Faq

Installing a swimming pool yourself can be a cheaper alternative than having a pool builder supply and install one for you, but you must apply to become an Owner Builder.

Will you really want to be an owner builder, with all the regulations, work and time involved?

As an owner builder you must meet all your legal obligations as follows:

1. Regulations – Permits by Owner Builders

Installation of a swimming pool requires a building permit.

A building permit is written approval from a registered building surveyor. It shows that your approved plans and specifications comply with building regulations, and allows building work, such as the installation of a swimming pool, to start.

Owner Builder has the following legal obligations:

• Getting relevant planning permits from your local council
• Being named as the owner builder on building permits
• Getting a certificate of consent from the building practitioners board before carrying out domestic building works over $12,000
• Engaging a building surveyor to issue building permits, conduct building inspections and issue a ‘Certificate of Final Inspection’ on completion of work
• Ensuring that the work meets building regulations, standards and other laws
• Getting relevant planning permits from your local council
• Arranging for building inspections as required by law at specific stages of the building work
• Obtaining domestic building insurance if you sell within six years of obtaining the Certificate of Final Inspection
• Provide a defects inspection report if you sell within six years and six months of obtaining the Certificate of Final Inspection

2. Regulations – Work done by other people

Owner Builder has the following legal obligations:

• Check the licensing or registration of electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, drainers and others who must be registered or licensed
• To use a written appropriate building contract.
• Appoint a building surveyor to issue relevant building permits and confirm the work complies with building regulations

3. Regulations – Work costing over $5000 done by other people

Owner Builder has the following legal obligations:

• Use ‘registered builders’ for individual work over $5000
• By law you must use a written ‘major domestic’ building contracts
• Ensure any person engaged for work over $16,000 provides you with a current certificate of domestic building insurance for the address of the building project.

Special Notes

As an owner builder you need also be mindful that:

• Only one owner-builder permit for a single home and associated work on that property is allowed, once every three years.
• Under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 and Building Act 1993, you are responsible for warranties that apply by law to all domestic building work.
• Warranties transfer to a new home owner for up to10 years from completion of the work.

There are four types of pools available. Below are ….

Fibreglass Pools: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Low maintenance: The gel coat surface of the fibreglass pool shell is non-porous, preventing algae growth and reducing the chemicals required to maintain the pool.
• No lifetime cost: Money doesn’t need to be invested in the shell of fibreglass pools, as there is no vinyl liner to replace and no resurfacing needed.
• Non-abrasive: The gel coat surface of fibreglass pools is smooth to the touch.
• Built-in Seats and Steps: Most fibreglass pool designs have seating and all have steps incorporated into the shell of the pool.
• Manufactured in controlled environment: Fibreglass pools are built in the controlled climate of a factory.
• Quick installation: Because the shells of fibreglass pools are built off site, the installation occurs more rapidly, 1-2 weeks on average (not landscaped).

Disadvantages:

• Limited shapes and designs: Fibreglass pools are built from a mold, limiting the shapes and sizes to what’s offered by the fibreglass pool manufacturer.
• No wider than 16′: Fibreglass Pools are shipped via the road. Shipping restrictions limit the width of the fibreglass pool shell to 16′.
• In ground only: Typically, Fibreglass pools can only be installed in ground due to their limited shape variations.

Vinyl Liner Pools: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Low initial cost: Vinyl Liner Pools have the lowest initial cost of any of types of in ground pools.
• Customisable shape and size: No limitations on length, width, and depth.
• Non-abrasive: The vinyl liner material is smooth to the touch.
• Doesn’t foster algae: The material used in vinyl liner pools is non-porous so it inhibits algae growth.

Disadvantages:

• Higher lifetime cost: On average a vinyl liner will last between 7 and 15 years at a replacement expense of $2,500-$3,500 plus the cost of water.
• Liner warranties pro-rated: Many vinyl liner manufacturers have a 20 year pro-rated warranty….read the fine print.
• Have to use pool with care: Dogs, items thrown in the pool, branches etc. are concerns. The liner is 20-30mm thick, one mistake could be costly
• Lower resale value: When selling a home with a vinyl liner pool that’s more than 3 years old, the liner may be asked to be replaced before the sale of the house, or the value of the pool will be depreciated.

Concrete Pools: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• As big as you want: Concrete pools can be any size, shape, or depth.
• More design flexibility: Vanishing edges, beach entries, tanning ledges, etc. are all a reality with concrete pools.
• Works of art: Concrete Pools can designed as a work of art in the landscape.

