Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to engage multiple companies to build my pool and landscape?
Not with Brisbane Pools & Landscapes. We are your single point of contact for the entire project. We handle everything in-house, from concept design to pool construction, landscaping, fencing, structures, and finishing touches. This streamlined approach reduces delays, miscommunication, and budget blowouts. You deal with one team, one plan, and one clear timeline from start to finish.
How do I choose a builder who can build pools?
What matters most is that your builder is licensed with the QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) and can demonstrate a solid track record. At Brisbane Pools & Landscapes, we’re QBCC-licensed and fully insured, with affiliations to trusted industry bodies like Master Builders QLD. We believe reputation, transparency, and service are the real benchmarks.
Do you build fibreglass pools?
We don’t construct fibreglass pools ourselves. Brisbane Pools & Landscapes focuses exclusively on custom concrete pools, designed from scratch and tailored to suit your site and style. If you’re after a fibreglass option, we’re happy to refer you to reputable suppliers who can help with that pathway.
Can I use my own trades during the build?
In some cases, yes, but it depends on the scope and project stage. We’re happy to collaborate with your preferred trades for specific works if they’re licensed, insured, and meet BPL’s standards. However, for efficiency, quality control, and warranty coverage, we strongly recommend using our trusted trade network, managed through a single site supervisor.
How do I choose the right pool builder?
Look for a builder who is licensed, experienced, transparent, and proactive with communication. Check their QBCC history, insurance certificates, and ask to see previous projects. A good builder will help guide you through design, quoting, and compliance, not just the dig and pour. At BPL, we focus on long-term results and a smooth client experience, from the first site visit through to handover and beyond.
Do you offer design services?
Yes. At Brisbane Pools and Landscapes, design is at the core of everything we do. We offer in-house concept planning, 3D renders, layout drawings, and full documentation for approvals. Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas or working from an existing plan, we tailor the design to suit your lifestyle, site conditions, and long-term goals. We recommend engaging our design service for all renovations, and any new pools or structural works that require engineering must begin with a formal design.
What does the pool design process involve?
The design process begins with a site consultation, where we assess your property, discuss your ideas, and capture important details like access, levels, drainage, and privacy. This visit shapes the level of design involvement required and helps guide expected costs. From there, we develop concepts, visualisations, and a detailed scope of works, all tailored to your site and lifestyle. Designs are created with council compliance and buildability in mind, ensuring nothing is left to guesswork.
Can you help with landscaping, fencing, and retaining walls too?
Yes. Brisbane Pools and Landscapes holds an unrestricted open builder’s licence, allowing us to complete all works required on your site. This includes retaining walls, boundary fencing, paving, structures, garden beds, lighting, and more. You’ll sign one contract and deal with one experienced team from start to finish, ensuring a seamless and well-managed project.
What finishes and materials can I choose from?
We offer a curated range of high-quality materials including natural stone, porcelain, waterline tiles, concrete paving, and premium pool interiors such as pebble or glass bead finishes. Our standard allowances are intentionally set at a higher level to ensure the materials, equipment, and workmanship meet long-term performance and aesthetic expectations without constant upselling or budget creep.
Can you help design benches, steps, and interior features of the pool?
Yes. Every pool we build includes careful planning of interior features like benches, steps, ledges, and shallow zones/swim outs to suit how you intend to use the space. We work with you to shape these features around safety, relaxation, exercise, and style, ensuring your pool is both beautiful and practical.
How visible should my pool be from the house?
Pool visibility is a key part of both safety and design. We help you position the pool to maximise views from key areas of the home such as kitchens, alfresco zones, or living rooms. A well-placed pool becomes a natural focal point and a seamless extension of your indoor living, while also allowing easy supervision for families.
Do you help with council approvals and certification?
Yes. We manage all required approvals and certifications on your behalf, including engineering documentation, private certifier coordination, and Form 17 compliance. Our designs are developed with these requirements in mind from the outset to prevent costly rework or delays. As part of the design process, we conduct preliminary certification reviews to ensure we don’t develop too far only to run into roadblocks that require starting over. You won’t need to deal with council or certifiers directly — we handle it all.
Does my boundary fence need to be upgraded for compliance?
Possibly. During our site consultation, we assess your current fencing and boundaries against the Queensland Pool Safety Standard (AS1926.1). If your fence doesn’t meet the required height, climb zone clearance, or gap limitations, we’ll outline what’s needed to make it compliant. This may include installing additional panels, trimming vegetation, or adding batten screens or acrylic sheeting. You can also use free online tools such as QBCC’s pool safety checklist to understand general compliance requirements. We’ll guide you through it all as part of your overall project.
Where should the filtration system be placed, and what services does it need?
Your pool filtration and sanitation equipment should be located in a spot that’s easily accessible, well-ventilated, and compliant with required clearances. It does not need to be located within the pool fence zone and is usually positioned externally for easier servicing and to minimise noise near living areas. The system will require access to power and, depending on setup, may also need a sewer connection for backwashing. As part of the overall compliance layout, we also ensure the CPR sign is installed within the pool area, in a clearly visible location that’s unobstructed and meets legal requirements.
