With our beautiful climate, it’s pretty easy to understand why Aussies love backyard swimming pools. With our love of outdoor activities and pursuit of a laid-back lifestyle, owning a pool is not just a means of cooling off but a social hub for family gatherings, barbecues, and friendly get-togethers. However, if you’re thinking about installing a pool, it’s worth learning about some of the disadvantages of cheap pools.

 

Types of low-cost pools

When people talk about cheap swimming pools, there are generally three different types: Inflatable, above-ground fibreglass and vinyl-lined pools. In terms of semi-permanent structures, there are many swimming pool styles on the market, made from various materials and offering different levels of durability and reliability.

 For the purposes of this article, our focus is on cheaper pools in general, but we’ve included descriptions of a few examples of cheap pools below for those who are interested.

 

Above ground fibreglass

Here at Blue Haven, we offer a range of cost-effective above-ground fibreglass pool options. We work with premium materials to ensure only the best quality, but this style costs less for a good reason: fewer installation costs make it more affordable. Other types of above-ground fibreglass pools are also on the market, and knowing what you’re buying is essential.

 This category covers a wide spectrum, ranging from pocket-friendly freestanding fibreglass pools to the top-notch custom-designed above-ground pools offered by Blue Haven. We can assure you there is an enormous quality gap between the two!

 

Inflatable pools

We normally wouldn’t mention inflatable swimming pools, but the reality is that they’re a cheap way to enjoy a bit of backyard pool fun. Inflatable pools, while still not offering anything near the durability of a concrete or fibreglass pool, are at least improving in quality. Stronger materials mean that today’s inflatable pools can be more than just a throwaway summer item.

 With that being said, inflatable pools aren’t a permanent swimming pool option. Most families set them up for one summer, and they’re never seen again. This is either because they’re a major hassle to set up or they are damaged so badly from one summer of use that they become unusable or unsafe.

 

Vinyl-lined pools

Vinyl-lined swimming pools have become common in many homes due to their budget-friendly nature. Although the pool structure itself can be constructed from various materials, the inner lining is typically crafted from vinyl. It’s worth noting that the lifespan of a vinyl pool liner is relatively short, ranging from 5 to 9 years before replacement becomes necessary. So, while it’s a cheap option, re-lining your pool a couple of times each decade is also a hassle.

 So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the reasons you should be very wary about cheap pools.

 

Lack of design flexibility

Perhaps the biggest and most obvious difference between cheap pools and high-quality pools is the customisation. Put simply, cheaper pools are usually pre-made, meaning you’ve got no control over the size or shape. While some people may just be happy to have a pool, we believe that any type of investment in your home should genuinely add value.

 With expertly designed and professionally designed swimming pools, you get so much more flexibility in the design. This gives you more freedom to work with the backyard space you’ve got available. It also lets you include the features you want. Unfortunately, if you want to keep costs down, you lose that flexibility and need to adopt a more ‘get what you’re given’ approach to pool shopping.

 

Smaller size

While there are many factors that influence the price of a swimming pool, the size is certainly one. The smaller the pool, the cheaper it will be. That’s not a huge issue for everybody, as some people specifically only want a small plunge pool or lap pool. But for those who want a big pool for entertaining the family and visitors, you’ll need to pay a little more.

 Prefabricated swimming pools are usually smaller because people need to transport them. Typically, these pools are driven to the customer’s home and dropped into a pre-dug hole in the backyard. So, you don’t find many of them that are too big, because transporting them would simply be too difficult. Again, you’re a little bit limited by what’s already available on the shelf.

 

Fewer finish options

Most people want a touch of elegance in their pool. A swimming pool is a considerable investment, even if you choose a budget-friendly style. So, if you’re going to make an investment, you may as well do it properly. For example, concrete pools give you the freedom to tile however you like, especially with custom designs. You may want a sophisticated trim around the pool. Or perhaps you want the sides and floor of your pool to sparkle and shimmer in the sun.

 Regardless of what comes to mind when you think about a beautiful, opulent swimming pool, you sacrifice these features when you go cheap. Those are usually the finishing touches that push the price up, so you’ll need to be happy with a generic finish if you want to keep costs down.

 

Limiting where you can put your pool

Are you lucky enough to own a home on a perfectly level block with plenty of room for a pool? This isn’t the reality for most Australians, so think yourself very lucky if you’re in this category. The cheapest pools are usually only suitable for flat blocks. Think about a freestanding above-ground pool or even a sturdy inflatable version. They need a perfectly flat service, otherwise, you’ll need excavators involved.

 If you need excavators to level out some ground for a cheap pool, consider a more customised design. You’ll be spending the money on an earthmoving service anyway, so why not dig out some space for a custom pool that perfectly suits your needs?

 

Lack of professional installation

Many swimming pools fall into the cheaper category because installation is so easy. Concrete inground swimming pools cost more to install because you need a qualified professional to do them properly. If you’re able to self-install your pool, it’s probably not a permanent structure or a long-term viable option.

For example, many inflatable pools and even vinyl-lined pools can be self-installed if you’re handy enough. But the fact that non-professionals can even install them is probably a good indication that you’re not buying an exceptionally high-quality product. In many respects, you get what you pay for. Professional installation costs more, but you gain peace of mind that your pool has been expertly built and installed.

 

More maintenance costs

There is an old saying about the poor man paying twice. This is usually said in reference to buying cheap products and ultimately needing to buy them again soon after since the original cheap purchase breaks. It really sums up cheap swimming pools perfectly.

If you go for the cheapest options when installing your swimming pool, you are likely to have more ongoing maintenance costs. More expensive pools include features that limit the amount of work you need to do, such as finishes that protect against bacteria and more effective filter systems.

Cleaning a cheap pool also isn’t as easy as you might think, and when a pool becomes dirty and unpleasant, that’s when it stops being used. Even a cheap pool is a waste of money if people won’t use it. We suggest investing in quality and avoiding the endless maintenance and repairs associated with cheap, bargain-buy pools.

 

Greater risk of damage

Cheap pools are more susceptible to damage because they are usually made from lesser-quality materials. For example, a concrete pool with a professionally coated finish is strong and hard to damage. The lining of a vinyl pool, however, is extremely easy to damage. Of course, vinyl can be repaired, but how many times do you want to be patching up holes every summer?

Even concrete or fibreglass pools built by less-than-reputable pool companies are more likely to break, so it’s worth investing in a team you can trust. A pool should be enjoyed, but the experience sours pretty quickly for people who deal with dodgy pool builders.

 

Missing out on great features

Generally, when you choose a cheap pool, you don’t get the great features available in high-quality pools. The fact that you can’t customise the design means you are unlikely to get anything fun, like a tanning ledge, nice spa jets or water fountain features. The restricted choices extend to entry and exit points, leaving you with fewer options to tailor the pool to your preferences. If your vision includes a mineral pool, cheap providers are unlikely to offer that option. 

While not everyone may desire elaborate features, the majority of pool owners we engage with express a shared desire for excellence in their home investments. Opting for a high-quality pool from the outset is a strategic move that not only enhances your home but also saves you from potential future expenses and concerns. If you’re seeking custom designs and Australia’s premier pools at reasonable prices, look no further than Blue Haven. Contact us today and find out how we can bring your home to life with our stunning pools and spas.

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