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    Pool Builder Checklist

    Don't Build a Swimming Pool Until You’ve Asked These 10 Questions!

    So after many months of research and deliberation you’ve decided to invest in a swimming pool. You will have your own reasons for the purchase, whether a large pool for years of fun-filled summer days with the family and a lifetime of memories, a smaller plunge pool with swim jets for fitness, or to add a focal point to your backyard landscaping. Whatever your reasons an in-ground pool is a huge purchase for many homeowners, so of course you want to make sure you end up with the pool that's right for your needs. After all, unlike many other purchases, a swimming pool cannot be simply "returned" or exchanged if you're unhappy with the result. This is why it's so important to take your time shopping around for a new pool and carefully weighing your options before you decide to take the plunge!

    Pool Builder Checklist - Image 2

    If you are on the cusp of deciding on which pool builder to go with but can’t quite decide, here are ten key questions you should ask of any prospective pool builder before you consider hiring them for the job.

    1. How Long Have You Been in Business?

    Start by finding out about the pool builder's experience; ask how long they've been in business under their current name. Unfortunately, some less-than-reputable companies out there will simply change names if and when they run into financial trouble or receive bad feedback from customers. Therefore, the longer the pool builder has been in business, the better. It’s also imperative that they are a member of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria (SPASA) as this shows a commitment to upholding the values and code of ethics imposed on members.

    Also, make sure that the company you hire for your pool building job is one that does the work themselves rather than contracting out other workers.

    2. Can I Speak With Past Customers?

    Don’t be afraid to ask the pool builder for references. Also ask how many pools they have completed over the life of their business, how many pools have they completed this past year and of those recent ones, how many would be happy to give references? Reputable builders will be proud to give you details of past customers. Speak to them about their experiences and the quality of workmanship. If you get the chance to speak with references, be sure to ask the following:

    - Was it a pleasant experience working with the builder?
    - What pool option and accessories did you opt for?
    - Did the builder have the experience to overcome unforeseen problems?
    - Would you do anything differently?
    - Would you use the pool builder again?

    3. What's Included and What Costs Extra?

    Any reputable company should come out to your home and perform an obligation free site inspection before giving you any kind of quote for your project. Be wary of any pool builder that refuses a site inspection as it is an integral part of formulating a quote. Being on site allows a representative to measure your proposed area and advise on placement, levels and effective methods of installation. Any potential problems that may arise during the inspection should be handled by the representative via phone calls to experts such as senior installers, engineers, or construction managers. The site inspection is also an ideal time for the representative to meet the client and their family. A pool will be an extension of the family, a place where many hours are spent together, therefore it is imperative that the pool meets the needs of the family in terms of current and future needs, pool design and pool use. Some pool companies attempt to save money and time by skipping the physical site inspection, favouring instead to create quotes utilising technology such as Google Earth. How can you be offered a transparent and honest quote for a pool that meets the needs of your family or the uniqueness of your property if a representative never sets foot on your land?

    Soil tests are usually only conducted if there are concerns about your land, but are a requirement for certain pools due to the nature of their construction. There are other specific costs that need to be included in any pool quote though, items such as ‘overburden’ that covers all earthworks costs in relation to the pool, ‘boxing’, where one end of the pool is above natural ground level and may require timber boxing for the installation of the concrete, obstructions such as gas and electricity lines, sewer and storm water pipes, rock removal, cave-ins and tipping fees. Site access can have a bearing on cost. Inaccessible backyards or awkward access can add time and money to the excavation and building process as concrete trucks and cranes need specific access.

    4. What's Your Proposed Timeline?

    Many traditional pools can take some time to build, but you should always have a general idea of the construction timeline for your pool. Before you sign any kind of contract, then, make sure you've received a proposed timeline for your project and that it works with your schedule. While it is rare that a company can guarantee your pool will be done by a certain date (especially with unpredictable weather), you should have a general idea of when each stage of the project will be done. Quality pool builders are in high demand, and coupled with unforeseen delays in gaining permit approvals and the completion of progress payments may be the only speed humps to what should be a smooth process.

