Our traditional and lap pool builders in Brisbane have written this helpful guide to help you decide!
Summer is turning up! Perhaps the heat has you thinking about investing in a new pool to help keep cool next Summer. This often leads to the age-old debate of which type of pool you should choose to build.
Two popular choices in Queensland are;
- a traditional pool (large, often in-ground, and typically made for recreation purposes), or;
- a lap pool (long, narrow, and rectangular designed mainly for fitness swimming).
Asking the right questions to understand the differences between the two can help steer you in the right direction. For example; Which is more affordable? Which is easier to maintain? Which would take up less space?
This guide breaks it all down for you. Scroll to learn more!
What are the Upfront Installation Costs?
Average Cost of a Lap Pool in QLD
The cost of installing a lap pool depends on various factors, but on average, it can range from $40,000 to $90,000 for a 10-metre x 3-metre pool with a depth of 1.5 metres. Fibreglass models are typically cheaper, while custom concrete lap pools can be more expensive upfront. As concrete pool specialists, we can make sure you get more bang for your buck and a pool that lasts a lifetime.
Average Cost of a Traditional Pool in QLD
Traditional pools generally end up costing more to install because they are larger. Average installation costs range between $50,000 to $100,000 for a standard family-sized pool, but it will depend on the materials, size, extra features, style and access.
What Changes the Costs?
Whether you choose a lap pool or a traditional pool, similar factors directly impact the end price:
- Size & Dimensions: Larger pools require more excavation work, materials, and general labour. Traditional pools usually take up more space, increasing overall cost.
- Design Complexity: Fancy features like curved shapes, tanning ledges, heated spas, or pool lights push costs higher. Lap pools often have simpler, rectangular designs, helping reduce expenses.
- Materials (Concrete vs Fibreglass): Concrete pools allow you to customise every aspect, so they tend to cost more and take longer to install. Fibreglass pools are a quick cut and copy install process, so they are generally cheaper upfront.
- Site/Home Access: Narrow spaces, sloping blocks, or tricky excavation conditions all increase labour and equipment costs.
Cost Benefits of a Lap Pool
Because lap pools are narrow, they require less excavation and concrete or shell material. That smaller footprint can boost your savings, particularly for urban Brisbane blocks where backyard space is tight. For homeowners wanting fitness benefits without the high cost of a large traditional pool, lap pools are a great alternative.
Space Requirements and Cost Implications
Traditional pools need more yard space to accommodate their size plus the entertainment areas around them. This ends up pushing installation costs higher and may reduce usable outdoor living space.
Lap pools can be far more space-efficient, especially for inner-city living. Their slim design makes them great for:
- Small suburban yards
- Narrow blocks
- Along fence lines
- Running parallel to your home or existing structure
- Commercial or body corporate properties building fitness facilities
Types of Lap Pools
There are a few different types of lap pools depending on your budget, design preferences, and site constraints:
- Custom Concrete Lap Pools: Maximum flexibility in shape, depth, and length – and our speciality!
- Fibreglass Lap Pools: Faster installation, which can make them more affordable upfront.
- Plunge-Lap Hybrids: Compact pools that include a lap-swim channel.
- Above-Ground Lap Pools: A budget-friendly option when excavation is tricky or limited.
Each style has its own costs and requirements, but all maintain the core benefit: a slim, streamlined pool that can be used for fitness or leisure!
Pool Maintenance Costs
There’s no way around it. Long-term pool ownership will always come with ongoing expenses including electricity, water treatment, cleaning, and repairs. So which type of pool is more affordable in the long-run?
Lap Pool Maintenance
As lap pools tend to have smaller surface areas compared with traditional, family-sized pools, they often end up costing less to heat, circulate, and clean. Plus, fewer litres of water = lower chemical usage.
Traditional Pool Maintenance
Larger pools, by default, will require more:
- Pumping power
- Chlorine/salt
- Heating energy
- Cleaning time
This can add hundreds of dollars more per year!
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Lap Pool | Traditional Pool |
| Typical Cost | $40,000–$90,000 | $50,000–$120,000+ |
| Space Needed | Minimal | Moderate to large |
| Purpose | Fitness, continuous swimming | Leisure, entertainment, family use |
| Maintenance Costs | Lower | Higher |
| Design Complexity | Usually quite quick and simple | Often has more features and customisations |
| Best For | Small yards / fitness focus | Large backyards / recreation |
So, Which Option Is More Affordable?
If your main goal is exercise and/or space efficiency, a lap pool is typically the more affordable choice both upfront and long-term. Traditional pools offer much more room for leisure activities and customisation, but bring about higher installation and maintenance costs.
Ready to Dive In?
Whether you’re planning a slimline lap pool or a wow-worthy traditional pool, our experienced pool builders in Brisbane can help you compare all options, manage your budget, and design the perfect pool for your property and lifestyle. Working with homeowners across Brisbane, Caboolture and up to the Sunshine Coast, we’re ready to help bring your vision to life, contact us today to get started.
