At Plunge Pools Gold Coast, we make high-quality custom concrete pools without the guesswork. Whether you want a compact plunge pool or a fully custom build pool, we make sure your pool is built right, lasts long, and adds real value to your home.
This guide is your cheat sheet to saving money on custom concrete pools. We’ll break down the biggest costs, highlight essential construction steps, and uncover the hidden fees most homeowners overlook.
The Real Cost of Installing a Custom Concrete Pool
Not all pool costs are created equal. Some expenses hit hard upfront, while others creep up over time. If you’re considering a custom concrete pool, it’s important to understand what goes into the cost and which part of building a pool requires the biggest investment. Here’s a breakdown of what costs the most, what’s unavoidable, and where you can actually save money.
1. Excavation & Ground Preparation – The Hidden Cost Factor
Cost: $5,000 – $20,000+
Excavation costs depend heavily on your site’s terrain and soil conditions. A flat yard with soft soil keeps expenses low, while rocky, clay-heavy, or sloped land requires specialised equipment, extra labor, and soil stabilisation—all of which drive up costs significantly.
How to Save: Conduct a soil test before starting construction to identify potential challenges. Proper planning helps avoid unexpected excavation costs and delays. An experienced pool builder can assess your site and recommend cost-effective solutions.
2. Custom Concrete Pool Structure
Cost: $50,000 – $150,000 (including installation and labor)
Unlike fiberglass pools, which come in pre-made pool shells, concrete pools are built entirely from scratch, allowing for unlimited customisation. Whether you want a unique shape, deeper sections, or premium finishes, concrete offers the flexibility to create the perfect pool for your space. However, this level of customisation comes at a premium, requiring more materials, extensive labour, and longer construction timelines.
How to Save: Stick to functional, efficient designs. While features like infinity edges, tanning ledges, and custom mosaics look impressive, they can significantly increase costs. A well-designed, straightforward concrete pool offers durability and style without unnecessary expenses.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Concrete Pool
- Longer Installation Timeline – Expect three to six months for excavation, framing, curing, and finishing.
- Higher Maintenance Requirements – Concrete pools need more chemicals, frequent cleaning, and resurfacing every 10 to 15 years.
3. Pool Equipment & Filtration – The Non-Negotiables
Cost: $3,000 – $15,000
Without the right equipment, your pool is just a stagnant pond. You need:
- Pumps & Filters – Circulates and cleans the water.
- Heating Systems – Gas, solar, or electric to extend swim season.
- Automation & Smart Controls – Set temperature, lighting, and filtration from your phone.
How to Save: Energy-efficient pumps and solar heating cut electricity costs long-term. You’ll pay more upfront, but the savings add up fast.
4. Custom Features & High-End Finishes – The “Wow” Factor
Cost: $5,000 – $30,000+
This is where people blow their budget. Want your pool to look like a five-star resort? It’ll cost you.
- Waterfalls & Infinity Edges – Looks incredible, but expensive to build.
- Glass Tile & Pebble Finishes – Better than basic plaster, but you pay for it.
- LED Lighting & Fire Features – Great for aesthetics, not great for your wallet.
How to Save: Start with the basics and upgrade later. Make your pool functional and well-designed from the start, rather than overspending on luxury water features upfront. A clean, thoughtfully planned pool beats a half-finished “luxury” build any day.
5. Decking, Landscaping & Surroundings – The Final Touches
Cost: $5,000 – $25,000
The area around the pool matters as much as the pool itself. You’ll need:
- Timber decking or pavers – Creates a seamless look.
- Landscaping & fencing – Adds privacy and keeps it legal.
- Outdoor seating & shading – Because no one wants to sit in the sun all day.
How to Save: Composite decking lasts longer, requires less maintenance, and looks just as good. Choosing durable materials will ensure that your pool area remains stylish and low-maintenance for years to come. Do it once, do it right.
The Hidden Costs That Blow Up Your Pool Budget
Most people think pool costs stop at excavation. Wrong.The real budget killers are the ones you don’t see coming. Skip these, and your “affordable” pool turns into a money pit. Here’s where homeowners get blindsided—and how to avoid it.