    5. How Can I Customise My Pool?

    Your pool is a major purchase that you'll be living with for many years to come, so make sure it's exactly what you want it to be by customising it where possible. Take some time to inquire with a potential pool builder about the types of customisation options available. For example, you might want to consider a custom lighting package to transform your pool at night, or you may want to explore unique shapes and sizes for your new pool that include safety steps or wading areas for little ones. Just make sure that your builder is confident in completing whatever it is you have in mind before moving forward.

    6. Where Will The Pool Be Located?

    Having a pool builder show up and start digging a hole without forward planning will only end in tears. Solid planning with regards to pool location is paramount. During the site inspection and planning stage, a quality pool builder should make you aware of the best location for your pool, taking into account local council laws, existing utility pipes and cabling, water run-off, and how much yard can be covered with pool and decking. Your builder should also advise you on pool orientation based on sun and wind exposure and the ease of access for swimmers. A pool will also need to look aesthetically pleasing, which leads us to...

    7. What About Landscaping?

    If you want a monstrosity that you draw the blinds to avoid seeing, any pool builder should do. But if you want a pool that is the star of your backyard then you want to select a pool builder with experience. Most pool owners will spend more time admiring their new pool from afar, as opposed to swimming in it, so it needs to be an enjoyable feature all year round. Allow your pool to be an extension of your indoor style so it flows naturally out into the yard. Landscaping should integrate the pool into your current design so it appears to have been there forever. If you wish to break your pool area and landscaping away from the home’s design, consider having a changing landscape that leads gradually into the new. Ask your pool builder if they do landscaping or can at least provide the names of reputable landscapers they are happy to work with.

    8. What Pool Design?

    Rectangular and square will be the limited choice from most pool builders, but others will offer fluid pool designs in almost any shape that will ensure you find the perfect one. Again, you should select something that complements the design elements and architecture of your home. If your home already contains lots of edges, such as eaves and straight pathways, you should stick with a straight edged pool. If your home and garden contains curves, a kidney shaped or round pool may suit best.

    9. What About Maintenance?

    Nobody likes doing maintenance, regardless of it being a pool or not. No pool is completely maintenance free, but thankfully technology has eased the burden. A choice of multi-speed pumps, in floor pool cleaning systems, Ionisers for water purification, and automatic sanitisers will all make your life easier. Speak to your builder about the options you have for automated maintenance. Some pool interiors also have inherent maintenance benefits, such as an Aqualux interior that is resistant to algae.

    10. What’s My Warranty?

    Warranties vary between the types of pool chosen. You need to clarify in writing with the builder the terms of your warranty. Ensure you ask:

    - What specific items does the pool builder’s warranty cover?
    - What is the duration of the warranty?
    - What is the process for making a warranty claim?

    Some pools, such as fibreglass ones, don’t react well to being drained. This can lead to damage and the costs associated with replacing the water and making garden repairs if works need to be conducted.

    Fibreglass pools often come with a ‘split responsibility’ guarantee that are a confusing mix of responsibilities between manufacturer and client, client and installer, or manufacturer and pool installer. Concrete pools are commonly backed by a 6 year 9 month structural warranty with an interior warranty that varies between types; 2 year for tiled and 5-7 years for rendered. Pre-engineered pools are often backed by lengthy 10 year structural warranties and 10 year pool interior warranties.

    At Albatross Pools, we offer no-obligation quotes and have two convenient SPASA award-winning pool display centres where you can experience the Albatross difference for yourself, so be sure to contact us before you make your final decision. Our unique Aqualux PVC membrane pools are a wonderful solution for many homeowners, and we have many years of experience in handling pool construction projects of varying scopes.

