Perth’s pool boom is exploding — but experts warn that chasing the “feel-good woke” trend could leave homeowners drowning in costs.
With more than 178,000 private pools already across WA and about 17 per cent of Perth homes boasting a pool or spa, the great Aussie backyard has become a status symbol as much as a summer staple.
But behind the Instagram-perfect plunge pools and “wellness” trends, industry insiders say many homeowners are buying into hype — not reality.
Jim’s Pool Care boss Brett Blair said there were more than 1.4 million pools nationwide and Australians were installing up to 25,000 new pools a year — often without understanding what actually kept them clean.
“People spend tens of thousands installing a pool but don’t realise the system they choose determines how much time and money they’ll spend maintaining it,” he said.
And here’s where the so-called “woke” pool movement cops a reality check.
Luxury mineral and magnesium pools — heavily marketed as healthier, softer and more “natural” — are booming across Perth backyards.
But they still rely on chlorine to stay safe, just dressed up with fancy branding and a bigger price tag, according to Mr Blair.
“These pools feel great but they come with higher installation costs and ongoing mineral replacement,” he said.
“The irony is the less chemicals people want, the more expensive and complex the system becomes.”
At the other end of the scale, old-school chlorine pools — often dismissed as harsh or outdated — remain the cheapest and most effective option, albeit with more hands-on maintenance.
Saltwater systems sit in the middle, wildly popular across WA because they automate chlorine production and strike a balance between cost and convenience.
The message from experts is blunt — not every trend is worth following.
“If you want simple and affordable, stick with proven systems,” Mr Blair said.
“Chasing the latest ‘wellness’ trend can turn what should be a lifestyle investment into a constant headache.”