The process of building an inground concrete swimming pool in Melbourne
Dream of having your own pool? Building an inground concrete swimming pool is an intricate task and one that requires the knowledge and experience of a swimming pool builder professional.
A pool in your backyard is a guaranteed way to add luxury, relaxation and fun to everyday life. Every type of pool (not the inflatable kind!) requires professionals. Let’s discuss the process of building an inground concrete swimming pool.
Inground pools have superior customization options, last longer and have a higher resale value. Above ground pools have a shorter lifespan and are harder to integrate with surroundings. Sunsetter Pools & Spas has designed and built beautiful pools in homes all over Melbourne. We’ll handle the entire process of building your inground pool including permits, engineering and landscaping (should you wish!).
Inspection
Decide where you want the pool located. The builder will then complete a site inspection to determine the landscape, area requirements and limitations, plus the plumbing electrical and structural requirements.
Paperwork
The licensed engineer will work with your builder to organise the paperwork, including design requirements, hydraulics, scope, concrete requirements and sketches. The builder will submit the proposal to a chosen Building Surveyor who will liase with your local city council for approval for a Swimming Pool Building Permit and appropriate certifications.
Excavation
When you receive approval, your swimming pool builder will prepare the area for excavation using earth-removing equipment.
The excavation process can take a maximum of three days, depending on the weather, type of ground and ease of access.
Steel Fixing
Fixing the steel won’t take more than two days.
The fixers make a criss-cross steel design around the excavated area as per engineering design specifications.
This structure also covers the pool steps, ledges and other design features.
Professional plumbers and electricians will then fit the pipelines, drainage, electricity and lights.
Pouring the concrete
Spraying concrete through shotcreting is the usual method.
A mixture of rock, sand and cement is ‘shot’ using a high-pressure hose onto the steel reinforcement frame.
A thicker layer concrete is more durable and less likely to be susceptible to fissures and cracks.
A curing period of four to six weeks will prevent cracking.
Finishing the interior
Debris is removed from the surface and a sealing agent applied to waterproof the pipes and drains, a rendered cement layer is applied and sometimes a water-proofing membrane (usually for pools that are out-of-ground or incorporate a negative/ infinity edge.)
Once the render and/or waterproofing dries, the pool is now ready to be tiled. The average time to tile a pool varies greatly, including factors such as tile choice ( 20mm v 48mm, glass v ceramic), pool size, whether it’s a pool and spa combo, square set, or curved edges.
At Sunsetter Pools and Spas we take pride in ensuring our tilers only produce the very best standard!
Coping and Landscaping
Laying the coping (the cap around the pool edge) and paving or decking/landscaping is up next!
Tiles, stone or marble paving to enhance the aesthetics are encouraged.
A permanent pool barrier must be installed prior to filling your pool with water.
At Sunsetter Pools & Spas we work with some of the best and most cost effective fencers, carpenters and landscapers to ensure excellent finishes and ease of construction.
Plumbing lines and filters
Technicians will check plumbing lines, plumb in pool equipment and heating options and then prepare your pool for hand-over.
Sunsetter Pools & Spas’ quality is second to none.
Now is the time to get your dream pool built. Contact Sunsetter Pools & Spas today to start planning.




