Every question we hear, answered.

Custom concrete pools in Melbourne typically start from around $65,000 for a standard family pool and scale based on size, features, and site conditions. Plunge pools start from around $55,000, while fully-featured architectural builds with integrated spas, infinity edges, or luxury tile finishes can exceed $120,000. Every project is quoted individually after a free on-site consultation so you get a transparent, line-itemised price — never a surprise.

Our quotes include: engineering and council approvals, excavation, reinforced concrete shell construction, full interior finish (plaster, pebblecrete, or tile), filtration and plumbing, saltwater or mineral chlorination, LED lighting, coping tiles, and commissioning. We provide a fully itemised quote so you can see exactly where your investment goes.

Typical exclusions include: surrounding tiling or decking beyond the coping, pool fencing (barrier compliance is separate), landscaping beyond the immediate pool zone, heating systems (solar, heat pump, or gas — quoted as add-ons), and any structural works outside the pool shell. We'll clearly identify all exclusions upfront.

Yes. We work to a clear payment schedule aligned with construction milestones — typically a deposit to secure your build slot, progress payments tied to excavation, shell completion, and finishing, and a final payment at handover. This matches how you'll experience the build and helps with cashflow planning.

Most custom concrete pools take between 12 and 16 weeks from excavation to handover. Architectural builds with bespoke features or tricky site access can extend to 18–20 weeks. We'll give you a detailed week-by-week timeline during the design phase — and we keep you updated at every milestone.

Starting in late summer, autumn, or early winter (March–July) is ideal — it gets you through the structural and finishing work during drier months and has you swimming by the following summer. Melbourne's wet winters can extend pour and curing phases, but we work year-round and plan around weather.

Typically 2–4 weeks for straightforward builds, longer for heritage overlays or complex sites. We handle the entire approvals process — building permit, drawings, council submission, follow-up — so you don't have to navigate it. It's all included in our service.

Phil visits your property to assess the space, discuss your vision, review access and site conditions, and talk through your lifestyle — fitness, family, entertaining. You'll leave the consultation with a clear understanding of what's possible on your site and roughly what it will cost. No obligation, no pressure.

Absolutely. Phil has long-standing working relationships with architects, designers, and builders across Melbourne. We collaborate closely on design-forward projects, and often come in as the pool specialist on larger renovation or new-build projects.

Phil Kilworth personally oversees every Serenity Pools build from consultation to handover. You'll deal with Phil directly — not a project manager, not a call-centre. That's a deliberate choice so you always know who's accountable for your pool.

Concrete gives you complete design freedom — any shape, depth, or feature you can imagine, including infinity edges, integrated spas, and full-tile finishes that simply aren't possible in a pre-moulded fibreglass shell. Concrete pools last 50+ years (fibreglass typically 25–30), and they actually increase in value over time when well-built. The trade-off: concrete builds take longer and cost more — but you end up with a one-of-a-kind pool rather than a standard shape.

We build in plaster (classic, cost-effective), pebblecrete (textured, natural feel, 15+ year lifespan), quartz aggregate (premium durability), and full ceramic or glass tile (top-end luxury finish). Each has a different aesthetic and price point — we'll walk you through the trade-offs during design.

The three main options are: heat pump (most energy-efficient, best long-term value in Melbourne — around $250–$750/year to run), gas (fastest warm-up, but higher running costs at $500–$1,500/year), or solar (lowest running cost, seasonal effectiveness). Many of our clients run a heat pump + solar combination for year-round comfort at very low cost.

Serenity Smart is our energy-saving pool equipment package built around the Pentair INTELLIFLO variable-speed pump. Unlike single-speed pumps, it runs at different speeds for different tasks (circulation, cleaning, heating) which cuts pool running costs by up to 90% — typically saving our clients around $1,500 per year in electricity. It's dramatically quieter too (as low as 45 decibels).

Serenity Clear is our optional ongoing maintenance service. Regular scheduled visits, water balancing, equipment checks, and performance upgrades — keeping your pool in pristine condition without you needing to lift a finger. Perfect for owners who want to enjoy their pool, not maintain it.

Yes — it's all included. We obtain the Building Permit required by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), handle the drawings, submit to your local council, and manage any follow-up. You don't deal with any of the paperwork.

Victorian law (under AS1926) requires a compliant barrier at least 1.2m high, with self-closing and self-latching gates, and no footholds or handholds on the outside. The pool must be registered with your council, and a Form 23 Compliance Certificate issued by a qualified inspector before use. We guide you through everything and can coordinate fencing quotes.

Victorian pool barriers require a formal inspection every 4 years by a registered inspector, in addition to initial certification after construction. We'll make sure yours starts fully compliant and give you a reminder schedule.

Every Serenity Pools build is backed by the Victorian 6.5-year statutory structural warranty covering the pool shell, plus our own 2-year workmanship guarantee on finishes, plumbing, and systems. Equipment carries its manufacturer warranty (typically 3–7 years depending on the brand). We stand behind every pool we build.

For a typical Melbourne family pool with Serenity Smart variable-speed pump: $350–$700 per year in electricity. Chemicals: $400–$800/year. Heating (if used): $250–$1,500/year depending on system. Most of our clients budget around $1,500–$2,500 total annual running cost for a fully heated pool — and that's before any ongoing maintenance service.