How Long Does It Take To Build a Swimming Pool at Home?

Building a swimming pool is no less challenging than building a home. The job takes a lot of planning and strategizing from beginning to end. Moreover, you’ll have to deal with countless budget modifications, design meetings, length of material selections, permits, a tiring funding process, and many more. Roughly, the entire process takes around 1 to 3 months.

To help you calculate a rough estimate of the time needed for the task plan, we have detailed the different stages of the pool-building process. You can check out this site to explore your swimming pool financing options. It will give a clear idea of how you can build a budget-friendly home pool.

Stage 1 – Planning initial design and layout of the swimming pool

Average time – 2-3 days

Decide the area in your backyard for swimming pool installation. Next, create a layout of what kind of home pool will suit your home space. Calculate the pool elevation. You may take the help of a skilled and knowledgeable expert at this stage and discuss the building process in detail. The entire process takes around 1-3 days.

Stage 2 – Get the required permits

Average time – 2 – 4 weeks

Each area has different permit requirements for an in-ground swimming pool. It is essential to get the permits since it testifies that your home pool is built according to the local code and safety standards and meets all the legal requirements.

The permit process varies from location to location – there is no exact period for the same. For example, some jurisdictions issue a permit within a few weeks, whereas some areas have complex application processes which may take months.

Stage 3 – Excavation

Average time – 1- 2 weeks

Once you are ready with the layout and permit, you can get started with the process of building the pool. Excavation requires heavy machinery as you’ll need to dig and clear the dirt from the area where the pool is to be installed. Usually, the entire process takes between 7 to 14 days.

Note that various factors may impact the excavation process, such as ease of accessibility to the area, natural obstructions (soil conditions, weather, branches, etc.), the existence of utility lines, and others.

Hiring a professional to ensure a clean and hassle-free excavation is best. If you hire a professional for pool construction, then the excavation process will be handled by them. Experts strive to complete the task quickly as they can access all the necessary tools.

Stage 4 – Frame installation

Average time – 1-3 days

After excavation, you need to install the steel frame which provides structure to the swimming pool. Your pool will take its exact shape at this step. Though the entire process takes only 1 to 3 days, it may be extended in case there are any natural obstructions or unavoidable circumstances.

Stage 5 – Plumbing, fitting pipes, and electrical works

Average time – 1 – 2 weeks

Next in the line is plumbing and pipe fittings. It is one of the most crucial steps as a heater, filter, and pump for the pool are installed at this stage. Hence, it should be done properly without any hurry. If need be, you may take the help of a builder or an expert plumber to avoid any repair costs in the future.

Once the above process is completed, you can proceed to the next component – electrical work. In this phase of the pool construction, you’ll be handling water features, installing pool lights, and other features you wish to have in your home pool. Depending on your pool’s design, amenities, and size, this phase may take a maximum of two weeks or less.

Stage 6 – Pool installation

Average time – 1-2 weeks

Finally, in this stage, the pool will be installed by the professionals in the excavated area. The installation process takes 7 to 14 days. However, it can stretch up to three weeks if the pool size is too large and the design is too complex.

For example, if it’s a fibreglass or vinyl pool, you may get it shipped directly to your location by the seller or manufacturer. It takes comparatively less time. However, if you choose to install a gunite pool, you may need to create a concrete structure and wait for it to dry so that it takes proper form and shape. After the plaster is dry, you’ll need to cure it, which takes around a week. Consider the weather conditions as well when calculating the period for this step.

Stage 8 – Adding creative touches

Average time – 3-6 weeks

Now is the time to include creative touches in your pool, such as copying, decorative lining, and tile. You can add as many things as you want according to your choices and needs. Take time and use your creativity here. You may also consider adding features like a seating area, an outdoor kitchen, decks, landscaping, etc.

Ideally, landscaping takes around one week, and decorative lighting and pool deck installation takes 1 or 2 weeks. Remember to take the time required for clean-up and final touches into consideration.

Stage 9 – Preparing the pool for use

But, this is just the last step before you can relax and swim in your newly built pool.

Do the following to make your pool ready for use –

• Fill water in your new swimming pool for 1 to 2 days, empty, and refill the pool.
• Test the pool pump
• Test the pool filter
• Test the pool heater (it may take 1 -7 days)

Viola, your swimming pool is now ready.

Endnote

The estimates mentioned above for various stages of the swimming pool building may vary, but you can consider them to get a rough calculation of the construction time. When estimating the time, make sure to factor in weather conditions and other unforeseeable conditions. Overestimating is better if you are on a tight schedule, although it takes time to build your dream pool, it is worth the patience and effort – both emotionally and financially.