Choosing the Right Pool Surface: A Guide for Australian Pool Owners
What kind of Pool should I build? Is one of the first questions a lot of Aussies ask themselves when envisioning a glorious pool and giving their backyard a new lease on life.
Building a swimming pool is one of the most rewarding investments you can make for your home — especially under the Australian sun. It’s not just about creating a space to cool off in summer, but about adding value, style, and personality to your backyard.
One of the most important decisions in the pool-building process is choosing the right pool surface. Your pool’s surface determines its appearance, texture, maintenance needs, and long-term durability. With several options available in Australia today, it’s worth understanding what each type offers before you take the plunge.
Let’s explore the most common types of pool surfaces available to Australian homeowners, along with their benefits, drawbacks, and suitability for different pool types and budgets.
Vinyl Liner and Colorbond Pools
Overview:
Vinyl liners are used to line the interior of steel or concrete pool structures. They create a waterproof barrier and a smooth finish at a lower cost than other surfaces. Some good landlords let their tenants set up these pools as they can be fully packed down upon moving.
Why Australians Love It:
Vinyl liners are popular in colder regions or as a cost-effective alternative to concrete or fibreglass.
Pros:
Soft and comfortable: Smooth surface is gentle on skin.
Affordable: Lower installation and repair costs.
Variety of patterns: Can mimic tile or stone finishes.
DIY Installation: You can set these pools up yourself! But GPools is also happy to help with the install.
Above ground and below ground options: With some excavating work you can install these pools inground or set up a deck around the pool above ground to give it an ‘inground’ feel. With some great landscaping, these pools can feel luxurious.
Cons:
Limited lifespan: Typically lasts 7–10 years before replacement.
Susceptible to tears or punctures: Care must be taken with sharp objects.
Not ideal for extreme heat: High UV exposure can cause fading.
Best suited for:
Smaller backyard pools or homeowners looking for an affordable, flexible design option.
Tiled Pools (Ceramic or Glass Tiles)
Overview:
Tiled pools are the ultimate in sophistication. They can be finished with ceramic, porcelain, or glass mosaic tiles, offering unlimited design possibilities and a premium aesthetic.
Why Australians Love It:
Tiled pools are common in high-end homes and resorts. They’re incredibly durable and create a luxurious, glossy finish that reflects light beautifully.
Pros:
Luxurious appearance: Offers a polished, high-end look.
Unlimited design flexibility: Create patterns, colours, or mosaics.
Smooth, long-lasting surface: Resistant to chemicals and UV exposure.
Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
High cost: One of the most expensive pool surface options.
More labour-intensive: Installation takes longer and must be done by skilled tilers.
Grout maintenance: May need re-grouting over time.
Best suited for:
Luxury residential pools, resorts, or anyone wanting a standout feature pool.
Fibreglass Gelcoat Finish
Overview:
Fibreglass pools come pre-moulded with a gelcoat finish that is applied during manufacturing. This smooth, glossy surface is both beautiful and low maintenance.
Why Australians Love It:
Fibreglass pools are incredibly popular in Australia due to their quick installation and smooth feel. The gelcoat finish also helps resist algae and staining.
Pros:
Ultra-smooth surface: Gentle on feet and easy to clean.
Fast installation: Pool shells can be installed in days, not weeks.
Low maintenance: Minimal algae growth due to non-porous finish.
Durable: Resistant to fading, cracking, and staining when well maintained.
Cons:
Limited shapes and sizes: Restricted to factory-moulded designs.
Surface can dull over time: May require resurfacing after 10–15 years.
Susceptible to damage from ground movement if not properly installed.
Best suited for:
Homeowners wanting a low-maintenance, cost-effective pool option with a sleek finish.
Painted Pool Surface (Epoxy or Rubber-Based Paint)
Overview:
Painting is the most affordable pool surface option, typically used for older concrete pools or budget-conscious installations. Two main types are used: epoxy paint and rubber-based paint.
