Planning a Pool? Here's What You Need to Consider

Planning a Pool? Here's What You Need to Consider

Thinking of installing a pool? Whether it's for summer fun, family time, fitness, or a stunning backyard upgrade, proper planning is key. At AJA Pools, we don’t just maintain and service pools, we can guide you through every decision to make sure your pool and investment is safe, stylish, and simple to maintain for years to come.

Here are the essentials to consider before you build and purchase

 

How Will You Use Your Pool?

Your lifestyle will shape your pool design. Is it:

  • A fun zone for kids
  • A peaceful retreat
  • An entertainment space

Knowing this upfront helps determine size, depth, and features. Also worth considering whilst you are planning this for you and your family, strategically also consider for potential re-sale purposes

 

Concrete or Fibreglass?

Both are great, the right choice depends on your needs:

Concrete Pools

  • Fully customisable (any shape or size)
  • Great for sloping or tricky sites
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Longer build time
  • Tiling water level and step edges

Fibreglass Pools

  • Faster installation
  • Pre-moulded designs
  • Smooth surface and low maintenance
  • Cost-effective and efficient
  • Hardest choice is choosing a colour

 

Budget: Think Beyond the Shell

A pool involves more than digging a hole. Be sure to budget for:

  • Excavation and installation, have scope for what’s hidden in the ground, soak wells, rock and potentially a high-water table.
  • Temporary fencing during installation phase
  • Final pool fencing type and location
  • Surrounding pool landscaping
  • Lighting, hidden skimmer lid, tiling, concreting and/or paving
  • Post pool and surrounds installation professional clean
  • Heating and filtration systems
  • Ongoing maintenance costs

 

Don’t Skip These Must-Have Pool Essentials

Maintaining a high-quality pool requires appropriate equipment to ensure cleanliness, safety, and ease of maintenance.  Your setup should include:

  • Filtration system, sand/glass or cartridge
  • Energy-efficient pump, matched to your pool size
  • Sanitation system (salt, mineral, fresh water or chlorine)
  • Skimmer box
  • Automatic pool cleaner
  • Pool cover and storage options above or below ground
  • Pool heat pump
  • Access, step railing to assist with getting in and out of the pool
  • LED lighting
  • Phone automation, control water levels, lighting, temperature & cleaning from your smartphone

Modern smart pool systems make it easy to manage everything, even while you’re away.

 

Pool & Equipment Location: Get It Right From The Start

Where your pool goes on your property matters. Key things to think about:

Pool Location Considerations

  • Sun exposure and shade
  • Drainage and slope of your land
  • Wind exposure (can cool water and blow in debris)
  • Proximity to the house, entertainment areas or fencing
  • Avoid underground services or large tree roots
  • Ensure there’s access for excavation equipment during construction

Plant & Equipment Placement

  • Your pump, filter, chlorinator and heat pump need:
  • Easy access for servicing
  • Ability to run power to the area
  • Adequate ventilation and drainage
  • Sound-minimising placement
  • Ideally close to the pool to reduce pipework, but not visible from your main entertaining space 

If considering a sand or glass filter, plumbing in from the start your backwash/waste line to a soak well.

 

Site & Legal Requirements

Every backyard is different, and so are council rules. Before building, consider:

  • Site access for equipment
  • Drainage and soil quality
  • Sun & shade exposure
  • Trees, structures, or boundaries nearby
  • Local council approvals and safety fencing regulations

The company you engage to supply or build your pool should handle all permits and compliance to save you stress and ensure everything is legal and safe.

 

Add the Finishing Touches

To further enhance your pool experience consider adding features such as:

  • Spa zones or ledges for relaxing
  • Waterfalls or deck jets
  • Heat pump to extend swimming season
  • Pool blanket and under or above ground storage
  • Custom tiling or pebble finishes
  • Completion of poolside area, including paving, concrete work, and liquid limestone installation.  
  • Pool fencing
  • Landscaping

 

Let’s Make It Easy

Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in.

At AJA Pools, we guide you through every step, from design to installation and aftercare. With the right advice and expert planning, your dream pool can be a smooth, stress-free reality.

Get in touch for an obligation free conversation 

Let’s create a pool that fits your lifestyle, your backyard, and your budget.

 

 

 

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