How Long Does it Take to Build a Pool The Truth About the Pool Build Timeline
How Long Does it Take to Build a Pool? The Truth About the Pool Build Timeline
Have your kids been begging you every hour for a pool? Or, are you looking for somewhere cool to relax at home during the warmer months? A backyard swimming pool is a great way to use your home’s outdoor space - it’s perfect for entertaining and can raise your home’s resale value.
But how long does it take to build a pool? It’s a big project that requires a lot of planning and permitting which can add to the pool build timeline. The problem is that so many companies out there mislead their clients about how long a pool installation project actually takes.
Then, when the project inevitably runs overtime, you’re frustrated, your kids are disappointed, and you often have to wait for the next summer to roll around until you can appreciate your pool. Not to mention, the hassle and stress of prolonged work and construction happening in your yard.
Michaelangelo’s is an Alpharetta pool builder committed to doing things differently. Our top priority is to be honest and upfront with our customers, so that we’re all on the same page about your pool build timeline and nobody is left frustrated or disappointed.
So, how long does it take to build a pool, really? After permitting you can usually expect a 6-9 month window, but there are so many moving pieces at play.
Let’s find the honest answer, straight from a company that wants to provide you with the most seamless, transparent pool-building experience possible.
Factors Influencing How Long to Build a Pool
So, how long does it take to build a pool from start to finish? The answer is different for every client, because it depends on several different factors. Let’s take a look at the variables influencing how long to build a pool.
Landscaper and Contractor Availability
The availability of your chosen landscaper and contractor is one of the primary factors affecting the timeline. Reputable professionals often have busy schedules, especially during peak seasons.
If you have a specific contractor in mind, you may need to book them well in advance. Delays can also occur if the contractor has to coordinate with other specialists, such as electricians or plumbers, who are also in high demand.
One of the first things you should do in your initial meetings is ask contractors when they would be able to start your pool project. Just because a contractor has time to meet with you, it doesn’t mean they have time to start your pool project right away.
Material Availability
The availability of materials can significantly impact your pool construction timeline. Supply chain issues, especially those affecting specialized materials or imported goods, can cause delays.
It’s important to confirm with your contractor that all necessary materials are readily available or understand the lead times for ordering them. Early planning and ordering can help mitigate this risk, which is something that most quality pool contractors should be on top of.
Permitting Processes
Something that many homeowners don’t factor into their pool build timeline is the time it takes to secure the necessary permits. This time can vary significantly depending on where you live, but a local contractor should be able to provide you with an approximate timeline.
Some municipalities have straightforward, quick permitting processes, while others may require multiple approvals and detailed inspections. The time needed to secure permits can range from a few weeks to several months, so it’s important to start this process as early as possible.
Type of Pool
The type of pool you choose will also influence how long to build a pool. In-ground pools generally take longer to construct than above-ground pools due to the excavation and extensive groundwork required.
Additionally, different materials, such as concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl, each have their own construction timelines. For instance, concrete pools often take longer to build because they require more labor-intensive steps like curing and finishing.
Weather
Weather conditions play a significant role in outdoor construction projects. Unfavorable weather, such as heavy rain, extreme cold, or excessive heat, can halt construction and extend the pool build timeline.
In regions with unpredictable weather, it’s essential to factor in potential delays and plan accordingly. Contractors often build buffer time into their schedules to account for weather-related interruptions, but sometimes it’s out of their control - nobody can control the weather!
Special Design Features
Incorporating special design features into your pool can add to the construction time. Elements such as waterfalls, custom lighting, spas, or intricate tiling require additional planning, materials, and labor.
While these features can add a lot to your pool and help make it your own, they also add complexity and time to the project. Make sure you discuss these features in detail with your contractor to understand how they will affect the overall pool build timeline.
Certain other swimming pool landscape design ideas, like how to install paver patio around a pool or water feature landscaping, can also add to the pool building process timeline.
So, How Long Does it Take to Build a Pool On Average?
So, how long does it take to build a pool from start to finish? There’s a lot of variation, some of which is caused by the permitting process - this can be short (1-2 weeks) or could take much longer (up to 3-4 months).
In general, we find that standard pool builds take an average of 6-9 months, but we’re sometimes able to shorten that time thanks to our network of contractors and reliable supply chains.
Our advice is to be very cautious if you’re working with someone who gives you a 3-4 month timeline - the permitting alone can take that long! They may be selling you false promises, which will just leave you disappointed when the inevitable delays come and your pool isn’t ready on time.
