Have you ever dreamed of plunging into your own backyard pool on a scorching summer day? The refreshing water, the laughter of loved ones, the comfort of home – it’s an alluring vision. But turning this dream into reality is a more intricate process than a simple purchase.
Constructing a swimming pool goes beyond a quick transaction; it’s a carefully orchestrated construction project. It entails meticulous planning, coordination, skilled labour, and overcoming unforeseen challenges. However, rather than being discouraged by the complexities, imagine if you could navigate these costs with confidence and ease.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil the truth behind the so-called “hidden costs” of pool construction. By the end, you’ll discover that these costs, once demystified, are simply stepping stones on the path to your dream pool. So, are you ready to dive in and explore?
Untangling the Red Tape: Navigating Council Requirements
Building a pool is much more than just digging a hole and filling it with water. It involves working in harmony with local government regulations and standards. The initial step in your pool construction journey often involves navigating council approvals and reports. Although this bureaucratic process may appear daunting, it is essential for ensuring the safety and compliance of your dream pool.
You’ll need to anticipate potential reports such as geotechnical assessments, acid sulphate reports, arborist evaluations, and surveyor plans. While the costs associated with these reports are sometimes misconstrued as “hidden costs,” they are actually integral to the process. Consider them as vital measures to establish a robust foundation for your dream oasis.
Plumbing the Depths: Understanding Underground Challenges
If your dream pool is located within 600mm of a sewer line, Sydney Water requires a sewer peg-out and construction inspection, which can cost over $1000. Obtaining a sewer diagram beforehand allows you to anticipate these expenses and plan accordingly.
Beneath your backyard’s surface, other hidden elements can influence costs. Rock excavation, domestic sewer lines, and other underground features can introduce unexpected expenses. For instance, encountering unregistered domestic sewer lines during excavation necessitates immediate action, as failure to address them promptly could leave you without functional plumbing for a day.
Beneath the Surface: Disposing of Contaminated Soil
When you start digging, you never know what you might uncover. Imagine stumbling upon an old asbestos cubby house hidden beneath the location of your future pool. Or perhaps you’ll encounter concrete waste, bricks, metals, or garden debris. These materials aren’t your typical soil, and their disposal is more intricate than simply removing regular dirt.
Typically, soil disposal costs range from $1,100 to $1,400 per 30-ton load for standard soil. However, encountering a pocket of contaminated soil can escalate expenses rapidly. This isn’t a “hidden cost” per se; it’s an unforeseen eventuality that can arise during any construction project. While your pool builder can’t predict or control such circumstances, they should be able to provide an upfront contract rate, enabling you to allocate funds for these contingencies.
Keep in mind that these costs aren’t imposed to inflate the project’s price. They are safety measures designed to protect you, your family, and the environment. After all, who would want to swim in a pool built on soil contaminated with asbestos? The added cost ensures you and your loved ones a safer and healthier pool environment. And that’s truly priceless.
On the Fence: Enhancing Boundary Fences
In the realm of pool construction, the concept of boundaries takes on a tangible form: your boundary fences. You might wonder what fences have to do with your beautiful new pool. Well, it turns out they play a crucial role.
The rules change if you intend to utilise your boundary fence as a safety barrier around your pool. It can no longer be a mere property demarcation; it now serves as a life-saving component. According to the Australian Standard AS1926.1-2012, a boundary barrier must be at least 1.8m high, exceeding the standard 1.2m height for pool fences. This increased height helps prevent unsupervised access, particularly by children, to the pool area.
Raising or modifying your boundary fence is more than an additional cost; it’s an investment in safety, peace of mind, and compliance with safety regulations. In a world where we strive to keep our loved ones secure, isn’t this investment worthwhile?
Leaving a Mark: Potential Driveway Damage
Yes, your faithful driveway, the unsung hero of your daily comings and goings, can become a battleground during pool construction. Heavy machinery, material transportation, and soil movement can leave unsightly scars that not only diminish the aesthetic appeal but may also necessitate costly repairs.
Construction machinery is not known for its delicacy. These robust vehicles are designed for hauling, digging, and maneuvering rough terrains. As they traverse your driveway repeatedly to transport soil, your hard surfaces may bear the brunt.
Additionally, stockpiling excavated soil on your front lawn or driveway until its removal can be a messy process that poses potential damage to existing surfaces.
Fortunately, steps can be taken to prevent or minimize such damage. Employing rubber matting to protect your driveway is one option. Many companies offer protective surfaces that shield your driveway from the impact of construction activities. Another approach involves discussing the use of smaller, lighter machinery with your pool builder. Although this may affect the construction speed and potentially increase costs, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Remember, in most cases, the cost of using smaller machines pales in comparison to the expenses associated with repairing any damaged areas. Thus, it’s crucial to consider these factors carefully.
Powering Up: Electrical and Gas Lines
Powering your pool’s lights, heating system, and filtration requires electrical and gas lines. A pool is not merely a water-filled hole; it is a carefully engineered system that necessitates electricity for various functions and gas for heating. These are costs that cannot be overlooked; they are essential aspects of the construction process that make your pool functional and enjoyable.
Typically, pool builders provide electrical conduits that pierce the concrete shell. However, extending the electrical connections to the desired locations and arranging gas lines are responsibilities that fall on the homeowner. Factoring in these costs from the outset is crucial to avoid any delays in utilizing your pool once it’s completed.
Keeping Control: Control Panels and Soundproof Enclosures
Control panels serve as the command center for your pool. They grant you the ability to manage water features, pool lighting, filtration, and heating systems. Think of them as the remote control for your TV, but instead of changing channels, you’re controlling the functionality of your pool.
Consider investing in a control touchpad to elevate your pool experience. This advanced technology can automate up to 10 devices and be accessed through Wi-Fi and your mobile phone. While it may not be included in your initial quote, the added convenience and high-tech appeal make it a worthwhile consideration for your pool construction project.
Let’s also touch on soundproof enclosures. As technology progresses, so does the need for sound control around pool equipment. Certifiers and councils are increasingly making it a condition of approval to provide a soundproof enclosure for your equipment. These enclosures can be purchased prefabricated or incorporated into a larger shed-style structure to house all your pool accessories, salts, and toys. Although investing in these components may be seen as an additional expense, they play a vital role in maintaining a peaceful poolside environment and protecting your equipment from the elements.
Stay Clean: Pool Cleaners
Did you know that an automatic pool cleaner is not typically included in a standard pool construction package? Maintaining a sparkling clean pool manually can be a laborious task. An automatic pool cleaner can be your underwater ally, tirelessly working to keep your pool pristine while you relax and enjoy. While it may be seen as a luxury addition, the time and effort it saves can truly enhance your pool ownership experience.
Covering All Bases: Other Considerations
From waste bins for site management to coping supply and feature wall finishes, the list of considerations is extensive. Although rarely encountered, additional costs related to property boundaries, site stabilization, or traffic control on main roads with limited parking may arise. These are not hidden costs but rather integral aspects of the pool construction journey. The more prepared you are, the smoother your voyage will be.
No More Worries
Understanding the so-called “hidden costs” of pool construction is not about revealing secret charges; it’s about recognizing that pool construction is a multi-faceted process with numerous factors influencing the final cost. The more you know, the more empowered you become to embark on your dream pool project without fear of unexpected depths. The team at Mr Pools is here to guide you through potential challenges and ensure that your journey to a dream pool is as smooth and rewarding as possible.