Why Australians Love It:
It’s quick, inexpensive, and can give an old pool a temporary facelift.
Pros:
Affordable: Great for short-term restorations or rental properties.
Easy to apply: Can be a DIY project for experienced homeowners.
Custom colours available.
Cons:
Short lifespan: Usually lasts 3–5 years before requiring repainting.
Prone to chalking or peeling: Especially under harsh UV exposure.
Doesn’t hide surface imperfections.
Best suited for:
Older concrete pools needing a quick refresh or when working within a tight budget.
Polished Concrete Finish
Overview:
A more recent trend in Australia, polished concrete pool interiors provide a minimalist, industrial aesthetic. This finish is achieved by grinding and sealing the concrete to a smooth, polished surface.
Why Australians Love It:
Polished concrete gives a sleek, modern look that blends perfectly with architectural homes and outdoor spaces.
Pros:
Contemporary aesthetic: Complements modern home designs.
Durable: Resistant to fading, cracking, and chemical wear.
Customisable: Can include tints, exposed aggregates, or subtle textures.
Cons:
Higher maintenance: Needs regular sealing to prevent staining.
Can be slippery: Especially when wet, so textured sealers are recommended.
Best suited for:
Architectural or designer homes where style and clean lines are a priority.
Shipping Container Pools
Overview:
Shipping container pools are one of the most innovative trends in Australian backyard design. As the name suggests, they’re built from repurposed shipping containers that are structurally modified and waterproofed to function as swimming pools.
These pools can be installed above-ground, semi-inground, or fully inground, and often come pre-plumbed and ready to fill — making them an excellent option for quick, cost-effective installations.
Why Australians Love It
Eco-conscious choice: Australians appreciate sustainability — repurposing shipping containers reduces waste and promotes recycling. Contemporary aesthetic: Their sleek, minimalist look complements modern Australian architecture.
Pros:
Fast Installation: Pre-fabricated offsite, a shipping container pool can often be delivered and ready to use within days — a major time-saver compared to traditional builds.
Budget-Friendly: Prices generally start much lower than concrete or fibreglass pools, making them accessible for families wanting luxury without the high cost.
Eco-Friendly: By recycling used shipping containers, you’re giving new life to durable steel structures that would otherwise go to waste.
Minimal Site Disruption: Since most work happens offsite, there’s minimal mess, noise, or excavation needed on your property.
Cons:
Size Limitations: Standard shipping containers are typically 2.4 metres wide and 6–12 metres long — great for lap pools or plunge pools, but not ideal for large family pools.
Heat Retention: Steel can absorb and radiate heat, making the pool warmer in direct sunlight and cooler in winter. Good insulation and shading are essential.
Corrosion Risk:Without proper waterproofing and maintenance, the steel structure may rust — especially in coastal environments.
Limited Depth: Most containers are about 1.2–1.5 metres deep, so they’re not suitable for diving or deep swimming.
Choosing the Right Pool Surface for You
When deciding which pool surface suits your home, consider these factors:
Budget: Pebblecrete and fibreglass offer great balance between cost and durability.
Maintenance: Fibreglass and Quartzon are easiest to maintain.
Aesthetic preference: Tiles or polished concrete create high-end finishes.
Longevity: Pebblecrete, Quartzon, and tiled finishes last the longest.
Usage: For families or frequent swimmers, smooth, comfortable finishes are ideal.
Final Thoughts
Your pool surface is more than just a finish — it defines the pool’s feel, function, and future maintenance. Whether you want the luxury of tiles, or the low-maintenance ease of fibreglass, Australia offers a range of options to suit every home and lifestyle.
Before making a final decision, it’s best to consult with a qualified pool builder or restoration specialist who can assess your location, design goals, and budget to recommend the ideal surface for your dream pool.
G Pools is a Pool Consultant and pool expert. With our guidance and experience we can help you set up the best Pool for your family and backyard.
Give us a call today!