“To plunge into water, to move one’s whole body, from head to toe, in its wild and graceful beauty; to twist about in its pure depths, this is for me a delight only comparable to love.” – Paul Valéry
Not bad for a French poet, who wasn’t a good swimmer! Not to wax poetic, but there’s just something about swimming that feels ‘out-of-this-world’. Apart from the top five selling points (that we’re not going to get into here), there’s something about being submerged in water, devoid of sound, without the shackles of gravity that is unlike any other experience. You don’t need a crystal ball to tell you that we Aussies have a strong cultural affinity towards swimming. Even the national anthem has the line, “our home is girt by sea”. As a nation, swimming (ahem, and beer!) is in our DNA, so our love for swimming pools is well-founded.
If you’ve been contemplating on when’s the right time to get your backyard dug up and get started with that pool project, then this is going to be your guide to getting your very own swimming pool up and splashing just in time for the summer. We’re going to give it to you straight here people so, hold on to that inflatable rubber ducky.
What’s its Function?
Investing in an inground swimming pool is going to involve a serious amount of big bickies, so you’d want to get it right the first time.
Focusing on the “Why” of your pool installation will keep you from getting in hot water. Ever heard of the term, “one person’s pool is another person’s bird bath?” Whether you are looking forward to building a (swimming) pool because you want to surprise your family, entertain friends or just cool off during the summer, it’s best to be certain before you make a commitment. Once you’ve decided on why you want to have a swimming pool, there are still quite a few factors to keep in mind. Such as the following:
Timing the Pool Installation
Since its Australia we’re talking about, naturally, summer seems to last all year through in some regions, but not here in south Victoria. That’s why many people decide to get their inground swimming pools installed during the spring and summer months which bring warmer weather. During summer months, pool builders get busy with pool installations, so it goes without saying that the earlier you decide on getting the pool, and the earlier you book the service of a pool installation, the quicker you will get your pool ready for the summer.
A swimming pool is easy to install, but it’s best to book your pool months in advance if you want to enjoy it during the summer. Talk to the pool builder you have chosen for the job to find out more about the timeframe to expect your swimming pool ready. Often times, pool builders have too many projects booked by other clients, so you could have to wait behind a long, long waiting list before it’s your turn, and you really don’t want that. If it’s getting close to summer, and your pool builder is promising your installation within a tight timeframe, then just ask them to be realistic, and give you an honest date. Since you’re going to want to enjoy your pool during the summer and not spend your time staring down at a giant hole in the ground, find a reputable company, get your quotes and get the work started early. The truth is, there’s no “best” time for getting a swimming pool installed in your home in Geelong and the surrounding areas. If you get your pool installed in summer, then you get to enjoy it with your family and friends straight away, but if you got your pool installed during the winter, then it only means that you will have lots of time to add the finishing touches till summer arrives. Whichever way you go, you can be sure that having your very own swimming pool is going to provide you with many summers of fun.
What Might Have Been
You really don’t want to be thinking about what you could have gotten if you just waited/acted sooner etc., whatever the reason, there’s no need to compromise on what you really want your swimming pool to look and feel like. Needless to say, once the pool installers arrive, and stick the pool into the ground, it’s going to be there for a long time. If you have your heart on a specific design or style, don’t settle for something you don’t really want, because you won’t have to wait “that long”. While you may really want to swim in your own swimming pool this summer, don’t let timing get in the way of the swimming pool your heart’s on.
That being said, there are some pool types that are just faster to install as compared to others. While you might have a particular pool style in mind, the smart thing to do will be to have a conversation with your pool installer and find out your options. If you are really in a hurry, then choose an option that will get you the closest to the swimming pool design you have envisioned in your mind.
A good example here could be given of a composite fibreglass swimming pool which can be installed in just a few days, and handed over to you in a couple of weeks, while going for a concrete swimming pool could end up taking months to complete. However, do not forget about the permits, the paperwork will be one of the things that requires its time and can’t be sped up. Don’t hesitate to share your idea for the ideal swimming pool with the pool installer, and ask them for the best options.
