NOTE: THIS IS THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF FOUR ARTICLES FOR THOSE WHO ARE CONSIDERING A SWIMMING POOL.
- THE PROS & CONS OF POOL OWNERSHIP
- NOW IS THE TIME TO START PLANNING THAT NEW POOL: DON’T WAIT ANY LONGER
- HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUILD A POOL?
- TIPS ON HOW TO SELECT A POOL CONTRACTOR
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 current timeline on standard pool build projects at this time:
Design/Approvals: 4-8 weeks
As many don’t consider, 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
Average jobs take one or two days for pool excavation to be completed. 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: 2-4 weeks
After the pool is excavated, steel, plumbing, and electrical can take 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 say their pool begins 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.
Prior to plaster: 4-6 weeks
While the gunite is curing, the beginning of many other processes will begin. During this 4-6 week process, you can expect to see tile and coping take place (plus any additional stone work that may include, grills, fireplaces, and firepits). During this phase, you can also expect any gas plumbing and deck forming/pouring to take place. While it doesn’t happen on every job, this would be the time that any arbors, gazebos, or any supplemental installations would take place. You can also expect any landscaping, access repair, and sprinkler work to take place. Lastly, the pool plaster is installed, and the pool will begin to be filled with water and chemically balanced.
To summarize, most pool projects are currently taking anywhere from 10-14 weeks (2½-4 months). This does not take weather and city inspection delays into consideration. In other words, if you want to swim this summer—DON’T WAIT ANY LONGER!
Note: Complex projects can take longer than 10-14 weeks.
Matt has been around the pool business since he was born. When he graduated college in 1984, he joined the family business working for Gohlke Pool Supply. The following year Matt and his father formed a partnership, Gohlke Custom Pools, and started offering pool construction.
