Can You Build a Pool Before the House? A Geelong Guide

Imagine kicking back by your pool on a sunny Geelong afternoon, the faint sound of waves in the background, as your kids splash around or friends gather for a barbecue. For many of us dreaming of a custom home in Geelong, a pool isn’t just a feature, it’s the heart of the lifestyle we’re building. But here’s the question that often pops up: can you build the pool before the house, wait until after, or maybe even tackle both at once? With over 35 years of excellence and more than 50 HIA and MBA awards, Pivot Homes has helped countless locals turn this vision into reality. We’re here to walk you through the pros, cons, and Geelong-specific quirks of each option, so you can find the perfect timing for your dream home and pool.

 

 

 

 

 

All landowners are legally required to register any pool or spa on their property with the relevant local council. They must also have a compliant safety barrier in place – regardless of whether children live at the property. – VBA

 

Why a Pool Feels Right for Your Geelong Home

There’s something about a pool that transforms a Geelong property into a little slice of paradise. Whether it’s a spot to unwind after a long day, a place for the kids to burn off energy, or a backdrop for summer get-togethers, it’s hard to beat. Maybe you’re picturing a sleek design that echoes our coastal vibe or a family-friendly setup on a sprawling acreage block. Whatever your style, a pool can boost your home’s value too—up to 7%, according to the Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA) Victoria. But the big decision is when to build it. Let’s dive into the three main paths you can take and see what fits your plans best.

Your Pool Timing Options at a Glance

Deciding when to build your pool is all about weighing what matters most to you—cost, convenience, or that perfect design. Here’s a quick snapshot of the three approaches to help you picture what might work for your Geelong home:

Aspect	Pool Before House	Pool After House	Pool with House
Site Access	Easy access saves 10-15% on digging	Tricky access might need cranes (+10-20%)	Shared access keeps things smooth
Cost	Cheaper with an open site	Higher due to tight spaces	Balanced, but bigger upfront cost
Design	Harder to match a future home	Ties perfectly into your layout	Seamless style from day one
Protection	Risk of debris damage	Safe from construction mess	Low risk with smart planning
Usage/Disruption	Ready to swim on move-in day	Delays fun and stirs up your yard	All done at once—no waiting

 

 

Building Your Pool Before the House

Ever thought about having your pool ready the moment you step into your new home? One client did just that, they threw a pool party on move-in day, and it was a hit! Building your pool first makes sense, especially on Geelong’s sloping blocks, where open access can cut excavation costs by up to 15%, according to Blue Haven Pools. But it’s not all smooth sailing, here’s what to consider.

Things to Think About

• Savings Up Front: No house means easier digging, which can save you thousands.
• Instant Enjoyment: Move in and dive right in—perfect for summer builds.
• Design Guesswork: It’s tricky to align the pool with a home that’s still in your imagination.
• Keeping It Safe: Construction crews might kick up dust or drop debris, so you’ll need to protect it.
• Teamwork: Your pool and home builders will need to sync up, which takes a little planning.

A Tip from Experience

Cover your pool with sturdy tarps or temporary fencing during the house build. One Australian shared on Homeone Forum, “We saved a bundle building the pool first, but staying on top of protection was key.”

 

You are required to lodge a certificate of barrier compliance every 4 years. Check with your local council for exact dates. – Mpbaa

 

Building Your Pool After the House

Maybe you’d rather settle into your home first and then add the pool. This way, you can see exactly how it’ll fit, like creating that dreamy indoor-outdoor flow for entertaining. It’s a popular choice for avoiding construction chaos around your pool, and it worked wonders for a client who wanted their reverse-living home just right before adding the water feature. River Pools and Spas also recommends this to keep your pool pristine.

Things to Think About

• Spot-On Design: Shape the pool to match your finished home perfectly.
• No Worries: Your pool stays pristine, away from builders’ boots and tools.
• Flexibility: Tweak your plans once you’ve lived in the space a bit.
• Access Hiccups: Squeezing equipment into a built-up yard can bump costs by 10-20%.
• Mess Later: Be ready for some noise and dirt after you’ve settled in.

A Word of Wisdom

Think about your landscaping: heavy gear can undo a fresh garden, so plan ahead to keep your outdoor space intact.

 

 

Building Your Pool and House Together

Why not go all in and build both at once? Picture a home where the pool feels like it’s always belonged there, blending seamlessly with your coastal-inspired design. We’ve helped clients manage their pool build with the new home. It’s efficient and stunning when done right, as Compass Pools Australia suggests.

Things to Think About

• One Look: Matching materials create a cohesive, polished vibe.
• Time-Saver: Shared site access cuts down on back-and-forth.
• All-in-One Landscaping: Finish everything together—no do-overs.
• Coordination: It takes a tight plan, but our team’s got it covered.
• Budget Stretch: You’ll need funds for both projects up front.

 

 

 

A great question we’re often asked is, if I’m going to build a house, how do I go about planning the pool? If it is such that you’ve got a block that when the house is built, you’re going to lose your access, it’s really important to consider putting the pool in first. – Compasspools

 

What Makes Geelong & Surfcoast Special for Pool Planning

Geelong and the Surfcoasts’s charm and laid-back community vibe make it an ideal spot for a pool that fits your life. But our unique landscape and rules mean you’ve got to plan smart. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Sloping Blocks: Building the pool first can ease digging on our tricky terrain, especially for sloping block designs.
• Local Rules: Victorian safety standards—like 1.2m fencing and CPR signs—are a must, per the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
• Coastal Flair: A fibreglass or concrete pool can echo Geelong’s seaside style, perfect for coastal homes.
• Green Living: Energy-efficient pumps or solar heating tie into our 7-star energy goals and keep costs down, as noted by Energy Rating.

We’ve turned Geelong backyards into stunners, like a Barwon Heads retreat where the pool flows naturally with the home. It’s all about making the most of where we live.

Why Trust Pivot Homes with Your Project

For over three decades, Pivot Homes has been Geelong’s custom home experts, with over 50 HIA and MBA awards along the way. We’re not just builders, we’re your partners in crafting a home (and pool!) that’s all about you. Our in-house designers team up with top pool pros to deliver something safe, sustainable, and downright beautiful. Once of our cleints shared, “Our sloping block had us worried, but Pivot Homes nailed it, the pool and house feel perfect together.” Check out more of our work in our gallery, from acreage designs to reverse-living designs.

 

 

Let’s Get Started

Ready to make your Geelong dream a reality? We’d love to help you plan your home and pool, step by step. Here’s how to kick things off with Pivot Homes:

• Find out how much your home will cost with out custom home cost tool.
• Check out what we include with our inclusions list.
• Drop by our Geelong display home to see the Pivot Homes quality.

Let’s bring your vision to life, together!