Customisable and long-lasting, but also the most expensive and time-consuming to build. |
Fibreglass pools | From $25,000 to $70,000 Fast to install and cheaper overall, though design options are limited to pre-moulded shapes. |
Above-ground pools | From $3,000 to $15,000 Budget-friendly and quick to set up, but less durable and not usually a value-add when it comes time to sell. |
Beyond the sticker price, here are the hidden costs that can add up:
Fencing and compliance: Mandatory in all states.
Council approvals: Think permits, fees, and inspections.
Landscaping: Surrounds, drainage, decking, and pathways.
Equipment: Pumps, filters, lighting, heating.
Ongoing running costs: Chemicals, cleaning, electricity, and maintenance.
Digging the hole might seem like the straightforward part, but it’s often more complicated, and expensive, than people expect. Excavation costs can vary a lot depending on several factors.
For starters, the type of soil makes a big difference; harder or rocky ground takes more time and effort to dig through, which drives up the cost.
Access to the site also matters; if it’s a tight space, there might be more manual labor involved. Then there’s the issue of existing structures like sheds, patios, gardens, or retaining walls, which can get in the way and require extra work to navigate around.
If the ground is sloped or uneven, additional leveling is needed, which adds to the overall expense. In tricky blocks, excavation can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 before the pool shell arrives.
First-home buyers: Why waiting on the pool could be smart
If you're stretching your deposit or weighing up what matters more, like staying near family or close to the right school catchment, buying a home without a pool might work in your favour. Here's why:
More location choice: Skip the price premium of a home with a pool and focus on getting the right property in the right area.
Lower upfront costs: Stamp duty is calculated on the property's price, so buying first and adding a pool later can save thousands.
Healthier loan profile: A smaller purchase price can mean a lower Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR), which may reduce Lenders Mortgage Insurance or even get you a better interest rate.
Greater control: When you build the pool yourself, you can choose the design, location, and quality. Plus, you can make sure it meets today's standards.
Spread the cost: Down the track, you could use your equity, refinance, or explore personal loan options to fund your pool build without affecting your original deposit.
Upgraders: Make the pool part of your capital growth strategy
If you're upsizing into your forever home or upgrading for lifestyle, a pool can be more than a luxury. It can boost your property's value and future-proof your home for years. Here’s what to consider:
In the right suburb, think warm climate, family-friendly, or outdoor-focused, a good pool can help your home stand out and command stronger interest (and a stronger price), especially if it's modern, low-maintenance, and part of a well-designed outdoor space.
Got good sun, easy access and room for a deck? You're already in a great spot to add value.
But when is the best time to build?
Before you move in: No furniture to worry about. No landscaping to wreck. You can even line it up to start during your settlement period if you're renting while you wait.
After you've settled in: Sometimes the smart move is to wait. You might score an off-season deal (think May–August), or time your finances to line up with a rate drop or equity boost.
Pro tip: Pool excavation costs can drop by 10–15% in cooler months. Just plan for wet weather delays.
Regional buyers: Tough terrain, tougher budgets
Buying regional or further out often means more land and room for that future pool. But what's underneath the block can sometimes cost more than expected.
Here's what to watch for before you dig:
Sloping blocks: These can add design challenges and unexpected costs, like retaining walls, deeper digs or extra drainage.
Rock or sandstone: Rocky soil, common in parts of NSW, SA, and WA, means heavier machinery and longer excavation timelines. It's not just a slow dig; it's a costly one.
Clay-heavy soil: Clay is found in many rural and inland areas. It can swell, shift, and hold water, so extra drainage, waterproofing, or even structural reinforcement might be needed.
Here are the typical excavation costs by soil type:
Sandstone | $400–$700+ per cubic metre. | Needs specialist rock-breaking gear. Can add $10K–$25K to your project. |
Clay | $250–$450 per cubic metre. | Easier to break up but may need extra drainage and stabilisation. |
Flat sandy soil | $100–$250 per cubic metre |
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Let's say, one couple in regional NSW planned a $60K pool, but once sandstone was uncovered, excavation alone hit $18K. In this scenario, an Aussie Broker helped them pivot to a personal loan, keeping their main home loan untouched.
It's a good reminder that bigger land doesn't always mean simpler builds. If you've got big plans for your backyard, factor in what's beneath the surface and talk to your Broker early. There's always a way forward, even when the ground gets tough.
The hidden costs of adding a pool (and how to stay ahead of them)
Aussies love a pool, but building one can come with some surprises. We've seen plenty of quotes that look reasonable, only to blow out by tens of thousands once the real work begins.
The truth is, the cost isn't just the pool itself. It's the approvals, the fencing, the soil, and everything else that make it safe, legal, and long-lasting.
Here's what often catches buyers off guard and how to budget for it smartly.
Council approvals and certificates | Depending on where you live and what you're building, your local council may require: Development Application (DA) if your pool doesn't meet standard zoning rules. Construction certificates to confirm your plans comply with building codes. Occupation certificates are required after the build is complete to prove it's safe to use. State pool register entry, e.g. the NSW Swimming Pool Register. | What it could cost: $1,500–$5,000+ |
Pool fencing (required by law) | You can't fill your pool until the fencing is finished, certified, and complies with Australian Standard AS1926. Costs vary based on: Materials: Glass, aluminium, or steel Installation: Includes gates, locks, and clearances Compliance inspections | What it could cost: $3,000–$10,000 |
Soil removal and disposal | All that earth has to go somewhere, and it's rarely cheap. Expect to pay more if your soil is heavy, contaminated, or hard to access. | What it could cost: $800–$2,500+ |
Access issues and site challenges | If you've got tight side access, stairs, or limited clearance, builders may need to: Bring in smaller equipment (more time = more cost) Use cranes to lift materials over the house Resort to manual digging in hard-to-reach areas | What it could cost: $2,000–$10,000+ |
Ongoing inspections and temporary fencing | During construction, you may also need: Multiple council inspections Temporary fencing hire Insurance to cover the construction zone | What it could cost: $1,000–$3,000+ |
Smart ways to fund your pool build
At Aussie, we've helped thousands of buyers turn their backyard vision into reality without blowing their budget. Here are a few ways to fund it wisely:
Great for post-settlement pool builds. Fast, flexible, and keeps your main mortgage untouched. | |
Some lenders let you include pool costs in your initial home loan if planned early. | |
If your home's value has increased, you may be able to unlock some of that equity to cover your pool. | |
Stage your funding | Cover compliance and fencing now and plan the rest of the build when the timing (and your cash flow) is right. |
Talk to someone who's done this before
Building a pool isn't always straightforward, but it doesn't have to be stressful. An Aussie Broker can walk you through the steps, help you explore your finance options, and ensure you've factored in all the hidden extras before a shovel hits the ground.
Speak with an Aussie Broker today to plan and fund your pool smartly. Let's turn that backyard dream into something real without the surprises.
Watch back-to-back episodes of House Hunters every Friday night at 7.30pm.