As summer draws to an end and cool weather on the way, you may find yourself daydreaming about having the pool of your dreams for next summer. Many folks here in North Carolina start thinking about pools in the Spring. However, pool planning takes a lot of time to properly prepare and build for next year’s summer swim season. That’s why now is the ideal time to start working on creating your dream backyard oasis.
By starting in the Fall, you’ll have time to design and build a wonderful poolscape for your summer gatherings next year. Don’t wait until Spring, as you may have only a partially finished project when the weather is warm. As a rule of thumb, the construction of most custom pool projects can take 4-6 months, but that doesn’t factor in all the necessary steps to get to the start of the build. The entire process of pool planning can take 6-8 months.
So why do pool planning and construction take so long? While the pool construction process seems relatively straightforward, the process can (and will) be more complicated. Let’s take a look at why.
- Selecting a contractor. Researching contractors and meeting with them can take weeks or even months. Be sure to select a contractor that you feel the most comfortable with and are confident can build the quality of pool you expect. Don’t be afraid to ask for references.
- Finalizing the Design. Once you have your contractor, the next step is to finalize the pool design. This may take one revision or ten revisions. The more revisions, the longer this step takes. However, this step can, and often is, in tandem with the next step.
- Getting In Line. Once the contract is signed, you are now in the queue. Being in the queue could be weeks to several months. Post-COVID saw a considerable spike in pool builds, so many companies were out over a year to start a pool project. The trend now is more like 4-6 months. Most reputable contractors have a system of how many pools they can handle. Starting a pool project is staggered so different projects can run simultaneously, each project at a different phase. Be careful of companies that “promise” a quick start time. Feel free to ask how many projects they have going on and what would be a realistic time frame. Remember that many outside factors, such as weather and additional work needed, can push projects back.
- Permitting and Pre-Construction Phase. Your project is almost ready to start. Permits, HOA applications, and utilities located are taking place. Removing any landscaping or trees is also taking place. This phase usually ranges from a week to a month.
- Construction Phase. The fun part is about to begin. By now, you feel you have been waiting for a long time. This phase encompasses the dig, making the rebar cage, plumbing, shotcrete, hardscapes, and plaster. The construction in itself could take multiple months. Why? Most companies use subcontractors, and those subcontractors have their schedules. Most contractors are in constant communication with the subcontractors so they can keep the project going at a steady pace. But even then, there will be lulls between phases. Most custom concrete pools take about 4-6 months.
- Post-Construction Phase. Time to add that landscaping. This phase is also the time any final inspections will be completed. Even though the pool is now in use, any other work done around the pool area could be considered part of the project itself.
By starting in the Fall, you are giving yourself the best opportunity to have a completed pool project next summer. Azalea Pools and Outdoor Living, LLC is ready to design and construct a beautiful poolscape in your backyard. Contact us today!