Swimming pools require a lot of work to install inground. This is obvious to anyone. What size are we talking about? Answering that question directly can be tricky.
You want to get swimming in your new pool as soon as possible. You want your backyard to be a construction site for as short a time as possible. Of course, you want to know: How Long Does It Take to Install an Inground Pool?
As you can imagine, building a pool involves many steps, and the process depends on the type of pool you choose.
It takes about 2 weeks to install the vinyl liner pool itself. However, the included patio can take anywhere from a week to a year, depending on construction. The shotcrete pool takes 6-8 weeks from excavation to the first swim.
This is a step-by-step guide to constructing a vinyl liner and gunite pool. We will answer your question about how long does it take to install an inground pool and why it takes so long.
Step 1- Choosing a pool type
The time it takes to build a new pool is highly dependent on the type of pool you choose. The difference in construction time between fiberglass pools and concrete pools is essential. One of the benefits of installing a precast fiberglass pool is that the pool shell is pre-manufactured. Installing a fiberglass pool usually takes less time than installing a concrete pool since the pool can be filled in a few days and installed in less than two weeks (standard procedure with concrete pools).
The advantage of concrete pools is that they are not limited by shape or size, but keep in mind that concrete pools can take months or more, especially if you prefer detailed and complex shapes.
Of course, setting up a swimming pool is just one aspect of a swimming pool project. Installation of a compass fiberglass ceramic pool takes only a few weeks, but it takes an average of 3-6 months for most households to be satisfied with the pool’s landscaping. This means that you can keep the pool up and running while finishing up at your own pace.
Step2- Hire Your Pool Designer
The pool starts with the design, so the next step is to meet with your professional pool designer. He will visit your place and discuss the vision you have of your pool. This person will be your point of contact throughout the process and coordinate all your activities.
Your designer will listen to your ideas and provide material suggestions and layout options to help you design and reshape your new pool. If you give your design approval, your designer will introduce the pool design to you within a week or two.
Step3- Permitting Time
Before starting the installation, you must obtain all required pool permissions. According to the type of pool and the local regulations, this process can take days, weeks, or even months.
Most outdoor residential pools are subject to specific regulations (based on local government regulations) and require permits. Unfortunately, permission is beyond anyone’s control. Most contractors work with local and local governments, but obtaining a permit can take several weeks, depending on where you live.
If you’re trying to figure out the timeline, it’s a good idea to overestimate at this point. Unless there is an unusual delay, it will take more than 8 weeks to design the pool and obtain the appropriate permits.
The main thing you can do to avoid delays is to know what you need as a pool owner. If you need a permit barrier, you can install it ahead of time to prevent the city from immediately rejecting your permit. The contractors you’re considering hiring are likely already familiar with city and county pool regulations so you can talk to them anytime.
Step4- Start Excavation
After the planning and permitting have been approved, your contractor will be able to start working. They start excavating heavy equipment to remove dirt from the new pool location. This process usually takes a week or two.
The excavation time depends on several factors. The physical aspects of the garden can affect drilling, such as accessibility, the presence of bare power lines, and natural obstacles such as rocks and branches. Weather and soil conditions also affect the duration of this process.
Clean and simple drilling may be an obstacle, but a qualified pool builder prepares it from the design and layout stages. They will also keep you informed of progress.
Step5- Plumbing Pool Components
Now that you have a big empty hole in your yard, it’s time to make the gears for the pool. Pool specialists lay steel before bringing in electrical and plumbing pool components. This ensures the reliability of the pool for many years.
Looking at this pool construction stage, you can see that the pool lighting, water functions, spa, and other equipment are installed. This phase is scheduled for two weeks but can be longer or shorter depending on the size of the pool you are building and the number of devices you choose.
Step6- Installation time
Depending on the type of pool you are setting up, it may take 1 to 3 weeks to set up the pool. Using fiberglass or vinyl pools will reduce installation time. The pool liner is already manufactured, so the contractor needs to pick it up and put it in place.
