What actually drives the cost of a Melbourne pool

Posted By Clearwater Agencyon October 8, 2026

In Short

Two pools that look identical can quote very differently. Site conditions, not pool size, are usually the reason.
Seven things move a Melbourne pool quote: site access, soil and rock, pool type and size, interior finish, water and equipment, safety barriers, and landscaping.
Soil is the largest unknown. Much of Melbourne's west and north sits on reactive clay classified M to H2 under AS 2870, which changes what the excavation and engineering have to do.
Victorian house construction output prices rose 3.7% in the year to the June 2026 quarter (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2026), so a figure a friend quotes you from 2024 is not a benchmark.
Running costs belong in the budget from the start. A pool pump on its own can account for 20 to 30% of a household energy bill (Sustainability Victoria, n.d.).

Ask three Melbourne builders what a pool costs and you can get three different answers, all of them honest. The number moves because the work moves.

A flat sandy block with rear laneway access and a sloping clay site with a single side gate are two different jobs before anyone has chosen a tile, a light or a heater. Understanding which of those variables applies to your block is the difference between reading a quote and guessing at one. Here is what sits behind the number.

Long lap-style pool with stone coping and native planting in a rural Victorian garden

Site access and excavation set the floor on your pool cost

Everything starts with getting a machine to the hole and getting the spoil back out. This is the first thing a builder assesses on site and the variable that separates two otherwise similar quotes.

Access width and what it rules in or out

A three metre side gate lets a standard excavator drive in and work. A one metre path does not. On tight sites the options narrow to a smaller machine working slower, a crane lifting plant over the roofline, or temporary removal of a fence or section of wall. Each of those adds time, and time is the unit most of a pool quote is priced in.

Access also governs how the spoil leaves. A pool excavation generates a substantial volume of soil, and where a truck cannot reach the hole, that soil moves by barrow or bobcat to a loading point first.

Melbourne soil, rock and reactive clay

Victorian residential sites are classified under AS 2870, the Australian Standard for residential slabs and footings (Standards Australia, 2011). Classes run from A for stable sand or rock through to E for extremely reactive clay, with P reserved for problem sites needing an engineer's assessment. Much of Melbourne's west and north sits on basaltic clay in the M to H2 range, meaning moderate to high reactivity and expected ground movement from 20mm to 75mm.

Reactive clay does not stop a pool being built. It changes the engineering around it, and it changes what happens if rock appears part way down. Rock is the single most common reason a Melbourne pool quote is revised after excavation starts, because no site investigation short of a bore can rule it out entirely.

Ask any builder how they handle rock: whether it is a variation, a provisional sum, or carried in the contract price.
Ask whether a soil report is included and who commissions it.

Steel pool shell in place on a concrete base in an excavated backyard before construction

Pool type and size change the cost equation.

Bigger is not the only direction cost travels. A small pool on a difficult site can cost more than a larger one on an easy block. What the pool is for matters more than its footprint.

A plunge pool is compact by design and suits courtyards and infill blocks, which is often exactly where access is hardest. A lap pool carries length, so it carries more shell, more water, more interior surface and a longer barrier line. A family pool balances swimming space against yard space, and a courtyard pool is built around a fixed boundary rather than a preferred size.

Depth deserves its own conversation. Every extra 100mm of depth is more excavation, more spoil, more water and more energy to heat. A pool designed for a family with young children does not need the depth of one built for diving, and specifying depth by habit rather than by use is a common way to add cost that never gets used.

Cost driver	What moves it	Why it varies across Melbourne
Site access	Gate and path width, slope, overhead lines	Inner-suburb blocks and infill sites often have no rear access
Soil and rock	AS 2870 site class, presence of rock	Reactive basaltic clay is common in the west and north
Pool type and size	Shell size, depth, shape complexity	Block size and setbacks dictate what fits
Interior and finish	Interior surface, coping, tiling	Preference rather than site, so this is where budget is most controllable
Water type and equipment	Filtration, sanitising, cleaning system	Choice-driven, with running cost implications
Safety barrier	Barrier length, material, gate count	Set by the pool's position and the Victorian barrier rules
Landscaping and paving	Surround area, retaining, decking	Sloping sites need retaining that flat sites do not

Long rectangular pool with crazy-paving stone landing surrounded by tropical garden

Interior finish, water type and equipment

This is the part of the quote you control most directly, and the part where two builders can look furthest apart on paper.