1. Soil Testing & Ground Prep – The Unexpected Expense
Cost: $500 – $5,000+
Your backyard might not be ready for a pool. If you’ve got unstable soil, clay, or rock, excavation gets expensive—fast. And if there’s a high water table, you’ll need extra drainage to keep your pool from shifting.
Why It Matters:
- Expanding soil = pool cracks (translation: thousands in repairs).
- Rocky ground = slow, costly digging (bigger machines, more labour).
- Water table too high? Say hello to sump pumps and extra drainage costs.
How to Save: Get a soil test before digging for the foundation of your swimming pool.
2. Permit & Compliance Fees – The Non-Negotiable Cost
Cost: $500 – $2,500+
Want a pool? You need a permit. Australia has strict pool safety laws, and council approvals, inspections, and fencing requirements aren’t optional.
What You’re Paying For:
- Building permits – Required before you even break ground.
- Safety inspections – Pool fencing, barriers, and compliance checks.
- Engineering reports – If your pool is large or deep, expect extra paperwork.
How to Save: Work with a licensed installer (like Plunge Pools Gold Coast) who knows the regulations and handles the permits for you. Skip this step, and you’re looking at project delays, fines, or worse—having to redo work.
3. Pool Insurance & Liability – The Cost of Risk
Cost: $300 – $1,000 per year
Your home insurance premium is going up. Why? Because insurers see pools as high-risk liabilities.
- More coverage needed – Accidents, injuries, or property damage.
- Safety requirements – Some insurers won’t cover you without fencing, alarms, or pool covers.
- Luxury pools = luxury premiums – Infinity edges, spas, or deep pools? Expect higher rates.
How to Save: Call your insurer before installation. Know what’s required before you commit so you don’t get stuck with unexpected costs.
4. Water Costs – It Doesn’t Stop at the First Fill
Cost: $200 – $1,000 per year
Think filling your pool is a one-time cost? Think again. Between evaporation, splashing, and backwashing, your pool loses water constantly.
- Bigger pool = bigger water bill
- Hotter climate = faster evaporation
- More swimming = more top-ups
How to Save: Use a pool cover to stop water loss. Install a rainwater tank to cut down on refilling costs. Every litre saved = dollars back in your pocket.
5. Landscaping & Surroundings – The “Finishing Touch” That Costs a Fortune
Cost: $5,000 – $25,000
Your pool isn’t complete without the area around it—but that’s where people underestimate costs the most.
- Fencing – Legally required. No way around it.
- Decking or paving – Otherwise, your pool is just a hole in the ground.
- Plants & privacy screens – Because no one wants to feel like they’re swimming in a fishbowl.
How to Save: Start with fencing and basic decking. Add landscaping later to spread out costs without sacrificing style.
The Most Expensive Pool Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
A pool is a big investment. But most homeowners waste thousands on avoidable mistakes. The wrong decisions inflate costs, delay installation, and turn a dream pool into a financial disaster. Here’s how to keep your budget in check without cutting corners:
1. Poor Planning & Last-Minute Changes – The Budget Killer
Wasted Money: $1,000 – $10,000+
Want to burn through your budget fast? Change your pool design after construction starts. Adjusting the size, shape, or features mid-build means:
- More excavation and labor costs
- Wasted materials and expensive replacements
- Delays that skyrocket contractor fees
How to Avoid It:
- Decide everything upfront, including the type of pool and warranty options. No second-guessing.
- Work with a pro installer (like Plunge Pools Gold Coast) to lock in a solid plan.
- Get a detailed quote so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
2. Underestimating Excavation Challenges – The Surprise Cost
Wasted Money: $5,000 – $20,000+
Not all backyards are easy to dig. If you don’t check your soil first, you could be in for a financial nightmare.
- Rocky terrain? You’ll need heavier equipment and more labour.
- Clay soil? Needs extra reinforcement to prevent shifting.