Disadvantages:

• High lifetime cost: Concrete pools need to be renovated every 10-20 years. This involves resurfacing and re-tiling the pool, costing up to $15k.
• More chemical use: The surface of this pool is porous, so more chemicals and filtration are required to prevent algae. The alkaline pH of the shell also raises the pH of the water, requiring acid to counteract the effect.
• More maintenance: These pools need to be frequently broomed or swept with a pool brush to remove algae from the plaster or aggregate surface.
• Longer install time: Concrete pools usually take 2-4 months to install.

Swimming Pools are manufactured in above-ground or in-ground form. However, they are both available in different configurations including:

1. Plunge Pools

Plunge Pools are basically bigger than a spa but smaller than a swimming pool. They offer the great advantage of having a swimming pool despite having limited space. They are usually four metres long and up to three metres wide. Plunge Pools also are not typically any deeper than 1.2m at the deepest end.

2. Swim Spas

A Swim Spa is similar to a Plunge Pool, but has the added features of a Spa. Swim Spas have the option of adding hydrotherapy jets that can be used for exercise and swimming.

3. Swimming Pools

Swimming Pools are larger than Plunge Pools, typically more than 4m in length and 2.5m in width. Swimming pools offer features including LED lights, gas heating, energy saving pumps, salt water and PoolColour guard.

It is common to consider buying a pool once the weather starts heating up, the best time to begin the pool buying process is well before then.

A swimming pool is there for life, so don’t rush the process for the sake of timing.

Sometimes planning a new pool can be a fast and easy process, however it can also take months of discussion and paper work before completion, which is why buyers should begin well before things start to warm up.

Factors that can effect a pools installation time:

1. The Design

You will have to first decide the specific location of the pool and where the boundaries are positioned.

2. Permits

Prior to installation, you must gain permission to install the pool. This procedure comprises of a pool plan and its surrounding areas. Construction cannot begin until a permit has been approved, which can take up to six weeks.

3. Pool Builders Construction Timeline

Once approved, your pool builder will allocate you into their installation timeline, which depends on how many pools they are already in the process of installing.

4. Type of Pool

Fibreglass pools are fast to install, usually only taking a couple of days. However a concrete pool will take much longer, up to several months.

5. Landscaping

The finishing touches, such as paving, decking and fencing will involve many tradespeople. These trades all become very busy towards the end of the year. Buying early can make scheduling easier with tradespeople booked well in advance.

Committed to the pool project and you have your plan?

The best time to buy is now

Budget is a good place to start. The following items need to be considered in your budget.

1. Type of Spa
2. Delivery
3. Installation
4. Permits*
5. Pool Fencing*
6. Landscaping*

*Not applicable to most indoor bathroom installations; check with your local building authority.

1 – Type of Spa

There are 3 types of spas with 5 installation methods.

• Bathroom Spas – typically indoor spa baths
• Outdoor *Spas – either In ground or portable spas
• Larger Outdoor* Swim Spas/Plunge Pools – either in ground or portable

* Outdoor models can be installed indoors, however adequate ventilation, drainage and non slip flooring will need to
be incorporated within the indoor room.

Read More

2 – Delivery

Delivery depends on the type of spa chosen and the access available at the delivery site.

Options include;

• Spa Dolly™ Trailer
• Crane Truck
• Mobile Crane
• Crawler Crane
• Helicopter

3 – Installation
Installation of a spa involves

• Support of the spa.
• Electrical connections of the equipment.
• Gas connections are required only when a gas heater is supplied.

Read More

4 – Permits

To comply with pool fencing regulations and Australian Standards a permit must be obtained from either your local Council or you can appoint an independent building surveyor.

A building permit is written approval showing that your plans and specifications comply with building regulations, and allows building work such as
the installation of a spa / swim spa to start.

Pricing will vary with individual building surveyors. Typical costings will be around these figures (source date July 2019 – prices subject to change)

Read More

5 – Pool Fencing
Swimming pools and spas with a depth of more than 30cm (including inflatable or relocatable pools and spas) must have safety barriers that meet the Australian Standard. All pools and spas built since 2010 require a four-sided safety
barrier or fence, with no direct access from the house to the pool or spa surround.

Details can be found on the Victorian Building Authority website.

6 – Landscaping 

Turn your backyard in to an amazing spa retreat with landscaping. Add a gazebo, decking, plants, paving, furniture, fire pits, external lighting etc.

Choosing a spa can be a very daunting experience for a first time spa buyer.

Endless® recommends that you do your research before you get yourself into hot water.

Make an ‘informed’ decision by asking the ‘right‘ questions.

Asking the questions below will ensure you buy the ‘best valued‘ spa for your needs.

Rudimentary Questions

• What size options are available in spas?
• What items come in the standard spa package?
  
