How Long Does Inground Pool Construction Take?

So, you’re seriously considering transforming your backyard into a personal vacation spot with an inground pool! A new swimming pool promises endless family fun, relaxation, and an instant boost to your property value. Before you can grab your floaties and jump in, though, you probably want to know when the “swimming” part of your swimming pool can actually begin.

Our team at Caribbean Pools has helped families across Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area design and build their dream pools for 50 years. On average, building an inground pool takes anywhere from 6 to 8 or more weeks. The exact timeframe depends on what happens during a few key phases:

• Excavation and initial digging
• Structural building, concrete pouring, and lining
• Adding custom features and extras
• Navigating potential weather delays

Let’s look at each of these to understand what could impact your pool’s timeline and why.

What to Expect During Excavation

The first major physical step in pool construction is the dig. Our construction team will lay out the pool dimensions with you present to ensure everything aligns with your vision. Once the temporary fencing is up, the heavy machinery rolls in.

Clearing the dirt and shaping the hole usually takes one to two days. This timeframe assumes no unexpected underground obstacles like large boulders or high water tables appear during the process.

Pouring Concrete, Installing the Liner, and Filling

After the hole is dug, the structural work begins. We assemble the walls, install the necessary plumbing, and pour the concrete footer. Next comes backfilling the pool and pouring the concrete deck. Once the concrete cures, we clean the pool floor and install the liner. Finally, we begin filling the pool with water. 

This entire structural and filling process generally spans several weeks. The concrete requires adequate time to set properly to guarantee long-lasting durability for your family, and the water must be chemically balanced before swimming begins. And, before you can host your first pool party, the project must pass final inspections.

Adding Custom Features and Extras

Your family might want more than a basic pool. Adding custom water features, diving boards, automatic pool covers, or specialized lighting will require additional plumbing and electrical work. Including extensive landscaping or customized decking options can also add anywhere from a few extra days to a few weeks to your project. 

Dealing With Unpredictable Weather Delays

Nature always has a say in outdoor construction. Heavy rain or severe storms can pause excavation or prevent concrete from curing correctly. If the soil becomes too muddy, our crew must wait for the ground to dry out before safely continuing the build. Factoring in a few buffer days for poor weather can be helpful for managing your timeline expectations.

Ready to Start Building Your Backyard Oasis?

Building an inground pool is a major home investment that takes careful planning and precise execution. From the initial dig to the final water balancing, the entire process usually wraps up within a couple of months. It may seem like a long time now, but the years of family fun ahead can make it more than worthwhile.

If you’re ready to kick off the timeline of your inground pool’s construction, contact Caribbean Pools today to request an estimate and get your custom pool project on our schedule!