When can you start my project?
Start times vary depending on the time of year, the scope of your project, and our current construction pipeline. For renovation projects, timeframes depend on access, complexity, and any early demolition or drainage works. For new builds, all projects must first go through our design process, and some applications — such as Build Over Sewer approvals or complex site overlays — may extend timelines. Once your design is finalised and approvals are in place, we’ll provide a clear proposed start window. If you’re working toward a specific date or event, let us know early so we can plan accordingly.
How long does a pool project usually take?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the build, weather conditions, material lead times, and whether your project includes extras like landscaping, retaining walls, or structures. A typical standalone pool may take between 8 and 12 weeks from excavation to handover. Larger, fully integrated outdoor transformations can range from 12 to 20+ weeks. We provide a clear construction schedule before we start and keep you informed throughout the entire build.
Is excavation included in the quote?
Yes. All of our quotes include a standard excavation allowance based on the visible conditions and available data at the time of quoting. We approach excavation with a conservative mindset — our allowances are structured to reduce the chance of variations later. If unexpected conditions such as rock or fill are discovered during digging, we’ll pause works and provide you with a clear plan and cost breakdown before proceeding.
What if you find rock or poor soil during excavation?
We do our best to assess site risks during the early stages, using site history, topography, and, where needed, soil tests. However, if excavation reveals rock, unstable soil, or fill, we will stop work to review and reassess the approach. We will discuss with you and outline any changes to the scope and considered options. We never cut corners — our priority is to deliver a structurally sound result that lasts.
Do you do soil testing or engineering assessments?
Yes. We coordinate soil testing and engineering assessments as required, especially for sites with slopes, retaining walls, or unknown fill. The soil report helps us determine bearing capacity, compaction levels, and any geotechnical considerations that will affect your pool design. These insights ensure your engineering is both accurate and tailored to your specific site conditions.
What if my site has sandy or unstable soil?
If your soil is sandy, loose, or highly reactive, we’ll apply the correct structural measures to ensure safety and long-term durability. This might include below-ground formwork, deeper footings, or piered slabs. If this wasn’t included in your initial scope, we’ll clearly communicate the additional costs before any work proceeds. These measures are never optional — we build for integrity and longevity, not short-term convenience.
What kind of filtration and sanitation system will I get?
We typically specify a premium filtration and sanitation system tailored to your pool size, usage, and environment. Most systems include a high-performance media filter, energy-efficient pump, and either saltwater chlorination or a mineral sanitation unit. We’ll recommend the best setup during the design or quoting phase and explain how each system works so you can make an informed choice.
Can I have a mineral pool?
Yes — mineral pools are a popular upgrade for clients wanting a gentler, more luxurious swimming experience. We offer several mineral systems that soften the water, reduce chemical odours, and improve skin comfort. These systems can be included from the start or added later, depending on your filtration and plumbing setup. We’ll help you weigh the benefits and cost differences during your consultation.
Do you include robotic cleaners or pool covers?
We offer robotic cleaners, pool blankets, and automated cover options as optional upgrades. Robotic cleaners are popular for convenience and low maintenance, while covers help with water retention, safety, and debris control. We can include these in your estimate based on your preferences and provide options during the product selection stage.
Can I include a sauna or ice bath in my project?
Yes, we offer custom-designed Finnish saunas and premium ice baths as part of our wellness-focused projects. Whether you’re creating a full Home Wellness Hub or enhancing your outdoor space, each sauna and ice bath is thoughtfully crafted, professionally installed, and tailored to support your lifestyle. From clean heat and traditional design to cold immersion therapy and smart features, we bring together form, function, and long-term wellbeing in every build.
What other wellness features can be included in a project?
We offer a wide range of custom wellness features including outdoor showers, magnesium or mineral pools, steam rooms, spa zones, fire pits, and premium ice baths. Each element can be designed as a visual focal point or discreetly integrated for privacy and ease of use. Every feature is tailored to enhance your lifestyle and elevate daily wellbeing at home.
Can I add wellness features to an existing pool?
In many cases, yes. If your site and setup allow it, we can retrofit cold plunge zones, wellness decking, or external saunas alongside an existing pool. A site assessment will determine feasibility and help us recommend the best approach without compromising structure or compliance.
Do you offer ready-made wellness products like pre-designed saunas
Yes, we offer a curated range of premium, pre-designed Finnish saunas—perfect for those wanting a high-quality, ready-to-install wellness solution. Each sauna comes complete with full installation, including foundations, construction, sealing, electrical, and ventilation work. You choose the style that fits your space, and we handle the rest, delivering a seamless, professional experience from start to finish.
Where can I learn more about wellness packages?
You can request a wellness design consultation during your pool project, or explore our project gallery for examples of integrated health and lifestyle spaces. Our team will walk you through all available options, costs, and layout considerations to make sure you get a result that supports your health goals and daily routine.