- High water table? Expect drainage issues and sump pumps.
How to Avoid It:
- Get a soil test before excavation. No surprises = no extra costs.
3. Hiring the Wrong Pool Builder – Cheap Can Be Expensive
The cheapest contractor isn’t always the best. Cut-rate builders come with hidden fees, poor workmanship, and delays that cost you more in the long run.
- Low initial price, high final bill – Expect surprise add-ons.
- Bad construction = costly repairs – Cracks, leaks, and shortcuts.
- Projects that drag on for months – Because cheap builders overbook and under deliver.
How to Avoid It:
- Get multiple quotes and compare the overall cost of different types of pools.
- Read reviews. Ask for past projects.
- Hire an expert (Plunge Pools Gold Coast builds pools the right way, with no hidden costs).
4. Ignoring Long-Term Maintenance Costs – The Silent Expense
Wasted Money: $2,000 – $5,000 per year
A cheap pool today can cost you a fortune later. Some pools require constant maintenance, and those costs add up fast.
- Concrete pools need resurfacing every 10-15 years.
- More chemicals, more electricity, more cleaning.
- Cheap pumps and filters break down, forcing costly replacements.
How to Avoid It:
- Energy-efficient pumps and filters cut electricity costs and last longer.
5. Forgetting Pool Fencing & Safety Compliance – The Legal Fine Trap
Wasted Money: $1,500 – $5,000+ in fines and last-minute costs
In Queensland, every pool must have a compliant safety fence. Skip this step, and you could face hefty fines or even be forced to remove the pool.
- Fencing isn’t optional – It’s the law.
- Some materials cost more than expected – Glass fencing is stunning but expensive.
- Last-minute installations cost more – Contractors charge a premium for urgent jobs.
How to Avoid It:
- Plan for fencing from day one. Don’t leave it as an afterthought.
- Work with a pool builder who knows Gold Coast safety laws.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the true costs of installing a custom concrete pool, it’s time to make smart financial decisions and avoid costly mistakes. From excavation challenges to construction materials and long-term maintenance, every choice you make affects your budget and the durability of your concrete pool. Planning wisely ensures you get a high-quality, long-lasting pool without unnecessary expenses.
At Plunge Pools Gold Coast, we don’t just install pools—we eliminate financial surprises. With transparent pricing, you’ll never have to worry about hidden costs or last-minute fees. Get a free consultation, receive a clear and accurate quote, and let us build your pool the right way.
Call now or enquire online—because the sooner you start, the sooner you swim!
People Also Ask
1. How does soil type affect pool installation costs?
Soil makes or breaks your excavation budget. Rocky ground? You’re paying for heavy-duty machinery. Clay? It shifts, cracks, and demands extra reinforcement. Sandy soil? Needs stabilisation to prevent sinking. Skipping a soil test? Expect costly surprises. Know your ground before you dig.
2. Does a deeper pool cost more to build?
Yes, it does. More depth means more excavation, more materials, and extra reinforcement. You’ll also need stronger filtration, bigger pumps, and higher heating costs to keep it running efficiently. Shallower pools? They’re faster to install, cheaper to run, and easier to maintain. If you don’t need the extra depth, save your money and go for a more practical option.
3. How much does pool fencing cost in Australia?
Legally required. Non-negotiable. Costs range from $1,500 to $5,000+. Glass fencing? Expensive but sleek. Aluminium? Affordable and effective. Queensland law requires compliance—skip it, and you’re looking at fines or worse, an unusable pool oasis.
4. Do I need a permit to install a pool in Queensland?
Yes. No permit, no pool. Council approvals cost $500 to $2,500, covering site regulations, fencing laws, and safety checks. Work with a licensed installer to avoid delays, fines, and a bureaucratic headache in your pool construction.
5. How much does it cost to fill a pool with water?
Anywhere from $200 to $1,000+. Bigger, deeper pools cost more. Evaporation and splash-out mean you’re refilling year-round. Want to save? Use a rainwater tank or delivery service instead of draining your wallet through a garden hose.
