Cost of Building a Pool in South Africa

Estimated Costs Associated with Building a Pool

• Excavation and earthworks: R10,000 - R30,000 (depending on soil conditions and pool size)
• Pool shell (fibreglass or concrete): R40,000 - R100,000
• Paving and coping: R5,000 - R25,000
• Plumbing and filtration system: R10,000 - R30,000
• Pool pump: R5,000 - R10,000
• Electrical work (for lights and pump): R3,000 - R8,000
• Pool finishes (tiling, plaster, or paint): R5,000 - R20,000
• Optional features (heating system, automation, or covers): R10,000 - R50,000+
• Fencing or safety barriers: R5,000 - R15,000
• Maintenance equipment: R2,000 - R5,000
• Pool fencing (if required): R3,000 - R10,000
• Call-out fee (for post-installation services or consultations): R350 - R750

How is a Pool Built?

1. Planning and design: Choose the size, shape, and type of pool (fibreglass, concrete, or vinyl).
2. Excavation: The area is dug out to the desired pool shape and depth.
3. Framing and structure: For concrete pools, steel reinforcements are installed, while fibreglass pools are placed directly into the hole.
4. Plumbing and electrical: Install the necessary pipes, filtration systems, and electrical wiring.
5. Concrete pouring or fibreglass installation: Concrete pools are poured and shaped, while fibreglass pools are placed into the ground.
6. Finishing: Apply tiles, plaster, or other finishes to the pool’s interior.
7. Decking and landscaping: Complete the area around the pool with paving, decking, or landscaping.
8. Final inspections and testing: Ensure the pool’s plumbing and filtration systems are functioning correctly before filling it with water.

How Long Does it Typically Take to Build a Pool?

The duration of pool construction varies depending on the pool type and complexity.

• Fibreglass pool installation: 1-2 weeks, including excavation, placement, and backfilling.
• Concrete pool construction: 4-8 weeks, as concrete pools require more time for framing, pouring, curing, and finishing.
• Custom or luxury pools: 8-12 weeks, particularly if there are complex designs or features like infinity edges or custom lighting.

Keep in mind that weather conditions, site accessibility, and contractor availability can affect the timeline.

DIY - Can You Build a Pool Yourself?

Building a small pool yourself is a manageable DIY project, especially if you opt for an above-ground pool or a small in-ground plunge pool. Above-ground pools are the easiest and quickest option, requiring levelling the ground, assembling a pool kit, and installing a basic filtration system. For a small in-ground pool, you’ll need to excavate the area, lay a sand or gravel base, install a vinyl liner or fibreglass shell, and connect the plumbing. Stick to simple shapes and sizes, and ensure proper filtration and water circulation for a functional, easy-to-maintain pool.

Benefits of Building a Small Pool Yourself

• Cost savings: DIY can save thousands of rands on labour costs. A simple above-ground pool or small plunge pool is much cheaper to install yourself.
• Customization: You can choose your preferred materials and designs, tailoring the pool to your specific needs and budget.
• Quick installation: Small pools take less time to build than larger, more complex designs, especially if you're using a prefabricated fibreglass or vinyl liner.

Challenges

• Excavation: Digging for an in-ground pool can be physically demanding. Renting a mini-excavator may be necessary for larger projects.
• Plumbing and filtration: Ensuring that the plumbing is properly installed and the filtration system works efficiently is crucial for pool maintenance and cleanliness.
• Durability: DIY pools, especially above-ground or vinyl-lined pools, may not be as durable as professionally installed concrete pools, so expect more maintenance and potential repairs over time.

When Should You Get Professional Help?

• Complex pool designs: Custom shapes, infinity pools, or pools with advanced features should be done by experts.
• Proper plumbing and filtration systems: Installing these systems incorrectly can lead to leaks, inefficiency, or high maintenance costs.
• Structural integrity: To avoid problems like cracking or shifting, professional builders ensure your pool is built to last.

How to Save Money on Pool Construction?

• Opt for standard shapes: Rectangular or oval pools are often cheaper than custom-shaped pools.
• Use basic finishes: Choose basic tiling or plaster instead of luxury materials.
• Compare quotes: Get multiple quotes from contractors to find the best deal.
• Install a fibreglass pool: Fibreglass pools are quicker to install and can be more cost-effective than concrete pools.

How To Find The Right Pro To Build Your Pool?

For a hassle-free pool building process, look no further than Kandua. By posting a job on Kandua, you can relax knowing you'll be connected with and receive quotes from affordable, vetted and top rated Pros who can efficiently handle your pool installation.

Now that you have a better understanding of pool prices – it’s time to find the best Pro for the job.

Luckily for you – Kandua has hundreds of Pros who do pool installations on a daily basis.

Here are our top tips to help you find the right Pro to build a pool:

• Give the contractor as much information as possible. The more details they have the more efficiently they can quote on the job and also offer their professional advice.
• Once you’ve gotten quotes from different Pros – you can look up their profiles on Kandua and read their reviews and see pictures of their work.
• Read the quote carefully. Make sure you double-check everything so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.

Remember, it’s not always about finding the cheapest option. Stick to these tips, and take into account the entire package, Pro reviews, your experience in dealing with them and then, of course, the cost.

These figures are approximate and may not accurately reflect current prices in South Africa. Click here for free, non-obligatory, up-to-date, location-specific quotes for building a pool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Construction

Q: What is the best type of pool to build in South Africa?
A: Fibreglass pools are popular due to their quick installation and lower maintenance. Concrete pools, while more expensive and time-consuming to build, offer greater customization in terms of shape and size.

Q: Do I need planning permission to build a pool?
A: In most cases, pools do not require planning permission if they are built within certain size limits and do not affect the structural integrity of the surrounding area. However, it’s always best to check with your local municipality.

Q: How often should a pool be maintained?
A: Pool maintenance is typically done weekly or biweekly, including cleaning, checking chemical levels, and ensuring the filtration system is working properly. Larger maintenance tasks, such as deep cleaning and servicing equipment, may be needed every few months.

Q: Can I add a heating system to my pool?
A: Yes, pool heaters are available in various options, including solar, electric, and gas heaters. A heating system can extend the swimming season and make the pool more enjoyable, but it will add to the overall cost.

Q: How deep should my pool be?
A: The standard depth for a residential pool is 1.2m to 1.5m. However, if you want a deep end for diving, a depth of at least 2.4m is recommended. Be sure to discuss your intended use with the pool contractor to determine the right depth.

Q: How long does a pool last?
A: With proper maintenance, a fibreglass pool can last 20-30 years, while a concrete pool can last 50 years or more. Periodic resurfacing or repairs may be necessary to extend its lifespan.

Q: What features can I add to my pool?
A: Popular features include pool covers, solar heating, LED lighting, infinity edges, fountains, and automatic cleaning systems. These features add to the overall enjoyment but will increase the construction cost.