Poolside Living: Australian Homes With Pools

Australia has more swimming pools per capita than anywhere else in the world, and research shows that 90% of Australians believe their pool adds value to their home. However, this is not always the case, and pools can cost $30,000 or more to install. As of 2018, Perth had the largest concentration of homes with swimming pools at 19%, while Hobart had the smallest number at 4%. Overall, just 11.7% of Australian homes have pools, with the percentage varying from state to state.

Australia has the most swimming pools per capita in the world

Australia has a population of 25 million people and is home to approximately 1.4 to 1.6 million domestic swimming pools. This equates to around 11.7% to 14% of Australian homes, or one in seven Australians, having a swimming pool. This proportion is higher in the country's warmer climates, with 19% of Brisbane residents, 17% of Perth residents, and 16% of Sydney residents having a swimming pool. As a result, Australia boasts the highest per capita pool ownership in the world.

Several factors contribute to the popularity of domestic swimming pools in Australia. Firstly, the country's climate, characterised by long and hot summers, makes having a pool an attractive option for staying cool and enjoying outdoor activities. The outdoor lifestyle and love for entertaining also make swimming pools a focal point for social gatherings and family time. Additionally, the value Australians place on their homes is another driving force behind high pool ownership rates. A well-designed and maintained pool can significantly increase property value, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners.

The pool ownership culture in Australia has witnessed remarkable growth over the past four decades, with Australians being knowledgeable and sophisticated buyers when investing in swimming pools. This has resulted in intense competition within the domestic swimming pool industry, leading to a highly sophisticated market with customers who have high expectations. As a result, pool builders in cities like Brisbane face the constant challenge of staying ahead, ensuring superior quality and exemplary customer service to maintain their reputation.

Among all the Australian regions, South East Queensland stands out as the most densely populated area for domestic pool ownership. The demand for swimming pools in this region is exceptionally high, resulting in a thriving and competitive pool industry. Residents in this area are well-informed and have a wide range of options when it comes to constructing their dream pools. The popularity of mineral swimming pools, known for their healing and therapeutic benefits, has also grown in recent years, with Australia being the origin of these pools, crafted with natural mineral-rich water sources.

11.7% of Australian homes have pools

It's easy to imagine that almost every house in Australia has a swimming pool. However, that's far from the truth. As of 2007, only 11.7% of Australian homes have pools. This number is up from 11.3% in 2004 and 10% in 2001.

Regional Differences

The percentage of homes with pools varies across the country. The states and territories covering Australia's north have the highest proportion of households with swimming pools: 28.9% in the Northern Territory, 17.9% in Queensland, and 15.4% in Western Australia. The southern state of Tasmania has the lowest proportion, with only 3.8% of households having pools.

Pool Types

In-ground pools are the most common in Australia, with 9.8% of households having one. Above-ground pools are less popular, with only 2% of households having one.

Pool Maintenance

Maintaining a pool can be costly and time-consuming. The cost of electricity to power the filter pump can be high, especially during the summer months when the pump needs to run for eight hours a day. Additionally, regular maintenance is required to keep the water balance in check. This includes taking water samples to the pool shop for testing and adding salt, hydrochloric acid, or extra chlorine as needed.

Value of Pools

While many Australians consider a pool a must-have for dealing with the hot summer months, they don't always add value to a property. In some markets, a pool can increase a home's value, but in other areas, it may actually decrease it, especially if similar homes in the neighbourhood don't have pools. The design and proportion of the pool in relation to the yard are important factors in determining its value. Modern designs also incorporate safety legislation and make the pool appear as an extension of the house.

Perth has the most pools per capita in Australia

Australia has a population of 25 million people and an astonishing 1.6 million domestic swimming pools, giving it the highest per capita pool ownership in the world. Perth, in particular, stands out when it comes to pool ownership per capita.

According to a 2018 survey by Roy Morgan, Perth had the largest concentration of homes with swimming pools at 19%, while the national average was 13%. This figure has slightly decreased as of March 2023, with 17% of Perth residents having a swimming pool or spa at home. However, Perth still maintains its lead over other Australian cities and remains well above the national average of 14%.