The pool interior sets the look of the water, the feel underfoot and the maintenance rhythm for the next twenty years. Water type is a separate decision again: chlorine, salt and fresh water systems each carry different equipment and different running patterns.

Equipment is where a low quote and a fair quote most often diverge. Two proposals can specify the same pool with different pumps, different filtration and a different cleaning system, and the gap shows up on the energy bill rather than the contract.

Running costs belong in the budget from day one

The build price is a one-off. The running cost is annual, and it is the number most owners underestimate.

Sustainability Victoria notes that pool pumps can add 20 to 30% to a household energy bill, and the Australian Government's energy.gov.au guidance describes a pool pump as potentially the single largest user of electricity in a home. Both point at the same lever: the pump is the biggest ongoing cost in a pool, and pump choice and run time are where that cost is decided.

Heating is the second lever. Solar, heat pump and gas each have a different capital cost and a different cost per swimming hour, and the right answer depends on how long a swim season you want in a Melbourne climate rather than on which system is cheapest to install.

Covers matter more than most buyers expect. A blanket reduces evaporation and heat loss, which cuts water top-ups, chemical use and heating hours at once. Specifying energy efficient options at design stage costs less than retrofitting them in year three.

Safety barriers, paving and landscaping are part of the project

A pool is not finished when the water goes in. Victorian law requires a compliant safety barrier, and the barrier is priced by its length, its material and the number of gates, all of which follow from where the pool sits on the block.

Paving, decking and retaining are the other half of the surround. On a sloping site, retaining is structural work rather than decoration, and it can be a meaningful share of the total project. Budgeting for the pool alone and treating the surround as something to sort out later is the most common way a project runs over.

Small pool with glass fencing, granite paving and a timber screen wall with potted planting

How to compare two pool quotes properly

Price differences between quotes are usually scope differences. Before comparing the bottom line, compare what each one includes.

Is the safety barrier in the price, and how many gates does it allow for?
Is rock a variation, a provisional sum, or carried in the contract?
What paving, coping or decking is included, and to what area?
What pump, filtration and sanitising equipment is specified, by model?
Is heating included, and at what capacity for the pool volume quoted?
What are the payment stages, and what warranty applies to the shell, the interior and the equipment?

One more point of context. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures put the annual rise in Victorian house construction output prices at 3.7% for the year to the June 2026 quarter, with national house construction up 5.9%. A number someone quotes you from a build two years ago is a historical figure, not a current one.

Key Takeaways

Site access is the first thing to assess. Gate width, slope and spoil removal set the floor on what the excavation costs before any design decision is made.
Ask every builder how they treat rock. Whether it sits in the contract price, as a provisional sum, or as a variation is the single biggest difference between a quote and a final invoice.
Choose depth by how the pool will be used. Every extra 100mm is more excavation, more water and more heating for the life of the pool.
Compare scope before price. Barrier, paving, equipment models and heating capacity are the four line items that most often explain a gap between two quotes.
Budget the running cost alongside the build. The pump alone can account for 20 to 30% of a household energy bill, so pump and cover decisions made at design stage pay back every year.
Get a current quote for your own block. Construction prices have moved, and no two Melbourne sites price the same.

The most reliable way to understand what your own site will cost is to have someone look at it. You can see finished pools and talk through site conditions at the Albatross Pools display centres in Dandenong and Warrandyte, or request a pool enquiry to start with your block. If you are working through how to stage the investment, the pool finance page sets out the options, and the Pool Buyers Guide covers the questions worth asking before you sign anything.

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2026) Producer Price Indexes, Australia, June 2026. Canberra: ABS. Available at: abs.gov.au (Accessed: 30 August 2026).

Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (n.d.) Pool pumps. Available at: energy.gov.au/households/pool-pumps (Accessed: 30 August 2026).

Standards Australia (2011) AS 2870-2011 Residential slabs and footings. Sydney: Standards Australia.

Sustainability Victoria (n.d.) Reduce pool pump costs at home. Available at: sustainability.vic.gov.au (Accessed: 30 August 2026).