In concrete pools, there are no ready-made pool liners. To handle special mixes, you need to hire a crew of gunite or shot cleats. Then wait for it to set and then do other things. Depending on the size, it may take a week or a little longer for the shot cleats to cure fully. Additional water features and landscaping in the pool design also extend the time.
Step7- Landscaping
Landscaping around your pool can turn your backyard pool into a complete outdoor oasis. However, many are obsessed with buying pools and neglect to think about landscaping.
It would help if you thought about landscaping simultaneously as the design and construction of the pool. This helps ensure space in your garden for all the features you want.
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Patio
The first thing to remember is the amount of space you need on the patio and what you need.
Not everyone uses the same pool patio or needs a patio of the same size. If you need space for a grill or seats for two, you may only need 6 feet x 6 feet of patio space.
If you need an outdoor kitchen and seating area, you may need at least 12 feet x 12 feet. Make sure you have enough patio space in advance. However, you can also design the space for later addition.
And the patio doesn’t just include what we traditionally think of as a patio. This is all the concrete around the pool. You may need concrete slabs for pool slides and diving platforms. Consider all of this when designing your pool and landscaping around it.
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Grass and Plants
To complete the look of your garden, you need to choose plants and grasses in addition to the patio area. Use potted plants or incorporate planters when trying to bring color into your garden.
This helps break down the concrete surrounding the pool and bring in color, character, and texture.
Consider using taller plants to increase privacy around the pool in areas where plants can be planted. Tall palm trees and tall hedges are great ideas for adding privacy to your space.
If you have pets or young children who like to run, you can also plant grass. Grass should be kept away from the pool as dirt, insects, and blades can all enter and pollute the pool. Do not use grass inside the pool fence unless you have plenty of space.
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Lighting
When you are thinking about your landscaping, consider outdoor lighting. You can enhance the appearance of your pool and outdoor space with outdoor lighting and make the area safer for those who may be wandering around your yard.
Additional information: What is the best time to install an inground pool?
- In spring, you can start construction on a pool if you want it for summer, but if you live in a rainy area, flooding may be a problem.
- Autumn is another great season for the actual installation process, as the weather is more stable.
- As for timing, the only constraint is that digging shouldn’t happen in the winter in the north. It is very challenging because the ground is frozen.
Pool building belaying factors:
Before starting the inground pool installation, you must obtain all required pool permissions. This can take days, weeks, or months, depending on the type of pool and the regulations in your area.
Inspections- Permission is required to install the pool. All city permits have inspections. If the pool does not pass the inspection, the pool builder will have to go back and start over. Use a trusted and experienced pool builder who understands how to create a project to code to prevent this from happening.
Pool builders and subcontractors– Pool building season begins in the spring and picks up as the weather warms. Depending on the year, the pool builder’s schedule can be busy. Most contractors are booked a few weeks in advance. If you prefer swimming pools, start the design process as soon as possible and book a local pool builder as soon as possible.
Swimming pool feature- The function of waterfalls and other luxurious waters will increase the time needed to set up an underground pool.
Size and function- Estimates above are for a “typical” underground pool. Of course, if you are planning something elaborate or bizarre, it may take some time to receive the materials and complete the task.
Other Contractor Issues– Pool builders are just humans – they’re sick, have family emergencies, and in some cases, are just plain flaky. In the worst case, a personal or professional problem of a builder can cause the project to stop indefinitely.
Weather report– Bad weather can sideline pool builders for days. The cascading effect also forces builders and contractors to fall behind on one project and delay the next.
Outline
You can get a reasonable estimate of “How Long Does It Take to Install an Inground Pool” from a good pool builder. They know their schedule, pool regulations in your area, and factors that may complicate installation on your property.
However, some delays are unpredictable. In such a case, the best thing you can do is to remember that the underground pool will exist for decades to come. In the scheme of things, the delay at departure is not a big problem unless it is too long.