Our process
From First Idea to First Swim
Building a pool doesn’t have to feel complicated. From your first consultation and concept, through to design and approvals, construction and handover, we guide you through every stage so you always know what’s happening next.
STEP 01
Book a Free Project Consultation
Let’s get to know each other
This is where it all begins.
We’ll talk through your ideas, your property, your budget and what you want to achieve with your new pool. We’ll also give you straightforward early-stage advice to help you understand what’s possible and what the next steps will look like.
To get started, we’ll need a copy of your property’s 10.7 (2&5) Planning Certificate and a current Title Search. The Title Search helps us identify any easements, restrictions or other property matters that may affect where your pool can be located.
Don’t worry — we’ll send you the link and show you exactly where to order it.
Our goal at this stage is simple: give you clarity and confidence before you commit to anything.
STEP 02
Site Visit
Let’s check out your backyard
Next, we come to you.
We’ll visit your property to get a better understanding of the site, access, levels and how your new pool could work within the space.
We’ll also talk through your style, budget and how you see yourself using the pool and surrounding area.
This gives us everything we need to start shaping a pool that not only looks great, but works beautifully with your home and lifestyle.
STEP 03
Project Fee Proposal
Let’s crunch the numbers
Following our site visit, we’ll bring everything together.
Within 2–3 days, we’ll provide you with an itemised quotation along with an initial design concept showing how we see your pool coming together.
Your proposal will clearly outline what is included, both in writing and visually, so you can understand exactly what you’re getting.
We’ll take your ideas and combine them with our experience to create a concept that suits your property, your budget and your vision.
STEP 04
Let’s Make It Official!
Let’s get started!
Once you’re happy with the design direction and proposal, we’ll confirm the details and take the next step together.
We’ll walk you through your contract, explaining the inclusions, costs and what happens next.
Everything is set out clearly, so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to before you sign.
It’s about making sure we’re on the same page, so you can move forward feeling confident and excited about your new pool.
STEP 05
Design & Approvals
Let’s get planning
Now we turn the concept into a construction-ready pool.
Our team coordinates the design and approval process, working with the required professionals including surveyors, engineers, architects, certifiers and councils where necessary.
We take your project from initial concept through to approved for construction, while helping manage the technical details along the way.
We’ll also arrange your HBCF insurance, commonly known as Home Building Compensation or Home Warranty Insurance, where required.
Once the approvals, documentation and insurance are in place, your project is ready to move into construction.
STEP 06
Ready to
Build
The Construction Process
Once your pool design and approvals are complete, it’s time to bring your new pool to life.
From here, our construction team and specialised trades take over, carefully managing each stage from site establishment and excavation through to the pool shell, finishes, equipment and final handover.
We know building a pool can feel like a big project, so we keep the process organised, communicate with you along the way and make sure every stage is completed properly before moving on to the next.
To find out more about what happens during construction . . . Click here!
1. Site Establishment
First, we get your site ready for construction.
Temporary site fencing, safety signage and access requirements are put in place so our contractors can safely get started.
It’s a simple stage, but an important one — setting the project up properly from day one helps everything run more smoothly from there.
2. Excavation
This is where your dream pool really starts to take shape.
Using machinery suited to your property, we carefully excavate the pool to create the required shape, depth and levels before removing the excavated material from site.
Have limited or difficult access? Don’t worry.
Our specialised compact excavation equipment allows us to work with a wide variety of Sydney properties, including sites with narrow access or more challenging conditions.
3. Pool Shell
This is one of the most important stages of your pool build.
We install the formwork, structural steel reinforcement and plumbing required within the pool shell before the concrete is placed.
Before we pour, the required inspections are completed by the engineer and certifier to make sure everything has been constructed correctly and is ready to proceed.
Once we receive the all-clear, it’s concrete time.
The pool is then shotcreted to create the strong reinforced concrete structure that forms the foundation of your new pool.
4. Curing Time – 28 Days
Now we give the concrete time to do what concrete does best — get stronger.
Concrete develops strength gradually, with the commonly referenced 28-day period used for achieving its specified design strength.
At HD Pools, we allow a minimum of 28 days before applying the final pool interior finish. This gives the shell plenty of time to cure and helps provide the best possible substrate for the interior system.
And don't worry — this doesn't mean nothing is happening for four weeks.
While the shell is curing, we can continue progressing other parts of your project, including:
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Pool surround and concrete concourse works
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Finalising pool plumbing
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Pressure testing pipework
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Preparing equipment connections
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Other associated external works
So while the pool is curing, your project can continue moving forward.
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5. Pool Finishes
Now the pool really starts to look finished.
Depending on your selected design and materials, this stage can include:
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Waterline tiles
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Pool coping
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Concourse tiling or paving
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Surround finishes
These are the details that begin transforming the concrete structure into the finished outdoor space you imagined during the design stage.
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6. Pool Equipment & Fencing
Next, we install and prepare your pool equipment and safety barrier.
Your filtration system, pump, sanitisation equipment and other selected pool equipment are connected and prepared for commissioning.
The pool fencing and gates are also installed so the area is safe, compliant and ready for the final stages of the build.
7. Pool Interior & Fill
Now for one of the most exciting transformations.
With the major construction works complete, the pool shell is prepared and your selected interior finish is applied.
Once the finish is ready, we begin filling your pool with water.
Your filtration and pool equipment are commissioned, the pool is cleaned and the initial water chemistry is carefully balanced.
For the first time, your new concrete pool looks like a finished swimming pool.
8. Final Handover – Let’s Jump In
The final stage is all about making sure everything is ready for you to enjoy.
We complete our final checks, clean the pool and surrounding areas, make sure your equipment is operating correctly and confirm the water is ready for its initial start-up period.
Your final certification documentation is completed so your pool can be registered as required.
Then comes the best part.
Your new HD Pools pool is ready to enjoy.
Contact Us
Join dozens of happy homeowners who trusted HD Pools to transform their outdoor space. Let's start planning your dream pool today.
Ready to dive in? Our experts are ready to bring your vision to life.