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    Why life isn’t a beach with a salt-water pool

    One of the first questions we ask prospective customers when they enquire about a new pool is what type of water they would like to swim in. Nine times out of ten the answer is the same: salt. When asked why, the reasons are invariably the same. “My friend has one.” “Salt water pools require no maintenance.” “I want the experience of swimming at the beach.”

    Now I don’t know about you, but my memories of swimming at the beach aren’t all that rosy. Frizzy, dry hair and skin, stinging eyes, faded bathers and the need to have a shower after swimming are not the attributes I’d want in my new pool. I’d prefer to have perfect skin and hair, clear eyes, bathers that last at least a few months, and avoid showering after every dip. So what are your water options?

    Salt vs. Ionic

    Every pool has a filtration system of some kind including a filter (sand or cartridge) and a pump (motor). A filtration system circulates the pool water. Every pool needs to be regularly tested and balanced to ensure safe and crystal clear water and to also comply with warranty conditions on both the pool and equipment. “Balancing,” means that the pH, Total Alkalinity, chlorine, stabiliser, calcium and metals are tested in the water before specialised products are added to ensure these levels are maintained within ideal parameters.

    If the pool owner doesn’t want to manually add chlorine or sanitise the pool manually (to keep their chlorine level within the ideal parameter), they can choose to incorporate a sanitisation system in with their filtration system on the pool to automatically generate chlorine or some form of sanitiser.

    The most common sanitisation systems are:

    • Liquid Chlorine and Liquid Acid Feeder (commonly known as a Chemigem)
    • Salt Chlorination System
    • Mineral System
    • Ionic Fresh Water System

    Ionic Fresh Water System

    If you want to avoid the hassle of washing salt off everything after you swim, then we recommend opting to have an Ionic Purifier in your Albatross Pool. An Ionic Purifier delivers a natural ‘soft’ feel to the water akin to freshwater. The Ioniser is an effective sanitisation system that releases controlled amounts of silver and copper into the pool water via electrolysis. Silver is a powerful disinfectant that prevents bacteria forming in the water, while copper inhibits algae growth. The presence of the silver/copper mixture creates a neutral water balance that effectively reduces the amount of chemical maintenance required throughout the year. As an added bonus, the Ionic Purifier is not affected by water temperature or swimmer usage, meaning a fresher, natural feeling pool year round. As chlorine is required in all pools, we recommend the use of an Inline Tablet when using the Ionic System. This will help circulate a small amount of chlorine throughout the pool.

    An Ionic system is also a preventative system as copper and silver prevents algae and bacteria from even forming whereas chlorine/salt kills algae and bacteria once they are present in the pool water. An Ionic system is also ideal if garden beds are close by the pool, as water that splashes out of the pool (kids having fun…or even adults!) won’t kill the plants like chlorine/salt will. The water from an Ionic pool will not leave a residue on the surrounding pool paving and glass pool fencing whereas salt leaves a white residue, which is the dried out salt itself.

    Salt Chlorination System

    Contrary to the marketing spiel, salt chlorinated pools are not the ‘set-and-forget’ miracle pool of your dreams. A lot of monitoring, maintenance and money goes into the daily running of a salt pool and could find you ruing the day it ever landed in your yard!

    While cleverly marketed as being able to swim at the beach at home, it is somewhat of a misconception and the truth is a little left of centre. Many salt chlorinated pools are sold to owners as maintenance free systems. This often leads to salt pool owners becoming complacent and only maintaining the pool’s salt level. Doing this will lead to great amounts of chlorine being produced, but none of the other essential levels that are fundamental to swimmer comfort and safety such as pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium and Stabiliser.

    A salt water pool requires constant monitoring, especially during the heavy summer usage period. For example, during the peak of summer an average sized pool (8 x 4m) would need 1 bag of salt per week. Unfortunately there is no home test kit to monitor the salt level in the pool. You must employ the expertise of the local pool shop which is an additional ownership cost that needs to be factored in.

