How to Choose the Right Pool Builder for Your Sunshine Coast Home

Imagine stepping into your backyard on a warm afternoon, greeted by the glimmer of crystal-clear water and the peaceful sound of a nearby water feature. Whether you dream of a sleek, resort-style escape or a fun-filled family pool, choosing the right builder is key to turning that vision into reality. But with so many pool builders on the Sunshine Coast, how do you know who to trust?

This guide walks you through the most important considerations when selecting a pool builder. From assessing credentials to reviewing portfolios, keep these in mind to ensure your investment is smooth, safe, and stress-free.

Before diving into design options or contracts, start with research. A pool builder’s reputation often reflects their reliability, skill, and customer service. Trustworthy builders will have satisfied clients willing to speak about their experience.

What to look for:

• Online reviews across independent platforms
• Testimonials on their website or social pages
• Consistency in customer feedback, particularly around timelines and communication
• Number of years they’ve operated locally
• Word-of-mouth referrals from neighbours, friends, or local community pages

While no builder is perfect, consistent red flags—such as delays, cost blowouts, or poor workmanship—shouldn’t be ignored. Conversely, repeated praise for professionalism, cleanliness, and quality is a great sign.

Some pool builders offer standard models only, while others specialise in custom, designer pools. If you’re hoping for a pool that blends with your landscape, includes water features, or incorporates advanced systems, ensure your builder has experience with more complex projects.

What to look for in a designer pool builder:

• Strong design portfolio showcasing diverse, tailored solutions
• Proven experience with non-standard layouts, sloping blocks, or unusual shapes
• Ability to integrate features such as spas, infinity edges, glass fencing, or natural stone surrounds
• Experience working alongside architects or landscapers for cohesive outdoor spaces

Choosing a builder who excels at custom work gives you more flexibility and control over the final look and feel.

It may sound obvious, but not all pool builders are equally equipped on the legal and compliance side of things. In Queensland, pool construction is heavily regulated to protect homeowners and ensure safety—particularly around fencing, barrier heights, and plumbing.

You should verify that the builder:

• Holds a valid QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) licence specific to pool building
• Has adequate public liability and contract works insurance
• Understands and manages council approvals and site inspections
• Provides documentation of compliance, including final certificates

Most reputable pool builders will maintain a gallery or portfolio of completed work. This is your chance to compare their style and craftsmanship with your ideas visually.

When evaluating a portfolio, consider:

• The variety and quality of past builds
• Attention to detail in finishing and landscaping
• Projects on similarly shaped or sized blocks
• Whether the builder has completed pools in homes similar to yours
• Evidence of quality control in plumbing, tiling, and surrounds

Ask to see photos of both finished projects and progress shots. If possible, request client references or visit a recently completed site. Seeing results up close can give you extra confidence—or valuable caution.

Depending on complexity, approvals, and weather, pool building can take several weeks to months. A trustworthy builder will clearly explain the stages, provide an estimated timeline, and proactively communicate delays.

Typical construction phases include:

• Design consultation and feasibility assessment
• Council approvals and soil testing
• Excavation and steel fixing
• Plumbing, electrical and filtration installation
• Concreting and curing (for concrete pools)
• Interior finishing (tiling, pebble, plastering)
• Fence installation and compliance checks
• Final clean, fill, and handover

Ask how the builder communicates at each stage, such as weekly updates, site visits, or a dedicated project manager. Clear expectations lead to fewer surprises and smoother delivery.

It’s not uncommon for clients to receive vague or minimal quotes, only to discover later that many essentials weren’t included. A detailed, itemised quote is essential to avoid budget blowouts.

Key items that should be specified include:

• Site preparation, excavation and soil removal
• Pool shell or structure (concrete, fibreglass)
• Plumbing, filtration and electrical systems
• Pool interior finishes (tiles, pebbles, plaster)
• Fencing, coping and decking
• Optional extras like lighting, heating, or automation systems
• Landscaping or water features (if included)
• Council and certification costs

The real test of a pool builder’s service comes after handover. Will they assist with setup, provide a maintenance guide, and respond to issues? Good builders take pride in their work and ensure you’re supported long after the final inspection.

Here’s what to expect:

• An orientation or walkthrough of pool systems
• Advice on maintenance, equipment care, and water treatment
• Warranty documentation for structural work and equipment
• Contacts for follow-up servicing, if required
• Support for council safety inspections or recertification

A builder who offers aftercare proves they’re invested in the quality and durability of their work, not just the initial sale.

There are clear advantages to choosing a local builder over a national brand or fly-in team. Local builders understand the terrain, the council requirements, and the climate, which affects everything from pool finishes to placement.

Benefits of working with local pool builders:

• Faster response times for site visits, follow-ups and issue resolution
• Familiarity with local soil types, drainage challenges and seasonal factors
• Established relationships with local suppliers, certifiers, and trades
• More likely to rely on reputation and referrals than on aggressive sales tactics



When support is just a phone call or short drive away, you gain peace of mind—and long-term accountability.

Selecting a pool builder is about more than who offers the best price. It’s about trust, communication, technical ability, and local knowledge. With the right partner, your new pool will be a lasting investment in lifestyle, value and relaxation.

At Pools By Design, we take the stress out of pool building. From concept to construction and beyond, our experienced pool builders on the Sunshine Coast work closely with you to deliver a pool that reflects your vision and complements your home. Contact us to book a consultation.