Victorian pool and spa barrier rules: an owner’s guide

Posted By Clearwater Agencyon October 8, 2026

In Short

Every pool or spa in Victoria capable of holding more than 300mm of water must be registered with the local council. That includes above ground, indoor and relocatable pools (Building and Plumbing Commission, 2026a).
The barrier standard that applies to your pool is the one that was in force on the date it was built, not the current one. This is the point most owners get wrong.
Victoria uses three construction date bands: before 8 April 1991, 8 April 1991 to 30 April 2010, and 1 May 2010 onwards. Each has its own compliance checklist (Building and Plumbing Commission, 2026b).
A barrier compliance certificate must be lodged with council every four years.
A revised standard, AS 1926.1:2024, was published on 3 September 2024 (Royal Life Saving Society Australia, 2024). Victorian requirements continue to reference AS 1926.1-2012.

Most Victorian pool owners meet the barrier rules at the worst possible moment: when a certificate falls due, when a property is going to market, or after a council inspection has found something.

The rules themselves are not complicated. They are specific, and the version that applies to you depends on when your pool was built rather than what the current standard says. This guide sets out how the system works in Victoria, what gets checked, and where barriers most often fail.

Plunge pool behind frameless glass pool fencing in a landscaped Black Rock garden

Why Victoria regulates pool barriers so closely

Royal Life Saving Society Australia recorded 357 drowning deaths nationally in the 2024 to 2025 reporting year, a 27% increase on the ten year average. Swimming pools accounted for 10% of those deaths, and 68% of the pool drownings occurred in backyard pools (Royal Life Saving Society Australia, 2025).

Victoria is one of only two Australian states that require regular barrier inspections state-wide (Royal Life Saving Society Australia, 2024). That is why Victorian owners face a registration and certification cycle that owners in most other states do not.

Which pools and spas the Victorian rules cover

The threshold is water depth, not pool type. If the structure is capable of holding more than 300mm of water, it is captured.

Permanent in-ground pools and spas
Above ground pools, including soft-sided and inflatable pools that meet the depth threshold
Indoor pools
Relocatable pools

Owners must register the pool or spa with their local council (Building and Plumbing Commission, 2026a). Registration is not optional, and the Building and Plumbing Commission notes that failure to register within the required period can attract an on-the-spot fine or penalty. Fees and penalty amounts are set by each council, so the figure differs depending on where you live.

Small rectangular pool with wide entry steps beside a brick garden wall

The barrier standard that applies depends on your construction date

This is the part that catches people out. A barrier does not have to meet today's standard. It has to meet the standard that applied when the pool was built, and Victoria groups pools into three date bands, each with its own compliance checklist.

Your council determines the construction date. Where records are unclear, it may draw on building permits, registration details, council records, real estate listings and aerial photography to establish when the pool was built (Building and Plumbing Commission, 2026a).

Construction date	Applicable checklist	What it means in practice
Before 8 April 1991	Checklist 1	The oldest pools, assessed against the barrier requirements in force at the time rather than current specifications
8 April 1991 to 30 April 2010	Checklist 2	Covers a large share of Melbourne's suburban pools, including many built during the 1990s and 2000s
From 1 May 2010 onwards	Checklist 3	Newer pools, assessed against the most recent Victorian barrier requirements

Source: Building and Plumbing Commission (2026b). If your pool has been substantially altered or relocated since it was built, the applicable date may change. Your council or a registered building surveyor can confirm which checklist applies to your pool.

Compliance certificates and the four year cycle

Registration is the first step. A barrier compliance certificate is the ongoing obligation.

For a new permanent pool, the first certificate must be lodged within 30 days of the occupancy permit being issued.
For a relocatable pool, the timeframe is four days after it is erected.
After that, a new compliance certificate must be lodged every four years.

Certificates are issued by a registered building surveyor or building inspector who is authorised to carry out barrier inspections. Booking that inspection is the owner's responsibility, and the four year clock runs from the date of the last certificate rather than from a fixed calendar date.

Where pool barriers most often fail

Barriers rarely fail because the fence itself is wrong. They fail because something around the fence has changed since it was installed.

Small pool enclosed by glass fencing with established trees growing close to the barrier

Non-climbable zones

A barrier is only as effective as the space around it. Anything that gives a small child a foothold near the fence line can compromise the barrier, even when the fence meets every dimension. Pot plants, pool equipment, furniture, retaining walls, tree branches and rainwater tanks are the usual culprits, and they tend to arrive gradually over years rather than on day one.

Gates and latches

Gates must be self-closing and self-latching (Building and Plumbing Commission, 2026b). Hinges and latches wear, springs weaken, and gates drop on their hinges over time. A gate that closed properly at the last inspection may not close properly now, and a gate propped open during a party is a barrier that is not working.

