Once you’ve decided to build a pool, you must be wondering, how long does pool construction take? Well, the answer is, it depends on the type of pool you want to build, its overall size, and the duration for obtaining permits. Some pools are ready in 2-3 months; others can take a lot of time to complete this project. Let’s explore the factors that influence the pool construction timeline greatly.
Step-by-Step Pool Construction Phases
Let’s discuss different stages of building a pool, which includes planning and designing, setting a budget, permit approval, construction, etc.
1. Planning, Design & Budgeting
Without a plan, you cannot proceed on a pool construction project. This phase includes hiring a professional, consultations, planning and designing your pool construction project, and setting a budget. This phase will take approximately 1-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your pool design and availability of your pool designer.
2. Permits and HOA Approval
Obtaining permits and HOA approvals may affect the pool construction timeline greatly. This process can take up to 8 weeks, depending on what you want to include in your pool design. Urban areas with strict codes can take much longer than the areas without having HOA involvement.
3. Excavation and Site Grading
Once you obtain the permits, you can start the pool building process. Digging can take about a week unless you have hard surfaces in your yard. In case of rocky soil, the process may become a bit longer.
4. Pool Shell Installation
The time taken to build a pool can vary depending on the types of materials also.
- Gunite/Shotcrete: Gunite or shotcrete pools may take 2 weeks to settle down. These pools are built with a steel frame, which sprayed with a mix of concrete and gunite/shotcrete.
- Vinyl-liner: In this type of pool, steel panels are laid down, then backfilled, following the procedure of laying the liner. It requires less time to settle down. However, if the fittings are not secured properly, it may take a longer time to fix issues.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass arrives as a pre-formed shell, which is placed in the hole. This process may be completed within 1 day. However, it takes approximately 1 week to get completed.
5. Plumbing and Electrical Work
Plumbing and electrical connections take another 2 weeks to complete, which involves digging water lines, installing lights, drains, and mounting all the equipment in place. If you install smart water features, it may take longer.
6. Backfilling and Inspections
The timeline for backfilling varies depending on the settling time of pool material. This phase takes approximately 1-3 weeks to complete. Local officers will inspect your pool to check the plumbing and structural elements. If the inspector is not available, this phase may take longer time to complete.
7. Decking, Coping, and Hardscape
This phase may take 2-4 weeks to complete. Decking can be done with poured concrete, pavers, and stones. If you want to add additional elements like outdoor kitchen, firepit, or other hardscape features, the timeline will exceed accordingly.
8. Final Finishes and Cleanup
Once the deck installation is complete, the finishing work starts with plaster and pebbles, which may take one week approximately. Then, the pool contractor performs the finishing works like equipment orientation and adjusts the water quality.
What Can Affect Your Pool Building Timeline?
Here are a few common factors that affect the process of pool building:
- Obtaining Permits: If you miss any document to submit, it may create delays in obtaining permits. So, check carefully before submitting documents in municipal office.
- Bad Weather: Since pool construction is an outdoor activity, rain stops the work to cause delays in the project timeline. Similarly, cold weather can halt the construction process due to snow accumulation on the surface.
- Sudden Changes in Plan and Design: If you change the plan suddenly, it will take another few days to prepare a design for the additional features. If the additional features require extensive work and approvals, then the pool project schedule can be affected accordingly.
- Non-availability Of Materials: Sometimes, the materials you require are not available in your location, which causes delays in project timeline.
Final Thoughts on Your Pool Construction Timeline
Building a pool is a complex process, which will take several weeks to complete. However, if you want to make changes in the plan and design, you may face possible delays. Additionally, hire swimming pool installation experts in your location to learn the documents needed for permit approvals so that you do not have to wait for a long time for obtaining approvals.
