Several established companies build concrete swimming pools across Melbourne, including Mayfair Pools, Aqua Technics, Barrier Reef Pools, Narellan Pools, and Classic Pools. These builders work across metropolitan Melbourne and most suburban areas, offering in-ground concrete pools in a range of shapes, sizes, and finishes.
What Sets Concrete Pools Apart
Concrete pools (also called gunite or shotcrete pools) are the most customisable option available. Unlike fibreglass shells, which come in fixed shapes, concrete allows for any size, depth, or configuration. This makes concrete the preferred choice for irregular block shapes, split-level designs, or pools with integrated spas and water features. They typically take 10 to 16 weeks to complete from excavation to handover, depending on site conditions and council approval timelines.
The trade-off is cost and ongoing maintenance. Concrete surfaces are porous, which means algae can take hold more readily than on fibreglass. Most builders recommend either a pebblecrete, quartz plaster, or ceramic tile interior finish to reduce maintenance demands and improve durability.
Typical Costs in Melbourne
A standard in-ground concrete pool in Melbourne generally starts around $50,000 to $60,000 for a basic rectangular design, measuring roughly 8 x 4 metres. Larger or more complex pools with tiled finishes, heating, automation, and decking can reach $120,000 or more. Council permits, soil reports, and fencing (required by Victorian law) add to the total and are sometimes excluded from base quotes, so it pays to confirm what each builder includes.
Most Melbourne builders require a soil test before providing a fixed quote, as reactive clay soils common across the eastern and south-eastern suburbs affect the concrete shell thickness and reinforcement requirements.
Choosing a Builder in Melbourne
Any pool builder operating in Victoria must hold a valid Domestic Builder (Unlimited) licence issued by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). You can verify a builder’s licence at vba.vic.gov.au before signing a contract. Under Victorian law, pools valued over $10,000 require a major domestic building contract, and builders must provide domestic building insurance.
When comparing quotes, ask each builder for their typical construction timeline, what soil conditions they’ve encountered in your specific suburb, and which subcontractors they use for tiling and fencing. Builders who handle the full scope in-house tend to have fewer scheduling delays than those who rely heavily on external trades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a concrete pool take to build in Melbourne?
Most concrete pools take between 10 and 16 weeks from excavation to completion. Council permit approvals can add several weeks before work begins, and delays from wet weather or reactive soil conditions are common during Melbourne winters. Starting the approval process in autumn generally means the pool is ready by summer.
Do I need council approval to build a pool in Melbourne?
Yes. A building permit is required for all in-ground pools in Victoria, regardless of size. Your pool builder typically handles the permit application, but you remain the permit holder as the property owner. Safety barrier (fence) inspections are mandatory before the pool can be filled and used.
Is a concrete pool better than fibreglass for Melbourne conditions?
Concrete suits Melbourne conditions well, particularly on sites with irregular shapes or where a large pool depth is needed. Fibreglass pools can experience issues with reactive clay soils causing shell movement. Concrete structures are less susceptible to that, provided the shell reinforcement is designed to suit the local soil classification.
