If you’ve started searching ‘how much does a pool cost’, you’ve probably noticed the answer is rarely simple.
That’s because a pool project is never just the pool. The final cost depends on the shell, site access, excavation, lifting, surrounds, coping, fencing, drainage and landscaping. Some costs are easy to plan for, while others depend heavily on your backyard.
For homeowners comparing their pool options, a Plungie Pool is worth a serious look. Plungie Pools are precast concrete plunge pools, manufactured off-site and delivered ready for installation. This can make the process more streamlined than a traditional concrete pool build, while still giving you the strength and feel of concrete.
At Australian Landscape Supplies, Plungie Pools are enquiry-only because every site is different. As a broad guide, complete Plungie Pool projects often start from around $60K and can reach $120K+ for larger, more detailed or premium backyard builds. Here’s where that budget usually goes.
The Plungie shell is the main event. Depending on the model and inclusions, your package may include the precast concrete shell, internal finish, filtration, equipment and selected add-ons.
Your final cost will depend on the pool model, size, finish and what’s required to install it safely on your site. That’s why we don’t list fixed pool prices online; a proper quote needs to look at your actual space, access and installation requirements, not just the pool on paper.
This is where pool budgets can start to shift.
A flat, open backyard with easy access will usually be more straightforward. A tighter site with narrow side access, slope, retaining walls, difficult ground or limited crane access may need more planning or equipment.
Excavation can include soil removal, base preparation, drainage planning and making sure the pool area is ready for installation. It’s not just a case of digging a hole and hoping for the best. An early site assessment helps uncover any potential issues before they become expensive surprises.
Once the pool is installed, the surrounds make the area safe and comfortable to use.
Pool coping creates the finished edge around the pool, while pavers, tiles or stone form the surface around it. Natural stone can create a premium look, while concrete pavers are a more practical option for many backyards.
Around pools, it’s worth thinking about slip resistance, heat underfoot, drainage and how much maintenance you want to take on. If you’re working to a budget, start with a safe and functional pool surround first. Feature paving, garden beds and extra design details can be added later.
Pool fencing is not the most exciting part of the project, but it is one of the most important.
In Australia, pool barriers need to meet safety requirements and local regulations before the pool can be used. You can check general pool owner obligations through the NSW Government pool safety guide, but always confirm the rules that apply in your local area.
The final cost depends on the layout, fence length, gates, fixing points and ground levels. Planning your fencing materials early helps avoid awkward changes later.
Landscaping is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of a pool budget.
After the pool, fencing and hard surfaces are in, you may still need turf, decorative rock, mulch, garden edging, stepping stones, drainage gravel, soil or planting. These finishing touches help reduce mud and dust, improve drainage and make the backyard feel complete.
For DIYers, this can be a good place to save. Many homeowners leave excavation, lifting, compliance and fencing to the professionals, then handle garden beds, turf, mulch and decorative stone themselves. You can also plan ahead with garden supplies so the space around the pool is ready to finish properly.
A realistic entry-level Plungie Pool project may start from around $60K when the site is straightforward, access is good, the surroundings are simple and landscaping is modest.
A mid-range project may sit closer to $80K to $100K, especially with upgraded paving, premium coping, more detailed landscaping, glass or mixed-material fencing and a larger usable area.
Premium projects can move beyond $120K when access is complex, the design is more detailed or the pool is part of a larger backyard renovation.
These are broad, whole-project budget ranges, not fixed pool prices. For an accurate figure, get your site and plans reviewed properly.
Winter is one of the best times to start planning your Plungie Pool project.
By spring and summer, installers and tradies are usually busier. Starting in winter gives you more time to choose the right pool, plan your budget, organise fencing, decide on surrounds and think through the landscaping.
If you want to be swimming by Christmas, it’s worth getting the process moving before the warm weather arrives – future you will be glad you started early.
A pool is a big investment, so it pays to understand the full project before you dive in. With a Plungie Pool, the shell is only part of the budget. Access, excavation, coping, paving, fencing and landscaping all shape the final cost.
If you’re comparing concrete pools, fibreglass pools and precast plunge pools, enquire about a Plungie Pool with Australian Landscape Supplies. Fill out the lead capture form, and our team will help you plan what’s possible for your summer plans.
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