Choosing the Most Affordable Pool Shape for Your New Zealand Home

Adding a swimming pool to your backyard is an exciting prospect, but costs can quickly add up. One of the biggest factors affecting price is the shape of the pool you choose. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, it’s important to understand how pool shape influences not only the upfront cost but also ongoing maintenance and installation expenses.

Why Pool Shape Affects Cost

The shape of your pool can impact costs in several ways:

• Construction complexity: Simpler designs require less labour and materials, making them more affordable to install.
• Material wastage: Curved or irregular shapes often result in more material being cut away and wasted, adding to the cost.
• Paving & fencing: A straightforward design is easier to surround with pavers and fencing, which is required in New Zealand to meet pool safety regulations.
• Cleaning & maintenance: More complex shapes may result in areas where water circulation is compromised, leading to higher maintenance costs in the long run.

The Most Affordable Pool Shapes

While you can get a pool in almost any shape, the following are typically the most cost-effective options:

1. Rectangular Pools

A rectangular pool is the most budget-friendly shape for a number of reasons:

• Easy to excavate and install
• Prefabricated fibreglass options are readily available
• Works well with automatic pool covers, which can reduce heating and cleaning costs
• Paving and fencing are straightforward, reducing additional expenses

Many New Zealand pool companies, such as Freedom Pools NZ, offer affordable pre-made fibreglass pool options in rectangular shapes. These provide an efficient installation process without the high customisation costs of irregular designs.

2. Lap Pools

If space is limited and you’re looking for a functional swimming option, a lap pool can be a cost-effective choice. While they are long and narrow, they generally maintain the same structural advantages of a rectangular pool—straightforward excavation and less material wastage.

3. Plunge Pools

For homeowners who want a small, stylish pool without the high costs, plunge pools are a great solution. Rectangular or square-shaped plunge pools are the cheapest to install. Companies like The Little Pool Co offer pre-built fibreglass options designed for easy installation.

Shapes That Cost More

If budget is a concern, these pool shapes tend to be more expensive:

• Freeform/Custom Shapes: Pools with irregular curves and varying depths require more labour, custom materials, and complex installation.
• Kidney-Shaped Pools: While these were once a popular option, their uneven shape can increase installation costs due to extra excavation work and more complex paving.
• Round Pools: While above-ground round pools are generally affordable, in-ground versions can be costly due to excavation difficulties.

Tips for Saving More on Your Pool

Once you’ve chosen a cost-effective shape, there are additional ways to keep expenses down:

• Choose a fibreglass pool – Fibreglass pools are quicker and cheaper to install than concrete pools, and many New Zealand companies offer prefabricated shapes at competitive prices.
• Do your fencing research – New Zealand has strict pool fencing regulations under the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016. Choosing a pool shape that makes fencing easier will save on compliance costs. Check with suppliers like Boundaryline Fencing for affordable options.
• Consider heating costs – Rectangular pools work well with solar pool heating, which can be found at suppliers like NZ Solar.
• Look for package deals – Many NZ pool retailers offer bundled deals that include installation, filtration, and covers, reducing overall costs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the most affordable pool shape in New Zealand, you can’t go wrong with a rectangular design. Not only are they easy to install, but they also help reduce long-term costs associated with fencing, maintenance, and heating. Before making a decision, it’s worth getting quotes from reputable pool providers such as Pioneer Pool & Building or Mayfair Pools to compare pricing and installation options.

Investing in a pool is a big decision, but by choosing the right shape, you can enjoy your dream backyard without overspending.