Overview of the Pool Building Process Timeline
So, we now have an idea of how long to build a pool, but what does the pool building process timeline look like? Here are the steps involved in most pool construction projects, and what you can expect when you make the big decision to add a pool to your property.
Choosing the Right Landscaper/Contractor
Selecting the right landscaper or contractor is the foundation of a successful pool build. You’ll need to research potential contractors, review their portfolios, and check references. If you can get a word-of-mouth recommendation from a friend or relative, even better!
It’s crucial to find a professional who is experienced, reliable, and understands your vision. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your thoroughness and the availability of your chosen contractor.
Design and Layout
Once you’ve chosen your contractor, the next step is designing the pool. This involves discussing your preferences, reviewing design options, and finalizing the layout. During this phase, you’ll consider the pool’s shape, size, depth, and any special features you want to include.
The design phase typically takes 1-2 weeks, though it can be longer if you’re opting for a custom design that requires more detailed planning. Your contractor should be able to give you an idea of how long the design process will take.
Permitting
Before construction can begin, you must obtain the necessary permits. This process involves submitting detailed plans to your local government and waiting for approval. The duration of the permitting process varies widely based on local regulations and how complex your specific project is.
It can take anywhere from a week to several months. Working with a contractor experienced in your area can help expedite this process, and can also give you a more accurate idea of how long you can expect this part of the process to take.
Material Sourcing
Once permits are secured, sourcing the materials for your pool is the next step. This includes ordering the pool shell (if using fiberglass), concrete, tiles, plumbing, electrical components, and anything else your specific project needs.
The time required for material sourcing depends on availability and lead times, typically ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Planning ahead and working with a contractor that has a reliable supply chain can help prevent delays in material sourcing.
Excavation
Once you have the materials, the excavation process can begin. This step involves digging the hole for the pool, which usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Factors such as soil type and weather conditions can also impact the excavation timeline. After the hole is dug, the pool’s framework is set in place, and the site is prepared for the next phases.
Plumbing, Electrical, and More
After excavation, the installation of plumbing and electrical systems is next. This phase involves laying pipes, installing pumps and filters, and setting up any necessary electrical wiring for lights and other features.
Depending on the size and complexity of your pool, this step can take 1-2 weeks. It’s sometimes made more difficult by the need to coordinate between different trades like plumbers and electricians, and to organize times when the right people are available.
Finishing Touches
The final phase involves adding the finishing touches to your pool. This includes installing tiles, plastering or lining the pool, setting up any special features (such as waterfalls or lighting), and landscaping around the pool area.
This step can take 1-3 weeks, depending on the level of detail and customization. Once the finishing touches are complete, the pool is filled with water, and the final inspections are conducted to ensure everything is up to code. Then, you can finally jump in!
Experience a Seamless, Transparent Pool Building Process With Michaelangelo’s in Alpharetta!
Here at Michaelangelo’s, we’re not going to sell you false promises. We’re going to be transparent about every step of the pool building process, and keep you looped in so that you know exactly where we’re at with the pool build timeline.
We’re always ahead of the curve in terms of overcoming construction delays, ensuring your pool is built on time without cutting any corners or compromising its quality. We take pride in everything we do, and want to make sure you’re thrilled with your pool at the end of the day.
As well as premium, reliable pool builds, we also offer a range of Alpharetta landscape design services, including landscape paver designs, low maintenance landscape design, patio landscape design, low cost fire pit landscape design, and minimal landscape design.
Whether you’re looking for landscaping ideas around tree roots, need help choosing your landscape design styles, or want to discover some sustainable landscaping ideas, our expert team will ensure you don’t make any landscaping mistakes and help bring your landscaping dreams to life.
Our service area includes:
For everything from custom swimming pool builds to implementing the latest hardscape design trends, we bring our passion and expertise to every project. With transparent timelines and open communication, we’re the easiest landscaping company you’ve ever met!
Final Thoughts on How Long to Build a Pool
So, how long to build a pool in your backyard? Although we can’t give you an exact timeline, we can tell you not to trust anyone who tells you it will take 3-4 months! In our experience, a typical build, start to finish, takes at least six months.
The most important thing is that we’re open and honest throughout the process, keeping you in the loop and setting expectations for the timeline. We also do everything we can to speed up the process, using our experience and supply chain network to keep your pool project running on time.
So, if you’re looking for quality pool construction that doesn’t cut any corners, give our team at Michaelangelo’s a call! And don’t forget to check out our other Alpharetta landscaping services - we can bring the perfect balance in landscape design to your outdoor spaces!