How long does it take to build a pool? It’s a simple enough question and one which most people have thought about at one time or another. Most homeowners have considered installing a pool. And the first step in the process usually comes down to putting together a budget and timeline. However, there’s enough information out there that the process can seem overly complicated at times. But in reality, putting together a timeline for your new pool couldn’t be easier. You’ll soon discover how to properly categorize your needs to determine exactly how long it’ll be before your first swim.
Every Great Project Starts With Inspiration
The question of how long it’ll take to build a pool seems simple enough at first glance. But there’s a good reason why most people have a hard time coming up with a definitive answer. The fact is that most people aren’t quite sure what they want when they talk about getting a pool.
The very first pools show up in the historical record around 2,600 BCE. But things have changed tremendously since those early days. Today’s pools offer up all of the modern architectural advancements you could ever hope for. The latest pool design trends provide a wide range of options to match almost anyone’s needs.
The current trends can provide pools that focus on certain elements such as comfort, family friendliness, or sheer architectural beauty.
And some design choices mix all of these options and more into a single elegant package.
The best pool choice will ultimately come down to your own feelings about the different options. It’s important to begin by really thinking about how you want to spend time in your pool. What do you want to use it for? Is the size you’re considering going to match the number of people you’re likely to have over? Will it be compatible with plans for future pets or children? It’s important to answer all of those questions so that you’ll be able to communicate your needs to pool designers and builders.
You should also avoid stressing over the question of how much does a swimming pool cost. A pool is a lifetime investment that will usually offer a significant boost to your property value. As such it’s best to treat it as an investment in your future. This means that you should also look into swimming pool financing options. You can usually apply for a pool loan faster than you’d have ever imagined. And this will typically let you plan for the perfect pool that satisfies all of your needs.
Going From Theory to Practice – 1 to 3 Weeks
At this point, you’re ready to start talking to a pool designer. Picking a designer usually goes hand in hand with choosing the right pool builder. You’ll want to make sure that you’ve found a company that you’re comfortable working with. Putting in a new pool, especially at this stage, requires a lot of discussion and brainstorming and you’ll want to do your due diligence during the design process.
The designer will typically begin by going over some of your choices and making sure that you’ll be happy with the end product. For example, he might want to talk about the pros and cons involved with the larger discussion of fiberglass pools vs concrete designs. This will result in a full 3D model that you’ll be able to use as a reference point. No two pool projects are the same with each home having unique things for the pool designer to consider such as back space available, sun direction and shading, house layout and myriad of other things that go into their planning process.
Obtaining Legal Permits – 1 to 8 Weeks
Nobody likes red tape, but you’ll need to get a permit for your pool before construction can begin. Thankfully, it’s generally fairly easy to apply for a permit as long as you’ve finalized everything with your pool designer. Every municipality handles things a little differently. But most areas typically take around one to eight weeks to issue approval on your build.
From Foundation To Frame – 1 to 3 Weeks
Once you have your permits the fun can begin – the construction process. The builders will start by spending a day or two getting a real-world impression of the construction site. This might involve accessibility issues and site access. However, the bulk of the work will go into laying out a set outline of the pool with placeholders such as wooden stakes. This typically only takes a day or two and will lead to the site excavation.
The builders will bring in some heavy equipment to dig out the area where your new pool will sit. This process can move at a rapid pace under ideal conditions. But keep in mind that weather conditions can slow down or even halt construction. And obstructions can slow things down as well. Problems can range from exposed utility lines to boulders or roots.
Once the excavation is finished the pool’s frame will be installed. This is essentially the framework, or skeleton, which gives shape to the pool. This step will typically only take a day or two. In total, this early construction phase will take place over one to three weeks.
The Basic Utilities – 1 Week
With the frame in place, the builders can start on some of the basic utilities. They’ll put in the pipes and plumbing as a quick but still vitally important step. This is followed up with the electrical system. These steps are generally fairly quick and seldom take much longer than a week.
Walls, Floors, and Design Choices – 3 to 8 weeks
The next step is one of the most exciting but also among the longest. The builders will lay down the pool’s walls and floor. This can be done in as short a period as just three weeks. But it’ll typically take closer to two months. The main reason for the variation comes down to the number of variables in play. Different design choices will take more time than the simplest layout. And changing weather conditions can easily slow down construction.
Whilst your ground pool installation is underway they will also work on the other custom features you may have chosen such as such as seating areas, fire pits, water features
Aesthetics and Other Finishing Touches – 3 to 6 Weeks
At this point the pool is complete. But that doesn’t mean it’s ready to use. You’ll need to spend about three to six weeks on the finishing touches. If you have opted for a concrete pool then you’ll need another coating, which will take extra time.
You’ll also find some additional chores to take care of, like landscaping or cleaning up the area. During this period you can add in some other niceties like a pool deck, lighting, and similar accessories.
General Prep Work – 2 days to 2 weeks
Finally, you’ll need to run through what will eventually become a maintenance routine. This includes making sure the pool is filled with clean and pH balanced water, properly heated, and with working pumps and filters. This is generally a fairly quick process. But the first run through these steps is more time consuming as it includes actually installing elements rather than just running them. Heater installation in particular can take a while. This last step takes anywhere from two days to two weeks.
The Most Important Part of Building Your Timeline
You now have a general plan that will take somewhere between six and sixteen weeks. However, there is one last part of the pool building process that can complicate timelines.
And that’s just the simple fact that construction doesn’t begin until you make the first move.
It’s not enough to just think about getting your dream pool. The sooner you take the first step into making it a reality, the sooner you’ll be able to enjoy it.
If you are in the research phase of building a pool you may find these helpful:
- When is the best time to build a pool?
- How much does it cost to maintain a pool?
- 10 things to consider when choosing pool builders
