pool FAQs
The practical details, clearly explained.
A beautifully resolved pool begins with careful planning. Below, we answer the questions clients most often ask about selecting, installing and caring for their pool.
Choosing your pool
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The right pool is determined by more than the size of your outdoor space. We consider how you intend to use it, the architecture of your home, sunlight and wind, surrounding views, site access and the space required for landscaping and compliant barriers.
Whether you want a place to cool off, entertain, exercise or unwind year-round, we will help you select the model and configuration that best suits the way you live.
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The pool itself is only one part of the footprint. Your design must also allow for installation access, filtration and heating equipment, drainage, a compliant pool barrier and the surrounding terrace, deck or landscape.
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Often, yes. Restricted access does not necessarily prevent a pool installation, but it may affect the delivery method, crane requirements and overall project cost.
Before confirming your order, we assess vehicle access, overhead obstructions, lifting distance, ground conditions and the route between the street and the proposed pool position. This allows the installation plan to be resolved properly from the outset.
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A sloping site can often accommodate a pool, provided the foundations, drainage and surrounding structures are appropriately designed. Depending on the gradient and ground conditions, input from a structural or geotechnical engineer may be required.
We recommend assessing sloping sites individually rather than applying a standard installation detail.
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This depends on the pool model, site conditions and the intended architectural treatment. A partially raised installation can work particularly well on a sloping property or where the pool is being integrated into a terrace.
The exposed pool structure, retaining requirements, drainage and barrier design must all be considered together.
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Depending on the selected model, customisation is possible. This may include positioning of pool fittings such as skimmer box, jets and lights for specific site installations at additional cost.
We will clearly identify which elements can be tailored and which dimensions or structural features are fixed. This keeps the finished design cohesive without compromising the pool’s engineering or warranty.
planning and installation
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Your quote will clearly separate the pool and its standard equipment from any site-specific work or optional features.
These items may include:
Pool shell and interior mosaic/grout colour
Optional Coping
Optional curved feature wall corner (for the square and rectangle pools only)
Optional flat or sloping floor (for the round pool only)
Filtration equipment
Lighting
Optional heating
HIAB delivery
Basic pool package fittings for installation
This makes it clear what is included, what is optional and what may need to be completed by another contractor (installer, electrician, plumber).
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We supply the pool, its included equipment and delivery to your site. Excavation, installation and connection work are not included, so you will need to engage and coordinate the appropriate contractors for your project.
Depending on your site, this may include:
An engineer for any required structural, geotechnical or site-specific design
An installer or excavation contractor to complete the site dig-out, foundations and preparation before delivery
A plumber to connect the pool’s filtration system to the pump shed
A registered electrician to provide power and connect the pump, lighting and any optional heating equipment
We can provide a detailed installation manual covering site preparation, pool placement and plumbing requirements. Once your quote is approved and deposit is paid, this can be given directly to your contractors or followed if you choose to complete the permitted installation and plumbing work yourself.
All electrical connections must be completed by a registered electrician. The client is responsible for engaging contractors, coordinating the installation and confirming any engineering or council requirements for the site.
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Access requirements vary according to the pool’s dimensions, weight, delivery vehicle and the distance from the unloading point to the prepared pool site.
If the pool cannot be positioned using the delivery truck’s HIAB, you will need to enquire with and arrange a suitable mobile crane company directly. Any mobile crane hire and associated site requirements are the client’s responsibility and are not included in our delivery price. We can provide the pool dimensions and weight to assist with obtaining a crane quote.
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For a standard installation, the pool itself does not require a separate swimming pool building consent. You will, however, need to obtain the required consent for a compliant pool barrier.
New Zealand regulations require residential pools capable of holding 400 mm or more of water to have a physical barrier that restricts access by unsupervised children. This barrier must be approved and in place before the pool is filled.
If your project includes retaining walls, elevated decks, complex foundations or other site-specific structural work, additional engineering or council approval may be required. It is the client’s responsibility to confirm the requirements with their local council and obtain the necessary approvals.
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Our current production lead time is 20 - 30 working days from confirmation of your order and receipt of the required deposit.
You need to consider the complete project timeline will also depend on many other factors like site preparation, engineering, council approvals, contractor availability, delivery and the surrounding landscape work. You will need to establish these dependencies early so you have a realistic programme rather than a delivery date considered in isolation.
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Rockpool can provide general guidance and all relevant specifications for your pool. However, because every property and installation is different, we cannot provide site-specific advice regarding ground conditions, foundations, excavation, drainage, access, lifting, fencing, consenting, plumbing or electrical work.
Before proceeding, you will need to engage a suitably experienced installer to assess your property and confirm the requirements for your particular installation. Depending on the project, your installer may also recommend consulting an engineer, licensed tradesperson or your local council.
If you do not already have an installer, Rockpool can connect you with one of our preferred independent installers. Any installer or other professional you engage is responsible for the advice and services they provide.
Living with your pool
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Yes. An appropriately sized heat pump can extend the swimming season and, depending on the system and local climate, make year-round use possible.
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The filtration system circulates the water and removes suspended debris, while the selected sanitation system controls bacteria and algae.
As part of the plunge pool package we offer a floating chlorine dispenser or you can upgrade to a salt chlorinator.
The floating dispenser is the economical, straightforward standard option; the salt chlorinator is the premium upgrade for owners wanting more automated chlorine delivery and less frequent handling of tablets.
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Routine care generally includes removing leaves, emptying baskets, checking water chemistry, cleaning the filter and maintaining the correct water level.
The precise schedule depends on how often the pool is used, the surrounding planting, weather and the sanitation system selected. At handover, we provide clear operating instructions so you know exactly what to check and when.
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The pump, filter and heating equipment require a ventilated, accessible position, but they do not need to dominate the landscape.
It's advised to consider equipment placement and a suitable enclosure to reduce visual impact and manage operating noise. This also protects the electrical equipment from the outdoor elements. Adequate servicing access and airflow must still be maintained.
Pricing and assurance
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The pool is only one component of the completed project. The final investment will depend on the chosen model, site access, ground conditions, cranage, heating, finishes, barriers and surrounding landscape work.
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A deposit of 50% is required to confirm production with final payment due 10 working days prior to delivery.
If you cancel at least six weeks before your scheduled delivery date, you will receive a refund of 70% of your deposit.
Cancellations made within six weeks of the scheduled delivery date are non-refundable.
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The structural concrete pool shell is covered by a 10-year warranty.
Our porcelain mosaic finish is designed for long-term performance when the recommended water-balance and maintenance requirements are followed. As with any tiled pool, damage caused by unbalanced water chemistry, incorrect chemical use or insufficient maintenance is not covered.
Filtration, heating, lighting and other pool equipment carry individual manufacturer warranties of between one and five years, depending on the product.