How Long Does it Take to Build a Custom Swimming Pool?

Having been in business since 1981, you can imagine that we've been asked a lot of questions over the years.  The top question was answered in our blog posted a few weeks ago: "How Much Does a New Pool Cost?"  Today, we'll address the #2 question that we always get:

How long does it take to build a pool?

Again, there is no clear-cut answer to this question. Generally, a new gunite pool construction project takes
anywhere from six to ten weeks to complete, from the day of excavation until the day the project is turned
over to the homeowner at Pool School. There are other factors that could cause the project to take longer
though, including but not limited to the scope of work (i.e. if a cabana or outdoor kitchen is being built along
with the pool), permit inspection requirements, weather delays, material availability, etc.

A "standard" custom Pool Man pool is usually completed in 6 - 8 weeks from the day the shovel hits the dirt to the day it's safe to take that first plunge into your new pool.  If you were to choose to add a custom outdoor kitchen, that would likely add another 1 - 2 weeks to your project.  A covered patio addition, cabana or bath house would likely add another 1 - 2 weeks to your project.  The scope of work you choose is definitely the #1 factor in how long the project will take.

If you live in an area where permit inspections are required (pending on which township you may reside), you are likely looking at adding up to another week to your project completion date.  Some cities only require a few inspections, but others require several that must be completed and approved prior to work continuing.  Having a builder who is familiar with local code requirements will ensure all inspections pass the first time, avoiding any additional delays.

Weather delays are an unpredictable nuisance, and specifically in South East Texas, they're inevitable.  One heavy rain day could cause up to 3 days of delayed construction while we wait for ground water to dry out.  There are some phases of construction that can still be completed in the rain without risk of harm to the workers or to the integrity of the structure, but the majority cannot.  

When can the work get started?

Depending on the location of your home, there could be county or city permits to apply for, or HOA approvals
needed. An HOA can take anywhere from 30 - 60 days to approve projects. A county permit is generally
turned around within about 10 business days, but more strict city permits could take anywhere between 30 -
90 days. Construction should only begin once all of these potential requirements are met.

What kind of timing do we recommend?

As an example: If you want to swim by Memorial Day, we suggest starting the process of choosing your builder and working on the design in January.  This will give you a month to decide on your build and iron out the details of your project, 2 months for any permitting or HOA applications to be approved, and then that six to ten weeks it takes for the actual construction work to be completed.  This will also allow time for any delays due to weather, material shortages, etc., and give time for your initial water chemistry to be balanced, leaving you with a beautiful sparkling pool to provide that perfect setting for the first Summer holiday party of the season!