• What spa seating configuration options are available? 
• How many people can a spa accommodate?
• How many models do you have for me to choose from?
• How many models are on display in your showroom?
• Do you hold stock for immediate delivery?

Advanced Questions 

• Does the spa meet Australian standards?
• Do I buy a spa that is installed above ground or in-ground?
• Why are your spas dearer / cheaper than other spa retailers?
• Why don’t your offer the options available with other retailers?
• What number of jets are best? Are all jets hydrotherapy jets?
• Do I have to use chemicals in my spa? What choices do I have?
• What appliances are there available to reduce chemical use ?
• What heating system is available? Is it efficient?
• What filtration system is available? is it energy efficient?
• Should I buy an Australian made or an Imported spa? Why?

Peace of Mind Questions

• Can I see / read your Customer Charter/ Promise?
• What help do you provide after the sales has been made?
• What help do you provide after the spa has been delivered?
• Do you carry spare parts and are they available on line?
• Can you show me your customers’ feedback?
• Can I meet your dedicated customer service person?
• What are your hours of operation?
• What are your credentials? What are your experience and qualifications?
• Have you won any Australian awards?

What Do Spas Cost to Buy?

This question is very similar to the open ended question…

How long is a piece of string?

People think there is no answer to this question, but they are wrong.

• A piece of string is twice as long as it is from one end to middle.
• However long you cut it.

The problem is that you still do not know its real length.

It’s the same with a spa, once we know your needs…

• What size of spa can you fit?
• What type of spa do you want?
• What spa features do you value?
• What spa fittings do you value?
• What equipment is required and valued?
• What quality of the equipment and spa is valued?
• What country of origin is important to you?

You will have your answer to your question; what does your spa cost?

Endless® offers promotional pricing from time to time.

Expect to pay anywhere between:

From $1,000.00 – $4,500.00 for a Bathroom Spa

From $5,500.00 – $22,000.00 for an Outdoor Spa

From $15,000,00 – $35,000.00 for Swim Spas/Plunge Pools

What is more important to you, value or price?

Below are a few quotes relating to the differences between value and price…

• When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the things it was bought to do
• Value is more expensive than price
• Money is all you can think about when all you have is a price
• Price is what you pay, value is what you get
• Good equipment isn’t cheap, and cheap equipment isn’t good

Endless® Spas encourages feedback from our customers on a regular basis.

This feedback is collected at the Endless® monthly, complimentary, in store, spa classes.

We asked our customers why they bought from us, rather than our competitors.

Three Main Reasons …

• Trust
• Experience
• Knowledge, Competence, and Follow up
• Predictability
• Reputation
• Quality
• Reliability and Dependability
• Family Business
• Realistic
• Fair
• Accessibility
• Easy to do Business With

Endless® Spas is the only spa company to win the Victorian SPASA Award for Best Retailer  – now 18 times.

• Unique Products
  • Edgecap™ Technology (I want that look)
  • Salt Water Spas
  • Custom Built

• Easy to Find a Model to Suit Ones Needs
  • Large show with a huge range on display
  • Head office conveniently located  in the South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne with easy freeway access

Find out what our customers are saying about us. View our testimonials

Complimentary Site Analysis (if requested)

• Site Access
• Budget Considerations
• Initial Written Quotation / Estimate
• Advise on what to do next & who to contact before visiting our showroom

In Store Consultation by Appointment / Drop in

• Customer needs discussed in detail
• Site access confirmation
• Demonstration and advise of offerings –  including all spa models  and equipment options
• Written proposal based on showroom discussion, customer’s needs and selection
• Contract information; what’s included and what’s not?

Sales Agreement

• Agreement to enter into a contractual arrangement with 30% deposit.
• Spa / Pool availability and proposed delivery date.
• Key information regarding installation and delivery requirements provided and signed by customer.

Pre Delivery (Endless® Responsibilities)

• Email – Welcome letter and introduction to  Endless® ‘Predelivery’ support – telephone support and email contact details
• Email sent with installation requirements.*
• Email sent with permit instructions.*
• Courtesy call by Endless® Support to see how you, the customer is progressing*
• Email notification when spa / pool is due into stock.
• Call for ‘delivery access’ details and ‘delivery date’ expectations.*
• Email final payment due and delivery date proposed.
• Email sent with operational and water quality manuals.*

Pre Delivery (Customer Responsibilities)

