When is the Best Time to Start Building a Swimming Pool?
Updated: Jan 18
Swimming pools can provide a lifetime of enjoyment for families and serve as a gathering place for friends and neighbors. If you’re considering adding a swimming pool to your backyard, you might be wondering when the best time to build is. While pools conjure up images of summer sun and cold drinks, there's a lot of planning involved in building your backyard oasis. If your goal is to be swimming by the heat of summer, then the earlier you start, the better. Winter, believe it or not, is the best time to start the process of building a swimming pool.
Let's take a step back and look at the process you would generally need to follow in the planning phase
Deciding to build a pool
Finding a builder/contractor
Working with your contractor to design a pool
Brainstorming and designing other outdoor features
Finalizing and approving blueprints
Securing financing
Now, let's look at the steps involved in building the pool once you and your contractor have designed it. Again, the right contractor will handle the construction phase expertly without much involvement on your part. After the contract is signed by both parties now is the time the contractor will take over the project.
Securing permits (done by contractor)
Locate and mark utilities (done by 811)
Pool layout/verification
Excavation
Pool formed and steel reinforcement installation
Plumbing and gas installation
Electrical installation
Gunite application
Finishing gunite and concrete
Installing tile and stone work
Coping and decking
Framing and building outdoor kitchens or other structures
Framing and building fire pits or other features
Installing outdoor kitchen appliances, grills, and fireplaces
Landscaping and finishing touches
Plaster the pool
Add water
Of course, building a pool often doesn't cross your mind until you're sitting in your hot backyard wishing you had a nice pool to take a dip in. But as you can see, there are a lot of things that need to happen behind the scenes before you're enjoying your pool on a hot summer's day. Starting early is essential, so maybe the next time you're nestled beside the fire sipping hot cocoa, you should daydream about hopping into your very own crystal blue pool.