How to Choose the Right Fibreglass Pool for Your Backyard


Installing a fibreglass pool is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your backyard. It adds value to your home, enhances your lifestyle, and transforms your outdoor space into a relaxing oasis or entertainment hub. But with so many shapes, sizes, and features available, choosing the right fibreglass pool can feel overwhelming.Whether you’ve just started dreaming or you’re ready to take the plunge, this guide will help you make an informed decision to ensure your pool suits your space, budget, and lifestyle.
1. Assess Your Space
Before falling in love with a design, take a good look at your backyard. Measure the available space and consider how a pool will fit within the layout. Think about:
- Access for installation
- Proximity to the house or alfresco areas
- Existing landscaping or fencing
- Sun exposure and shade
Since fibreglass pools come pre-moulded, they need to fit through access points and be craned or manoeuvred into position. If space is tight, smaller plunge or courtyard pools might be the perfect solution.
📝 Tip: Take photos of your backyard and sketch out some rough dimensions before chatting with a builder.
2. Define Your Pool’s Purpose
What’s your main reason for wanting a pool? Is it for family fun, fitness, entertaining, or relaxation? Your answer will shape the size, design, and features you choose.
- For fitness: Go for a lap pool or long rectangular shape.
- For relaxation: Look for built-in bench seating or spa jets.
- For kids: Choose pools with safety ledges and shallow entries.
- For entertaining: Consider space for decking, lounges, or a spa.
Choose a pool that complements your lifestyle and how you’ll use it most.

3. Choose a Shape That Works
Fibreglass pools come in a variety of shapes, including rectangular, freeform, kidney-shaped, and even geometric styles. The shape you choose will depend on both your preferences and how it fits within your backyard.
- Rectangular pools: Great for modern homes and lap swimming.
- Freeform pools: Curvy and natural-looking, perfect for relaxed or tropical landscapes.
- Plunge pools: Ideal for compact spaces and urban backyards.
- Spa-pool combos: Combine hydrotherapy and swimming in one.
Try to visualise how the shape will look in your yard from different angles. Pool builders often use 3D renderings or AR tools to show you how it will fit, which can be super helpful.
4. Pick the Right Pool Size
It’s tempting to go big, but the best pool is one that fits your yard and leaves room for furniture, pathways, or a barbecue.
Rough guide:
- Small yards: 4–6m pools
- Medium yards: 6–8m pools
- Large yards: 9m+
Also consider how many people will be using it regularly — a couple relaxing on weekends versus an active family of five will need different setups.
5. Think About Colour and Finish
Today’s fibreglass pools come in a range of surface colours and finishes. From shimmering blues to sleek greys, your pool’s colour can change the entire look of your space.
Popular options:
- Ocean blue: vibrant and tropical
- Slate grey: modern and minimalist
- Sandy beige: natural and beachy
Some finishes shimmer in the sunlight, giving your pool a luxurious glow. Ask your builder for water colour samples to get a real sense of how each colour looks once filled.
6. Don’t Forget Features
Modern fibreglass pools are packed with features that boost comfort and convenience. Consider:
- Integrated spa or jets
- Swim-up benches or ledges
- Waterfalls or lighting
- Heating for year-round use
You can also install automation systems to control lighting, temperature, and cleaning from your phone. These features add upfront cost, but the convenience pays off by lowering maintenance costs.

7. Work With a Reputable Pool Builder
The most important step in choosing a fibreglass pool is partnering with a trusted, experienced pool builder. An expert team will guide you through the process, from initial design and council approvals to final installation and handover.
Here’s what to look for in a good pool builder:
- Licensed and insured
- Transparent pricing
- Clear project timelines
- Excellent reviews and testimonials
- Warranty on both the pool shell and workmanship
At Sydney Poolscapes, we specialise in premium fibreglass pool installations across the Sydney region. We work closely with you to understand your vision, assess your site, and deliver a pool that complements your home and lifestyle.
8. Plan Your Budget
Fibreglass pools offer great value for money compared to concrete, with quicker installation times and lower maintenance over the long term. That said, prices vary depending on size, features, site access, and landscaping requirements.
When budgeting, remember to factor in:
- Pool shell and installation
- Electrical and plumbing work
- Council fees or approvals
- Pool fencing (mandatory in NSW)
- Surrounding landscaping or paving
- Ongoing maintenance and cleaning
Setting a realistic budget from the start will help you prioritise what matters most and avoid unexpected costs later.
9. Understand the Installation Timeline
Fibreglass pools can be installed quickly — often in just a few weeks. Once your approvals One of the major benefits of fibreglass pools is how quickly they can be installed — often within a few weeks. Once your approvals are sorted, the pool shell is delivered and craned into place, followed by plumbing, backfilling, and finishing touches.
Every site is different, but you can generally expect the following timeline:
- Week 1–2: Design finalisation and approvals
- Week 3–4: Site excavation and shell delivery
- Week 5–6: Plumbing, paving, and fencing
Ask your pool builder for a detailed project schedule so you know what to expect at every stage.
Ready to Dive In?
A fibreglass pool is more than just a home feature — it’s a lifestyle upgrade. By choosing the right design, size, and features for your yard, you’ll be investing in years of fun, relaxation, and style.
Sydney Poolscapes is ready to help bring your dream to life.
👉 Click below to get a FREE quote and start your fibreglass pool journey today.
Get a Free Quote from Sydney Poolscapes