Port Pools By Design
The crew extracted a three-tonne boulder and managed an underground spring mid-dig — and still hit the promised completion date.
The crew's ability to handle genuinely difficult site conditions (collapsing sandy excavations, underground springs, three-tonne boulders, clay, restricted access) without blaming the site for delays or cost blowouts is mentioned in close to a third of the reviews we examined. Two customers mention having used the company across multiple pool installs at different properties, which is a useful data point when assessing whether the quality holds up beyond a single project — ask Meredith directly about her current lead times and whether your site conditions fall within the types she handles regularly.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (60 total)
“nothing phased them when our dig didn't go exactly to plan”
“Even many years after installing the pool they still look after their customers”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 223 pool builders in Lake Macquarie
Credentials & background
Sourced from 5 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Port Pools By Design
Meredith is the central figure running Port Pools By Design, handling everything from initial site consultations and quoting through to coordinating all trades and maintaining communication throughout the build — multiple reviewers specifically note she answered every question, even after installation was complete. On the tools and on-site, Jarrod leads the installation crew and is praised directly by customers for listening carefully to requests and executing precise finishing work including tiling, fencing, and pool surrounds. Gary, who appears in earlier reviews, brought expertise in the physical installation and design consultation side. The business specialises in fibreglass pool supply and installation for residential properties across the Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast region, including challenging sites with limited access, sandy or clay soils, unexpected boulders, and high water tables — reviewers consistently note the crew adapted without drama rather than treating difficulties as extras. Their quoted fee schedules are specifically called out as transparent and itemised, with multiple customers noting there were no unexpected costs at completion, which sets them apart from competitors who charge extra for inclusions PPBD treats as standard. They're particularly well-suited to homeowners who want a single point of contact managing the full project — excavation, shell installation, concreting, tiling, fencing, and handover — rather than sourcing separate trades.
Best for: residential fibreglass pool installations on challenging or restricted-access sites, homeowners who want a single point of contact managing all trades through to handover, and buyers prioritising upfront transparent pricing with no end-of-build cost surprises.
Location
Often needed together
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Port Pools By Design
What areas does Port Pools By Design service?+
The business is based in Port Macquarie and primarily serves the Mid North Coast region of NSW. Reviews mention completed installations at Hat Head, Wauchope, Rossglen, and locations described as north of Port Macquarie. One reviewer specifically noted they were disappointed PPBD doesn't service Queensland, which suggests the service area doesn't currently extend beyond the Mid North Coast. Confirm your specific location with Meredith directly when enquiring.
What do customers say about Port Pools By Design's pricing?+
Pricing transparency is one of the most frequently mentioned positives across the 50 reviews we examined. Multiple customers specifically called out the itemised fee schedule listing all inclusions upfront, and noted there were no unexpected costs at the end of the build. Several reviewers also mentioned PPBD's quote was more competitive than other companies, particularly given what's included as standard — one customer noted that inclusions other companies charged extra for came standard with PPBD. One reviewer also confirmed a deposit was refunded promptly when they had to cancel their build, which speaks to how the business handles those situations.
Can Port Pools By Design handle difficult or restricted access sites?+
Site challenges come up in roughly a third of the reviews we analysed, and in every case customers described the crew adapting without drama. Specific conditions mentioned include collapsing sandy soil, underground springs, a three-tonne boulder requiring extraction, clay soil, steep or restricted access yards, and adverse weather during the dig. Reviews consistently note the team treated these as normal parts of the job rather than reasons for delays or additional charges. If your site has known complications, it's worth describing them clearly when you contact Meredith for a quote so expectations are set from the start.
Who are the key people I'd be working with at Port Pools By Design?+
Meredith is the primary contact for everything from quoting and design consultation through to coordinating all trades and ongoing communication — she's named in the overwhelming majority of reviews as the person customers dealt with. Jarrod leads on-site installation work and is specifically praised for listening to customer requests and executing precise finishing details like tiling, fencing adjustments, and pool surrounds. Gary appears in a number of reviews in a design and installation capacity. Other team members mentioned by satisfied customers include Matt, Kane, Andrew, Claire, Rod, Damo, Corey, and Brendan across various phases of the build.
Does Port Pools By Design manage the whole project or just the pool shell?+
Based on reviews, PPBD coordinates the full installation project including excavation, fibreglass shell delivery and placement, concreting, tiling, filtration system setup, pool fencing, and handover with owner training. Meredith is described as the single point of contact who manages all the trades through to completion. Several reviewers noted they did some work around the pool themselves (landscaping, paving), and PPBD was happy to work alongside that arrangement. For the trades they do handle, customers note everything runs to a coordinated schedule rather than requiring the homeowner to chase subcontractors independently.