    While you may relish the thought of swimming in a salt water pool, you may very well be sick of the sight of salt by the time you conduct your regular maintenance! The process involved in creating the salt water environment is complicated and a fine balancing act to ensure optimum swimming conditions.

    Some of the technical aspects include:

    • Adding 20-25kg of pool salt to the pool. As it dissolves it passes over the salt cell and through a process of electrolysis; the dissolved salt is turned into sodium hypochlorite (also commonly known as liquid chlorine – the big blue 15L drums you may see at a Bunnings or Mitre10).
    • Sodium hypochlorite is the main ingredient in household bleach. Think about that for a minute!
    • Sodium hypochlorite has a pH of about 13ppm, whereas your eyes/skin/hair require a neutral pH of 7.4ppm, hence the need to constantly add liquid acid or dry acid to bring the pH down.
    • Effective pH dosing systems can be incorporated into the salt chlorination system but the probes need to be serviced regularly to ensure the right amount of acid is being added to the pool.

    It is a fact of life that people who live in countries where winter brings snow, often find themselves renewing their cars faster than those who live in warmer climes. The reason for this is often found in a particular road safety method called ‘gritting’. This is where councils spray a salt-based mix on to the roads to dissolve the fallen snow and give vehicles safer passage. The downside is in the salt. It literally eats your car over time. Salt is corrosive and your pool will not be spared its wrath! Due to its pH and aggressive nature, salt can cause maintenance problems for your surrounding plants and paving. Salt delaminates sandstone and after only a few years can cause damage as seen below.

    Sandstone delamination caused by salt water

    Salt can also cause headaches for those with tiled, pebble and concrete pools as seen below.

    Calcification on a tiled pool.

    As mentioned earlier, high levels of chlorine are often produced by unbalanced salt water pools. Chlorine has a wonderfully unwanted ability to deteriorate all pool surfaces, whether they are concrete, pebble, tiled, fiberglass, the PVC membrane and the gel coat. It also plays havoc with the internals of gas heaters. While not intended to send you running for the hills at the thought of owning a salt water pool, it goes to show that there are many factors of salt water pool ownership that are often conveniently omitted from the sales brochure.

    What about Mineral Pools

    Salt is a type of mineral and therefore most mineral pools (magnesium for example) are subjected to the same inherent problems attributed to salt based systems.

    While a salt system is a great system that many pool owners opt for, it’s not as maintenance free as everyone assumes and certainly has additional expenditure and harmful repercussions for the pool internals and surrounds. In saying that, while we will always promote the benefits of an Ionic Purifier we also encourage customers to explore all options before settling on their water type. A swimming pool will be an integral part of your family’s time together for many years to come and extensive research should be conducted to avoid impacting the enjoyment of your new pool. All information supplied in this article is intended as a guide only and we strongly encourage customers to conduct further investigation into every available option.

    As a business we choose products for our customers based on close to 50 years of experience and knowledge and we also choose products that provide value both short and long term for the pool owner. In an Ioniser’s case, we recommend it as it is gentle on the swimmer and will not shorten the life span of the pool equipment, the pool and all of its surrounds. Salt chlorinators are just marketed very well – they do require maintenance, they shorten the lifespan of the pool equipment and the surrounding area, and by no means is it like the salt from the beach.

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    Albatross Pools: Kid-Friendly Interiors

    It's time to dispel the myth that vinyl pool interiors are only for above-ground pools. In reality, vinyl interiors have become increasingly popular not only in residential pool construction, but in building some of the largest resort pools in the world. If you've been looking to build a swimming pool on your property and are struggling to decide on the right family friendly interior surface for your needs, consider an Aqualux PVC membrane for long-lasting durability and unrivalled smoothness.