• Read the Endless® pre delivery emails
• Apply for a building permit – either council or building surveyor*
• Call for Endless® Support if unsure of any of your responsibilities
• Confirm tradespeople / quotations for installation (if not already provided by your sales person)*
• Commence install requirements if applicable e.g concrete slabs; remove obstacles etc*
• Send your electrician, the electrical requirements*
• Send your tiler, the tiling instructions, if Edgecap is applicable.*
• Confirm your ‘Delivery access’ details
• Make final payments before dispatch as per your contract terms and conditions
• Confirm availability for delivery of spa / pool
• Book into complimentary ‘Water Quality Class’*

Post Delivery (Customer Responsibilities)

• Attend complimentary water quality class(es) to ensure protection of your equipment*
• Call for final inspection (PERMIT) on pool fencing*.
• No water should be added to spa / pool without compliant pool fencing being in place; Temporary fencing can be used for water initial fill of in-ground pool / spas
• Contact our customer service portal for any help; support.endless.com.au and submit a ticket online

*Typically not applicable for Bathroom Spas

Spas are one of the oldest forms of heat therapy and have been used for recreational and restorative purposes since the Roman Empire. While most people are familiar with spas using chlorinated or bath water, salt water spas have some unique and beneficial characteristics.

Natural Water Sanitation
Salt water has a natural sanitizing effect that fresh water does not.

The sanitizing effect of salt means that a salt water spa needs less chlorine for disinfection than fresh water … Less chlorine means fewer irritations to the skin and eyes. With fewer chemicals, a salt water spa also has a more natural smell.

Reduced Swelling
The combination of heat and salt water can be an effective way to treat swelling and oedema. The hot water opens pores, while the salty water draws fluid out of the skin. Salt water spas can be used to reduce painful swelling from overexertion and exercise.

Tension Relief
Salt water spas especially ones with whirlpool capabilities, can be used to release both physical and psychological tension. Hot water helps relieve muscle tightness, while the water jets can massage and further loosen muscles. While spas are often used by athletes for their restorative effect on muscles, everyone can use them for relaxation.

Healthy Skin
One of the disadvantages of heavily chlorinated fresh water is the drying effect on skin. Salt water, by contrast, has a softening effect on skin. Salt is a common ingredient in many skincare products.

Joint Pain Relief
According to the Arthritis Foundation, heat therapy methods like spas can be used to relieve joint pain. In addition to the pain relief from the heat, the water provides an almost weightless environment that relieves stress and pressure on joints.

Read More

1. Do you have enough access for this machinery to enter your backyard?

Each spa/pool inground installation typically requires some form of excavation work to dig a hole for supporting the shell.

Machinery involved includes an excavator (digger) and a bobcat. The bobcat is used to load the excavated soil into a kerbside tip truck which transports the soil to the closest tip.

Access can be provided through:

• Your garage – existing doorway or create one
• Neighbours property – removing the boundary fence
• The gap between a boundary fence and the side of your house
• Side street access – drop your fence
• Back lane, parkland, golf course – gain permission

The smallest bobcat can fit through a doorway measuring 900mm wide.

A mini excavator is 1800 mm high.

2. Placement will be governed by ‘Building Regulations’ and ‘Town Planning’.

1. Easements

You cannot install over an easement such as stormwater drainage as they are permanent and run with the land. There is an allowable distance from an easement. This distance may vary depending on the depth of the easement excavation; however, allow at least 400mm until requirements are known.

To find out if any easements exist on your property, obtain a Certificate of Title from Landata.

There are some instances where easements are not registered on the Certificate of Title so instead, you can contact your Power and Water boards or Dial Before You Dig.

2. Buildings & the Angle of Repose

i. Excavation is not allowed within the angle of repose if it will affect the support of an existing building (house, garage, shed). As a guide only, you could calculate the distance required from a building as the depth of the spa/pool. In some situations the excavation can be less than the angle of repose; however, this generally involves underpinning or some other form of foundation works to protect buildings from being undermined.

ii. Soil conditions will dictate the excavation location. Filled and slopping land may need retaining walls to be built.

3. Safety Barriers / Pool Fencing

Swimming pools and spas with a depth of more than 30cm (including inflatable or relocatable pools and spas) must have safety barriers that meet the Australian Standard. All pools and spas built since 2010 require a four-sided safety barrier or fence, with no direct access from the house to the pool or spa surround.

Details can be found on the Victorian Building Authority website.

i. Where a boundary fence acts as a safety barrier to the spa/pool, it should not be less than 1800mm.

ii. Permit restrictions usually include a 900mm drop exclusion zone from a boundary fencing as long as the fence has a height of 1800 mm. Exemptions may apply in some circumstances if a taller fence or barrier is installed.

iii. All doors and sliding doors are not permitted to open directly into the pool enclosure and windows are to be protected in accordance with AS1926-2012.

