Southern Spas & Pools

Owning a spa isn't complicated but it can appear so at first glance. There are a few chemicals involved in balancing the water and a basic maintenance regime that needs to be followed. We can de-mystify the process, just call in and see us in the showroom.

The cost to run a spa will depend on its location, how often it is used and the quality of the spas insulation. as a rough rule of thumb for a middle of the road spa you can expect it to cost about $25 per week in the depths of winter and less than half that during summer.

There are a few things to think about if you want a spa pool at home. Space is the first consideration and there are a range of sizes so you can usually fit a spa at most properties. Gaining access to position the spa needs to be thought about. We have experience in delivering spa pools to the most challenging locations. The only other requirement is an electrical supply. A spa pool generally requires a minimum of a 15 amp supply. Your electrician can advise on what is available at your place.

There is no such thing as a standard pool, there are many different options out there. The most common types of pool sold in New Zealand include concrete, fibreglass and vinyl-liner. Understandably, all pools are not equal and therefore have different price points in the market.  Southern Spas & Pools is an authorised Compass Pool dealer installing premium fibreglass pools throughout Otago.

What does a fibreglass pool cost?

The cost of a pool is difficult to pin down as each project is different and the pool is only one component of many projects.  Typically, we can install an 8m pool for just under $100,000 for the most basic system. There are a number of other items such as heating and covers to consider.

So what influences the price of your pool?

It all really comes down to your site conditions and personal choices, but here are a few factors:

•           Ease of access to supply and install the pool

•           Ground and soil conditions as well as slope of yard

•           The size and shape of the pool you have chosen

•           The way you set up your pool to suit your lifestyle (you may choose an in-floor circulation and cleaning system for example)

•           Any additional water features or lighting features you choose to enhance the look of your new in-ground pool

•           The quality of the product you choose, including the pool shell manufacturing technology 

There are some fibreglass pool manufacturers who offer DIY kits for what appears to be a very low price, however, it is important before embarking on DIY that you also understand all the installation costs, including the hidden costs and associated risks of installing your own pool. Generally speaking, having your pool supplied and installed by a licensed pool builder is a much easier, safer and ultimately more cost-effective option.

Of course, while most manufacturers make a pretty good product these days, it goes without saying that not all fibreglass pools are made to be the same. It pays to be fully aware of what you are offered when comparing quotes (for example, there are important differences between traditional fibreglass pools and fibreglass ceramic composite pools manufactured by Compass Pools). What are the key benefits of the product you are looking at? Does it have features that you cannot get elsewhere? What operating system are they offering (operating systems can range from traditional filtration, to enhanced circulation systems)? What ongoing protection comes with the product (what written guarantees are provided in the manufacturer's defect warranty document)?

It also pays to consider how long it will take to build your new pool. One of the great benefits of choosing a fibreglass pool option is that it can reduce install time dramatically. A fibreglass pool can generally be installed in a matter of days whereas concrete pools can take weeks or even months.

Finally, another thing to consider when weighing up the cost of a pool is how much of your initial investment you are likely to get back (or even build on) when the time comes to sell your home.

Generally speaking, there are two types of home buyers in the market. People either like the idea of having a pool or they are apprehensive of it. The main reason the latter group have concerns is that they don't want to be caught in the trap of constantly working on their pool, or paying someone else to do it. A fibreglass pool minimises the effort and cost required to own an in-ground pool. A Compass fibreglass ceramic pool with the exclusive Vantage in-floor system, takes that concept to the next level with almost hands-free pool care. It makes sense that you think about the future and consider which pool option is going to be the best for you. When the time comes to sell your home, you'll want your pool to add to the appeal, not take away from it.

The bottom line is that there is more than the initial price tag to consider before you make a decision on which pool to go with. Sometimes the options which appear cheaper upfront can end up costing more than expected (DIY kit pools for example, with hidden install costs and associated risks). On the flipside, options which have the potential to be more expensive (concrete pools) sometime don't offer the assumed value that goes with the extra price tag. 

We are very happy to discuss your plans, help out with selecting the right options for you and pricing your individual project, just give us a call or send us an email.

Ask any owner of a Compass pool and they will tell you just how easy it is to look after. The exclusive Vantage self cleaning system combined with the water balance automation we usually install makes for a hands off pool requiring very little work. There is no vacuuming required and other than a regular top-up of chemicals and clearing a couple of debris baskets you can spend your time enjoying your pool, not maintaining it.