    Kid-Friendly Pool Surfaces

    If you have children, one of your main concerns around having a pool built on your property is safety. With "traditional" in-ground pool interiors, it is not uncommon for the surface to be quite rough, especially on children's sensitive skin. Even the highest quality traditional pool interiors of concrete, tile and various sized pebbles can create uneven surfaces that are damaging to even tough adult skin. Kids are balls of energy in a pool, constantly jumping, flipping and dragging along the poolside; the slightest deviation in the pool interior’s surface will cause cuts and abrasions.

    With our Aqualux PVC membrane interior, however, parents don't need to worry about cuts and scrapes caused by the roughness of a traditional pool interior because this surface is satin-smooth and kid-friendly. We have taken into consideration how soft, sensitive, and prone to water-logging a child's skin can be, which is why our vinyl pool surface is designed to be free of rough edges and abrasions. At the same time, the surface remains slip-resistant, so you can let your children enjoy the pool with confidence.

    When you feel this unique pool interior for yourself, we're confident that you'll understand just how much more practical it is than the other pool surface options out there.

    Additional Benefits of Our PVC Membrane

    In addition to being kid-friendly, our Aqualux PVC membrane affords a number of  other benefits over traditional pool surfaces. Consider, for example, that our flexible pool surface is able to expand and contract to accommodate the ever-changing climate here in Australia. With your typical concrete pool surface, you would inevitably see cracking and hairline fractures over time (much as your home shows small signs of settling over the years). However, with the flexible vinyl material of our pool interiors, the flexibility prevents cracking and keeps your pool looking like new while also keeping it water-tight. This in-built toughness also ensures your Aqualux pool interior is virtually untearable, being able to stretch over 200% before breaking.

    Meanwhile, vinyl doesn't interfere with the chemical balance of your pool water like other materials can. For example, did you know that pebbles, concrete, and even tile designed specifically for use in pools can affect your chemical balance? And when you own a pool, maintaining that healthy balance is a key factor. By choosing an Aqualux PVC membrane pool, you'll have an easier time keeping your water balanced just right, which means you can spend more time actually enjoying your pool and less time adding chemicals and testing your water.

    Overall, vinyl pool interiors are not just a practical option, but they're a great choice for families with children. By not having to worry about your child's feet getting scraped or scratched on a rough pool surface, you can spend more hours enjoying your new swimming pool in comfort and confidence. Ready to find out more about our pool design options? Contact our team at Albatross Pools today to get started on your dream pool project!

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    What Makes The Aqualux PVC Membrane a Superior Pool Interior?

    Well there are many things actually. But first, let’s look at the back story. Aqualux pool interiors are proving to be incredibly popular here and overseas. When you take a close look at the actual membrane, it’s constructed from 0.75mm virgin vinyl. In Australia, it’s such a popular choice that’s it’s estimated that over 20,000 plus inground pools have an Aqualux pool interior, and it’s the only choice for a high-quality Albatross Pool. Take a look overseas and you’ll see it clearly in focus when you see it in the creation of the biggest pool in the world, the Crystal Lagoon at San Alfonso del Mar resort in Chile which features an Aqualux PVC membrane in a billion dollar construction. Roll back one year, and you’ll discover that a number of amazing pools with vinyl pool interiors made it into Vogue Living Australia’s Top 16 Luxury Hotel pools.

    Crystal Lagoon
    Crystal Lagoon

    There are a number of great benefits about an Aqualux pool interior. Firstly, it’s a satin smooth non-slip interior. It means that it will not snag swim wear of graze soft skin like other pool interiors. It’s absolutely ideal for babies children and the elderly. With an Aqualux pool interior, there’s virtually no routine maintenance. It’s also a non reactive pool interior that has no effect on water balance and doesn’t need all that labour intensive stuff of being brushed daily for the first four weeks like some other pool interiors.