Perth's high rate of swimming pool ownership can be attributed to its warm climate. Known for its scorching summers, with temperatures regularly surpassing 40 degrees Celsius, Perth provides the ideal climate for outdoor activities and a refreshing dip in the pool. Additionally, with shark-infested beaches, swimming pools offer a safer alternative for those seeking to cool off.

The value that Australians place on their homes is another driving force behind the high pool ownership rates in Perth. A well-maintained pool can significantly increase property value, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners. The desire to create an outdoor oasis that complements the Australian lifestyle also contributes to the high concentration of pools in Perth.

When it comes to pool ownership, Perth, Australia, stands out not only within the country but also on a global scale. The city's warm climate, outdoor lifestyle, and appreciation for property values have collectively contributed to its distinction as the Australian city with the most pools per capita.

Hobart has the least pools per capita in Australia

Hobart, Australia's southernmost capital city, has the least number of houses with pools per capita. The city is located in the island state of Tasmania and serves as its capital and most populous city. Despite being home to nearly half of Tasmania's population, Hobart is the least-populated Australian state capital.

Data from 2018 shows that only 4% of Hobart's locals have a swimming pool, unchanged from four years prior. This is significantly lower than the national average of 13% (or 14%, according to more recent data from 2023).

Hobart's mild maritime climate, characterised by cool summers and mild winters, may contribute to the lower demand for swimming pools compared to warmer regions like Regional Queensland, which includes the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

The city's housing characteristics also play a role in the low number of pools per capita. Hobart has the lowest population density among Australian capitals, and its housing market is dominated by narrow lanes lined with cottages, townhouses, and small apartment buildings. The high cost of housing in Hobart, coupled with the challenges of its geographic location, further contribute to the low number of pools per capita.

While Hobart has the least number of houses with pools relative to its population, other Australian cities with warmer climates, such as Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney, have higher rates of pool ownership, reflecting the influence of climate on swimming pool prevalence.

Pools can cost upwards of $30,000 to install

Pools can be a major investment, with costs that can vary depending on several factors. While above-ground pools are generally cheaper to install than inground pools, the price of a pool can still exceed $30,000. In-ground pools, which are more common in Australia, can cost anywhere from $35,000 to over $100,000. The type of pool you choose will also impact the cost, with concrete pools being the most expensive option, followed by fibreglass and vinyl-liner pools.

When considering the cost of installing a pool, it's important to factor in the size of the pool, the complexity of the installation, and any additional features you may want. For example, a larger pool will naturally cost more than a smaller "plunge pool". Additionally, factors such as the ease of access to the site, ground and soil conditions, and the slope of the yard can influence the installation cost.

Fibreglass pools, which typically range from $45,000 to $75,000, offer a faster installation process than concrete pools. Concrete pools, on the other hand, can take weeks or even months to install, but they offer more flexibility in terms of shape and size. It's worth noting that some manufacturers offer DIY kits for fibreglass pools, which can cost around $20,000 to $25,000. However, it's important to consider the hidden costs and risks associated with installing a pool yourself.

Vinyl-liner pools are another option, with above-ground prefabricated vinyl-liner pools starting at around $10,000. However, it's important to keep in mind that pool safety standards and fencing requirements in Australia can increase the final cost. In-ground vinyl-liner pools are less common in Australia and typically cost around the same as fibreglass pools.

When budgeting for a pool, don't forget to include the cost of equipment like pumps, cleaning systems, and lighting, which can add a few thousand dollars to your overall expenses. If you want to maintain a constant temperature in your pool, you'll also need to factor in the cost of a heater, which can be a worthwhile investment if you want to use your pool year-round.

In addition to the initial installation cost, it's important to consider the ongoing maintenance and upkeep costs of a pool. This includes the cost of running and servicing pumps and filters, water sanitation, cleaning, and maintaining the pool's interior surface. These costs can add up over time, so it's essential to factor them into your decision-making process when considering installing a pool.

Frequently asked questions