How Long Does It Really Take to Build a Pool?
A week-by-week breakdown of what actually happens during a pool installation — from design to excavation to startup.
• Fiberglass: 4–8 weeks
• Vinyl: 6–10 weeks
• Concrete: 10–16+ weeks
Below is the full phase-by-phase breakdown.
1. Planning & Design (1–3 Weeks)
This is where the vision becomes a real plan. During this stage you’ll finalize:
- Pool type and shape
- Equipment (pump, filter, heater, automation)
- Decking material
- Add-ons like tanning ledges, spas, or waterfalls
- Yard layout and elevation planning
Great resource for early planning: Latham Pool Planning Guide
2. Permits + HOA Approval (1–4 Weeks)
Every city or county requires permits for residential pools. HOAs (if applicable) may also require review.
In South Carolina, most residential pool permits are issued within 5–15 business days, but complex sites can take longer.
3. Excavation (1–3 Days)
Once the permit clears, excavation begins. This is one of the fastest parts of the build — but also the most dramatic. Heavy equipment digs the pool shape, and soil is either hauled away or redistributed.
Tip: Have a plan for soil placement. Many yards benefit from raised beds or grading improvements using the excavated dirt.
4. Installing the Pool Structure
Fiberglass Pools (1–3 Days)
The pre-manufactured shell arrives, is lowered into place, and leveled. Backfilling and plumbing begin immediately.
Details on fiberglass installations: River Pools Installation Guide
Vinyl-Liner Pools (1–2 Weeks)
This phase includes:
- Steel or polymer wall panel installation
- Concrete footer pour
- Shaping the pool bottom
- Track + liner installation
Concrete / Gunite Pools (3–6+ Weeks)
- Rebar steel structure
- Plumbing + electrical rough-in
- Gunite or shotcrete application
- Curing period (often 7–28 days)
5. Plumbing + Electrical (3–7 Days)
The equipment pad is installed with your pump, filter, heater, automation system, and electrical bonding. After installation, inspections typically follow.
6. Decking & Hardscaping (1–3 Weeks)
This phase transforms your yard from a construction site into a finished outdoor space. Timelines vary:
- Concrete: 4–7 days including forms + pour + curing
- Pavers: 1–2 weeks
- Natural stone: 2–3+ weeks
- Composite structures: varies
7. Interior Finish (1–3 Days)
- Vinyl pools: liner installed + immediate fill
- Concrete pools: plaster, pebble, or quartz finish
- Fiberglass pools: finish is part of the shell
For concrete, proper start-up brushing and chemistry is crucial.
Startup chemistry reference: Orenda Startup Guidance
8. Filling + Startup (1–3 Days)
The pool is filled, equipment is started, and water chemistry is balanced. For plaster, a strict 28-day brushing schedule is recommended.
9. Landscaping, Fencing, and Final Touches (1–3 Weeks)
This includes:
- Final grading and drainage
- Sod, mulch, or planting
- Fence installation (required by SC residential code)
- Lighting adjustments
- Final cleanup + inspection
Total Timeline by Pool Type
| Pool Type | Typical Total Time |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass | 4–8 weeks |
| Vinyl-Liner | 6–10 weeks |
| Concrete / Gunite | 10–16+ weeks |