So you’ve made the exciting decision to build a fibreglass pool. Now comes the part that trips up a lot of families: which pool shell is actually right for you?
At Master Pools, we’ve helped thousands of South East Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula families work through exactly this question. Whether you’re in Berwick, Cranbourne, Frankston or down on the Mornington Peninsula in Dromana or Red Hill, the right pool shell comes down to three things: your space, your budget, and how you want to use it.
1. Start With Your Space
The most important factor when choosing a pool shell is the space available in your backyard. Most families want the biggest pool they can fit, which makes sense, but bigger isn’t always better if it leaves no room for everything else you enjoy.
Before you lock in a size, think about how you’ll use the rest of the yard. Do you like to entertain? You’ll want a decent entertaining area alongside the pool. Planning an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or a bit of lawn for the kids? All of that needs to be factored in early, because it’s much easier to plan around a pool than to retrofit everything after the fact.
Depth matters too. If you’re building a pool where kids will be jumping and diving, you need enough depth at the deep end to be safe. On the flip side, if the pool is mainly for young children or leisurely swimming, a shallower shell may suit you just fine.
There are also council rules to consider. As a general guide, the minimum depth of the pool shell at the shallow end must equal the distance between the pool edge and any existing dwelling on the property. If you’re building on a smaller block, this can influence which shells are suitable.
2. Consider Your Lifestyle
Fibreglass pool shells come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, and they’re designed with different uses in mind. Before you settle on a shell, ask yourself how your family will actually spend time in the pool:
- Are you after a pool for laps and exercise, or more for relaxing and cooling off on a hot day?
- Will there be young kids in the pool regularly? Bench seating and shallow areas make a big difference to little ones.
- Do you want hydrotherapy jets for a massage-style experience?
- Are pool parties and entertaining a priority? Step placement and entry style affect how the pool feels in use.
- Would you like a water feature or fountain as part of the design?
The answers to these questions will guide everything from step positioning and bench seating to the overall shape and depth of the shell. You can read more here about the benefits of pool and spa combinations.
3. Be Realistic About Budget
Price is always part of the conversation when building a pool. As a rule, smaller pools cost less, but choosing a shell based on price alone isn’t the right approach. The goal is to find the best value for your situation, which means weighing up size, features, and how well the pool fits your block.
If you’re comparing quotes from multiple builders, make sure you’re comparing like for like. What’s included in one quote may not be in another. We’ve put together a guide on what to look for in a pool quote to help you make a proper comparison.
4. Our Most Popular Pool Shells
Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular shells from the Aqua Technics range, and which type of backyard and lifestyle each one suits best.
The Palazzo, our most popular shell in South East Melbourne
At 7m x 3.5m, the Palazzo is our most-installed pool shell in the South East Melbourne suburbs, and for good reason. It fits the typical family block in areas like Berwick, Rowville, Wantirna and Oakleigh without overwhelming the yard.
It’s a true all-rounder: plenty of room for the family to swim, a full-length bench seat that doubles as a spot for hydrotherapy jets, and a corner entry that maximises usable space. The contemporary rectangular shape suits just about any outdoor setting.
If you like the Palazzo but want a bit more room, the Valentina offers an extra 1m in length and 0.5m in width in the same design. Both are on display at our Cranbourne West display centre.
The Paradiso, ideal for Bayside and narrow blocks
At just 2.15m wide, the Paradiso is purpose-built for narrow blocks, which is exactly why it’s so popular in Bayside suburbs like Brighton, Cheltenham and Sandringham. It’s a relaxation-focused design with extended entry steps at the end of the pool and no bench seating, which keeps the space clean and suits water features beautifully.
If you need a little more length, the Sentosa adds an extra 1m. For slightly wider blocks, the Istana (3.3m wide, 6.2m long) and Elysian (3.3m wide, 8.3m long) follow the same design principles.
The Grandeur, built for serious swimmers
If swimming laps is a priority, the Grandeur is worth a close look. With a side entry that doesn’t intrude on the swimming area and no bench seating to break up the space, it’s designed purely for recreation and exercise.
Because it’s a larger shell, it’s most commonly installed on the Mornington Peninsula and in the outer South East suburbs where blocks tend to be bigger, think Dromana, Red Hill, Kilsyth and Bayswater. The Imperial (7m x 4m) offers a slightly smaller footprint, while the Regal steps things up to 9.5m x 4.4m.
The Castello, made for pool parties and family fun
With a deep end of 1.92m, the Castello is one of our deepest shells and a favourite for families with older kids who want to jump and dive. It’s a rectangular design that maximises usable swim area, with a side entry that keeps the pool floor clear, plus the option for full-length bench seating and jets.
The Bellino (6.5m) is available for those who need something slightly more compact, while the Amalfi stretches out to 9m for larger blocks.
The Latina, perfect for smaller blocks in newer estates
At just 4.5m x 3.5m, the Latina is one of our most popular shells for newer estates where backyards are on the smaller side. It’s a great fit for suburbs like Cranbourne West, Sandhurst and Botanic Ridge where block sizes are more compact but families still want the full pool experience.
Despite its size, there’s ample seating and room for jets, and the geometric shape looks sharp in a modern outdoor setting. If it’s slightly too wide, the Alto (4.5m x 2.75m) is a narrower version. If you want a little more room, the Avellino at 6m x 4m is worth considering.
Ready to Find the Right Pool for Your Backyard?
There’s a lot to weigh up when choosing a pool shell, but the good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team has been installing fibreglass pools across South East Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula for since 2010, and we know which shells work best in which situations.
You’re welcome to visit our Cranbourne West display centre to see several of our most popular shells in person. Or, if you’d prefer to start with a site visit, get in touch with the team and we’ll come to you. For a full list of available fibreglass pool shells, browse our range here
