At Plunge Pools Newcastle, we have spent years installing both types of pools across the Hunter region. We have seen firsthand which pools work best for sloping blocks and which ones are perfect for families who want a fast, no-fuss installation. We believe in giving you honest, practical advice based on real site experience so you can make the right choice for your home.
In this article, we are going to compare custom concrete plunge pool and precast concrete plunge pools side by side. We will look at the actual costs, the time it takes to build them, and the common problems like crane access that might make the decision for you. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which path is right for your backyard.
What is a Precast Plunge Pool?
A precast plunge pool is a concrete pool shell that is built in a factory instead of in your backyard. Think of it like buying a large piece of furniture; the pool is poured into a precise mould, cured under controlled conditions, and then finished with tiles or paint before it even arrives at your house.
Once the shell is ready, it is loaded onto a truck and delivered to your site. Because these pools are made in a factory, the quality of the concrete is very high and the finish is usually very smooth. The shapes and sizes are fixed, meaning you choose from a set list of designs offered by the manufacturer.
The biggest benefit of a precast pool is the speed. While the pool is being built at the factory, we can prepare the ground at your home. When the truck arrives, a crane lifts the pool into place, and it can often be filled with water the very same day. It is a very clean and efficient way to get a pool.
What is a Custom Plunge Pool?
A custom plunge pool is built from scratch right in your backyard. Instead of arriving on a truck, we build it piece by piece on your property. This process usually involves digging the hole, tying steel reinforcement bars to create the shape, and then spraying concrete (known as shotcrete) to form the pool walls and floor.
The main reason people choose a custom concrete pool is flexibility. Because we are building it on-site, we are not limited by factory moulds. We can build the pool to any size, any depth, and any shape you like. If you have a strange corner in your yard or you want the pool to sit flush against your house wall, a custom build is usually the best way to do it.
Because the pool is built in place, it takes longer than a precast model. There are more steps involved, such as waiting for the concrete to cure and then tiling the interior by hand. However, it allows us to work around difficult sites, such as steep slopes or areas where a crane cannot reach. It is a more traditional construction process that results in a pool perfectly tailored to your space.
The Head-to-Head Comparison
To help you decide, we have broken down the main differences between these two options. It usually comes down to three things: your budget, your timeline, and your backyard layout.
1. Cost and Value
Precast plunge pools are usually more affordable upfront. Because they are made in a factory, the builder saves on labour and time. However, you have to remember the crane cost. If your house is far from the road, hiring a large crane to lift a precast concrete pool can add thousands of dollars to the price.
Custom plunge pools are generally more expensive. You are paying for a team of tradespeople to spend weeks at your home. While the cost is higher, the value is in the fit—you get exactly what you want without compromise.
2. Installation Time
If you want to swim as soon as possible, precast is the winner. From the day the hole is dug to the day you are in the water, it can take as little as one to two weeks.
A custom pool is a much slower process. The concrete needs time to cure (harden properly) before we can add the tiles or the interior finish. You should expect a custom build to take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the weather and the complexity of the design.
3. Design and Shapes
With a precast pool, you are picking from a brochure. You might have five or six sizes to choose from. They look great, but you can’t change the width or the depth.
With a custom pool, there are no rules. We can build extra-wide steps for the kids to sit on, or make one end deeper if that is what you prefer. You can also match the pool coping and tiles perfectly to your existing outdoor area.
| Feature | Precast Plunge Pool | Custom Plunge Pool |
| Best For | Fast installs & fixed budgets | Unique yards & bespoke designs |
| Typical Build Time | 1–3 weeks | 2–4 months |
| Design Options | Fixed sizes/shapes | Unlimited |
| Access Needs | Needs crane access | Flexible access |
Site Access and Sloping Blocks
One of the biggest factors in your decision will be the layout of your property. At Plunge Pools Newcastle, the first thing we look at is how we are going to get the pool into your backyard.
The Crane Factor
For a precast pool, we need to use a crane. The pool arrives on a truck and must be lifted into the hole. If you have overhead power lines, large trees, or if your house sits close to the street with no clear lift path, a precast pool might not be possible. The bigger the crane needed, the higher the cost. Sometimes, the crane hire can cost as much as the pool shell itself.
Difficult and Sloping Sites
If your backyard has a steep slope, a custom pool is often the safer and more practical choice. We can engineer the pool walls to act as a retaining wall, which helps hold up the rest of your yard. Building on-site allows us to adjust the pool’s structure to suit the exact fall of your land.
Narrow Access
If you have a very narrow side-gate or no way to get a crane near the house, a custom pool is the way to go. As long as we can get small machinery or even hand-tools into the backyard, we can build a custom pool. We have built many pools in tight inner-city spaces where a precast pool simply wouldn’t fit through the gap.
Sample access guide:
| Access Width | Recommended Method |
| 5m+ (Easy) | Precast (Large Crane) |
| 2m – 3m (Moderate) | Precast or Custom |
| Less than 1.5m (Tight) | Custom Build (Hand Dig) |
Durability and Structural Integrity
Both types of pools are made from concrete, but they cure or harden in different environments.
