Samuel Heo — Licensed Swimming Pool Builder (New South Wales)
Licence Details
| Licence Number | 372363C |
|---|---|
| Licence Class | Swimming Pool Builder |
| Status | Expired |
| Issue Date | 23 August 2021 |
| Expiry Date | 22 August 2024 |
| Source | NSW_FT |
This data is sourced from public government registers and may not reflect real-time changes. Always confirm licence details with NSW Fair Trading directly. Full disclaimer.
What a Swimming Pool Builder Licence Means in New South Wales
Swimming pool builders design and construct in-ground and above-ground pools, spas, and water features for residential and commercial properties across Australia. The work encompasses excavation, steel reinforcement, concrete or fibreglass shell installation, plumbing, filtration, and tiling or interior finishing. Pool construction in Australia is heavily regulated because of drowning prevention requirements — every pool and spa must comply with the fencing requirements of AS 1926.1 (Swimming Pool Safety — Fencing for Swimming Pools) and the relevant state building regulations. In most states, a specific builder or pool builder licence class is required. Homeowners typically engage a pool builder for new in-ground concrete or fibreglass pools, spa installations, pool renovations and resurfacing, and the construction of associated landscaping, decking, and fencing.
Hiring a licensed swimming pool builder means you are protected by the state's regulatory framework. Licensed tradespersons must comply with industry standards, maintain appropriate insurance, and can be held accountable through the licensing body's complaint and disciplinary processes.
Hiring a Licensed Swimming Pool Builder in NSW
Before hiring any swimming pool builder in New South Wales, use this five-point checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.
- Verify their specific pool builder licence — a general builder licence may not be enough — In Queensland, QBCC requires a specific "Swimming Pool Construction" licence class. In NSW, pool construction over $5,000 requires a Swimming Pool Building licence from NSW Fair Trading. A general residential builder licence may not authorise pool construction. Check the specific licence class on your state regulator's website.
- Ask for a detailed hydraulic design and equipment specification — A professional pool builder should provide a hydraulic design showing pipe sizes, pump flow rates, filter sizing, and the number and placement of return jets and skimmer boxes. This design should be specific to your pool size and shape — not a generic one-size-fits-all layout. Undersized filtration leads to algae problems and high chemical costs for the life of the pool.
- Confirm AS 1926.1 fencing compliance is included in the scope — Pool fencing that complies with AS 1926.1 is a legal requirement before the pool can be filled with water. Confirm whether the quote includes compliant fencing, a self-closing and self-latching gate, and the council inspection required for the barrier compliance certificate. If fencing is excluded, budget separately — non-compliant fencing is the most common reason for failed pool inspections.
- Get a fixed-price contract with a clear exclusions list — Pool construction frequently encounters rock, ground water, or unexpected soil conditions that increase excavation costs. A reputable pool builder will either include rock excavation in the fixed price or clearly state the per-cubic-metre rate for rock removal as a defined provisional sum. Avoid cost-plus contracts where the final price is open-ended.
- Ask for the construction timeline with hold points for council inspections — Pool construction typically requires multiple council inspections — footing/steel, plumbing rough-in, barrier fencing, and final. Ask the builder for a construction program that identifies these hold points. Builders who try to skip inspections or pour concrete before the steel inspection put you at risk of non-compliance and costly rectification.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Does not hold a specific pool builder licence — A general building licence does not automatically authorise swimming pool construction in most states. If the builder cannot produce a specific pool construction licence or endorsement, the contract may be unenforceable and home warranty insurance may not apply. Verify the licence class on your state regulator's website.
- Dismisses fencing compliance as "easy to sort out later" — Pool fencing to AS 1926.1 is a legal requirement before the pool can hold water. Builders who treat fencing as an afterthought or suggest you can sort it out after the pool is finished are setting you up for a failed inspection, council fines, and a pool you cannot legally use. Fencing design should be part of the initial proposal.
- Requests a large upfront deposit (more than 10%) — In states like Queensland, QBCC regulates deposit amounts for residential building work — generally no more than 5% of the contract price for work over $20,000. A pool builder requesting 20–50% upfront before work begins may be using your deposit to fund another project or may be in financial difficulty. Follow the progress payment schedule mandated by your state.
- No structural engineering certification for the pool shell — A concrete pool shell is a structural element that must be engineered for the specific soil and ground water conditions of your site. If the builder does not engage a structural engineer to certify the shell design, you risk cracking, movement, or even structural failure — especially on reactive clay soils or sloping sites.
Typical Swimming Pool Builder Costs in New South Wales
| Hourly Rate | $80 – $125 |
|---|---|
| Callout Fee | $85 – $160 |
| Fibreglass pool installation | $26250 – $63000 |
| Concrete pool construction | $42000 – $105000 |
| Pool resurfacing | $3150 – $8400 |
View full swimming pool builder pricing guide for New South Wales →
Your Rights — Complaints & Disputes in New South Wales
NSW Fair Trading
How to Lodge a Complaint
- 1 Write to the tradesperson describing the problem and requesting a solution within a reasonable time (14–21 days)
- 2 If unresolved, lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading online or by calling 13 32 20
- 3 Fair Trading will assess your complaint and may contact the tradesperson on your behalf
Read our full guide to hiring a licensed swimming pool builder →