Why Two Pool Quotes Can Differ by $20,000+
Mike DillonIt's common for clients to come to us with two or three quotes that all claim to be 'turnkey concrete pool, similar size' — and the prices range $20K-$30K apart. Sometimes more.
The difference isn't always who's cheaper. Often it's what each builder is actually quoting. Here's how to read pool quotes properly.
The five questions that explain most of the gap
1. What's the shell thickness? Australian standard for residential pools is 175mm minimum. Some quotes spec exactly 175mm. We spec 200mm minimum. The difference adds maybe $1,500 to the build but adds significant structural margin.
2. What grade of equipment? A basic single-speed pool pump runs about $400. A Zodiac variable-speed pump runs $1,400-$1,800. Same job, vastly different running cost over 10 years. The cheap pump uses 4-5x more electricity.
3. Is the fence really included? 'Pool fence included' can mean a basic aluminium panel system ($2,500-$3,500) or frameless glass ($8,000-$15,000). The visual difference is enormous. The quote should specify which.
4. How much paving? Some quotes include 6m² of paving. Some include 15m². On a 6×4m pool, that's a $3,000-$5,000 difference and the lower allowance leaves you with a pool surrounded by dirt at handover.
5. What's the warranty actually covering? 'Lifetime warranty' often means lifetime of the company, which can be six months. We back our pools with a 10-year structural warranty in writing, plus the manufacturer warranties on equipment.
Things often hidden in the fine print
- 'Subject to soil conditions' — a clause that lets the builder hit you with extras if the dig is harder than expected. Most reputable builders carry the risk; some pass it to you.
- 'Council fees additional' — varies by council but $1,500-$3,000 typically.
- 'Excavation extra over 1.5m' — some quotes assume shallow dig; standard pools are 1.8m deep.
- 'Cartage of spoil at cost' — removing dirt is $1,500-$3,500 depending on volume.
- 'Salt cells at customer cost after 12 months' — 10-year warranties are different from 12-month warranties.
The two quotes scenario
Imagine two 7×3m pool quotes:
Quote A: $42,500. Headline number looks great. The fine print: 175mm shell, basic pump, aluminium fence, 6m² paving, soil exclusion, council fees additional, 1-year structural.
Quote B: $48,900 (Wahoo Family II). 200mm shell, Zodiac variable-speed pump, frameless glass fence option, 12m² paving included, all council fees and excavation included, 10-year structural warranty.
Quote A's true total once you've added up the inclusions Quote B already had: probably around $52K-$55K. So Quote B was actually cheaper.
How to compare like for like
Take any quote you receive — ours or anyone else's — and ask:
- What's the shell thickness?
- What's the exact pump and filter brand and model?
- Is the fence panel material specified?
- How many m² of paving is included?
- Is excavation included regardless of soil type?
- Are council fees included?
- What's the structural warranty term, and from whom?
If a builder dodges these questions, that tells you something.
If you've got two quotes you'd like a second opinion on, send them through. We'll happily compare them line by line, no pressure to use us.
— Mike