Factory-made vs. Field-built
A precast pool has the benefit of factory curing. This means the concrete is poured into a mould and left to sit in a controlled indoor environment for up to 28 days. This allows the concrete to reach its maximum strength without being affected by hot sun, wind, or rain. Because of this, precast pools are incredibly dense and less likely to have surface cracks.
With a custom pool, the concrete is sprayed on-site and is exposed to the Newcastle weather immediately. While Australian builders are experts at managing this, we have to be more careful. We might need to water the concrete (keep it damp) during a hot summer week to make sure it doesn’t dry out too fast and crack.
What to Look for in a Warranty
No matter which one you choose, always check the structural warranty. For a precast pool, you often have two warranties: one from the manufacturer for the shell and one from the installer for the plumbing and groundworks. For a custom pool, your builder usually provides a single warranty that covers the whole project. Always ask your builder if they are licensed and insured before you sign any contracts.
Which One Should You Choose?
Deciding between these two can be tough. To make it easier, we have put together a simple checklist. Every backyard in Newcastle is different, so think about which of these situations sounds most like yours.
You should choose a Precast Plunge Pool if:
- You want to swim soon: You have a party or a holiday coming up and don’t want a construction site for months.
- You have easy access: Your front yard is clear, and a crane can easily lift a pool over your roof or fence.
- You like a specific model: You’ve seen a precast shape you love and it fits your space perfectly.
- You want a fixed price: You prefer to know the exact cost of the pool shell before any work starts.
You should choose a Custom Plunge Pool if:
- Your yard is a tricky shape: You have a small, triangular, or very narrow space where a standard square pool won’t fit.
- You have a sloping block: You need the pool to be part of the landscape or help retain the soil.
- You have no crane access: There are too many trees or power lines for a safe crane lift.
- You want a specific look: You want a “one-of-a-kind” pool with custom seating, steps, or a specific depth for exercise.
Common Hidden Costs to Watch For
When you see a price for a pool, it is rarely the final all-in cost. Here are the extra things we always tell our clients to budget for.
- Crane Hire (For Precast): Most precast pool quotes do not include the crane. Depending on how far the crane has to reach, this can cost between $2,000 and $10,000. If your street needs to be closed for the crane, you may also need to pay for council permits and traffic control.
- Engineering Fees (For Custom): Because every custom pool is different, a structural engineer must design the steel plan specifically for your soil type. This is an extra professional fee that you usually don’t have with a standard precast model.
- Landscaping and Fencing (For Both): The pool is only one part of the job. You will also need to pay for pool fencing (which is a legal requirement), paving or decking around the edge, and getting rid of the dirt that was dug out of the hole.
Local Tip: Newcastle vs. Lake Macquarie Permits
If we need to close a street in Newcastle for the crane, the City of Newcastle typically charges around $265 for a Full Road Closure Permit, plus costs for traffic control and resident notification.
If you are in Lake Macquarie City Council, the application is similar, but you must ensure your builder has $20 million in Public Liability Insurance (double the Newcastle requirement).
Conclusion
At the end of the day, both precast and custom plunge pools are excellent choices for Australian homes. They both use strong, long-lasting concrete that will add value to your property for years to come.
The best pool is simply the one that fits your land and your lifestyle. If you have the space and the access, a precast pool is a fast and high-quality solution. If your site is a bit more challenging, a custom build will give you a result that feels like it was always meant to be part of your home.
If you are still unsure which option is right for you, the best next step is to have a professional look at your site. Every backyard in the Hunter region is different, and a quick site inspection can save you thousands in the long run.
At Plunge Pools Newcastle, we are happy to help you work out the best fit for your space and your budget. Whether you need a custom-built masterpiece or a quick precast installation, we can guide you through the process from the first dig to the first swim.
Contact our team today to book a site consultation, and let’s start planning your new plunge pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of pool is better for a small backyard?
Both can work well in small spaces. However, if your backyard has very narrow access—like a small side gate or a terrace house layout, a custom pool is usually better because we can carry the materials in piece by piece. If a crane can reach over your house, a precast pool is a great, fast option for a small yard.
Do precast pools leak more than custom pools?
Actually, it is often the opposite. Because precast pools are poured as one single piece of concrete in a factory (called a monolithic pour), they have no joins. This makes them very watertight. Custom pools are also very strong, but they rely on the skill of the concrete sprayers and tilers on the day.
Can I have a salt-water system in both?
Yes. Whether you choose a precast shell or a custom-built pool, you can use salt-water, mineral water, or chlorine systems. The plumbing and filtration equipment are essentially the same for both types of pools.
How much space does a crane need for a precast pool?
A crane needs a solid, level place to park, usually on the street or your driveway. It also needs to be clear of overhead power lines and tall trees. Before we suggest a precast pool, we always check the reach—which is the distance from the crane to the hole in your backyard to make sure it is safe to lift.
Will a plunge pool add value to my home?
In Newcastle and the Hunter region, a well-built concrete pool is a great investment. Most buyers see a plunge pool as a luxury feature that is easier to look after than a full-sized pool. Whether it is custom concrete or precast concrete, as long as the landscaping around it looks professional, it will generally add value to your property.
