How to Choose the Right Pool for Your Space: A Practical Guide for Canberra & South Coast Homeowners

Written By Jason Armstrong

Pristine Pools How to choose the right pool

Installing a swimming pool is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home. It transforms your backyard into a place for family fun, relaxation, fitness and year-round enjoyment—especially across Canberra’s hot summers and the South Coast’s outdoor lifestyle.

But before you picture yourself floating in the water on a perfect January afternoon, there’s one big decision to make:

What pool is right for your space, your family and your long-term goals?

At Pristine Pools, we’ve helped hundreds of families—from Canberra’s leafy suburbs to coastal homes stretching from Batemans Bay to Ulladulla—choose the perfect pool for their lifestyle. And the truth is: picking the right pool isn’t hard when you know what to look for.

Below is a simple, down-to-earth guide to help you make a confident and informed decision.

1. Start With Your Space — It Shapes Everything

Every great pool project starts with understanding the space you have to work with.

Think about the layout of your yard

  • Do you have a wide, open block?

  • A narrow space down the side?

  • A sloping backyard common in Canberra?

  • Or a coastal garden with existing decks, trees or entertaining zones?

Your space will influence the pool’s shape, size and position, but you don’t need a huge backyard to enjoy a great pool. We install beautiful pools in compact courtyards, mid-size family yards and large acreage blocks. What matters most is balancing the pool with the rest of your outdoor living area.

Tip: Your pool shouldn’t take over your entire yard. Leave room for seating, a small lawn, outdoor dining or even just space for kids to run around.

2. Choose the Pool Style That Fits Your Life

Not every pool is built for the same purpose. Before choosing materials or designs, think about how you want to use your pool.

A pool for family fun

If your house is full of kids, look for:

  • A generous shallow area

  • Wide steps or ledges for play

  • Space for inflatables

  • A layout where you can easily supervise

A pool for relaxing

If you want a backyard resort feel, consider:

  • A smaller, stylish pool paired with a deck or paved area

  • Built-in seating or loungers

  • Water features for ambience

  • Lighting that makes evenings by the pool feel special

A pool for fitness

If you’d like to use the pool primarily for exercise:

  • A lap pool or long, narrow design is ideal

  • You don’t need Olympic length—just enough uninterrupted space to move comfortably

A pool for entertaining

If you love hosting:

  • Make the pool a centrepiece of your outdoor layout

  • Ensure there’s room around it for furniture and foot traffic

  • Add lighting, heating and design touches that keep the area welcoming year-round

Every family is different, which is why choosing a pool based on lifestyle—rather than what’s “trendy”—always leads to the best outcome.

3. Picking the Right Pool Material

Homeowners often think choosing the style is the hard part—but picking the pool material is equally important. The three most popular options are concrete, fibreglass, and vinyl. Here’s a simple explanation—no technical talk.

Fibreglass Pools

The most popular choice for families across Canberra and the South Coast.

Why people love them:

  • Fast installation (often in 1–2 weeks)

  • Smooth finish that’s gentle on skin

  • Low maintenance

  • Wide range of shapes and sizes

Fibreglass shells come prefabricated, which means they’re predictable, durable and easy to care for. They do have size limits, but most families find plenty of options to suit their yard.

Concrete Pools

Perfect if you want something fully customised.

Why concrete works well:

  • Can be built in any shape or size

  • Great for sloping blocks

  • Ideal for premium designs or architectural homes

Concrete pools take longer to build and require more maintenance than fibreglass, but they offer complete design freedom.

Vinyl Pools

Less common in our region but still an option.

Why some choose vinyl:

  • More affordable upfront

  • Liner can be replaced for a completely new look

They’re not as durable long-term as fibreglass or concrete, but they suit families with tighter budgets who still want a great pool experience.

4. Above-Ground vs In-Ground: What’s Best for You?

Most homeowners in Canberra and along the South Coast choose in-ground pools because they integrate beautifully into the landscape.

In-Ground Pools

Best for:

  • Longevity

  • A clean, premium look

  • Maximising home value

  • Creating a seamless outdoor design

They work well in small spaces, sloping blocks and open yards.

Above-Ground Pools

Best for:

  • Lower cost

  • Temporary installations

  • Properties where excavation is difficult

They’re flexible, but they don’t offer the same long-term value as in-ground pools.

5. Pool Shape: More Than Just Looks

The pool’s shape affects how it feels, how it’s used, and how it sits in your yard.

Rectangular pools

  • Great for swimming laps

  • Make the most of your space

  • Pair well with modern outdoor areas

Freeform or curvy pools

  • Natural and relaxed aesthetic

  • Ideal for resort-style backyards

Compact plunge pools

  • Perfect for smaller yards in Canberra

  • Great for cooling down without taking up too much space

Your shape choice should support both your lifestyle and the flow of your outdoor area.

6. Think About Features That Add Comfort & Personality

Once you've picked the basics, it’s time to think about the extras. These don’t just improve the look—they improve the experience.

Popular features

  • Steps and ledges for kids

  • Waterfalls and fountains

  • LED lighting

  • Heating for year-round use

  • Handrails or access features for older adults

  • Integrated spas

  • Poolside seating or sun ledges

For coastal homes surrounded by nature, lighting and landscaping can make your pool area truly magical in the evenings.

7. Budget & Maintenance: Plan for the Long Term

A pool isn’t something you choose every day, so it’s important to consider the full picture.

Budget

The final cost depends on:

  • Pool size

  • Material choice

  • Site conditions

  • Features and finishes

  • Landscaping

Your pool builder should give you a transparent breakdown and help you get the best value for your budget.

Maintenance

Every pool—no matter the type—needs:

  • Regular cleaning

  • Balanced water

  • Equipment checks

Fibreglass pools are especially low-maintenance, which is why they’re a favourite across our region. Many families choose optional systems that reduce cleaning time even further.

8. Work With a Pool Builder Who Knows the Canberra & South Coast Climate

Local knowledge matters.
From Canberra’s cold winters to the South Coast’s coastal winds and salty air, your pool must be designed for local conditions.

A reputable pool builder will consider:

  • Sun exposure in your yard

  • Wind direction

  • Local soil types

  • Bushfire zoning

  • Council requirements

  • Seasonal installation timelines

This ensures your pool is durable, efficient and enjoyable all year round.

Ready to Find the Pool That Fits Your Space?

Choosing the right pool doesn’t have to be complicated. When you understand your space, your lifestyle and your options, you can create a backyard oasis your family will love for decades.

At Pristine Pools, we help homeowners across Canberra and the NSW South Coast design and build pools that fit perfectly—not just in the yard, but in the way they live.

If you're ready to explore the right pool for your home, we're here to help you get started.

Jason Armstrong
Next

Introducing gift vouchers