    An Aqualux pool interior is extremely tough and is of a non–porous material. That means that it won’t chip, peel, crack, separate, leech chemicals or blister. And because of UV inhibitors, it works as an anti bacterial agent making it naturally immune to black spot algae, unlike some other pool interiors. Aqualux pool interiors are incredibly strong. They can stretch over 200% before breaking compared to other pool interiors that can only stretch to 4% before breaking.

    When it comes to durability and thickness, an Aqualux pool interior is a real winner; it’s equivalent to 15 plus layers of pool paint! And unlike some other pool interiors, it doesn’t present colour consistency challenges. Talking of colours there’s a terrific range to choose from. It’s available in 13 plus colours. An Aqalux pool interior has one the best warranties on offer. And it’s not 2 years, or 5 to 8. It’s a 10 year warranty. You simply can’t beat that for a guarantee.

    If you want to know more about the Aqualux PVC membrane story, all you have to do is talk to a member of the Albatross Pool team. They’ll point out all the benefits and tell you why it’s the perfect interior for any pool.

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    Have You Taken A Look At Our Warranty?

    When completing your due diligence in the planning stage of your new swimming pool you should enquire about the warranty conditions attached to your potential new investment. Many perspective pool clients are happy to hear the warranty numbers that are banded about by many pool companies, “Ten years! Twenty years! One hundred years!” From here many clients smile, happy in the knowledge that the figure they’ve heard is satisfactory, and move on to the design phase. But wait! A swimming pool is a major investment, with a high-end pool costing the same as a family car, so why would you be happy to hear a salesman’s warranty figure and not investigate what that figure includes?

    A long warranty is a double-edged sword. More often than not, as is with the case at Albatross Pools, it is a sign of confidence in our manufacturing and construction methods. But a fantastic warranty period on paper isn’t worth the ink it is written with if the installer isn’t around to honour it. At Albatross Pools we have been a family run business since 1969 and have proudly constructed over 15,000 pools. Over 70% of our work is through referrals, which means we’ve learned a thing or two about our clients’ needs and delivering quality products. Albatross Pools have stood the test of time and you can be rest assured a warranty issued today will be honoured long into the future.

    Pool Warranty
    Pool Warranty

    The Albatross Advantage

    At Albatross we’re serious about pools. As a founding member of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA) of Victoria we strive to maintain and improve the quality of our pools every time we build. We are a Registered Building Practitioner and therefore our knowledge and experience is backed by domestic building insurance. Each of our pools is constructed from the highest grade of zinc enriched steel that is pre-engineered to eliminate the risk of product and site variances. This assurance of quality is the reason we proudly offer a ten year structural warranty on all our swimming pools, longer than the legal requirement that is normally offered by concrete pool builders. A fibreglass pool, while traditionally robust, can conjure up a nightmare of a problem when the need arises for repairs. Fibreglass pools need to be drained before they can be repaired and draining a fibreglass pool can result in severe damage if done incorrectly. A fibreglass pool warranty is often a split warranty; that is half being covered by the manufacturer, and half by the installer. Twice the potential headaches when making a claim! At Albatross we prefer to streamline our processes to make your pool purchase stress free. Therefore we offer the one warranty as manufacturer and installer. All of our plumbing and pipework is covered by a two year warranty against faulty workmanship, and supplementary items such as pumps, filters, covers and sanitisers are covered by their applicable manufacturer’s warranties. Concrete pools are not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty as they are built, and therefore you would be reliant on an experienced, trustworthy builder to honour any such warranty claim.

    At Albatross we finish all of our pools in the Aqualux membrane. This extremely tough membrane is the equivalent to fifteen layers of pool paint and can stretch over 200% before breaking as opposed to competitor’s linings that can only stretch 4% on average. Once the waterproof membrane is vacuum sealed into the pool shell it results in a satin-smooth finish that won’t graze skin or crack, peel and flake. The Aqualux interior is resistant to algae and will not affect your water chemistry like some fibreglass or rendered pool interiors. We offer an outstanding ten year warranty on the Aqualux pool interior which is superior to most other assumed ‘permanent’ interiors such as tiled (usually offered with a 2 year warranty) or rendered (which comes with a 5-8 year warranty depending on brand). The Aqualux pool interior is the only interior specifically engineered as an actual ‘pool interior’ – fibreglass and concrete pool interiors are not and are simply modified versions of various surfaces available in the marketplace.

