How Long Does it Take to Install a Pool in Your Backyard?

Swimming is one of the most popular sports in the United States. 

Putting a swimming pool in your backyard takes a lot of the hassle out of the sport, meaning you can just enjoy the water. But how long does it take to install a pool?

There isn’t a quick answer to this question. 

We’ve put together this guide to help you understand the timeline of an average pool installation. Let’s dive in!

How Long Does It Take to Install a Pool?

Installing a pool can take anywhere from two weeks to six weeks depending on the type of pool you want. But this estimate only accounts for the actual construction of the pool. The entire process can take much longer. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the steps you have to go through to install a pool and how long they each take. 

1. Find a Swimming Pool Contractor 

The first step of the pool installation process is finding a reputable swimming pool contractor. You’ll want to spend some time researching the different options in your area and reading their reviews. 

Once you find a contractor you like, you then have to get in touch with them to talk about what you want. It might take you several days (or even several weeks) to find a contractor you like. 

2. Get the Right Permits 

Before you can start building your pool, you have to get the right permits. Depending on where you live, this can be a quick process or slow everything down for months. 

Some cities won’t be able to approve your permit until you attend a planning board meeting, which can take a long time. Others will approve your permit in a number of days. 

It can be a good idea to secure the necessary permits before you even start looking for a contractor. 

3. Schedule a Time

The swimming pool contractor might have several homes lined up before you. This means you might have to wait weeks for them to have availability, especially during the summer. 

Again, this just depends on your area. You might be able to get started on the installation right away. 

4. Starting the Dig

The first step of the installation is excavation.

It will take your contractor about two to three days to dig, form, and set the shape of your swimming pool. 

5. The Installation Process 

There are three different types of in-ground swimming pools, and they all require different installation times. 

Here’s a quick look at what to expect for each one. 

Fiberglass 

Fiberglass pools are prefabricated, meaning all the contractor has to do is dig and hole and plop the fiberglass frame into place. 

Under the right circumstances, you can have one of these pools installed in just a few days. 

However, the installation process is a little more complicated than it might seem. You might still have to wait up to two weeks before your pool is ready to use. 

Vinyl 

It can take anywhere from two weeks to five weeks to install a vinyl pool. The process is more difficult and involved than a fiberglass pool, but the installation is still much faster than a concrete pool.

Concrete 

This type of pool takes the longest to install. The fastest you can expect a concrete installation to take is four weeks, but the process might take six weeks or even longer. 

Once applied, the concrete has to cure for several weeks (sometimes even a full month), and this puts a halt on the remaining work. 

6. Pass Inspection 

Once your pool is finished, it has to pass an inspection before you can start swimming. In most cases, your pool will pass this inspection without a problem. However, if it doesn’t, the contractor will have to go back and make changes or repairs, which can take several more weeks. 

Things That Can Slow Down the Installation

Remember, these timeframes are just average estimations. There are several things that can make the process even slower. 

Here are a few things you should be prepared for during the installation. 

Size 

Obviously, the size of your pool plays a big part in the timeline of the installation. If you want a large pool, it will take your contractor longer to install it. 

Features 

Do you want to include any special features with your pool? These will add extra work to the process and make the installation take longer. 

Weather 

The installation might slow down (or even come to a full halt) if the weather gets bad. This can put your project several days behind schedule. 

Also, keep in mind that your contractor might get delayed by weather (or a different problem) while working on a pool for one of their customers before you. If they get held up at that job, they may be a few days late to starting work on your pool. 

Even if you don’t have bad weather during your installation, it might still slow down your plans. 

Unexpected Issues 

At least one unexpected issue is likely to pop up during your swimming pool installation.

Because of this, you should be prepared for a few setbacks even if everything seems to be going according to plan. This way, you won’t be too disappointed or surprised when the installation takes a bit longer than initially planned. 

Understanding the Swimming Pool Installation Timeline

So how long does it take to install a pool in your backyard? 

There’s no easy answer to this question. It depends on the type of pool you get and your circumstances. You might be able to start swimming a few days after the installation starts, or you may have to wait two months. 

But no matter how long it takes, the wait is always worth it. 

Are you interested in making other backyard improvements? Make sure you take a look at some of our services!