FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
About Wahoo
Who we are, how long we've been doing this
How long has Wahoo been building pools?+
Over 20 years. Founded by John and Cathy Dillon, Wahoo has built pools across South-East Queensland since the early 2000s.
Who actually runs the company day-to-day?+
The owners. John and Cathy Dillon are co-owners. Mike (also an owner) is the project manager and is on every site, every day. We have no salespeople — you deal directly with the people whose names are on the licence. Read more about the Wahoo team.
Are you licensed?+
Yes. Our QBCC Licence number is 15247996. You can verify this on the QBCC website. ABN: 509 746 576 38. ACN: 649 316 049.
Why should I choose Wahoo over other builders?+
(a) We have hundreds of verified Google reviews from real Brisbane clients across two decades. (b) You deal directly with owners, not salespeople, throughout. (c) Our quotes are itemised and transparent. We're rarely the cheapest, never the most expensive, and always the most informative.
Choosing a Package
Sizes, inclusions, fit
What sizes do you offer?+
From compact 5m × 3m up to flagship 10m × 4m, with eleven configurations in between. See all 12 packages.
What's included in the price?+
Every package includes the 200mm reinforced concrete shell, pebble-crete interior finish, coping, Zodiac/Waterco filtration system with energy-efficient pump, glass media filtration, skimmer with quad-lid frame and tiled finish, flush-mount LED lighting, engineering, and council compliance documentation.
Is the spa worth it?+
The integrated 2m × 2m spa adds a flat $11,890 to any package from Family Pool I onwards. It pays back fastest if you entertain regularly or have older family members who'll appreciate hydrotherapy. Brisbane's mild winters make a heated spa usable year-round.
Will it fit in my yard?+
The recommended yard area is listed on each package page. As a rule: a 5m × 3m pool needs at least 35m² clear space; a 10m × 4m pool needs at least 110m² clear space. We'll confirm with a free site visit.
Difference between Family Pool I and II?+
Same price, different shape. The \"-1\" is wider and squarer; the \"-2\" is longer and narrower. Choose by yard shape and use (lap swimming favours longer, family play favours wider).
Tight budget — most affordable option?+
The Plunge Pool (5m × 3m, $35,900) is our entry tier. Same build standard, same Zodiac/Waterco equipment, same 10-year warranty as larger packages — just in a smaller footprint.
Total Cost — Full Transparency
Beyond the headline price
What else will I pay beyond the package price?+
Site preparation and excavation, pool fencing and Pool Safety Certificate, surrounding landscaping/paving/decking, and electrical mains connection are not included in the package price. After your free site visit we send a fully itemised quote covering every line. No surprises mid-build.
How much does excavation typically cost?+
For typical Brisbane suburban site with reasonable access: $3,000–$8,000. Difficult access, rocky ground, or significant earthworks can push higher. Your itemised quote gives the actual figure.
Are there hidden costs?+
No. Anything not listed in your itemised quote will not be charged. If something unforeseen arises (e.g. unexpected ground conditions), we stop, document it, present a written variation, and proceed only with your written approval.
How is payment scheduled?+
Standard milestones: deposit, slab/excavation, shell sprayed, finishes complete, handover. Specific percentages set out in your build contract.
Spa heating cost annually?+
For a 2m × 2m integrated spa heated to 36°C and used 2–3 evenings/week: $30–$60 per month additional electricity (heat pump) or gas. Insulated covers reduce significantly.
Build Process
Timing, council, your role
How long does a build take?+
Average is 12 weeks, ranging from 10 weeks (compact packages, easy sites) to 16 weeks (Grand Pool, complex sites). See the week-by-week breakdown.
When can we start?+
Spring (August–November) is our busiest, often booked 4–6 months ahead. Autumn and early winter typically shorter wait. $500 refundable deposit secures your slot.
What's my role during the build?+
Keep access clear on delivery days (we give 48hr notice), pay milestones on time, tell us about any planned landscaping or other construction. That's it.
Who handles council approval?+
We do. We submit the development application to your local council (BCC, Redland, Logan, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Scenic Rim) on your behalf and manage the approval. You just sign the form.
After Construction
Warranty, certificates, maintenance
What does the warranty cover?+
10-year structural warranty on the pool shell, plus extended Zodiac and Waterco equipment warranties (authorised dealer benefit). Full details on the Warranty page.
Who arranges the Pool Safety Certificate?+
We do, as part of handover. First certificate included; renewals every 2 years arranged by you directly ($150–$250).
How much maintenance does a pool need?+
About 30–45 minutes/week of routine attention, plus annual professional service ($200–$350). Chemicals average $15–$40/week. Wahoo offers optional Annual Service Plan if you'd rather outsource.
What if equipment breaks?+
Under-warranty Zodiac and Waterco equipment replaced through our authorised dealer service queue, typically within 5 business days. Out-of-warranty repairs quoted at standard service rates.
Trust & Reviews
Verification, history, what others say
Can I see your previous work?+
Yes. Our gallery features projects across SEQ. We can arrange visits to recently completed pools (with owner permission) if you'd like to see one in person.
Have you built in my suburb?+
Almost certainly. Greater Brisbane, Logan, Redlands, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast hinterland over the past 20 years. Mention your suburb when you call. See our service areas.
What do other clients say?+
Wahoo has hundreds of verified Google reviews from real Brisbane clients across two decades. Read recent reviews.
What if there's a problem mid-build or after handover?+
Call us. We answer phones during business hours, return missed calls the same day, and don't leave site (or stop responding after handover) until clients are thrilled. Our 20+ year track record and hundreds of verified Google reviews are the answer to how we handle issues.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Call us. We'll add yours to this page.
If your question isn't answered above, call 1300 924 666 or email enquiries@wahoopoolconstruction.com.au. We add new questions to this page as clients ask them — so the next person finds yours answered.