Sweat the Small Stuff
Many people waste too much time on getting the shape and the size of the swimming pool they want right. That’s a mistake.
While deciding on the exact shape and size of the pool installation is important before you submit the paperwork to the authorities for approval, you also need to decide on the exact position where your pool is going to be—don’t forget to picture the entire pool enclosure here. The quicker you decide, the quicker the pool builder you appoint will be able to install the pool for you.
Get the Go-Ahead
While you will be digging up your backyard to install the pool in a house that you paid for, you will still need to get permission from the authorities. In this case, it is going to be the local council or planning authority in your area. The process is fairly simple, but many people get intimidated when the word “government approval” is used. The process of obtaining consent from the planning authority is simple and is going to involve submitting a detailed plan of the design and depth of the swimming pool, and the surrounding area which will also be taken into consideration by the local council / planning authority. Basically, the document you submit will give them details on the lay of the land before you can get approval. Once the required documents have been submitted, the approval process will take up a few weeks, (normally, around six weeks). But, it could also take longer, depending on the thoroughness of the details provided in the documents. It should be noted, that it is not advised to start the construction process before you have received the approval letter.
Pool Installation Time
Once you have received the required approval from the local council / planning authority, the pool builder will have the permission to fit the pool into their installation timeframe. It should be noted here, that your pool installer could have dozens of pools that need to be installed ahead of yours, so you could probably have to wait a few months, even after getting the approval from local council. This is the reason you need to hire a pool installer who can get your pool installed as quickly as possible after you have received the approval. If you are short on time, talk to us about having a swim spa installed in your backyard.
Hold Your Breath: The Pool Price
Now, for the reason you’re really here. The price. As Phelps said, “If you’re a good kicker, you’re a good swimmer”. But you don’t want to be kicking yourself for making a bad decision while getting a pool. Your money, like your breath under water, is precious. Don’t waste it! If you don’t want to be left gasping for air when you receive the bill, find a reputable pool installer.
Getting an inground swimming pool means excavating the area, which means it will be more costly, but the results are going to be worth the wait and expense. A typical concrete pool will cost you between $50,000 to $85,000, while a fibreglass pool can cost you between $35,000 and $65,000. It is important to note here that the exact price will depend on factors such as design, size and depth of the pool. Also, the site condition affects the price. Add something extra to your budget if you consider installing your fibreglass pool partially or completely above the ground or even think of an infinity pool. You don’t want to overspend, especially if you’re on a budget. Hiring an experienced pool installer such as Gordon Ave Pools & Spas will ensure that you have all the information you need on pool options and pricing to make a more informed decision. Read our guide on the pool costs to learn more about this topic.
Warranties and Insurance
Yes. Since getting your own swimming pool involves serious cash. So, you will want to know about any warranties and get the pool insured in case it catches fire (you never know!). You can ask the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia for the information you need regarding both these features, however, we are happy to explain everything about warranties and insurance in relation to swimming pools.
Why a Swimming Pool?
We have reached the tail-end here, so it’s time to give it to you straight (as promised). For those who love to swim and want to go to the beach, we have a viable alternative. Rather than spluttering in anxiety, thinking about ‘Jaws’ making a rude cameo in your life, why not opt for a swimming pool which is, by far, a much safer (and cleaner) option. Besides, there’s nothing like owning one to make you feel at home in your swimming pool. No more trying to squeeze yourself into ridiculously small swim wear, because that’s what everybody’s wearing. Rather than living out the heat waves of the future in homes that seem to attract heat, and then trap it, why not go out back, jump in yourown pool and enjoy the weather, damp with chlorine and pride. After all, you’re Australian!
Contact Us to Find Out More
We at Gordon Ave Pools & Spas care about you…and your pool. That is why we never throw our customers in the deep end and leave them to figure it out!
Get in touch with us today to get answers to all your questions by contacting us at (03) 5221 3422. You can also request a free quote by sending us an inquiry. All you need to do is fill out a simple form. If you’re planning to buy a new pool then get your hands on our Free Pool Buyers Guide to get all the information you need.