Design
Over the years we’ve found that it’s hard to go past classic swimming pool blue. While different colours come in and out of fashion, blue remains the most popular because it’s what people expect. It creates a clean, fresh, inviting appearance and generally looks brighter and more vibrant throughout the year. It also tends to disguise minor dust and debris better than darker colours, making the pool appear cleaner for longer.
Ideally, both.
If your pool has a deep diving area, you generally don’t want steps extending into the deep end, as they can become a safety hazard. A ladder is usually the best option there.
For the shallow end, however, we strongly recommend generous entry steps. They’re easier and safer for children, older people and anyone with limited mobility. They also become a natural place to sit, relax and socialise, making the pool more enjoyable for everyone.
Many people initially think deeper is better, but experience tells us otherwise.
For most families, a shallower pool is far more practical. It provides plenty of depth for swimming and games such as volleyball, catch and general family fun, while making it easier for adults to stand comfortably.
A shallower pool also contains less water, so it heats more quickly, costs less to heat, easier to maintain and can often be enjoyed for more months of the year.
Unless you’re specifically building a diving pool, there’s usually little benefit in making it excessively deep.
There isn’t a single “best” shape—it really depends on your home, your lifestyle and your personal taste.
Straight, geometric pools create a clean, modern look and are often the most economical to build. Organic, free-form pools can blend beautifully into gardens and natural landscapes, although they are typically more complex and therefore more expensive to construct.
Over the years we’ve built everything from competition and swim-school pools to plunge pools and natural-looking pools nestled into bush settings. The right choice is the one that complements your home and creates the atmosphere you’re looking for.
Your filtration system is the heart and lungs of your swimming pool, so it’s not an area where we recommend cutting corners. A well-sized, quality filtration system will keep your water cleaner, make the pool much easier to maintain, and save you time and money over the long term.
The three main types of filtration are sand filters, diatomaceous earth (DE) filters, and cartridge (sock) filters. Each has its place, but for most residential pools we recommend a quality sand filter.
Modern sand filters are reliable, straightforward to maintain, and deliver consistently excellent water quality. DE filters offer very fine filtration but require more maintenance, while cartridge filters also perform well but need regular cleaning and periodic replacement.
Our advice is simple: invest in the best filtration system your budget allows, and make sure it’s correctly sized for your pool. It’s one of the best investments you can make in keeping your pool clean, healthy and enjoyable for years to come.
If you want to extend your swimming season, both heating and insulation are important.
Our fibreglass lining provides an insulating layer, while a quality pool cover helps retain heat overnight and reduces evaporation and debris entering the pool. A cover is one of the most effective investments you can make if your pool is heated.
For heating, the two most common options are solar heating and heat pumps. Solar heating can be very economical when sunshine is available, while modern heat pumps are highly efficient, fully automatic and provide reliable heating whenever you need it. For most homeowners, a heat pump offers the greatest flexibility and convenience.
The best family pool is one that encourages everyone to get in and use it.
For most families, we recommend a pool with a generous shallow area, wide entry steps, and enough length for swimming and games. Children spend far more time playing than diving, so a pool that allows parents and kids to comfortably stand, throw a ball, play volleyball or simply relax together is often the most enjoyable.
If your budget allows, features such as a tanning ledge, bench seating or a shallow play area can make the pool even more versatile. While deep pools certainly have their place, particularly for diving, the majority of families get more day-to-day enjoyment from a pool designed for fun, safety and socialising rather than maximum depth.
Ultimately, the best pool is one that suits your family today and will continue to be enjoyed as your children grow.
Maintenance
No. It is not recommended to leave a swimming pool empty for extended periods. While a pool may need to be emptied temporarily for maintenance or renovation, it should normally be refilled as soon as that work is complete.
Leaving a pool empty for long periods can expose it to structural stresses and, in some locations, pressure from a high water table. If you’re unsure what is best for your pool, we’re happy to assess your situation and provide practical advice.
A well-designed pool should make cleaning as easy as possible. We recommend a generous skimmer with a large skimmer basket to capture leaves and floating debris before they sink.
For larger pools, a central vacuum point makes manual cleaning straightforward, while robotic pool cleaners have become an excellent option for automatically removing dirt and debris with minimal effort.
The single most important factor is maintaining correct water chemistry. Well-balanced water protects the pool surface and helps maximise its lifespan.
A quality filtration system, an effective chlorination system and regular water testing all play an important role. Looking after your pool water today can add many years to the life of your pool surface.
A professionally resurfaced concrete pool is a long-term investment. With quality workmanship and proper care, you can typically expect the new surface to last around 40 years before another major refurbishment is required.
The actual lifespan will depend on how well the pool is maintained, particularly the water chemistry, but a well-looked-after pool should provide decades of enjoyment.
Other Topics
Our main focus is Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taupō, King Country, Taranaki, Whanganui, Palmerston North and Hawke’s Bay.
Every pool is different, so it’s difficult to give an exact price without inspecting the pool. The condition of the existing surface, the size of the pool, access to the site and any repairs required can all affect the cost.
As a general guide, resurfacing a typical residential concrete swimming pool usually costs between $20,000 and $60,000. Larger pools, commercial pools or projects requiring significant structural repairs or additional upgrades may cost more.
The best way to obtain an accurate price is to arrange an on-site inspection, where we can assess your pool and provide a detailed quotation based on the work required.
Yes. We offer a comprehensive, one-stop service for concrete swimming pools.
In addition to resurfacing, we can assist with filtration systems, heating, chlorination, pool covers, insulation, skimmers, cleaning systems, equipment upgrades and many other aspects of pool renovation. Our aim is to provide everything you need to transform an ageing pool into one that’s modern, efficient and enjoyable for many years to come.
We can repair or replace damaged coping, surrounds, tiles and even adjacent features as part of the renovation process.
Every project is different depending on the size of the pool and the scope of work involved. Smaller resurfacing projects may take a short time, while full renovations with structural work and upgrades can take longer.
We have many years of experience repairing and rejuvenating commercial swimming pools throughout New Zealand, including projects for councils, schools, swimming clubs, holiday parks and hotels.
Whether your pool needs structural repairs, resurfacing or a complete makeover, we deliver durable, high-quality results with minimal disruption to your facility.