Pool Materials and Construction The Australian Standards for construction and maintenance of swimming pools can be found in the Building Code of Australia.
I. Above Ground Pools – the area where the pool will be placed must be flat. There will be some amount of excavation required, as there should be no rocks or other protruding objects that can puncture the lining of the pool. The pool is usually placed on a bed of sand and is constructed from the bottom up. A track is laid and the pool wall is fitted to the track; piping for the filter is installed and the pool is then built on top.
• Rigid or Hard-sided Pools – more permanent with a structured wall made of aluminum, wood, steel, or a combination of steel and resin, and a vinyl liner.
• Soft-sided Pools – more portable, metal frame with a vinyl liner and available in a variety of depths and sizes.
II. In Ground Pools – Australian pool construction requires a Development Application (DA), construction certificate, and water board approval prior to construction. In ground pool construction requires excavating equipment and will require temporary fencing.
• Concrete and Gunite (reinforced concrete) – strongest pool construction material. They are sprayed over a framework of steel rods and wire mesh then coated with plaster. Ceramic, plastic or glass tiles, or pebbles can be used to finish the interior. If a smoother surface is desired the concrete can be painted.
• Vinyl – polymer or steel walls are bolted and fastened together on concrete flooring, the vinyl liner is then spread over the floor and walls and attached to the top of the walls by a vinyl rib on the outside edge of the liner.
• Fiberglass – preformed by specifications and then once the yard has been excavated, the pool is delivered and installed in one piece
