Swimming pools are sometimes considered a luxury item, but more and more homeowners are realising the benefits of installing a pool at home. Whether you choose a space-saving plunge or lap pool or have room for a large inground pool of your own design, there are plenty of reasons to consider a pool.

 Budget, of course, is always a concern, so it’s important to find budget-friendly options. But what exactly is a budget-friendly swimming pool? It doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest pool on the market, because this often leads to low quality, high maintenance costs and a lack of long-term durability.

 Budget-friendly swimming pools are all about delivering real value for money. For example, a concrete inground swimming pool may cost a little more than a fibreglass pool. However, the investment may be worth it if your concrete pool lasts longer and adds more value to your home. Value for money comes in many forms, and the cheapest isn’t always the most cost-effective.

 Let’s take a look at inground swimming pools in Australia, and discover some budget-friendly options so you can make the most of the outdoors. 

 

The benefits of inground pools

In Australia, we’re blessed with a great climate, which means many of us want to take advantage of a backyard swimming pool. Taking a dip in your family pool is a great way to cool off, but there are many other benefits to inground pool ownership.

 Visually appealing: Inground swimming pools are sleek, modern, and generally more visually appealing than an out-of-ground pool. Of course, there is nothing wrong with an above-ground pool, but having your pool level with the ground creates a more luxurious setting.

 Great for kids: Most kids love playing in swimming pools, but they can find climbing in and out of above-ground pools difficult. Being able to get in and out of the water easily is a big drawcard if you have younger children. It’s important to note that strict pool safety measures should be followed when children are near water – regardless of the pool type.

 Easy maintenance: An inground pool is generally pretty simple to keep clean, as long as you follow the appropriate care steps. Many people choose robotic pool cleaners, but it’s not too difficult to keep your pool in good shape even without one of those.

 House value: Above-ground pools can often be seen as a temporary installation. They are cheaper too, and for both of those reasons, an inground swimming pool is likely to add more value to your home. An inground swimming pool is a huge drawcard for potential buyers in the warm Australian climate.

 Customisation: When compared to above-ground pools, which are typically already made in a particular size and shape, inground pools give you much more flexibility. You have a lot more control over the size, shape and design of your inground pool.

 Durability: Finally, there is no doubt that an inground swimming pool is more durable. Whether you choose concrete or fibreglass, your inground pool is extremely well protected from the elements due to the fact it is built into the ground. No external sides are exposed to the weather, unlike above-ground pools.

 As you can see, there are many benefits to choosing an inground swimming pool. So, if you’ve decided that an inground pool is right for you, let’s look at the different types you can choose.

 

Different types of inground pools

While inground swimming pools come in all shapes and sizes, there are essentially two main types. You can build your pool from sturdy, gel-coated fibreglass as your most affordable option, or alternatively, a concrete swimming pool may suit you better if you value the ability to customise. Let’s look at your two options.

 

Concrete swimming pools

There’s no doubt that concrete swimming pools add a touch of elegance to your home. Offering the ability to build your pool in all shapes and sizes, concrete is a terrific option for swimming pool designs. Not only are concrete swimming pools extremely versatile in terms of design, they are also long-lasting and durable. With proper care, a concrete swimming pool can last for decades.

 One downside to concrete swimming pools is the fact that they cost a little more than fibreglass. This is because many fibreglass pools are built off-site and then installed into yards. As a result, the cost of labour to build your pool is often higher. Still, concrete swimming pools are an appealing choice when you consider longevity, quality and the potential for stunning features like mosaic tiles, water features and tanning ledges.

 It’s worth noting that Blue Haven offers a range of semi-inground or fully above-ground swimming pools made from pre-cast concrete, which can reduce the standard labour costs for installation.

 

Fibreglass inground swimming pools

For the budget-conscious homeowner, fibreglass pools are a more affordable option. Typically, fibreglass pools are pre-made, meaning you can only choose certain sizes. For the homeowner who wants customisation, this can be a drawback.

 While Blue Haven Pools offers a range of fibreglass inground swimming pool designs, we can also custom-design to suit your needs. Not all pool retailers do this, but we’re big on delivering what our customers want. So, not only can you get an affordable, high-quality fibreglass pool, but you can get it made to your specifications.

 

Budget-friendly inground swimming pools

If you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend money on a sprawling backyard pool that would make Olympic swimmers jealous, that’s totally ok. Australian homes come in many shapes and sizes, as do backyards. So, as long as you have appropriate room in your yard, there’s a good chance you can find a budget-friendly pool that suits your needs. Let’s look at a few examples.

 

Lap pools

If your backyard is longer than it is wide, you may not always have space for a wider pool. Or, you simply may not want a large pool in the backyard because you want it mainly for fitness. If that’s the case, why not consider a lap pool? The great thing about lap pools is that they are long, but not very wide. Because of their shape, you can incorporate lap pools into a number of different home designs, and they always make a statement.

 As always, you have control over the dimensions, so you should never feel cramped swimming a few laps in your pool. Another benefit of lap pools is the maintenance, or lack thereof. You still need to use pool filters, balance your water and chemicals and regularly clean the pool, but the size and shape of a lap pool make the process a lot quicker and easier.

 

Plunge pools

Have you noticed that Aussie backyards are getting smaller? It’s a natural progression as we struggle to provide housing for our growing population. Smaller blocks of land allow for more houses to be built, but this does come at the expense of yard size. Importantly, it also limits many homeowners’ ability to install a swimming pool.

 But if your backyard is small, don’t fear. Blue Haven offers a range of plunge pools, either pre-made or custom-designed to suit your space. You may not be swimming laps in your pool, but it’s still a great place to take a dip and cool down during summer.

 Plunge pools are also extremely versatile, and our team can design a smaller plunge pool to suit any backyard size or shape. For an extra luxurious look, you can incorporate your plunge pool into an outdoor entertaining area, giving you space to enjoy the afternoon sun and cool off when needed.

 

Envirosmart Mineral Pools

Blue Haven’s mineral pool design provides a sense of luxury while drastically reducing water consumption and maintenance costs. Remember we spoke about getting value for money earlier? While the Envirosmart mineral pool isn’t the cheapest in our range, it offers extremely low maintenance costs.

 Firstly, there is no added chlorine or algaecides. The minerals help to keep the pool clean. In addition, it reduces waste water by around 12,000 litres per year. We’ve calculated that the Envirosmart mineral pool saves around 80% of normal pool operating costs. Not only is this excellent for your wallet, but it’s also great for the environment.

 

Concrete or fibreglass inground pools

Of course, we can’t forget the most popular types of swimming pools in Australia. Blue Haven offers a huge range of ready-made or fully customised swimming pools for those with ample room in the yards and a desire to create a fun space for the whole family. Choose from fibreglass or concrete, and let us design a pool that meets your needs perfectly.

 Although more expensive than smaller plunge or lap pools, a standard concrete or fibreglass pool is still an excellent addition to the home. Plus, you can design the size and shape to maximise your available space. Investing in high-quality workmanship from Blue Haven Pools also saves you money in the long run, with a lower likelihood of damage or repairs.

 If you’d like to add a touch of luxury to your home, contact Blue Haven Pools today. With pools of all shapes, sizes, and designs, we can transform your home and create the sanctuary you have always dreamed of.

Read More:

• Are Concrete Pools Better Than Fibreglass?
• Get Ready to Upgrade Your Pool with an Enviro Smart