How Much Does It Cost to Build an In-Ground Pool in Melbourne?

If you’ve been dreaming of a pool for your home, one of the first questions you’ll ask is about the cost to build an in-ground pool in Melbourne. The honest answer is that it depends on the type of pool you choose, your site, and what you add around it. In this guide, the Sunsetter Pools & Spas team breaks down the typical costs and explains what’s involved in the build.

AKA – Similar Terms

When researching pool prices, you may also see this topic described as:

• In-ground pool cost Melbourne
• Swimming pool cost Melbourne
• How much does a pool cost in Melbourne
• Fibreglass pool cost
• Concrete pool cost
• Pool installation prices

The biggest factor in the price of your pool is the construction type. At Sunsetter Pools & Spas we design and build both fibreglass pools and custom concrete pools. As a general guide, typical Melbourne price ranges are:

• Fibreglass pool: approximately $35,000 – $70,000 installed
• Concrete pool: approximately $60,000 – $200,000+ installed
• Total project (including fencing, paving and landscaping): approximately $60,000 – $150,000+

Vinyl-liner pools are another option on the market, but most Melbourne homeowners we work with choose fibreglass or concrete for their durability and finish.

These figures are indicative only. Your final price will depend on the pool’s size and shape, soil conditions, site access, finishes and the features you choose. The best way to get an accurate figure is with an on-site consultation and a written quote.

A pool project is made up of several parts. Here’s where the money typically goes.

Pool Shell and Installation

• Fibreglass: the shell itself is typically around $12,000 – $35,000, with installation bringing the total to roughly $35,000 – $70,000. As agents for Harvest Pools, we offer a wide range of Australian-made shells.
• Concrete: the shell and structure is typically around $25,000 – $80,000, with the completed pool ranging from roughly $60,000 to $200,000+ depending on size, design and finishes.

Costs That Apply to Every Melbourne Pool

• Excavation: often around $3,000 – $8,000, but rock, a sloping block or restricted access can increase this.
• Soil test and engineering: around $500 – $1,500. Many parts of Melbourne have reactive clay soils, so engineering advice is important.
• Building permit: in Victoria, a building permit must be issued by a registered building surveyor before work starts, typically costing around $800 – $2,500.
• Pool registration: once built, your pool or spa must be registered with your local council, and a certificate of barrier compliance lodged.
• Electrical connection: must be completed by a licensed electrician.

Surrounding Works

• Safety fencing (mandatory): glass fencing is often around $4,000 – $10,000, with steel or aluminium fencing usually costing less. Read about Victorian pool fencing compliance rules.
• Paving and coping: roughly $80 – $200 per m², depending on whether you choose concrete, pavers, bluestone or travertine.
• Heating: heat pumps are typically around $4,000 – $9,000 and solar heating around $3,000 – $7,000. Compare options in our guide to solar heating vs electric heat pumps.
• Lighting: around $500 – $2,000. See our ideas for swimming pool lighting.
• Landscaping: anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000+ depending on the design. Explore pool landscaping in Melbourne.

Long-Term Running and Maintenance Costs

• Chemicals and electricity: typically around $800 – $1,500 per year, depending on pool size, heating and equipment.
• Concrete pool resurfacing: usually needed every 10 – 15 years, often costing $8,000 – $20,000.
• Saving on running costs: a pool blanket, energy-efficient pump and in-floor cleaning system can all help reduce ongoing costs.

Understanding the build process helps you see where your investment goes. A typical in-ground pool project includes:

1. Site assessment and design: we look at your yard, access, levels and how you want to use the pool.
2. Permits and compliance: soil testing, engineering and a building permit from a registered building surveyor.
3. Excavation: digging and preparing the site for the pool.
4. Construction or installation: placing the fibreglass shell, or forming, steel-fixing and spraying a concrete pool.
5. Plumbing and electrical: installing pipework, filtration, heating and lighting connections.
6. Surrounding works: safety fencing, coping, paving and landscaping.
7. Commissioning: filling, balancing the water and showing you how to run your pool.

For a step-by-step look, read our guides to building an in-ground fibreglass pool and an in-ground concrete pool in Melbourne.

Why It’s Important to Use a Professional Pool Builder

• Specialist expertise: soil conditions, structural engineering and water flow all affect how your pool performs long term.
• Regulatory compliance: your pool must meet Victorian building and pool barrier requirements.
• Quality workmanship: quality materials and correctly installed plumbing reduce problems down the track.
• Project management: one team coordinating every stage keeps the build on track.
• Modern equipment: energy-efficient pumps, filtration and automation can lower running costs.

Alongside new pool construction, Sunsetter Pools & Spas offers a complete range of pool and spa services:

• Pool & Spa Builds – Integrated spas designed to complement your pool and outdoor area.
• Pool Heating – Heat pumps, solar and gas heating to extend your swimming season.
• Pool Accessories & Features – Lighting, automation, cleaning systems and more.
• Pool Renovations – Bringing older pools back to life with modern finishes and equipment.
• Pool & Spa Maintenance – Equipment installation, replacement and ongoing care.

The cost to build an in-ground pool in Melbourne varies widely, from around $35,000 for an installed fibreglass pool to $200,000 or more for a large custom concrete design. Once you add fencing, paving, heating and landscaping, most complete projects fall somewhere between $60,000 and $150,000+.

The best way to plan your budget is to consider the whole project, not just the pool shell, and to factor in ongoing running costs. If you’re still deciding on construction type, our complete guide to fibreglass vs concrete pools is a great place to start.

Sunsetter Pools & Spas is an Australian-owned, licensed and award-winning pool builder with more than 15 years of experience designing and building fibreglass and concrete pools across Melbourne. We give you clear, upfront advice so you know where your budget is going.

Why Melbourne Homeowners Choose Us:

• Fibreglass and Concrete Expertise: Because we build both, our advice is focused on what suits your backyard and budget.
• Registered Building Practitioners & SPASA Members: Licensed, qualified and committed to industry best practice.
• Award-Winning Work: Including a 2024 SPASA National Award for Renovations.
• Specialist Features: Integrated spas, in-floor self-cleaning systems and pool automation.
• Quality Products: Strong supplier relationships mean quality pool and spa products at competitive prices.

Ready to find out what your pool will cost?

• Contact Sunsetter Pools & Spas to arrange your consultation and quote.
• Learn more about our team on our About Us page.
• Browse our latest work in our Melbourne Pool Projects gallery.