DIY Pool Kits in Mackay

Every backyard is different - and so is every pool project. That’s why we take a personalised approach to help you choose the right fibreglass pool size and equipment for your space, needs, and budget.

Assessing Your Site

Before selecting your pool, it’s important to evaluate access and layout:

• Access for Equipment: A clear access path between 2.5m and 3m wide is ideal for delivery and excavation. The minimum access width required is 900mm, which is enough for compact excavation machinery.

• Mark Out Your Pool Area: Use builder’s string line to mark out the length and width of your desired pool. This gives you a clear sense of how the pool will fit and interact with your existing landscape.

• Popular Sizes: While 7m and 8m pools are among Australia’s most popular, we offer a wide range of sizes—so you can create the perfect space for relaxation, fitness, or family fun.

• Locate In-Ground Services: Visit Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) for free access to sewer, water, and electrical plans. If you're not connected to a sewer system, make sure you know the exact location of any septic tanks.

• Council Considerations: Councils often have regulations regarding minimum distances from boundaries, homes, and services. Chat with your local council or a building certifier early to ensure your desired pool size complies with all relevant guidelines.

Choosing Your DIY Pool Kit

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our team works with you to tailor your pool kit based on how you plan to use and maintain your pool.

During a short phone consultation, we’ll discuss:

• Pool Usage: How many people will regularly use the pool? This helps us determine the right pump, filter, and chlorinator sizes to keep water crystal clear - without unnecessary chemical or power costs.

• Equipment Location: We'll assess where your filtration system will be placed to ensure optimal water circulation and energy efficiency.

• Environmental Factors: Trees, water source, nearby services, and council requirements can all impact the type of equipment best suited for your setup.

This collaborative approach ensures your pool kit is efficient, compliant, and low-maintenance - saving you time and money for years to come.

Installing a DIY fibreglass pool isn’t just about digging a hole and dropping in a shell - it also requires the right permits, plans, and licensed trades. We guide you through the process to ensure your project is council-compliant and installation-ready.

Engineering Documents & Compliance

Every DIY pool kit includes certified engineering plans and Australian Standards compliance documentation. These are essential for your permit application and confirm your pool installation meets national safety and structural regulations.

Site Plan Preparation

To lodge your pool permit, you’ll need a site plan showing the location of your pool in relation to your house, boundaries, and in-ground services (such as sewer or stormwater lines).
Need help? We can connect you with a site plan provider for under $300, or you’re welcome to engage your own draftsman.

Council Permits or Private Certification

There are two main options for getting your pool approved:

• Council Approval: Submit your application to your local council. Approval can take up to 12 weeks, depending on your area.
• Private Certifier: A faster option - most private certifiers can approve pool permits in as little as 2 weeks. We’re happy to recommend trusted certifiers if needed.

Not sure which path to take? Contact our team - we’ll walk you through it and help you choose the best route for your project timeline.

Trades You May Need

While your DIY kit covers the pool and equipment, you may need to engage licensed trades for certain stages of the install:

• Excavator: To dig the pool hole using the provided dig sheet.
• Crane Operator: To lift and position the fibreglass pool shell.
• Temporary Pool Fencing Installer: Required once water depth exceeds 300mm during installation.
• Electrician: For power connection to your equipment and bonding of any fixtures within 1.25m of the water.
• Plumber: To connect a waste line from a sand filter to your sewer (not needed with a cartridge filter).
• Concreter: To install a concrete bond beam around the pool for structural support.
• Pool Fencing Supplier: To install permanent, compliant pool fencing as per Australian safety standards.

Need help finding reliable local trades?

We can point you in the right direction - just ask. Our goal is to make your DIY installation as simple, efficient, and stress-free as possible.

As part of your DIY pool kit, we provide detailed excavation plans (also known as dig sheets) that outline the exact dimensions and shape required for your selected fibreglass pool.

To get started, you'll need an excavator to dig the hole, and typically a bobcat to transfer the soil to a waiting truck. If your site access is narrower than 3 metres, smaller machinery will be required - which may increase both the time and cost of excavation.

Helpful Tip: Always confirm whether soil removal is included in your excavation quote. In many cases, you can save on disposal fees by using platforms like www.fillwanted.com.au, where nearby sites may accept clean fill for free.

