Are you thinking about a new pool? Now is the right time to start planning for next year’s pool season. The number one question our clients ask when we talk about a new pool for their yard is, “How long does it take to put in a pool?” The other most common question is, “How much does it cost?” We’ll get to that later. Actually constructing the pool is only one aspect of the overall process.

Plan for a new gunite pool with infinity edge.There are many considerations when contemplating a new pool. This is a permanent capital improvement to your property, so the location of the pool will affect how you use your yard for many years to come. Not only will this influence the activities in your backyard, it will also change the view from inside your house. Most importantly, your property value is at stake as well. A professionally designed and built backyard poolscape can add significant property value. You have to decide whether you want the pool to be part of your everyday view or if there is something else you want to focus on when you look out from your house. If you have children frequently using the yard, you might need to consider fencing options beyond what is required by the municipality you live in. There are town or village codes that will influence the design of the space as well. Some villages have strict fencing requirements or call for a certain size evergreen screen planting to be installed along the property lines. Setback requirements for the pool and pool equipment will have a significant impact on the overall landscape design and pool placement. It can be complicated to fit all of these requirements together and still have a beautiful yard.

That’s where a professional landscape designer comes in. It is imperative to start with a complete landscape plan. Hiring an experienced landscape designer who can guide you through the process is a wise investment. After that, the design process can include:

•  Developing preliminary design concepts
•  Interviewing pool contractors
•  Investigating the permit process in your municipality
•  Finalizing the design
•  Applying for building permits
•  Hiring a landscape contractor and pool contractor

Existing leaking vinyl pool being removed during winter.After permits are approved (or variances secured) the site work and grading can begin. In some incorporated villages, tree surveys and topographic maps are required. These documents need to be recent, usually within the last year, and can add to the time required to apply for, submit and obtain permits. This leg of the process can take anywhere from a few weeks, or if a variance is required a few months to a year or more. The average time frame is a few months.

Construction of new gunite pool.Once the permits and contracts are in place for the project the work can begin. A vinyl pool will usually take 4 to 6 weeks or so and a gunite pool 2-3 months or more, depending on pool design and complexity, season of installation and the ability of the pool contractor. Quality contractors usually cost more because they take the time to do things properly. This is well worth the investment in the long run.

Next would be the drainage, grading, pool patio, deck, planting, irrigation, lighting, mulch, lawn work and more. This can take anywhere from 2 weeks to many months depending on the scope of the project. As you can see, the pool is only one step in a calculated sequence to bring your new yard to a wonderful completion.

Finished gunite pool and spa with slide.Overall, planning early can save you a lot of time and headaches. Always begin with the end in mind. If you want to swim in your new pool next June, start now. If the poolscape is a year or two away, start the planning process the summer before you want your backyard poolscape completed. This will give you the best opportunity  to get the project completed thoroughly, and comfortably, without trying to cram it into a tight time window in the spring.

So how long does it REALLY take to put in a pool? As you can see, there are too many variables to pinpoint an exact timeframe. Know when you want to swim and give yourself several months to have your dream backyard come to life. We can help you. Reach out to our design team to start your pool project today.

Written by Sal Masullo