Sunset Pools
Ben Thompson takes on cliff-face builds and crane-access renovations that other pool builders won't.
Across those 21 Google reviews analysed, the standout signal is his track record on jobs that others turn down: cliff-face builds, crane-only access renovations, council-approval-required demolitions, and remote project management for interstate clients. Repeat customers returning 10 and 12 years later for follow-up work are the clearest indicator of confidence worth noting here. One reviewer did flag that pricing sits at the higher end for smaller installs — a $14,000 quote versus a $9,000 accepted quote for heat pump installation — so for straightforward equipment jobs, it's reasonable to seek a comparison; for complex renovation or structural work, the reviews suggest the premium reflects genuine expertise.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (24 total)
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 140 pool builders in Parramatta
Credentials & background
Sourced from 6 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Sunset Pools
Ben Thompson, the owner and principal of Sunset Pools, is a multi-award-winning concrete pool specialist who takes on projects that most builders won't touch — cliff-face installations, five-storey elevated builds, crane-access-only sites, and indoor pools using unconventional permanent formwork systems. Rather than new builds alone, a significant portion of his work is high-complexity renovation: stripping back deteriorating pebblecrete and painted concrete pools, retiling interiors, wet-edge construction, pier and formwork systems requiring council approval, and full filtration upgrades. Reviews suggest Ben is the kind of operator who walks clients through the technical reasoning behind each decision, which makes him particularly well-suited to homeowners who have no prior pool knowledge and want to understand what they're paying for. He operates remotely too — at least one project was managed for a client based in Western Australia with no reported issues. Sunset Pools is a sole trader operation, so you're working directly with Ben throughout, and repeat customers spanning 10–12 years speak to that continuity; past clients come back for coping updates and backyard facelifts years after the original build. Worth noting: one reviewer flagged that pricing sits on the higher end, citing a $5,000 gap on a heat pump quote — so if budget is tight, it's worth getting a comparison quote for smaller installation jobs.
Best for: complex concrete pool renovations on difficult-access or sloped sites, new pool builds requiring structural engineering and council approval, and homeowners who want a single accountable expert managing the full project from design through to completion.
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Sunset Pools
What types of pool projects does Sunset Pools specialise in?+
Sunset Pools handles both new concrete pool construction and complex renovations — including pebblecrete stripping, full retiling, wet-edge builds, and structural work requiring council approval. Reviews highlight a particular strength in difficult-access sites: projects involving cranes, multi-storey elevation, cliff faces, and permanent formwork systems. Ben Thompson also offers consulting services covering hydraulics, waterproofing, plant room layout, and material specification, which is useful if you're managing construction through another party.
Does Sunset Pools work outside of Rydalmere and Sydney?+
Yes — at least one reviewed project was managed for a client based in Western Australia, and the customer noted it had no negative impact on the process. Reviews also reference work completed in the Blue Mountains. If you're located outside Sydney, it's worth contacting Ben directly to discuss whether your project scope and location are a fit.
Who will I be working with during my project?+
Sunset Pools is a sole trader operation run by Ben Thompson, and reviews consistently note that Ben is the primary point of contact throughout — from the initial consultation and quoting stage through to project delivery and follow-up. Customers describe him as responsive, punctual, and willing to explain technical details clearly. He works with a team of specialist subcontractors (tilers, fencing, landscapers) who are coordinated through him.
What do customers say about Sunset Pools' pricing?+
The majority of reviewers mention on-budget delivery without flagging cost concerns. One customer did note that Sunset Pools sits on the higher-priced end, citing a quote for heat pump installation that was $5,000 above an alternative they accepted. For complex structural renovations or new builds, reviews suggest the pricing reflects expertise in technically demanding work. For smaller equipment installations, it's worth getting a comparison quote before committing.
Does Sunset Pools offer ongoing maintenance or after-service support?+
Reviews suggest Ben is available well beyond project completion — one customer received emergency support for an underground pipe leak and a drain blockage and praised the response time. Multiple reviewers note they contacted Ben years after their original build for updates, coping changes, and advice. This ongoing availability appears to be a consistent feature rather than a one-off, but Sunset Pools doesn't appear to advertise a formal maintenance contract — confirm the specifics with Ben directly.