FAQ’s Poolfab – Sunshine Coast Pool Builders
How long will it take to build my pool and what is the procedure?
The engineer will take approximately two weeks to do the engineering and draw up the plans for the construction.
The council/private certifier will take approximately two weeks to do the property search and check for easements. Once approved, we can begin building your Sunshine Coast pool. After you have paid your deposit we can commence scheduling in your construction.
On day one, the excavation will start, and it will take approximately one or two days to complete. The next day the steel will be formed in the excavation and the pre-plumbing and skimmer fitted. A special pool mix of concrete will be pumped into the walls and floor of the pool to create its shape. The concrete shell must then be left for 2- 4 weeks to cure.
Next, our Sunshine Coast builders will complete any surrounds included in the project, install the tiles, and then plumbing for the filter.
The approval for the instalment of the pool fence must happen before the installation of the internal pebblecrete. Water follows after the interior has finished being installed.
Startup and hand over complete the construction of your Sunshine Coast pool. From the start of excavation to handover takes approx 12 – 14 weeks.
How do I make my pool easy to look after?
Firstly design a pool with a decent distribution of water, then include the following:
- A pump with a decent flow rate.
- Oversize the filter to give efficient filtering of the water.
- Install an automatic chemical dosing system.
- Install an automatic cleaning device, such as a robotic cleaner, to clean the bottom of the pool.
Arrange for a monthly service call to check all equipment & balance the water.
What does the price of a Swimming Pool include?
A Pool Fab quote includes the following for your Sunshine Coast pool:
- The design of the pool by your pool consultant.
- The engineering design of your pool structure.
- Pool certification and final approval.
- SPASA Watertight Insurance.
- All superior fittings.
- All pump, filtration and initial chemical treatment.
- Coping on pool edge.
- Ceramic waterline tiles
- Bench/step highlights tiles for your safety.
- Chemicals required to start up the pool.
- An estimate of any footings if we think that they will be required.
- Backwash line for 6L/m.
What does the price not include?
- Any extra excavation costs if time goes over the allowance or if we encounter rock etc.
- Any changes needed to the size of the pool or modifications to the equipment.
- Any extra steel footing or peering the engineer may require.
- Provision of power to the filter area (usually provide two double power points – 15amp back to fuse box with a separate fuse).
- The connection of the backwash line into either sewer or stormwater.
How much does it cost to operate your Sunshine Coast Swimming Pool?
The running of the filter pump is the main cost. A 750-watt pump will cost approximately 10c an hour to run. It will need to run for around 6-8 hours per day for 365 days per year. The Salt Water Chlorinator requires a constant level of salt (approx 1/10 the consistency of sea water). Rainwater will dilute the salt level, and most pools need approximately six bags of salt per year at approx $10/ per bag.
You should check the total balance of the water monthly. Some stabiliser, Bi-Carb and Calcium Hardness may need to be added.
The average pool should cost approx $450 to operate yearly.
Why use a Salt Water Chlorinator?
Salt Water Chlorinators are a straightforward way to treat the pool water and are very inexpensive to operate. A Salt Water Chlorinator will add chlorine to the pool water gently during the filtration period. Chemicals are added evenly through the pool volume. Salt Water Chlorinators are a very safe way to treat your pool as there is no dangerous chlorine stored around the home.
What are the fencing requirements for my Sunshine Coast Swimming Pool?
Fences surrounding swimming pools in Queensland must have an approved pool fence. The fencing requirements are as follows: www.hpw.qld.gov.au
Note: When Pool Fab gets your new pool approved the fencing will be detailed on the plan and will be certified when completed. The pool price includes this certification.
Does Poolfab teach me how to maintain my future pool?
Yes, our Sunshine Coast pool builders will teach you how to look after your new pool. On completion of your pool, we will give you a complete lesson on how to operate all of the equipment provided and instruct you about the water treatment. We will provide you with an instruction booklet that will have all the information to maintain your pool.
What is the difference between an In-ground Concrete Pool & a Fibreglass Pool?
- Both structures have different walls and floors. Fibreglass has an approx 20mm thick wall of fibreglass. A concrete pool has a 150mm concrete section interlaced with steel reinforcing at least every 300mm apart. It then has an internal waterproofing layer of either 20mm pebblecrete (pebble and cement) or a layer of ceramic tiles.
- The concrete pool can be constructed in almost any shape to suit your backyard. Fibreglass pools are limited to set moulds.
- Concrete pools are constructed in the ground on a solid base and finished to the level of the internal water. Fibreglass pools are a moulded shell with an uneven base that put on a prepared base, and then hopefully it ends up level.
- Concrete Pools when empty have the strength of structure to support the surrounding ground pressures. Concrete pools have a hydrostatic valve in the base of the pool and have considerable weight to counteract any ground water pressure.
- Concrete pools have a solid non-flexing surround to the pool which enables coping tiles to adhere to it successfully.