How Long Does it Take to Build a Pool?

So, you’re already dreaming of luxurious lounging and crystal blue water—You want to buy a pool. So how long does it take? Before you get too caught up in your dreams, read up on our step-by-step guide to building a pool. We broke down the process so you can plan ahead and start making those dreams into a reality:

Design – 1 to 4 weeks

The journey to a new pool starts with a design, so first-off meet with a pool designer to discuss the vision you have for your pool. While the design process has been simplified by 3D modeling technology, it takes some back and forth collaboration to figure out the perfect pool for your backyard.

Permitting – 2 to 6 weeks

Most cities, townships and counties require you to have a residential building permit in order to build your inground swimming pool. Permits communicate to neighbors, city officials and local professionals that you're building in a legal and safe manner.

The time needed to obtain a permit can vary greatly. It can take anywhere from one week to upwards of six weeks for some forms, and all wait times depend on how long officials take to approve permits.

Some municipalities approve permits quickly, and you’ll have approval in two weeks.

Others require several different approvals, attendance at a planning board meeting and involvement from an engineer and can take several months to approve your construction.

Excavation – 1 week

While it usually only takes one or two days to dig for a pool installation, sometimes complications can arise if access to the dig-site is restricted by utility lines or other obstructions. Your pool builder may also be backlogged with other customers who scheduled their pool build earlier.

Steel, Plumbing, Electrical – 1 to 2 weeks

After the pool is dug, it’s time to lay the steel, route the electrical and plumbing, and make sure the underworkings of your pool are set up for maximum reliability. There are a lot of things to build around such as your systems, lighting, water features, spas and any other backyard amenities. This process usually takes about 2 weeks depending on the size and complexity of your swimming pool.

Gunite, Plastering, Vinyl, Fiberglass – 1 to 3 weeks

It's finally time to install the “pool” part of the swimming pool. Depending on what type you’re building, the process may take 1-3 weeks. Vinyl and Fiberglass pools are faster as the manufactured pool liner is shipped and installed directly. A gunite (sprayed concrete) pool will take a little longer since a crew must be scheduled, the crew needs time to plaster, and it can take up to a week for the gunite to cure afterward.

Deck, Landscaping, Custom Features 1 to 4 weeks

After the pool base is complete, you might consider adding landscaping, water features, or custom lighting. The process usually takes 1 – 2 weeks, it can take longer depending on the number of features you would like to add.

Total Time to Build a Pool: 8 to 12 Weeks on Average

After designing, acquiring permits, excavating, installing the shell or gunite, and finishing with a deck or patio, you can finally enjoy your backyard oasis! While two or three months can seem like a long time, it’s a blink of the eye in comparison to the years of fun that will be had in your new pool.

And although the pool building process can be an extended one, getting access to financing is super easy! Visit our Pool Financing page for more info on how you can get a special low APR through our Swimmingpool.com discount: https://www.swimmingpool.com/resources/financing/