Endless Pools & Spas

Can I Buy a Pool Kit and Install my Own Pool?

Installing a swimming pool yourself can be a cheaper alternative than having a pool builder supply and install one for you, but you must apply to become an Owner Builder. Will you really want to be an owner builder, with all the regulations, work and time involved? As an owner builder you must meet all your legal obligations as follows: 1. Regulations - Permits by Owner Builders Installation of a swimming pool requires a building permit. A building permit is written approval from a registered building surveyor. It shows that your approved plans and specifications comply with building regulations, and allows building work, such as the installation of a swimming pool, to start. Owner Builder has the following legal obligations: Getting relevant planning permits from your local council Being named as the owner builder on building permits Getting a certificate of consent from the building practitioners board before carrying out domestic building works over $12,000 Engaging a building surveyor to issue building permits, conduct building inspections and issue a 'Certificate of Final Inspection' on completion of work Ensuring that the work meets building regulations, standards and other laws Getting relevant planning permits from your local council Arranging for building inspections as required by law at specific stages of the building work Obtaining domestic building insurance if you sell within six years of obtaining the Certificate of Final Inspection Provide a defects inspection report if you sell within six years and six months of obtaining the Certificate of Final Inspection 2. Regulations - Work done by other people Owner Builder has the following legal obligations: Check the licensing or registration of electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, drainers and others who must be registered or licensed To use a written appropriate building contract. Appoint a building surveyor to issue relevant building permits and confirm the work complies with building regulations 3. Regulations - Work costing over $5000 done by other people Owner Builder has the following legal obligations: Use 'registered builders' for individual work over $5000 By law you must use a written 'major domestic' building contracts Ensure any person engaged for work over $16,000 provides you with a current certificate of domestic building insurance for the address of the building project. Special Notes As an owner builder you need also be mindful that: Only one owner-builder permit for a single home and associated work on that property is allowed, once every three years. Under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 and Building Act 1993, you are responsible for warranties that apply by law to all domestic building work. Warranties transfer to a new home owner for up to10 years from completion of the work.

What Types of Pools are Available?

Swimming Pools are manufactured in above-ground or in-ground form. However, they are both available in different configurations including: 1. Plunge Pools Plunge Pools are basically bigger than a spa but smaller than a swimming pool. They offer the great advantage of having a swimming pool despite having limited space. They are usually four metres long and up to three metres wide. Plunge Pools also are not typically any deeper than 1.2m at the deepest end. 2. Swim Spas A Swim Spa is similar to a Plunge Pool, but has the added features of a Spa. Swim Spas have the option of adding hydrotherapy jets that can be used for exercise and swimming. 3. Swimming Pools Swimming Pools are larger than Plunge Pools, typically more than 4m in length and 2.5m in width. Swimming pools offer features including LED lights, gas heating, energy saving pumps, salt water and PoolColour guard.

When is the Best Time to Buy a Pool?

It is common to consider buying a pool once the weather starts heating up, the best time to begin the pool buying process is well before then. A swimming pool is there for life, so don't rush the process for the sake of timing. Sometimes planning a new pool can be a fast and easy process, however it can also take months of discussion and paper work before completion, which is why buyers should begin well before things start to warm up. Factors that can effect a pools installation time: 1. The Design You will have to first decide the specific location of the pool and where the boundaries are positioned. 2. Permits Prior to installation, you must gain permission to install the pool. This procedure comprises of a pool plan and its surrounding areas. Construction cannot begin until a permit has been approved, which can take up to six weeks. 3. Pool Builders Construction Timeline Once approved, your pool builder will allocate you into their installation timeline, which depends on how many pools they are already in the process of installing. 4. Type of Pool Fibreglass pools are fast to install, usually only taking a couple of days. However a concrete pool will take much longer, up to several months. 5. Landscaping The finishing touches, such as paving, decking and fencing will involve many tradespeople. These trades all become very busy towards the end of the year. Buying early can make scheduling easier with tradespeople booked well in advance.