Timing is key - we strongly recommend that you don’t excavate more than 2 weeks prior to your planned installation. This helps avoid issues like collapsed sides, water pooling, or the need for re-excavation due to rain or unstable ground.

Once your excavation is complete, the next step is preparing a solid, level base to support the fibreglass shell. A layer of crusher dust or washed river sand is spread evenly across the bottom of the excavation. This base not only supports the pool but also allows for precise levelling during placement.

The base must be compacted and checked for level across its entire surface. Getting this right is essential - it ensures the shell sits evenly, prevents shifting over time, and helps extend the life of your pool. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to provide guidance or recommend an experienced contractor to assist.

The exciting part! We coordinate the safe and timely delivery of your fibreglass pool shell directly to your site. On arrival, a crane or excavator is used to lift the shell and carefully lower it into the prepared hole.

This is where your project takes a major visual leap forward. Our dig sheet ensures the pool fits snugly, and minor adjustments can be made to achieve a level position in all directions.

Proper handling and placement are essential to avoid damage to the shell and to ensure a structurally sound install. If needed, we can assist you in sourcing qualified crane operators or equipment hire in your area.

Once the shell is in place and levelled, the plumbing stage begins. Your DIY pool kit includes everything you need for this step:

• Skimmer box
• Return jets
• Pipework and fittings
• Installation instructions

All plumbing components must be installed before you begin backfilling. This ensures everything is accessible and correctly positioned. The plumbing connects the pool to your filtration system (installed in Step 7) and is crucial for maintaining clean, balanced water.

If you're not confident handling plumbing yourself, we recommend engaging a licensed plumber - especially to ensure your system complies with local council requirements.

Once the plumbing is installed and pressure-tested, it’s time to backfill around the pool shell. This is done gradually and evenly, layer by layer, to maintain structural integrity. At the same time, your pool should be filled with water to equalise internal and external pressure - a critical step in preventing damage or movement of the shell.

The backfill material is usually crusher dust or stabilised sand, compacted carefully around the sides. This process provides vital support and ensures your pool remains stable over time.

Care should be taken around plumbing lines to prevent shifting or breakage. If you’re unsure about this process, we recommend consulting a professional installer to ensure it’s done correctly.

After the pool is backfilled and filled with water, it’s time to pour a concrete bond beam around the top edge of the pool. This beam secures the shell in place and provides a solid foundation for your coping or paving.

The bond beam is typically 200mm wide and 300mm deep, poured directly against the pool’s edge and extending beyond the coping line. It’s designed to:

• Lock the shell into the ground

• Support coping tiles, pavers, or decking

• Prevent ground movement or shifting over time

A licensed concreter is usually required for this step to ensure the beam is structurally sound and meets Australian Standards. Additionally, your electrician may need to install a bonding wire at this stage to comply with electrical safety regulations.

With the bond beam complete and the structure secure, it’s time to install your equipment station. This includes the pump, filter (sand or cartridge), and chlorinator - all of which come with your DIY kit.

The system is connected to the plumbing lines installed in Step 5, and once powered, will begin circulating water through your pool. Proper installation ensures:

• Clean, clear, and chemically balanced water

• Efficient energy use

• Minimal ongoing maintenance

We provide simple installation instructions with all kits, and our team is just a call away if you need help. If you prefer, a licensed electrician and/or plumber can handle this step to ensure everything is installed to code and operating at peak performance.

Once your bond beam has cured, it’s time to install coping tiles around the pool’s edge. Coping creates a smooth transition from the pool to your surrounds and plays a key role in both safety and aesthetics.

Choose from a wide range of materials - pavers, natural stone, concrete, or porcelain - to suit your outdoor space. After coping, you can complete the area with paving, decking, or landscaping, turning your pool zone into a stunning retreat.

Your coping must be installed level and even, especially if you plan to add fencing or glass panels. If needed, we can recommend experienced coping installers in your area.

Once your equipment is up and running and your pool is full, it’s time for a final water test and balance. This ensures the water is safe, comfortable, and chemically stable.

We recommend testing:

• pH
• Chlorine/sanitiser levels
• Alkalinity
• Calcium hardness
• Stabiliser (if required)

You can use a home testing kit or visit your local pool shop for a full water analysis. Once the water is balanced, you’re ready to dive in!

We’re always available to guide you through this step and answer any ongoing maintenance questions.