NOTE: THIS IS THE 3rd IN A SERIES OF seven ARTICLES FOR THOSE WHO ARE CONSIDERING A SWIMMING POOL. THE NEXT ARTICLES WILL BE:
- The Pros & Cons of Pool Ownership
- How Much Does it Cost to Build a Swimming Pool?
- How Long Does it Take to Build a Swimming Pool?
- How Do I Begin the Planning Process for a Swimming Pool?
- 5 Tips on How to Select a Pool Builder
- 10 Reasons to Select Gohlke Pools as Your Pool Builder
- Tips to Survive the Pool Construction Process
One very common question that we receive is: “How long does it take to build a swimming pool?” This can be a difficult question to answer, as each project is different. Much like building a home, there is a considerable amount of planning that takes place before beginning the project. More often than not there are several design meetings, budget modifications, material selection meetings, a potentially lengthy funding process, HOA approvals, underground utility locates and approvals, and finally, the building permit process.
Therefore, if you are interested in the possibility of a swimming pool for your family, I would encourage you to get started now. The continued growth of the DFW area, combined with the shortage of skilled tradesmen means that the process of pool construction takes longer than it did several years ago.
FOLLOWING IS AN APPROXIMATE TIMELINE ON STANDARD POOL BUILD PROJECTS AT THIS TIME:
Design/Approvals: 4-8 weeks
Most don’t consider the planning process as taking very long, but there are oftentimes multiple steps that need to take place before a design concept is finalized. Once a concept is accepted, several approvals are required before any work can begin. The entire design/approval process can be expected to take anywhere from 4-8 weeks to complete. This process can include, but is not limited to, funding, electrical/HOA approval, engineering if required, and city permitting. There are typically two scenarios which can decrease the design/approval timeline: when a loan is not necessary to build the project and/or when the project does not require a building permit (typically pools built outside of municipalities).
Excavation: 1-4 days
The average pool excavation can be completed in one or two days. However, complications need to be considered as well. Access restrictions, utility obstructions, and the potential for hitting rock can add to this timeline.
Steel, plumbing, and electrical: 2-3 weeks
After the pool is excavated—the installation of steel, plumbing, and electrical takes place. This process is where the “bones” of your pool are formed. All plumbing, equipment, and electrical will be installed and inspected as necessary.
Gunite: 1 day + curing process time
Gunite (pneumatically applied concrete) is the day in which most people see their pool begin to take shape. While gunite only takes a day on average to install, this process needs three to four weeks for adequate curing. During this curing process, several other phases of the project will ensue.
Tile & Coping: 2 days to 2 weeks
The tile (at the top of the waterline) and the coping (the material that forms the edge or perimeter around the top of the pool) is then installed. This process can take from 2 days to 2 weeks (or even longer), depending on the complexity of the project, the size of the project, and the type of materials used.
Decking: 2-4 days
The area surrounding the pool is then installed, oftentimes called the pool decking or pool patio. This process typically takes 2-4 days, depending on the complexity, size, and material used.
Miscellaneous Items: length of times vary
Each project is different, but oftentimes there is additional elements to the project—arbors/gazebos/shade structures; outdoor cooking areas; fireplaces; firepits; sprinkler systems; landscaping; etc.
Interior Finish: 2-4 days
Typically the last major step of a pool construction project is the installation of the interior finish of the pool, which typically takes several days from start to finish. After it is complete, the pool is filled with water and then the pool water is chemically balanced.
To summarize, most pool projects are currently taking anywhere from 12-16 weeks (3-4 months). This does not take weather and city inspection delays into consideration. In other words, if you want to swim this summer—NOW IS THE TIME TO GET STARTED!
Note: Complex projects can take longer than 12-16 weeks.