    We also offer a 7 day customer service solution for all new pool owners. Just pop into one of our display centres to receive anything from free advice from our knowledgeable staff to complimentary water testing. We even have mobile workshops that can come to you!

    Dive In With Confidence

    So kick-start your dream swimming pool with the confidence that only a trusted brand like Albatross can offer. With cutting-edge, cost-effective manufacturing and construction processes that deliver outstanding results in both quality and longevity backed by industry leading warranties from a family pool company that has been around for over 40 years, Albatross is a name you can truly trust.

    So if you’re ready to take the plunge on your new pool project, why not visit one of our display centres today, or contact us for an obligation free consultation.

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    How to choose a pool builder and compare pools?

    Want to know how to choose a pool builder?

    Do you have three swimming pool quotes but have no idea what to base your final decision on? A swimming pool is one of the smartest investments you can make; yet it is also one of the most difficult products to understand and compare.

    How to choose a pool builder?

    It is not uncommon for potential pool owners to become overwhelmed with information as they try to understand their options and pricing when researching pools. Unfortunately, some even choose not to get a pool as the decision becomes just too hard.

    Whether your reasons for wanting a pool are driven by property investment, health benefits or enhancing your family’s lifestyle, I have found emotion often plays a large part in the decision making process. Similar to a house extension, you cannot return a swimming pool nor can you take it back for a refund. For this reason, it is important the final decision be made largely based on facts more so than emotion.

    So you now have three pool quotes, what next? Apart from the pool price (which is important), how do you compare each pool quote? My advice, investigate each pool type quoted (is it a pre-engineered, concrete or fibreglass pool) and also look into the corresponding pool builder’s reputation.

    How to compare swimming pool types?

    You may choose to base your comparison on the overall aesthetics of a pool and although the look of the pool is definitely important, there is other key criterion worth consideration. The pool warranty, maintenance and after sales support offered once the swimming pool is complete should also be high on your list. The Pool Comparison Table below touches on a number of points worth consideration when comparing pool types and pool quotes.

    Pool Comparison Criteria Pre-engineered Swimming Pools Concrete Swimming Pools Fibreglass Swimming Pools
    Design
    Design Flexibility
    - Any Pool Shape
    - Any Pool Size
    Yes Yes No – must choose from predefined shapes and sizes
    Choice of Depths
    - Diving Floor Profile
    Yes Yes No – depths are fixed in a fibreglass pool and the depths quoted are usually shell depth not water depth
    Choice of Colours Yes Yes Yes
    Custom Bench & Step Design Yes – pre-engineered pools feature a unique gently padded underlay creating a cushioned effect Yes No
    Pool Structure
    Self Supporting
    Yes
    *The pool can be emptied without voiding the structural warranty.
    No No
    Ideally suited to volatile soil types
    - pool structure won’t crack, warp or lift
    Yes No No
    Can be built on a slope Yes Yes No
    Transport Costs and Crane Required (can add between $1,500-$3,000 to the pool price) No No Yes
    Ideal for Poor Access Yes Yes No
    Pool Interior
    Non-Slip Pool Interior Yes
    Yes
    *Pool Tiles are the exception
    Depends on the brand of the fibreglass pool
    Smooth to Touch/Non-Abrasive Pool Interior Yes Depends on pool interior chosen Yes
    Resistant to Algae
    Yes
    *Inbuilt fungicide
    No
    *All pool interior options for a concrete pool are porous and are prone to algae and bacteria growth
    Yes
    *Can get ‘black-spot’ or Osmosis under the Gel Coat
    Low Maintenance Pool Interior Yes – in fact Aqualux requires no cleaning at all
    No
    *All pool interior options on a concrete pool are porous and therefore require more maintenance
    Yes
    Pool Installation
    Who Installs the Pool – Manufacturer or Franchisee Manufacturer Not Applicable Franchisee
    Construction Time Frame 5-10 days
    6 week minimum
    (average 3-4 months)
    2-3 days
    Quality Controlled Yes No Yes
    After Sales Support
    Pool Shops/Bricks and Mortar Locations
    Yes – Open seven days a week year round Depends on pool builder Depends on franchisee
    Pool Warranty
    Pool Structural Warranty 10 years 6 years and 9 months
    Depends on the brand of fibreglass pool
    *Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty – what a lifetime warranty actually means is worth investigating as well as what voids such a warranty i.e. the water level drops by 30%.
    Pool Warranty Entity
    - Name of entity which provides pool warranty
    Pool Manufacturer Pool Builder Split Responsibility – Pool Installer and Pool Manufacturer
    Split Responsibility Warranty on Pool Structure No No
    Yes
    Pool Interior Warranty 10 years
    Depends on the pool interior chosen
    For Example:
    Pool Tiles – 2 years Render 2-8 years depending on the brand
    Depends on the brand of the fibreglass pool