Changes to the surrounding structure

A new deck, a raised garden bed, a shed moved closer to the fence or a window altered on a wall that forms part of the barrier can all change compliance without anyone touching the pool fence. Renovation is the most common trigger for a barrier that was compliant becoming non-compliant.

Aerial view of a small pool and spa with a timber deck and glass pool fencing

What AS 1926.1:2024 changes

Standards Australia published a revised version of the home pool safety barrier standard, AS 1926.1:2024, on 3 September 2024. Royal Life Saving Society Australia reports that the revision introduces new definitions, revised non-climbable zone requirements, improved gate latch and hinge security, and guidance on combined structures that form part of a barrier (Royal Life Saving Society Australia, 2024).

A new standard does not change your obligations by itself. Each state decides when and how to adopt it, and Victorian barrier requirements continue to reference AS 1926.1-2012 (Building and Plumbing Commission, 2026b). If you are building a new pool or replacing a barrier now, it is worth asking your builder and your building surveyor which version your project is being designed to.

What to do if you are not sure where you stand

If you have bought a property with an existing pool, or you cannot remember when your last certificate was lodged, the sequence is straightforward.

Contact your local council and confirm whether the pool or spa is registered, and what construction date is recorded against it.
Ask the council when the last compliance certificate was lodged and when the next one is due.
Book an inspection with a registered building surveyor or authorised inspector.
Walk the barrier yourself first and clear the non-climbable zone of anything that has crept in.

This article is general information about how the Victorian system works. Whether a specific barrier complies is determined by your local council and a registered building surveyor, not by a builder or by a checklist read online.

Key Takeaways

Register first. Any pool or spa that can hold more than 300mm of water must be registered with your council, and that includes above ground and relocatable pools.
Find your construction date. It determines which of the three Victorian checklists applies to your barrier, and your council holds the record.
Diarise the four year cycle. A new compliance certificate is due every four years, timed from the last certificate rather than a fixed date.
Walk the non-climbable zone every season. Pot plants, furniture, equipment and growing branches are the most common reason a compliant barrier stops being compliant.
Check gates and latches yourself between inspections. Self-closing and self-latching hardware wears out, and a gate that sits open is a barrier that is not working.
Treat any renovation as a compliance event. Decks, garden beds, sheds and window changes near the barrier can all affect it.

If your barrier needs work as part of a wider update to the pool, a pool renovation enquiry is a sensible starting point. You can also see how barriers are integrated into finished pools at the Albatross Pools display centres in Dandenong and Warrandyte, or get in touch about a new pool if you are planning a build and want the barrier designed in from the start rather than added at the end.

References

Building and Plumbing Commission (2026a) Pool and spa registration requirements. Melbourne: State Government of Victoria. Available at: bpc.vic.gov.au (Accessed: 30 August 2026).

Building and Plumbing Commission (2026b) Pool safety barriers. Melbourne: State Government of Victoria. Available at: bpc.vic.gov.au (Accessed: 30 August 2026).

Royal Life Saving Society Australia (2024) New Australian Standard for home swimming pool safety released. Sydney: RLSSA. Available at: royallifesaving.com.au (Accessed: 30 August 2026).

Royal Life Saving Society Australia (2025) National Drowning Report 2025. Sydney: RLSSA. Available at: royallifesaving.com.au (Accessed: 30 August 2026).

Standards Australia (2012) AS 1926.1-2012 Swimming pool safety, Part 1: Safety barriers for swimming pools. Sydney: Standards Australia.

Standards Australia (2024) AS 1926.1:2024 Swimming pool safety, Part 1: Safety barriers for swimming pools. Sydney: Standards Australia.

Pool Builder Checklist

Posted By Peita Otterbachon July 31, 2020

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!

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.

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

Posted By Peita Otterbachon May 14, 2018

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.

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.

Albatross Pools: Kid-Friendly Interiors

Posted By albatross-adminon October 16, 2017

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!

What Makes The Aqualux PVC Membrane a Superior Pool Interior?

Posted By Peita Otterbachon July 10, 2015

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

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.

Have You Taken A Look At Our Warranty?

Posted By Peita Otterbachon October 21, 2014

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

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.

How to choose a pool builder and compare pools?

Posted By Peita Otterbachon March 27, 2014

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.

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 *What is a split responsibility warranty on a fibreglass pool?
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.