“I’m looking at building a fibreglass pool in South East Melbourne. How do I know what to look for in a pool quote when comparing builders?”
It’s one of the most common questions we hear, and it’s a good one. Knowing what to look for in a pool quote in Melbourne can be the difference between a smooth build and a costly surprise down the track. Pool quotes can look very different from one builder to the next, not because the pools are different, but because what’s included varies significantly. A quote that looks cheaper on paper may simply be missing items that a more comprehensive quote already covers.
Master Pools has been installing fibreglass pools across South East Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula for over 30 years, with more than 2,000 completed installations and a 5-star rating across 134 Google reviews. Most of our work comes through referral, which we think says more than any advertisement could. This guide reflects what we’ve learned over three decades of helping Melbourne families make informed decisions about their pool build.
Whether you’re building in Frankston, Berwick, the Mornington Peninsula or anywhere else across South East Melbourne, here’s everything you should expect to see in a quote, what should be non-negotiable, and what to watch out for.
Check Your Builder’s Credentials First
Before you even look at the numbers, confirm your shortlisted builders are Registered Building Practitioners. In Victoria, this is a legal requirement for any pool build. It’s also worth looking for builders who are members of SPASA Victoria, as membership signals a commitment to industry standards and ongoing compliance.
It’s also worth checking Google reviews. A builder with a strong, consistent review history across real customers gives you a level of confidence that a sales pitch simply can’t match. Ask whether most of their work comes through referral too, it’s one of the strongest indicators of a builder who looks after their customers well beyond handover day.
What Should Be Non-Negotiable in Any Pool Quote
Some items should never be optional. These are the things every reputable pool builder includes as standard, and if they’re missing from a quote, you’ll want to ask why.
Shell warranty and colour warranty
This is one area where it pays to ask specific questions. Not all fibreglass pool shells are equal, and the warranty terms vary significantly between manufacturers. When reviewing quotes, check:
- Is the shell Australian made?
- How long is the structural shell warranty, and what does it actually cover?
- Is the colour warranty separate from the structural warranty? Some manufacturers offer a warranty on the colour finish itself, which protects against fading and osmotic blistering. Make sure this is included.
- Are your preferred colours standard, or will you be charged extra? Specialty colours can add up to $1,000 to the cost of the pool.
At Master Pools, we exclusively install Aqua Technics fibreglass shells, which are Australian made and carry a market-leading warranty on both the shell structure and Crystallite Colour Guard finish. It’s something we’re proud of, and it’s a key reason our customers feel confident in their investment.
Engineering report
An independent engineering report is required for pool builds in Melbourne. Make sure the cost of preparing this report is included in your quote.
Warranty insurance
For any pool build over $16,000, your builder is required to hold warranty insurance for their workmanship. This should be included as standard. If it isn’t mentioned, ask for confirmation.
Building permits
A building permit is required before any structural work begins on a pool or spa in Victoria. Your builder should manage the permit process on your behalf, and the cost should be included in the quote.
Excavation (including soil removal and tip fees)
Excavation quotes can vary significantly, so make sure the cost covers machinery, labour, soil removal from site, and tip fees. Some builders quote excavation separately or exclude tip fees, which can add up quickly.
It’s also a good idea to have your builder visit the site before quoting. Limited access, such as a narrow side gate or sloped land, can affect excavation costs. You can read more about limited access sites here.
Supply and installation of the pool shell (including bond beam)
The quote should clearly itemise the cost of supplying the fibreglass shell and installing it, including the concrete bond beam. If a crane is required to lift the shell into your backyard, that should also be included or at least flagged upfront.
Temporary fencing
Under Victoria’s Building Regulations 2018, temporary fencing is compulsory during pool construction. This cost should be included in your quote.
Pool filtration system
Every pool needs a pump and filter. When comparing quotes, make sure you’re looking at equivalent specifications, the same HP, the same filter type (cartridge or sand), and ideally energy-efficient variable speed pumps from reputable manufacturers with reasonable warranties. For more detail on filter types, read our guide here.
Pool cleaner
Pool cleaners range from basic suction models through to premium robotic cleaners. Make sure you know which type is included and that you’re comparing the same category across quotes. There can be a significant difference in cost and performance between a suction cleaner and a robotic one.
Salt chlorinator
Salt chlorination is standard practice these days. It reduces the need to handle chemicals, saves money over time, and is kinder on eyes and skin. If a builder isn’t including a chlorinator as standard, it’s worth asking why.
Pool lighting
Lighting is often one of those things people don’t think about until the pool is finished and they’re swimming at dusk. Make sure the number and quality of lights is the same across your quotes. Most experienced builders will recommend a specific lighting setup for each shell.
Skimmer box and hydrostatic valves
These should be supplied and installed as per Australian standards. A skimmer box that doesn’t meet regulations can be a safety risk, so this is not an area to cut corners.
PVC pipes and fittings
Check that class 12 PVC pipes and fittings are specified. This is the industry standard for pool plumbing and should be non-negotiable.
Pool heating
Pool heating extends the Melbourne swimming season significantly, letting you get more time in the water through spring and autumn. At Master Pools, we recommend heating as standard in all of our quotes. Not every builder does, so it’s worth checking. Read more about pool heating here.
Handover kit
Once your pool is filled and ready, you’ll need basic chemicals to get the water balanced correctly. A handover kit should be included, and it’s worth asking how long the supplies will last.
Optional Extras Worth Discussing Before You Sign
These items aren’t always included in a standard quote, but they’re worth raising early so you can budget properly and factor them into your plans.
- Solar heating or heat pump: Melbourne weather can cut your swimming season short, but solar heating or heat pump solves that. Costs vary depending on pool size and how often you want to swim, so speak to your builder about what makes sense for your situation.
- Pool automation: Smart automation lets you control heating, filtration, and chemical dosing from your phone. It has a higher upfront cost, but the energy savings and reduced maintenance over time make it worth considering.
- Pool blanket and roller: A quality pool blanket reduces chemical use, retains heat, and keeps the pool cleaner. The range is wide, from basic options through to premium solar covers, which is why blankets are often quoted separately.
- Water features: Spillways, waterfalls, and fountains add a great finishing touch and are very individual to each project. They’re usually quoted separately, so if this is on your list, mention it early.
- Paving and decking: If you’re planning paving or decking around the pool, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your builder before locking in the pool size. The right pool shell for your space can change once you factor in the surrounding areas.
- Pool fencing: Pool fencing is compulsory in Victoria. Temporary fencing is usually included during construction, but permanent fencing is a separate cost. Plan for it early. Current Victorian fencing requirements can be viewed at Kids Safe Victoria.
- Traffic management: Rarely needed, but if your property requires it, it won’t typically be covered in the standard quote.
- Water: Filling the pool is generally the owner’s responsibility and not included in the quote. Factor this in separately.
The Bottom Line
There are a lot of moving parts in a pool quote, and the difference between a good one and a great one often comes down to what’s buried in the detail. A cheaper quote isn’t always the better deal.
At the end of the day, you want a builder you can trust, someone who’s transparent about what’s included, happy to answer questions, and has a track record to back it up. With a 5-star rating across 134 Google reviews and most of our work coming through referral, we’re proud of the reputation we’ve built across South East Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.
If you’d like to see our work, you’re welcome to visit our Cranbourne West display centre. Or, if you’re ready to get a quote for a fibreglass pool in South East Melbourne, Bayside or the Mornington Peninsula, contact us today.