    How to choose a pool builder?

    Now that you know how to compare swimming pool types, the next and final step when comparing quotes is to examine each pool builder’s reputation and history.

    There are some pool builders not prepared to make the long-term investment in the industry and to their clients and choose to operate from home. Contactable on mobile only and with no office or display centre, it is very easy for these types of pool builders to vanish in difficult economic times leaving their clients with no support and more importantly, no warranty.

    There will always be plenty of bargain-basement operators, there will be pool builders laying claim to being the biggest and the best, and there will be those who use gimmicks or 24-hour super specials to make the sale.

    The real test lies in how long the pool builder has been in business and what their clients have to say about them and their product. When deciding on a pool builder, be sure to do your homework and look into:

    1. The Pool Builder’s Reputation – talk to family, friends and colleagues who have a pool, seek out referrals, testimonials and recommendations. Review websites and forums are also another platform to gain insight into a pool builder’s reputation.

    2. The Pool Builder’s Creditability

    - Are they a member of SPASA and the Building Commission of Victoria

    - Do they have a physical work address, website and landline or do they work from home

    - Are they a registered licensed builder

    - Do they have the appropriate insurance and liability cover

    - What experience do they have, how many years have they been in business and how many pools have they built (both in total and annually)

    - Can you see samples of their work i.e. display centres

    3. The Pool Builder’s Custom Ability

    Can the pool builder custom design and tailor your swimming pool to achieve what you want instead of what they want to sell you?

    4. The Pool Builder’s Pricing

    As with most things, quality comes with creditability and price. If the pricing quoted is too good to be true, then it probably is. If you are comparing two or three quotes, be sure to compare like-for-like (the same size, shape, optional items etc) – there will certainly be large differences in price if each quote is for a different pool size.

    Armed with an understanding of different types of pools available and each pool builder’s reputation, you can now make an informed and final decision. Be comfortable with this decision and enjoy the exciting times ahead relaxing by your soon-to-be-built swimming pool.

    If you haven’t received an obligation free swimming pool quote from Albatross Pools, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you before you make a final decision.

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    Visit our swimming pool display centres.

    Dandenong

    157 Foster Street
    Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia

    Monday – Saturday: 9am to 5pm
    Sunday: 10am to 4pm

    Closed Public Holidays

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    Warrandyte

    226 Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road
    Warrandyte VIC 3133, Australia

    Monday – Saturday: 9am to 5pm
    Sunday: 10am to 4pm

    Closed Public Holidays

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    Awards of Excellence.

    Australian Pool & Spa Gold Award 2023      Australian Pool & Spa Highly Recommended Award