*Regulations can change at any time refer to the’ Victoria Building Authority’ for current regulations

4. Town Planning 

Planning permits are legal documents giving permission for a land use or development and may be required by your local council. If a planning permit is required, it must be obtained before a building permit can be issued, however, both applications can be made at the same time.

Whether you need a planning permit for your spa/pool installation, it depends on your property’s:

1. Zoning – All properties have zone regulations.

2. Overlays – Some properties have overlay regulations**.

**If your property has particular characteristics, such as waterways, heritage character, and locally significant vegetation or other constraints or features, overlays will apply to the property.

To understand what this means if you are proposing installing a pool on your property, it is recommended you contact your local council’s Town Planning Office or Landata.

Examples of Town Planning Regulations:

1. Residential Zone – Minimum street setbacks may apply to the installation of a spa/pool into the front yard

2. Building Envelope Overlay – A building envelope specifies the outline of where buildings/pools/spas can be located and can also determine the setbacks to the property boundaries and the maximum area of a building footprint

3. The Heritage Overlay – This overlay determines the assessment of suitable development that can take place on or adjoin these sites to ensure the cultural heritage or Indigenous cultural values of a place or area are not compromised

• Excavation
• Electrical Connection
• Gas Connection (when applicable)

Read More

Pool & Spa barriers are required by legislation for any swimming or spa in excess of 300 mm in depth and must be maintained for the life of the pool or spa.

A safety barrier can be made of any material that can withstand likely conditions such as weather, pool chemicals, insects, salt water spray, impacts etc. They must have an effective perpendicular minimum height of 1.2 m.

A lockable hardcover does not meet these legislation rules and therefore cannot be used as a legal barrier.

The main aim of a spa or pool barrier is to restrict access by unsupervised children, especially those less than 5 years of age. To ensure this there is an Australian Standard (A.S 1926.1-2012) which forms part of the legislation.

Boundary Fences – Existing boundary fences can be used as a barrier to a solid finished surface and have no climbable elements within 900mm measured from the top of the inside of the fence.

Gates – Gates must open outward (away from the pool or spa area) and must return to closed position and engage the latch automatically from any position. They cannot be re-opened without using the manual release mechanism.

Walls – External walls of a building such as a brick wall can be used as a pool and spa barriers as long as there are no door openings or windows.

Doors – Doors are prohibited from opening into a spa area.

Windows – Windows are only acceptable when they are totally closed (fixed) and only can be removed using a tool, or fixed to only open a maximum of 100mm.

Please note this is only a general summary of A.S 1926.1 and is current as of August 2016. Please contact us for further information, see the Victoria Building Authority for more details.

History of Spas

Ancient spas (no jets) were known to exist as early as 636—546 B.C

The first modern-day spa was created in 1956 by the Jacuzzi brothers in America with the invention of the Hydrotherapy jet.

The brothers incorporated several hydrotherapy jets into the shell of a bathtub, added a water pump and the first spa was released in 1968.

Today there are many USA spa manufacturers including Artesian Spas. American spas are renowned for their shell quality and superior hydraulics.

Below is a video showing how our quality portable offerings are made in Artesian Spas® world-class facility.

• Support Base
• Electrical Connection
• Gas Connection (when applicable)

Read More

Pool & Spa barriers are required by legislation for any swimming or spa in excess of 300 mm in depth and must be maintained for the life of the pool or spa.

A safety barrier can be made of any material that can withstand likely conditions such as weather, pool chemicals, insects, salt water spray, impacts etc. They must have an effective perpendicular minimum height of 1.2m.

A lockable hardcover does not meet these legislation rules and therefore cannot be used as a legal barrier.

The main aim of a spa or pool barrier is to restrict access by unsupervised children, especially those less than 5 years of age, to ensure this there is an Australian Standard (A.S 1926.1-2012) which forms part of the legislation.

Boundary Fences – Existing boundary fences can be used as a barrier to a solid finished surface and have no climbable elements within 900mm measured from the top of the inside of the fence.

Gates – Gates must open outward (away from the pool or spa area) and must return to closed position and engage the latch automatically from any position. They cannot be re-opened without using the manual release mechanism.

Walls – External walls of a building such as a brick wall can be used as a pool and spa barriers as long as there are no door openings or windows.

Doors – Doors are prohibited from opening into a spa area.

Windows – Windows are only acceptable when they are totally closed (fixed) and only can be removed using a tool, or fixed to only open a maximum of 100mm.

Please note this is only a general summary of A.S 1926.1 and is current as of August 2016. Please contact us for further information, see the Victoria Building Authority for more details. Details for other states is available on the SPASA webpage