how long does it take to build inground pool
If you’re tired of hitting the public pool and dealing with highly chlorinated water just to cool off, it might be time to build your own pool. Of course, it can take months to build a pool, and without the proper planning in terms of your time frame, the completion date could render your pool useless until summer rolls around again.
Luckily, we know a thing or two about the pool construction process.
Come dive in with us as we explore how long it takes to build a pool.
How Long Does It Take To Build a Pool On Average?
There are many factors that impact the pool-building process, though the average time it takes to build a new pool ranges from around 6-12 weeks.
Here’s an average timeline breakdown for building a swimming pool:
- Design and Permitting – 1 to 4 weeks
- Excavation – 1 week
- Plumbing and Electrical – 1 to 2 weeks
- Installing the Shell – 1 to 3 weeks
- Landscaping & Additional Features – 1 to 4 weeks
Pool Design & Permitting
The first thing you will need to do is partner up with a pool designer to build your backyard oasis. During the design process, you will discuss what kind of pool you are looking for and what kind of features you want.
A high-end pool builder will typically have access to 3D modeling technology, which they can use to help you envision your pool as it would look in your yard.
Once you’re finished with the design process, you will have to contact your city officials to get a permit. Municipalities approve permits quickly, so don’t expect this to take any longer than a week unless you have some unique features that you are installing.
Excavation
With the right equipment, it should only take around two days or so to excavate your backyard.
However, if there are obstructions such as utility lines or plumbing, it may end up costing you a bit more time.
Once your pool builders have finished the excavation process, they will begin routing the electrical and plumbing components.
Depending on what kinds of custom features you have in your pool, such as lighting, water features, and heating systems, this could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Shell Installation
The shell installation process can take anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on the types of materials your new pool uses. Let’s look at how long it can take to install the shell based on the material.
Vinyl Pool
Vinyl pools are shipped in full so that they can be installed on-site.
Typically, building a standard vinyl pool will take one to two weeks for the pool itself, though the more complex the swimming pool design, the longer it can take. Note that this estimated time frame does not include your accompanying pool surround.
If this is the direction you’re headed in, see our Vinyl Pool Costs guide for more detailed information.
Fiberglass pools make use of pre-fabricated shells that are delivered in a single piece. Like vinyl, a fiberglass shell is placed in the ground in one fell swoop, meaning your pool builder should be able to fill it with water the same day.
However, preparing and grading the surrounding landscaping can increase the time it takes to finish the pool installation process.
Expect a 1 week to 4 week time frame for the completion of your fiberglass pool. If you’re debating between fiberglass and concrete for the new addition to your backyard, see our Fiberglass vs Concrete Pool article.
Concrete pools are the most involved, as they typically use custom designs.
Therefore, the planning process for a concrete pool must be very thorough, often taking two or three times to install than vinyl or fiberglass pools.
Without factoring in any landscaping or pool surround construction, concrete pools typically take around to two months to complete.
For a more detailed break-down of the costs involved, head over to our Concrete Pool Cost article.
Landscaping & Additional Features
Once the shell process is done, your pool-building team can start on the landscaping. During the swimming pool design process, you may have come up with custom features, such as water features or lighting. Depending on how many features you have, this process can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks.
Pool Surrounds
You’ll also be selecting the type of material you wish to surround your new pool. Tile, decking, stamped concrete and pavers are just a few of your options. Our Pool Surround page explains everything you need to know about the types of materials available and how much they cost.
How Much Money Does It Take To Build A Pool?
On average, a new pool can cost anywhere from $28,000 to $100,000. However, there are several factors that make up that cost, including:
- The Type of Pool
- The Size Of Your New Pool
- Features (Custom Lighting, Pool Heater, Etc.)
Make sure to ask about pool financing during your initial consultation to see if you can pay for your backyard pool over time, rather than in one large initial payment.
How Long Does It Take To Build a Swimming Pool?
If you’re looking to build a pool in your backyard, give yourself a timeline of 8-12 weeks to be safe. Again, this is NOT a process that you want to rush.
Get in touch with reliable local contractors and gather quotes to get a better idea of what your pool project might cost. Once you have an accurate estimate from multiple swimming pool contractors, compare quotes to find the best one for your budget.
Building a pool can bring you and your family so much joy. We hope that this article helped give you an overview of the whole process. Happy swimming!
A lawyer never retires. So I would just say that I am not as active as I used to be. Now I simply dedicate myself to fishing, my hobby, and my grandchildren. For Business Finance News I write about legal aspects of mortgage policies, mostly regarding the rights of policyholders. I also have articles about personal injuries.
